Music & Culture

Singer Kate Smith signs autographs for a group of American sailors circa 1938.

Kate Smith's 'God Bless America' Dropped By Two Major Sports Teams

5:28pm April 22, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Her rendition of the patriotic song had been a staple at New York Yankees and Philadelphia Flyers games for decades. Critics say that other elements of the singer's career were clearly racist.

Queue Listen Now

Members of Beyonce's Coachella marching band talk about Bey's commitment to authenticity and the show's historic legacy.

Music & Culture

'Homecoming,' From The Bleachers: Members Of Beyoncé's Marching Band Look Back

5:13pm April 22, 2019

by Sidney Madden

Beyoncé's historic 2018 Coachella performance has been immortalized thanks to the Netflix film Homecoming. Three members of Beyoncé's Coachella marching band talk about the show's prolonged legacy.

Music & Culture

Listen To Kölsch's Guest Mix On 'Metropolis'

4:30pm April 22, 2019

by Jason Bentley

Kölsch is a selector on the decks and in the studio, guaranteed to turn your nights upside down.

King Princess outside of WXPN Studio's in Philadelphia, PA.

Music & Culture

King Princess Has Incredible Confidence With The Musical Chops To Back It Up

2:18pm April 22, 2019

When singer-songwriter Mikaela Straus says, "I've never been subtle. I don't think now is the time," she means it.

Music & Culture

Herlin Riley's Swinging, Modern Style Shines On 'Perpetual Optimism'

2:07pm April 22, 2019

by Kevin Whitehead

The New Orleans drummer produces jazz with its own distinct character on his new album. Critic Kevin Whitehead says Perpetual Optimism is marked by Riley's upbeat nature and attention to detail.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Florence + the Machine Sings A Lullaby For 'Game Of Thrones'

11:04am April 22, 2019

by Lars Gotrich

Florence Welch adapted "Jenny of Oldstones" from the Game of Thrones books for last night's episode.

The Calidore String Quartet performs a Tiny Desk Concert on April 5, 2019 (Amr Alfiky/NPR).

Music & Culture

The Calidore String Quartet: Tiny Desk Concert

10:28am April 22, 2019

by Tom Huizenga

The Calidore String Quartet confirms that the centuries-old formula – two violins, a viola and a cello – is still very much alive and evolving.

Which entry has your favorite desk in the wild?

Music & Culture

Vote: What's Your Favorite Desk In The Wild From The 2019 Tiny Desk Contest?

10:00am April 22, 2019

by Clara Maurer

While the Tiny Desk Contest judges look for a winner, we're hosting weekly fan-favorite votes on fun themes. First up: entry videos filmed in the great outdoors.

The Mountain Goats' In League With Dragons comes out April 26.

Music & Culture

First Listen: The Mountain Goats, 'In League With Dragons'

8:13am April 22, 2019

by Stephen Thompson

On his 18th album as the animating force behind The Mountain Goats, singer-songwriter John Darnielle builds an ambitious tribute to Dungeons & Dragons — and much, much more.

Starflyer 59's Young In My Head comes out April 26.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Starflyer 59, 'Young In My Head'

6:07am April 22, 2019

by Lars Gotrich

For 25 years, Jason Martin has sung about futility, nostalgia and melancholy endings. Starflyer 59's new album finds a way to move forward.