Music & Culture

Dolly Parton, pictured with Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire and Jennifer Nettles (obscured), accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award onstage at the CMA Awards in Nashville in November.

Music & Culture

'This Thing Called Country Music': Tradition And Crossover In 2016

3:47pm December 28, 2016

by Jewly Hight

Though some moments seemed to indicate a pop takeover, 2016 was also a year when country tended to its traditions. In the end, the genre decided it was big enough to hold both.

Music & Culture

Looking Back At The Ramones' Debut: They Were A 'Bunch Of Weirdos From New York'

3:14pm December 28, 2016

by Ed Ward

It's been 40 years since The Ramones released their self-titled first album. Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the debut as a confrontational and divisive record with a "cartoonish overlay."

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Music & Culture

Looking Back To Move Forward: Celebrating Jazz Artists We Lost in 2016

2:06pm December 28, 2016

by Katie Simon

Jazz lost great players in 2016, including Paul Bley, Gato Barbieri and three musicians we're profiling — vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, harmonica player Toots Thielemans and bassist Victor Bailey.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: A Festive Celtic Celebration

1:06pm December 28, 2016

Mark the season by exploring festive songs, carols and dances from traditions old and new.

Christian Lopez Band performs live for Mountain Stage in Charleston, W.Va.

Music & Culture

Christian Lopez Band On Mountain Stage

12:47pm December 28, 2016

The up-and-coming Americana outfit plays songs from its debut album, Onward, live in West Virginia.

Music & Culture

My bubba, 'Letter' (Live At Pickathon)

12:00pm December 28, 2016

by Rachel Horn

The Scandinavian duo played this hushed folk song at the Oregon summer festival's Lucky Barn stage, a venue for performances that invite you to perk up your ears and listen closely.

George Michael, seen here performing in September 2012, died this week. Among other things, the man could wear a suit.

The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

11:46am December 28, 2016

by Linda Holmes

In the wake of the death of George Michael, we take a moment to appreciate "Freedom '90," not his biggest hit, but an irresistible mix of independence and vulnerability.

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Clockwise from upper left: Paul McCartney, Jonny Greenwood, Aurora, Danny Brown, Lisa Hannigan

Music & Culture

Our Favorite Interviews Of 2016

11:30am December 28, 2016

Here's a second chance to listen to inspiring conversations with veteran musicians like Paul McCartney and Jonny Greenwood, as well as newer visionaries like AURORA and Danny Brown.

Listeners of our NPR One app rated these stories as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.

The Stories NPR One Listeners Loved The Most In 2016

9:36am December 28, 2016

by Tamar Charney

Listeners of our NPR One app rated these 10 stories as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.

The Naqsh Duo's debut album is called Narrante.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Naqsh Duo, 'Parlando'

9:00am December 28, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

Borrowing from Persian music and American jazz, two Iranian women come together to create a singular sound.