Banjo star Bela Fleck talks his new album and playing Carnegie Hall
David Gura talks with banjo star Bela Fleck about his new album, "My Bluegrass Heart," and about his Jan. 9 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Music Interviews
Dave Grohl retraces his life-affirming path from Nirvana to Foo Fighters
After Nirvana, Grohl considered quitting music. But, he says, "Music was the one thing that had healed me my entire life." His memoir is The Storyteller. Originally broadcast Nov. 24, 2021.
NPR's East Africa correspondent asks interviewees the songs they carried through 2021
Music was a buoy during the turbulent times of 2021. Here's a sampling of some meaningful tracks.
Why 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' is a staple year after year
Why does the song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" still take the airwaves by storm every holiday season? Billboard's Gary Trust breaks it down.
Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer on 50 years of celebrating the Blues
Scott Simon notes Alligator Records' 50th anniversary year with founder Bruce Iglauer.
Jazz singer Susannah McCorkle performs a holiday concert for 'Fresh Air'
McCorkle, who died in 2001, had 17 albums to her credit and a repertoire of more than 3,000 songs. She was also a published fiction writer. In 1988, McCorkle stopped in to perform holiday music.
Filmmaker John Waters puts his own spin on Christmas
In 2004, Waters shared music from his album A John Waters Christmas, an anthology of catchy, entertaining and ridiculous holiday songs that reflect his fascination with the odd and unusual.
This a capella group known for singing in stairwells now has a new Christmas album
Dallas-based a capella group Kings Return has made a name for themselves by singing beautiful music in stairwells. Now they're out with a new Christmas EP.
Our Favorite Artists' Favorite Music of 2021
In a year where putting on a record was the only way to escape, we wondered what how our favorite musicians fared. From Lucy Dacus on Dijon to Vince Staples on Doja Cat, these are our faves' faves.
Amanda Shires wants out 'For Christmas'
The fiddler, singer and songwriter's new Christmas album takes a realistic measure of the season.