Music News

Sonny Simmons performs on May 30th 1997 at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Music & Culture

Sonny Simmons, Fiercely Independent Alto Saxophonist, Dies at 87

11:54am April 13, 2021

by Martin Johnson

The musician spent a decade homeless in San Francisco before making records, but left a much longer legacy by bringing his knowledge of bebop and blues, and an innate soulfulness into jazz music.

Taylor Swift, onstage during the Fearless Tour at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 27, 2009 in New York. Swift released a re-recorded version of her 2008 album Fearless on April 9, 2021.

Music & Culture

The Rhymes And Reasons Behind Re-Recording Your Own Classics

1:52pm April 12, 2021

by Annie Zaleski

Taylor Swift is far from the first to revisit her old catalog for reasons of business as much as art – but even if it's often a managerial decision, the process can't help but be heartfelt.

Music & Culture

Sharon Van Etten Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Epic Ten'

11:03am April 12, 2021

by Lars Gotrich

NPR Music will host an online listening party for the anniversary of Sharon Van Etten's breakthrough album, featuring a live conversation with Van Etten herself along with Shamir.

A musician, disoriented by his loss of work and the inefficiency of bureaucracy, made the best of waiting in line for unemployment by making music.

Music & Culture

Lovely Songs From The Big Hold, Inspired By Bureaucracy

6:13pm April 08, 2021

by Matt Largey

Millions lost their jobs to the pandemic and needed to file for unemployment benefits, but met busy lines – including a composer from Austin, who made an album to counteract the vibe.

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Music & Culture

Film Composer Hans Zimmer Turns To Creating Ringtones

5:54am April 08, 2021

Zimmer, known for scoring films like Inception and Dunkirk, worked with Chinese phone maker Oppo to offer two unique ringtones along with music for alarms and text notifications.

Music & Culture

Rapper DMX Is On Life Support At New York Hospital After Heart Attack

6:11am April 06, 2021

by Rodney Carmichael

News of DMX's condition prompted an outpouring of prayer and support on social media from fans and celebrities, including rappers Missy Elliott, Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Ice T and Chance the Rapper.

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DMX, pictured performing at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, is reportedly in the hospital following a drug overdose on Friday night.

Music & Culture

Rapper DMX On Life Support Following Heart Attack

10:57am April 04, 2021

A longtime lawyer for DMX told The Associated Press that the 50-year-old rapper is "quite ill."

Blues Alley Jazz in Washington, D.C., is livestreaming its performances, one of many clubs affected by the pandemic. Beloved jazz clubs in New York, Denver and New Orleans have closed.

U.S. Box Office Plummeted 86% in 2020, Says Leading Arts Group

4:49pm April 01, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

The new data show the drop in ticket sales at theaters, arts centers and orchestras in the United States, U.K. and Canada has been "catastrophic" for the performing arts.

Bonnaroo Announces Lineup For 2021 Festival In September

12:35pm March 31, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Among the first of the major festivals to detail its post-pandemic return, Bonnaroo announced a 20th anniversary lineup that includes Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo and the Grand Ole Opry.

Music & Culture

Akron Plans 'Devo Day' For April 1. Is It An April Fools' Joke?

6:58am March 31, 2021

Word spread that the Ohio city's mayor would declare April 1 "Devo Day" to gin up support for the band which is nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The mayor's office hasn't commented.

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