Music & Culture

History Goes To The Illustrators: 'A Contrarian History Of The United States'

8:08am January 16, 2015

by Jasmine Garsd

Lalo Alcaraz and Ilan Stavans' new book isn't just hilarious; it's also important. Like all good history books, it makes a point to say something important about the present and the future.

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Christian McBride is the host of NPR's Jazz Night In America.

Music & Culture

'Everything Is Cyclical': Christian McBride Looks At 2015 In Jazz

5:55pm January 15, 2015

The bassist, host of NPR's new program Jazz Night In America, talks to Audie Cornish about two exciting new jazz records, as well as two birthdays he says he can't wait to celebrate.

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Robin's redesign demo for All Songs Considered from 2000. (Don't laugh, this looked pretty cool 15 years ago).

Music & Culture

All Songs At 15: How To Get The Greatest Job In The World

3:34pm January 15, 2015

by Robin Hilton

Here's the complete and unabridged answer to the question that the hosts of All Songs Considered get asked most often. White lies, all-nighters and a $100,000 sampler are involved.

A promotional thumbnail for the Skunk Bear video "Lonesome George (A Musical Eulogy)."

A Musical Memorial For The Face Of Extinction

12:05pm January 13, 2015

by Adam Cole

Lonesome George was the last of his subspecies of giant tortoise from the Galapagos. For decades scientists tried to find him a mate, but he died alone. NPR's Adam Cole offers this elegiac tribute.

Andraé Crouch in an undated press photo, circa 1970.

Music & Culture

Andraé Crouch, Who Moved Gospel Into The 21st Century, Has Died

5:06pm January 12, 2015

by Frannie Kelley

The singer and songwriter played a major role in creating a contemporary, conservative gospel sound.

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Music & Culture

Ty Segall Goes 3-D On 'Mr. Face'

2:32pm January 12, 2015

by Ken Tucker

Ty Segall's new EP comes on two 7-inch discs that double as a pair of 3-D glasses.

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The Nashville country quartet Little Big Town recently released its sixth studio album, Pain Killer.

Music & Culture

Country Quartet Little Big Town Finds Fun In Being A Foursome

9:36am January 12, 2015

by Jewly Hight

The Nashville country pop band doesn't have a single lead singer; they take turns, which opens artistic and emotional possibilities. The band recently released its sixth studio album, Pain Killer.

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Music & Culture

An Evangelist Who Spread The Gospel Of The Accordion

11:31am January 10, 2015

by Jon Kalish

Walter Kuehr made his own name by making a name for what he called "the hippest instrument on the planet": the accordion. He died earlier this month at age 59.

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Wilbur Sargunaraj introduces us a barber in his father's home village in India.

Wilbur Goes To Work: New, Very First-Class Video On Village Life

4:48pm January 08, 2015

by Marc Silver

Wilbur Sargunaraj, a YouTube star in India, tests his workaday skills in his family's village: balancing a water jug on his head, climbing a coconut tree, and doing laundry the very old-fashioned way.

Wilbur Sargunaraj sings and dances about village life in India.

World Premiere Videos: Wilbur Dunks A Chicken, Digs Into Indian Food

4:43pm January 08, 2015

by Marc Silver

We proudly present the world premiere of two videos by India's first YouTube star. Life in his father's home village will be celebrated. And, yes, a chicken will take a bath.