William Bell On World Cafe
Bell tells stories of Stax Records' wildly productive years that's captured on a new box set called Stax '68: A Memphis Story.
Music Interviews
Kitka Brings 'Powerful Women's Voices, Joined Together' From East To West
For four decades the Oakland ensemble Kitka has sung intricate harmonies from Eastern Europe. Members Shira Cion and Kelly Atkins talk about the group's new album, "Harmonies of Heaven and Earth."
Karim Wasfi's 'Spontaneous Compositions' Aid Stability In Iraq
Renowned Iraqi conductor and cellist Karim Wasfi tells NPR's Scott Simon about his music, the challenges of his work and his commitment to his country.
Lin-Manuel Miranda On 'Mary Poppins Returns' And Writing His Way Onstage
Though best-known for his auteur work, the mastermind of Hamilton and In the Heights says it was his dream to be offered a part in someone else's musical.
'Music Is Anything': Jeff Tweedy Shares Stories From His New Memoir
A chat with the Wilco frontman on complicated relationships with bandmates, his struggle to kick addiction and conversations with his wife on how much of his life to commit to paper.
Bruce Springsteen: On Jersey, Masculinity And Wishing To Be His Stage Persona
Springsteen's one-man show closes on Broadway Saturday, then begins streaming on Netflix. He spoke to Fresh Air in 2016, admitting: "People see you onstage and, yeah, I'd want to be that guy."
Kurt Vile On World Cafe
There are few people who can spin a tale like Kurt and it shows on his latest record. Hear a live studio performance of songs from Bottle It In.
Jacob Collier Makes Staggering, Complex Music Feel Effortless
Host Ari Shapiro speaks with singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier about his latest project, a four-album odyssey called Djesse, the first volume of which is out now.
A Roots And Rockabilly Holiday Concert With JD McPherson And His Band
McPherson never thought he'd make a Christmas album. Then, he says, "I got a bug in my ear." He and his band perform live in studio from Socks, and McPherson talks about growing up on a cattle farm.
Doyle Bramhall II On World Cafe
With a strong voice and dizzying array of guitar licks at his disposal, Doyle Bramhall II is a musicians' musician.