Music Interviews

Music & Culture

'Fresh Air' Marks The Centenary Of The Birth Of Jazz Singer Anita O'Day

1:52pm October 18, 2019

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead offers an appreciation of the singer, who died in 2006, then we listen back to a 1987 interview. O'Day first became known in 1941 when she joined Gene Krupa's band.

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In 2018, Los Tiges del Norte retraced Johnny Cash's steps not only to pay tribute to the band's idol but also remind the inmates that they are not forgotten.

Music & Culture

Los Tigres Del Norte Retrace Johnny Cash's Steps In 'Folsom Prison' Documentary

1:12pm October 18, 2019

by Felix Contreras

Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison, a new Netflix documentary, shows the power of music to heal.

Music & Culture

The Hold Steady Are Sleeping Over

12:00pm October 18, 2019

The veteran rockers talk about the benefits of the nontraditional way they've chosen to record and support their latest studio album, Thrashing Thru The Passion.

Kim Gordon's debut solo album, out now, is entitled No Home Record.

Music & Culture

Kim Gordon Returns With New Collaborators On 'No Home Record'

7:08pm October 16, 2019

The former member of influential noise rock band Sonic Youth talks about her first solo album since the band's breakup in 2011.

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Music & Culture

How the bird and the bee Interpreted Van Halen Classics With No Guitars

1:55pm October 16, 2019

The electronic jazz duo used a creative approach to recreate the melody of some of the greatest rock songs of the late '70s and early '80s.

Music & Culture

Vampire Weekend Hits On Complicated Relationships And Identity

4:30pm October 15, 2019

Father of the Bride is an ambitious collection of 18 songs featuring guests like Steve Lacy and Danielle Haim.

In his memoir, Me, British singer-songwriter Elton John, shown in 1974, shares revelations about his sexual orientation and his struggle with cocaine.

Elton John On Music, Addiction And Family: 'I'm Proud Of Who I Am Now'

1:37pm October 14, 2019

by Terry Gross

The artist says his father's early misgivings about his chosen career became a source of motivation: "He gave me the determination to make something of myself." John's new memoir is called Me.

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Shawn Colvin performing live for World Cafe.

Music & Culture

Shawn Colvin Goes Acoustic With 'Steady On'

9:00am October 14, 2019

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Steady On, the singer-songwriter recorded a new solo acoustic version of the record that captures the way she performs it live today.

Music & Culture

Music: 'Elbow' Releases New Album

8:05pm October 13, 2019

The band Elbow has just released its eighth studio album, Giants of all Sizes. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks with frontman Guy Garvey about the record's themes: Brexit, injustice and grief.

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La Santa Cecilia. From left, Marisol "La Marisoul" Hernandez, Miguel "Oso" Ramirez, Alex Bendaña, Jose "Pepe" Carlos.

Music & Culture

La Santa Cecilia: 'We Are As American As Apple Pie And Tacos'

8:12am October 12, 2019

The Grammy Award-winning group's self-titled album is packed with political messaging and brims with hope.

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