Puerto Rican rapper Residente is challenging the definition of America
Puerto Rican musician Residente is gearing up for his biggest fight yet – challenging the meaning of America.
Music & Culture
SIX The Musical: Tiny Desk Concert
The Queens of the musical SIX reign over the Tiny Desk, enrapturing the audience of NPR staffers assembled.
Barking 9 to 5! Dolly Parton launches 'Doggy Parton,' a pet apparel collection
The line features fringe-trimmed cowgirl dresses, rhinestone-bejeweled harnesses, gingham shirts and bandanas, concert T-shirts, toys and even a blond wig inspired by the singer.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Lizzo
A self-described "showgirl at its finest," Lizzo initially thought she'd be a classical flautist. Though rap and pop won out, she still brings the flute into her music. Originally broadcast in 2019.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Rap icon Jay-Z
In 2010, Jay-Z reflected on growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by drugs and violence. "One day, your best friend could be killed. The day before, you could be celebrating him getting a brand-new bike."
Chaotic Good: 30 bangers to keep that summer energy going
Say it ain't so, but summer's almost over. Keep Lady Gaga's party mantra — bus, club, another club, another club, plane, next place, no sleep — in your heart with this recklessly fun mix.
Visa dissonance: Why world music performers can't always make it to the stage on time
Sounds like a musician's dream come true: A duo from the African nation of Comoros was invited to Peter Gabriel's world music fest. But there was a daunting obstacle: Getting a visa to enter the U.K.
Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet: Tiny Desk Concert
Isaiah J. Thompson's compositions combine jazz's past and present to paint a beautiful portrait of its future.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Jazz great Charlie Haden
Haden grew up singing in his family's country music radio shows but turned to the bass when polio damaged his vocal cords. He died in 2014. Originally broadcast between 1983 and 2008.
'I Am The Moon' is Tedeschi Trucks at their finest and most adventurous
We caught up with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi to talk about the inspiration behind the album — and they share a performance, recorded live for World Cafe.