Music & Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

The new year offers a new set of musical surprises. Here is a section of 10 acts — under-the-radar or about to explode — who are ready for their moment in the spotlight.