A Picture Of Janis Joplin, In Shades Of 'Blue'
Michel Martin speaks with documentary filmmaker Amy Berg about her new film, Janis: Little Girl Blue, which chronicles the life and early death of the 1960s counterculture icon.
Music & Culture
100 Years Of Billy Strayhorn, Emotional Architect Of Song
The composer and arranger spent the bulk of his career in service to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He wrote some of the most popular songs of the 20th century — without ever hiding who he was.
Billy Strayhorn In Five Songs
Though overshadowed during his own lifetime by his employer, Duke Ellington, the composer-arranger wrote more than 1,000 pieces. Here are takes on his most famous tunes.
'Purple Rain' — As Retold In A Language Without A Word For Purple
Prince's '80s-era classic has gotten a modern update — in Niger. Directed by Christopher Kirkley, starring the nomadic Tuareg people, this Purple Rain remake drops the kissing but keeps the attitude.
Metallica's Robert Trujillo On His Hero, Jaco Pastorius
"People tried to call him just a jazz cat, but he was beyond that." Trujillo speaks with Michel Martin about a new documentary on the man sometimes called the Hendrix of the bass.
Hendrix On A Horn: The World Of Robin Eubanks
His 30-year career includes trailblazing with an electric trombone, but the Oberlin educator and jazz player has never recorded with a big band until now.
Richard Carpenter Weighs In On How To Craft The Perfect Pop Song
In the '70s, Richard Carpenter and his sister, Karen, made up the pop duo the Carpenters. On Dec. 5, PBS will begin airing Close to You: Remembering the Carpenters. Originally broadcast Nov. 25, 2009.
Villagers On World Cafe
Conor O'Brien discusses how getting comfortable in his own skin has affected his music.
Songs We Love: The Spook School, 'August 17th'
Hear the Scottish queer punk band perform a moving DIY ballad about loving someone who is in love with someone else.
Mitch Albom's 'The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto' On World Cafe
The author's new novel looks at the history of music through the life of fictional guitarist Frankie Presto.