Songs We Love: Kwesi Foraes, 'Heroin'
Foraes hems and howls like a blues singer caught between epiphany and defeat. In a string-laden folk-rock song, love and addiction are draped in darkness.
Music & Culture
What's Your Take On Morning Edition's Theme?
Morning Edition listeners, now's your chance to create your own version of the show's theme music. Post your compositions to SoundCloud. We'll air our favorites in the coming weeks.
Beyond 'Mrs. Jones': Billy Paul's Music You Might Not Have Heard
Two things help explain Billy Paul's unique vocal style: his early dreams of playing saxophone, and his emulation of female jazz singers such as Billie Holiday.
Beyonce Returns To The Spotlight With New Album, 'Lemonade'
NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Treva Lindsey, an assistant professor of women's, gender and sexuality studies at Ohio State University, about Beyonce's new album Lemonade, which was released as a visual album on Saturday night.
Why Freddie Mercury's Voice Was So Great, As Explained By Science
Mercury is widely regarded as one of the best singers in rock history. Now, a recent study aims to explain why the late Queen frontman's voice was so special.
The Thistle & Shamrock: Notes In The Wilderness
This week's music sings of the unspoiled landscapes we love and challenges us to sustain them.
Metropolis: 4/23/16
KCRW's Jason Bentley spins music by Basement Jaxx, Classixx, Sinden and more in a two-hour EDM mix.
Philadelphia Soul Singer Billy Paul Dies At 81
Philadelphia soul singer Billy Paul, who came to fame with the song "Me And Mrs. Jones," died on April 24. He was 81 years old.
World Cafe Next: Karl Blau
Hear two songs from the Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter's new album, produced by Tucker Martine.
Remembering African Singer And Style Icon Papa Wemba
One of the biggest stars to emerge from contemporary Africa, the Congolese singer made a huge impact on international high fashion as well as music.