50 Wonderful Things From 2020
Linda Holmes' annual list of highlights from pop culture includes TV, movies, games, podcasts, TikTok videos and whatever else made the year a little easier.
Music & Culture
Tony Rice Was My Guitar Hero
Bluegrass guitar legend Tony Rice died Christmas day, leaving behind an expansive catalogue devoted to exploring uncharted territory. Guitarist and fan Molly Tuttle picks his essential recordings.
'Brother Robert' Reveals True Story Of Growing Up With Blues Legend Robert Johnson
Annye Anderson, the stepsister of Robert Johnson, whose life became a founding myth of American music, has written a memoir about the real life behind the legend.
Bob Boilen's Top 10 Albums Of 2020
Isolation and the disappearance of live music changed the All Songs Considered host's listening habits drastically in 2020. These albums offered not just calm, but richness and depth to explore.
Tiny Desk Staffers Pick Their Favorite Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts
The minds behind NPR Music's Tiny Desk present their favorite home concerts of 2020, from Buscabulla to Billie Eilish.
Members Of The Band Kiss Urge Eveyone To Mask Up
Singer Gene Simmons posted a photo of the band en route to Dubai for a livestream concert. Not in their usual devilish face paint, they were wearing more normal masks.
Jazz Musicians Discover New Possibilities Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Jazz musicians often rely on the energy they take from a live audience. So when live performances were shut down because of the pandemic, they had to find ways to adapt.
James Newton Howard: A Composer Who Can Do It All
James Newton Howard has composed the music for more than 100 films. He's scored thrillers, Disney animation and big fantasy series. His latest is the western News of the World.
The Best Tiny Desk Concerts Of 2020
Watch 20 of the year's greatest Tiny Desk performances, featuring a small sample of the talented artists who delivered intimate sets from NPR Music's D.C. offices.
Toast Of The Nation 2021
Say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 with live music from some of the best jazz groups performing today, featuring the Catherine Russell Trio, Pink Martini, KOKOROKO and the Jazz Gallery All-Stars.