Music News

They were called "the only band that matters." In the late 1970s and early '80s, The Clash pioneered punk rock — then went on to expand its possibilities in witty songs that critiqued the world. Strummer, the group's lead singer and songwriter, died 10 years ago this week.

For years, Mormons in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community say they've felt shunned from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A newly formed LGBT choir believes it's making strides in the right direction, despite troubles securing rehearsal spaces in LDS churches.

The world mourned the death this week of the Indian maestro whose name became synonymous with the sitar. Closer to Shankar's home, Indians mourned the man they affectionately call Pandit-ji, or Teacher. "He changed the whole approach to how an artist is perceived," says sitarist Shubhendra Rao.

A new documentary on PBS about the making of the Beatles' 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour features outtakes from the original and new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. TV critic David Bianculli calls the film "wonderfully thorough."

When he was just 10 years old, Shankar began performing in Europe and the US with his family's Indian dance troupe. But at age 18, Shankar gave up all the glitter to study with a guru who taught him the sitar. He became a master, and introduced the West to his country's music.

The annual list of inductees to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame spurs debate among fans and industry insiders alike.

The singer died in an airplane that crashed in the early hours of Sunday morning in Toluca, Mexico. She was a household name and feminist presence in the Latin music scene.

In subtropical Japan, the sanshin is a ubiquitous part of life. The instrument even follows Okinawans long after they're gone — played at grave sites, when families pay respects to their ancestors.

Peony Pavilion is one of China's most famous operas, but uncut performances of this romantic 16th century work can take more than 22 hours. An adapted version of the dream-like opera will take place at the Metropolitan Museum.

There might be no bluegrass music as we know it without Wade Mainer.