Billie Holiday: A Singer Beyond Our Understanding
Most artists belong to their times. But Holiday, born 100 years ago Tuesday, fits in the present.
Music News
A (Nearly) Comprehensive Guide To The Music Of 'Mad Men'
From "The Twist" to "Is That All There Is?," the songs that Mad Men uses to depict the 1960s are perfect — but often unpredictable — representations of the decade's slow evolution.
Bringing Mothers In Prison Closer To Their Children, Through Music
Mothers in prison rarely get a chance to see or touch their children — or sing them a lullaby. A group of professional musicians is helping female inmates in New York City to create those connections.
Multifaceted Music Critic Andrew Porter Dies At 86
Best known in the U.S. as a longtime music critic of The New Yorker, Porter was also a scholar, translator and director of opera.
First Listen: 'Carrie & Lowell' By Sufjan Stevens
All Songs Considered co-hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton discuss the latest from Sufjan Stevens. His new album, Carrie & Lowell, is being featured by NPR Music.
Jay Z's Music Service, Tidal, Arrives With A Splash, And Questions Follow
The premium streaming service, which will be owned in part by musicians, was unveiled in a star-packed ceremony. The first question it needs to answer: Can it attract listeners?
Musician Joni Mitchell Is 'Awake And In Good Spirits' In Intensive Care
The folk music icon was hospitalized in Los Angeles after being found unconscious in her home Tuesday.
Lower Dens' Jana Hunter Explains 'Escape From Evil,' Track By Track
The singer-songwriter pulls back the curtain on her band's beautiful-but-mysterious new album, Escape From Evil. "All of these songs are based in personal experience," she writes.
Influential Guitarist John Renbourn, Co-Founder Of Pentagle, Dies
Renbourn co-founded the popular folk/jazz group Pentangle and was one of the most respected and influential acoustic guitarists in the world. He died this week at his home in Scotland; he was 70.
The Tale Of Mingering Mike, Who Painted Himself A Music Career
A self-taught visual artist who longed to make soul records, Mingering Mike ended up realizing his dreams on paper rather than vinyl. Decades later, his work is paying off.