Music Interviews

Ringo Starr's latest album Give More Love is out now.

Music & Culture

Ringo Starr On Brexit, Beatlemania And 'Give More Love'

5:56pm September 17, 2017

Not one to rest on his laurels, the former Beatle is back with his 19th studio album. He speaks with Michel Martin about writing Give More Love, considering his legacy and more.

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The opera We Shall Not Be Moved revisits the story of the 1985 bombing of the MOVE house in Philadelphia, and that tragedy's impact on Philadelphia's youth. Shown here: Actors portraying the ghosts that inhabit the site of the bombing surround character U

Music & Culture

'We Shall Not Be Moved': A New Opera Traces The Legacy Of The 1985 MOVE Bombing

5:56pm September 17, 2017

by Jeff Lunden

The opera, presented by Opera Philadelphia with the Apollo Theater, had its world premiere Sept. 16. It revisits the house at the center of the bombing and its impact on Philadelphia's youth today.

Michael McDonald's new album, Wide Open, is out now.

Music & Culture

'Wide Open' Captures The 'Honest Emotions' Of Michael McDonald

8:08am September 16, 2017

McDonald describes his first album of originals in over 15 years as a "wide open conversation." He talks to Scott Simon about racial politics, fatherhood and backing up Chuck Berry as a teenager.

Nancy Wilson now has a rock supergroup called Roadcase Royale, whose debut album is First Things First.

Music & Culture

Heart's Nancy Wilson On Love Songs, Sisterhood And Her New Supergroup

8:08am September 16, 2017

Wilson rocked the 1970s with her sister Ann in Heart; now, her supergroup, Roadcase Royale, is releasing its debut album. She speaks with Scott Simon about the new group and her rock 'n' roll legacy.

One of the more memorable TV theme songs in recent years comes from Stranger Things. Its theme was composed by Kyle Dixon (left) and Michael Stein, shown here performing at the 2017 ASCAP Screen Music Awards.

Music & Culture

What Does It Take To Write A Hit TV Theme Song?

8:07pm September 15, 2017

by Tim Greiving

The opening theme music from a TV show can become an earworm — just think of Mission: Impossible or Peter Gunn. For composers, coming up with something catchy is like trying to write a Top 40 hit.

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Bruce Springsteen: On Jersey, Masculinity And Wishing To Be His Stage Persona

3:43pm September 15, 2017

"People see you onstage and, yeah, I'd want to be that guy," Springsteen says. "I want to be that guy myself very often." Originally broadcast Oct. 5, 2016.

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Prophets of Rage's self-titled debut album comes out September 15.

Music & Culture

The Urgent 'Sonic Blast' Of Prophets Of Rage

5:06am September 15, 2017

Members of Public Enemy, Rage Against The Machine and Cypress Hill channel the anger of today as Prophets of Rage. Chuck D talks to David Greene ahead of the release of the group's debut album.

Music & Culture

Bruce Cockburn On World Cafe

4:55pm September 14, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

The Canadian troubadour may have just released his 33rd record, but his lyrics have the urgent feel of a passionate artist just starting out. He stops by World Cafe for an interview and performance.

Musician Fred Hersch Recounts A Life 'In And Out Of Jazz' In His New Memoir

2:50pm September 14, 2017

Nearly 30 years ago, Hersch was among the first jazz musicians to come out as both gay and HIV positive. His memoir looks back on that time, as well as the time he spent in a medically induced coma.

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Don't miss live performances from (counterclockwise from top left) Joan Osborne (photo: Jeff Fasano), Don Bryant (photo: Matt White) and Raul Malo (photo: John Partipilo) and Yola Carter.

Music & Culture

Watch Live: Southern Streams: The Eclectic Roots Of Americana Music

3:49pm September 13, 2017

Moderated by NPR Music's Ann Powers, the program will feature performances and conversation from Don Bryant, Yola Carter, Raul Malo and Joan Osborne.