Music News

"It was one of the most beautiful experiences I've had, to be honest," Jennifer Koh says about creating Alone Together.

Isolated By Pandemic, Violinist Jennifer Koh Nurtured A New Community Online

10:22am August 30, 2021

by Jeff Lunden

Isolated by pandemic last year, violinist Jennifer Koh asked prominent composers to donate tiny pieces, and to nominate fellow up-and-coming composers to receive paid commissions.

Lee "Scratch" Perry performs in Australia in 2007.

Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Visionary Reggae Producer, Dies At 85

6:13pm August 29, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

Perry's brilliant and idiosyncratic career included helping to inspire the sounds of dub and rap as we know them today.

Opinion: A New Spirit Joins The Panthéon

8:49am August 28, 2021

by Scott Simon

Josephine Baker will be reinterred at the Panthéon in Paris 46 years after her death. The famed entertainer will be the first Black woman to receive the honor. Scott Simon reflects on her legacy.

Aaliyah's Catalog Has Started To Arrive On Streaming. What Took So Long?

5:20pm August 26, 2021

by Sidney Madden

The late R&B star Aaliyah's catalog has started to arrive on streaming, starting with the 1996 record One In A Million — made in an era now being re-examined for how it treated famous women.

John Coltrane, photographed performing at The Penthouse during a run of performances in Seattle, Wash. in 1965. A recording of one, long lost, is now being released as A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle.

John Coltrane's Masterpiece Breathes New Life With 'A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle'

12:16pm August 26, 2021

by Nate Chinen

John Coltrane rarely performed the music from A Love Supreme after its release at the end of 1964 – meaning even the most ardent Coltrane-ologists have been unaware of the existence of these tapes.

Nirvana artifacts and exhibits are seen at the opening of In Bloom: The Nirvana Exhibition, at a London art gallery on Sept. 13, 2011. The album's 20th anniversary featured a $20 bill, but the original album had a $1 bill.

Man Photographed As A Baby On 'Nevermind' Cover Sues Nirvana For Sexual Exploitation

11:41am August 25, 2021

by Deepa Shivaram

Now 30 years old, Spencer Elden, the naked baby on Nirvana's iconic cover, is suing the band, the photographer and the record labels that he says profited from the image.

Music & Culture

Charlie Watts, Unshakeable Rolling Stones Drummer, Dies At 80

7:21am August 25, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Charlie Watts spent nearly 60 years playing drums for The Rolling Stones. He was known as an unflappable drummer. He died in a hospital in London, surrounded by family.

Music & Culture

It's Been 20 Years Since R&B Singer Aaliyah Died In A Plane Crash

6:02am August 25, 2021

On Aug. 25, 2001, a small plane crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from an island in the Bahamas. On board was R&B singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, commonly known as "Aaliyah."

Charlie Watts performs with the Rolling Stones in 2015.

Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies At 80

4:47pm August 24, 2021

by NPR Staff

Watts, famous for his potent beat and unflappable style, featured on all 26 Rolling Stones studio albums and numerous live albums.

Music & Culture

The First Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Guitar Is Up For Auction

6:45am August 24, 2021

This guitar was owned, customized and adored by Les Paul, who helped develop Gibson's solid body guitar in the 1950s. His signature models have been played by bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin