Music & Culture

Van Cliburn in 1966. The late pianist pulled off a stunning victory at in 1958 at the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, held in Moscow at the height of the Cold War.

Music & Culture

Among Pianists In Moscow, An Abiding Love For A Show-Stealing American

4:42pm February 22, 2017

by Bill Zeeble

The late Van Cliburn won a piano competition in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. Today, pianists competing in an event named after Cliburn hold a certain reverence for the man and the moment.

Queue Listen Now

Syrian Country Band Criticizes Trump's Travel Ban In New Song

4:28pm February 22, 2017

by Dalia Mortada

There's a country music band based in Istanbul with Syrians and Americans. Their latest tune is about President Trump's immigration order.

Agnes Obel's latest album is called Citizen Of Glass.

Music & Culture

Agnes Obel On World Cafe

4:19pm February 22, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

With an army of strings backing up heavy lyrics, the Danish songwriter's session might just give you the shivers.

I Draw Slow performs on this week's Mountain Stage.

Music & Culture

I Draw Slow On Mountain Stage

1:14pm February 22, 2017

The Dublin roots band finds new, folky grooves in old-time Appalachian song. Hear its debut Mountain Stage performance.

Music & Culture

This Teeny-Tiny, Handmade Pipe Organ Is Utterly Delightful

11:40am February 22, 2017

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Crafted out of paper and cardboard, it's powered by a balloon. And it sounds a little bit like a toy train. What's not to love?

Jay Z attends Roc Nation's Pre-Grammy Brunch on February 11, 2017.

Music & Culture

Jay Z Is The First Rapper To Be Elected To Songwriters Hall Of Fame

11:35am February 22, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

Shawn Carter joins Swedish hit factory Max Martin, Motown co-founder Berry Gordy, The Time's Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and more.

Robert Ellis performs "Elephant" live for Folk Alley.

Music & Culture

Robert Ellis, 'Elephant' (Live At 30A Songwriters Festival)

11:05am February 22, 2017

by Elena See

The Texas native played his intense love song live at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida.

A still from Slow Dancer's video for "Don't Believe."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Slow Dancer, 'Don't Believe'

10:00am February 22, 2017

by Megan Buerger

Simon Okely's soulful serenade to a detached lover betrays his influences in its smooth '70s sound. The accompanying video is a retro haze of mom jeans and disco balls.

Dirty Projectors frontman David Longstreth

Music & Culture

Listen: Dirty Projectors' Warped New Album Drops Early

9:56am February 22, 2017

by Robin Hilton

The band originally planned to release its self-titled album on Feb. 24, but decided to stream it live Tuesday after David Longstreth tweeted everyone had waited "long enough."

Don Bryant's new album, Don't Give Up On Love, comes out May 12.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Don Bryant, 'How Do I Get There'

9:00am February 22, 2017

by Rachel Horn

In a gospel lamentation, the 74-year-old Memphis soul singer invites us to take solace in the faith that a better world is attainable.