First Watch: Joyce DiDonato, 'Lascia ch'io pianga'
Opera star Joyce DiDonato does more than sing — she lends her voice to social causes. Watch her new video, a haunting depiction of a woman trapped in conflict.
Music & Culture
LISTEN: Correspondent Don Gonyea's Campaign Homestretch Playlist
To pass the time on the road, political correspondent Don Gonyea creates playlists curated to the story and state. With the campaign end drawing near, Don has his playlist for the final few weeks.
Watching A Festival, And Its Music, Take Shape
Earlier this month, musicians — invited by Bon Iver and The National — gathered at a former East German radio facility for an unconventional festival that pieced its story together as it went along.
Derek Brown Redefines The Notion Of A One-Man-Band On His New CD 'Beatbox Sax'
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with musician Derek Brown about his new album Beatbox Sax. Brown squeezes sounds out of his instrument that sound more like stand up bass, than saxophone.
A Nobel In Literature For Bob Dylan, Whose Words Transcend Form
When Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature, many were surprised. But many novelists cheered, and performers of all kinds — from William Shatner to Kesha — have been inspired by Dylan's words.
Devendra Banhart On The Moment He Became A Songwriter
He was nine, and his song horrified his family when he sang it for them. But the experience also showed the songwriter and musician what performance could make him feel.
On Her Latest, Norah Jones Returns To Old Influences
Jones' new album, Day Breaks, includes a song inspired by "Compared to What," a jazz protest song from the late '60s, the lyrics of which she says are "still relevant so many years later."
'I Feel Pretty Good': A Moment With Brian Wilson
The songwriter and Beach Boys co-founder reflects on his family, his mental health and his plans for the future — and names his favorite Brian Wilson song.
'Love For Sale': A History Of Pop Music That's As Personal As It Gets
NPR's Scott Simon talks to music critic David Hajdu about his new book, "Love For Sale," in which he chronicles the 100-plus year history of American pop music.
Heems and Riz MC On 'Rapping And Writing From A Very Personal Place'
The debut album from their hip-hop group, Swet Shop Boys, presents layers of meaning on race and identity — what happens when, as Riz says, "you really mine the specificity of your own experience."