Music News

News Brief: Hong Kong Protests, China Tariffs, Placido Domingo

5:35am August 14, 2019

Mainland China seems to be ramping up efforts against Hong Kong protesters. The U.S. is delaying some new tariffs against China. One of opera's most popular stars faces sexual misconduct allegations.

Queue Listen Now

Plácido Domingo, onstage at New York's Metropolitan Opera last year. Nine women have accused Domingo of trying to pressure them into a sexual relationship by offering them jobs.

Music & Culture

LA Opera To Investigate Plácido Domingo After Sexual Harassment Report

5:48pm August 13, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The women — eight singers and a dancer — told The Associated Press that the opera titan tried to pressure them into sexual relationships by offering them jobs.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Traditional Mexican Folk Ballad Helps El Paso Mourn

7:29am August 13, 2019

After the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, that claimed 22 lives, many residents mourned through music. Singer-songwriter Josue Rodriguez helped his community cope by writing a corrido.

Queue Listen Now

Members of Los Tigres Del Norte outside of Folsom Prison, the subject of an upcoming album and documentary.

Music & Culture

Los Tigres Del Norte Announce Documentary, Album Of Historic Folsom Prison Concert

2:07pm August 12, 2019

by Felix Contreras

Recorded 50 years after Johnny Cash's legendary concert, the band's performance was recorded for an upcoming album and a new Netflix documentary.

Music & Culture

'Old Town Road' Is Good For Jeans, Bad For Street Sign

6:36am August 12, 2019

The song "Old Town Road" by Lil Nax X mentions "Wrangler on my booty." Officials in Wellesley, Mass., says people are taking street signs from its Old Town Road.

Queue Listen Now

People attend a candlelight prayer vigil outside Immanuel Baptist Church, located near the scene of the mass shooting on August 5, 2019 in El Paso, Texas.

Music & Culture

Juan Gabriel's 'Amor Eterno' Takes On New Meaning After El Paso Shooting

8:04am August 11, 2019

In El Paso, the song "Amor Eterno" has taken on a new poignancy as it's played at vigils and memorials.

David Berman, seen here in a 2006 photo, died Wednesday at the age of 52.

Music & Culture

Silver Jews' David Berman Dies At 52

4:23pm August 08, 2019

by Otis Hart

The master lyricist and poet leaves behind a catalog of oblique indie rock that inspired a cult following.

David Daniels, performing at New York's Carnegie Hall in 2013.

Memos Lay Out Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Opera Star David Daniels

4:13pm August 08, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

University of Michigan memos obtained by NPR detail multiple, serious allegations, including an accusation that Daniels solicited students in exchange for money — a potentially criminal offense.

James Levine, conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra at New York's Carnegie Hall in February 2010.

Music & Culture

Met Opera, James Levine Avoid Public Dispute In #MeToo Accusations, Settle Lawsuit

4:05pm August 07, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The Metropolitan Opera suspended, and then fired, Levine after several men came forward with accusations that the conductor had sexually abused them.

Music & Culture

Ed Sheeran Sets Record For Highest-Grossing Tour

5:39am August 07, 2019

On Friday, musician Ed Sheeran broke the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, beating U2's mark.

Queue Listen Now