Nashville's New Country Cousin
Tara Thompson comes from a long line of women who find humor in life's messier situations, including distant relative Loretta Lynn.
Music News
Now In Its 12th Year, Brooklyn Festival Carries Momentum For Afropunk Movement
The movement continues to push the boundaries on music and fashion as art, setting the standard for what many would define as cool. Editors note: At 2:04 into this piece there is a bleeped expletive.
The Stewards Of A Disappearing Faith — And 10,000 Songs
The religious sect known as Shakers, responsible for the song "Simple Gifts" and thousands of others, is almost gone — and a non-Shaker is trying to keep the group's musical history alive.
Rudy Van Gelder, Definitive Jazz Recording Engineer, Has Died
The man who captured hundreds of jazz's greatest recordings — by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock — died Thursday at his home studio. He was 91.
Encore: The Science Of Freddie Mercury's Voice
NPR's Kelly McEvers talks with professor Christian Herbst, who was part of the team that released a study that explores the science behind Freddie Mercury's amazing voice.
The Tragic Turn of the Frightnrs' First — And Last — Record
How a retro reggae band crafted a triumphant Daptone Records debut, all while racing against the most intimidating deadline possible.
In Mariachi Music, A Distinctive Yell Speaks To The Soul
The grito is a spontaneous burst of emotion — a shout — that is part of the mariachi tradition. Some younger Mexican-Americans are reclaiming the grito for a new generation.
Toots Thielemans, Jazz Harmonica Baron, Dies At 94
The Belgian-American musician, also known for his guitar playing and whistling, performed with the stars of postwar jazz and was widely heard on film scores and commercial jingles.
A Critical Conversation About Frank Ocean's 'Endless' Video Album
As listeners everywhere process it in real time, two NPR Music critics trade notes on Ocean's confounding new release.
After Building Anticipation, Frank Ocean Releases 'Endless'
The singer made huge waves with his last album, 2012's Channel Orange — and he's used both conventional and surprising methods to tease Endless, which was released Thursday night.