The instant anthem 'No Scrubs' still resonates today
The 1999 song "No Scrubs" was catchy and fun — and it made its mark for calling out lazy loser guys who hit on women. It became an anthem for women across the country.
Music & Culture
A new documentary on the band Wham! shows the 'temporal nature of youth'
The pop duo Wham! was only around for four years, but its songs have lasted decades. Chris Smith's Netflix documentary tells its history from the viewpoints of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.
Robot takes the stage as guest conductor for South Korea's national orchestra
The nearly six-foot-tall android waved a baton to keep time. Since the robot can't listen to the music it's conducting, the orchestra's main conductor gets to keep his job — at least for now.
Wham's story as told by the duo, Andrew Ridgely and the late George Michael
NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to Chris Smith, director of Netflix's documentary WHAM! — George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley went from school friends to global stars.
'This Land Is Your Land' is a celebration of the American landscape, with an edge
"This Land Is Your Land" isn't just a campfire song for school kids. It's a celebration of the American landscape — but it's a celebration with an edge.
Janelle Monáe explores masculine and feminine energies on 'The Age of Pleasure'
Monáe has been releasing albums that mix R&B, pop and rap since 2007 — this is her first since 2018. Ken Tucker reviews the new album, then we listen back to our 2020 interview with the artist.
A Fourth of July barbecue just isn't complete without good music
If you need some inspiration for a playlist for your cookout, NPR music critic Stephen Thompson has you covered.
The history of the American anthem 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken'
From family memorials to jam sessions to every show at the Grand Ole Opry, the familiar singalong helps people feel connected to those who have died — whether legendary musicians or loved ones.
Neil Diamond: The 'Fresh Air' interview
Diamond's life and music are the subject of a new Broadway show, A Beautiful Noise. In 2005, Diamond spoke to Terry Gross about his guilty-pleasure hits, include "Sweet Caroline" and "Cherry Cherry."
These artists knocked it out of the park on their third try
Whether they were gunning for a breakthrough, redemption or reinvention, the third time was a charm for these artists.