With 'The Prodigal Son,' Ry Cooder Puts His Own Touch On Gospel Music
In his first solo album in six years, Cooder injects social satire into his refurbished work of traditional American gospel music.
Music Interviews
This Tiny Desk Contestant Braved The Elements Of Alaska To Pay Tribute To His Grandmother
Musician Quinn Christopherson shares the story of his original song submission for the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest.
'We Kept The Music Going': Bernard Purdie On Drumming For Aretha And More
One of the hardest-working drummers in the history of recorded music, Purdie has appeared on thousands of albums. He tells Lulu Garcia-Navarro that at least one of his iconic grooves was an accident.
'My Fifth Career': Bettye LaVette Reinvents Bob Dylan For Herself
The 72-year-old soul star reflects on a lifetime of overcoming industry skepticism and making Dylan's lyrics personal on her latest album Things Have Changed, her first major label release in 30 years.
Nellie McKay's Smoldering Voice Takes On Standards Like 'My Romance'
Nellie McKay sings melancholy standards about love on her new album: Sister Orchid. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with McKay about her music that she performs alone.
Classical Music Captures A Young Wife's Anxiety In 'On Chesil Beach'
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, the film tells the story of a troubled honeymoon. The new bride is a violinist in a string quartet; the music was composed by Dan Jones and is played by Esther Yoo.
George Ezra On World Cafe
Ezra's sophomore album Staying at Tamara's brings more production and more sheen, but keeps his natural talents at the forefront of the record. Hear an in-studio performance.
Shaina Taub's 'Die Happy' Fuses Broadway And Pop
A handful of musicians cross smoothly from pop to Broadway and back. Shaina Taub is part of a new generation of young composers with a foot in each world. She talks to NPR's Ari Shapiro about her new album, Die Happy.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube's Music Head, Faces Down A Doubtful Music Business
The former rap mogul and current head of music at YouTube on #MeToo (sort of), Migos and his mortality.
Low Cut Connie's Rise Is 'The Essence Of Rock And Roll'
Low Cut Connie have always made music for the motel-bound Beverlys and diner waitress Connies of the world. Dirty Pictures (Part 2) is no different.