Music News

Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (right) and members of his Golden Eagles tribe in March 2019 in New Orleans.

Music & Culture

In New Orleans, 'Indian Red' Is The Anthemic Sound Of Tradition

11:40am March 31, 2019

by Gwen Thompkins

African-Americans in the city have paraded in spectacular regalia inspired by Native American motifs for more than a century. The song of the Mardi Gras Indians exudes joy, defiance — and mystery.

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Ranveer Singh, one of the stars of the recent film Gully Boy, at a publicity event in Mumbai on Jan. 9, 2019. The film has put a spotlight on Indian hip-hop, to the chagrin of some working in it.

Music & Culture

As 'Gully Boy' Inches Indian Hip-Hop Into The Mainstream, Its Underground Soldiers On

10:01am March 29, 2019

by Dhruva Balram

A new Bollywood hit may have been based on their lives, but the rappers and producers of India's hip-hop underground saw no money, and little exposure, from it. And they don't seem to care.

Ranking Roger, born Roger Charlery, performs with The English Beat in San Bernardino, California, on May 28, 1983. Charlery died March 26, 2019 in Birmingham, U.K.

Music & Culture

Ranking Roger, Frontman For The English Beat, Dies At 56

12:36pm March 27, 2019

by Andrew Flanagan

In the late '70s, Ranking Roger left punk rock to join The Beat — later known as The English Beat. His presence helped it become one of the most unforgettable bands of the '80s.

James Levine, in rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008.

Music & Culture

Majority Of James Levine's Defamation Claims Against Met Opera Dismissed

12:32pm March 27, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The New York State Supreme Court dismissed most of the fallen music director's claims against the Metropolitan Opera and its general manager, Peter Gelb. Even so, both sides are claiming victory.

Bruce Springsteen onstage during the Born in the U.S.A. Tour in 1984.

Music & Culture

What Does 'Born In The U.S.A.' Really Mean?

4:50pm March 26, 2019

It's not enough to say the Bruce Springsteen hit is misunderstood. Its contrasts — between grim verses and a joyous chorus, damning facts and fierce pride — are what give it its anthemic power.

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The Westminster Choir, performing with the New York Philharmonic and conductor Colin Davis in New York City in 2003.

Critics Worry American Music College Will Be Shuttered After Proposed Sale

2:55pm March 26, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The newly disclosed sale agreement of Westminster Choir College to a conglomerate partly owned by the Chinese government appears to state that the prospective owners can close the school at any time.

Music & Culture

Buddy & Julie Miller Return With New Album, Share Two New Songs

8:02am March 26, 2019

by Jewly Hight

The beloved Americana duo is back with its first new album in a decade. Hear two early cuts from it, "War Child" and "Spittin' On Fire."

Scott Walker, seen here in November 1970, has died at the age of 76.

Music & Culture

Scott Walker, Pop Idol Turned Avant Auteur, Dies At 76

8:45pm March 25, 2019

by Otis Hart

The former member of The Walker Brothers and singer of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)" was also one of experimental music's most beloved composers.

Curtis Mayfield (in purple) performs in a detail from a poster advertising the 1972 film Super Fly, for which Mayfield composed the soundtrack album.

Jay-Z, 'Super Fly,' 'La Bamba' Added To National Recording Registry

10:37pm March 20, 2019

by Andrew Flanagan

As it has annually since 2002, the Library of Congress announced a wide variety of recordings it has selected as culturally significant and worthy of preservation.

Music & Culture

Salif Keita Gives His Blessing And Takes A Final Bow With 'Un Autre Blanc'

6:07pm March 20, 2019

by Banning Eyre

Salif Keita is among the best African singers of the past century. But, after some 25 albums over a 40-year career, Keita says he's retiring from recording.

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