Music News

In this illustration drawn from a video feed, the prosecution presents its closing argument in the federal trial against singer R. Kelly on Sept. 22 in New York.

R. Kelly Found Guilty Of Racketeering And Sex Trafficking

5:39pm September 27, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

A jury found the disgraced R&B star guilty of charges that included sexual exploitation of a child, racketeering and sex trafficking. He faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

Music & Culture

A Jury In New York Begins Deliberations In R. Kelly's Federal Trial

7:50am September 27, 2021

After six weeks of hearing from accusers, ex-employees and expert witnesses, the jury decides what's next for Kelly. He faces charges including sexual exploitation of a child, bribery and kidnapping.

Music & Culture

Canadian University Course Will Take A Deep Dive Into Drake's Lyrics

5:45am September 27, 2021

Besides Canadian rapper Drake, the course at Ryerson University in Toronto will also focus on Toronto-native The Weeknd. Music professor Dalton Higgins hopes the course will inspire young artists.

Rapper Gunna and Goodr CEO Jasmine Crowe stop by the Goodr grocery store, at the Atlanta middle school he formerly attended.

A Free In-School Grocery Store Is Tackling Child Hunger, One Family At A Time

12:35pm September 25, 2021

by Sharon Pruitt-Young

The free store in an Atlanta middle school offers not only food, but also household items, toiletries, clothing and shoes. Social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe hopes to open more.

Country singer Mickey Guyton released her latest album, Remember Her Name, on Sept. 24.

Music & Culture

On Debut Album, Mickey Guyton Remembers Her Name

2:54pm September 24, 2021

Over the last decade, singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton has been trying to convince the country music industry that she is country. NPR's Noel King talks her about the highs and lows she's experienced.

Music & Culture

Defining T. Rex Album Came Out The Same Year NPR Debuted Original Programming

6:50am September 24, 2021

by Avery Keatley

NPR celebrates its 50th anniversary remembering other events in 1971. The band T. Rex overhauled their musical style and released Electric Warrior, an album that became the cornerstone of glam rock.

Music & Culture

A New York Metropolitan Opera First: Performing A Work By A Black Composer

6:34am September 24, 2021

Terence Blanchard will become the first Black composer to put on a show at the Metropolitan Opera in the institution's 138 year history. Blanchard's Fire Shut Up In My Bones will be performed.

After 6 Weeks, The Trial Against R. Kelly Is Almost Over

4:40pm September 23, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

The federal trial against R. Kelly is nearing its end after six weeks of witness testimony. He's being charged with racketeering and trafficking, with accusations going back decades.

Music & Culture

John Prine's First Album Came Out The Same Year NPR Debuted Original Programming

6:15am September 23, 2021

by Ann Powers

NPR turns 50 this year, and we're marking it by looking back on some other things that happened in 1971. It was that year that songwriter John Prine released his debut album. Prine died in 2020.

Music & Culture

Alt Latino's Latest Tiny Desk Takeover Features Female Performers

9:31am September 22, 2021

It's National Hispanic Heritage Month, and NPR is marking the occasion with music. NPR's Latin Music podcast Alt Latino is showcasing 10 Latin Music performances from eight cultures and countries.