Music News

Dolly Parton Sings The Benefits Of Getting COVID-19 Vaccination

5:44am March 03, 2021

Dolly Parton wants people to get vaccinated. To that end, she re-imagined one of her greatest hits. Parton sang an adaptation of "Jolene" in a social media post before getting the Moderna shot.

Bunny Wailer photographed in London in 1988.

Bunny Wailer, Iconic Reggae Singer And Wailers Co-Founder, Has Died At Age 73

5:20pm March 02, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The last founding member of The Wailers died Tuesday in Kingston, Jamaica. After leaving the group in 1974, Bunny Wailer cultivated a distinguished solo career.

Ralph Peterson Jr., performing in 2012 at Symphony Space in New York.

Music & Culture

Ralph Peterson Jr., Drummer Who Re-Enlivened Hard Bop, Dead At 58

5:52pm March 01, 2021

by Nate Chinen

With Art Blakey as both mentor and north star, Peterson emerged in the '80s as one of that decade's most striking jazz artists.

From left: Tyshawn Sorey, Vijay Iyer and Linda May Han Oh. The trio, Iyer's newest, collaborated on the album Uneasy.

Music & Culture

Vijay Iyer And A New Trio Reflect On The 'Uneasy' Past And Present

8:35am February 26, 2021

by Nate Chinen

The composer and pianist joined with drummer Tyshawn Sorey and bassist Linda May Han Oh in late 2019 to record Uneasy, which now functions as a welcome reminder.

McKinley "Mac" Phipps at Lousiana's Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in 2011.

Music & Culture

Rapper Mac Phipps, After 20 Years In Prison, Is One Step Closer To Freedom

5:58pm February 25, 2021

In 2001, a rising No Limit Records artist was sentenced to 30 years for a crime he maintains he didn't commit. The hosts of Louder Than A Riot explain how a new development could spell early release.

Fans photographed on the eve of Daft Punk's album launch, held in the tiny Australian town of Wee Waa, on May 17, 2013.

Music & Culture

What Does Daft Punk Leave Behind?

11:47am February 24, 2021

by Andrew Flanagan

Known for indelible hits like "One More Time" and "Around the World," the now-legendary French duo called it quits this week after years of silence.

Music & Culture

Electronic Music Duo Daft Punk Announces Split After Nearly 3 Decades

4:20pm February 22, 2021

Daft Punk has announced their split after nearly three decades together. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with writer Simon Reynolds about the legacy of the electronic music duo.

Bobby Shmurda at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Oct. 30, 2014.

Music & Culture

Bobby Shmurda Is Coming Home. What Happens Next?

4:20pm February 22, 2021

The rapper who ignited Brooklyn with his 2014 viral hit "Hot Boy" is set to be released from prison Tuesday. Louder Than A Riot hosts Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden say some big questions remain.

Julien Baker's new album is called Little Oblivions.

Music & Culture

Julien Baker Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For 'Little Oblivions'

11:00am February 22, 2021

by Lars Gotrich

NPR Music will host an online listening party for the singer-songwriter's new album, featuring a live conversation with Julien Baker and Mackenzie Scott (Torres).

Music & Culture

Country Music Continues To Confront Racism

5:03pm February 21, 2021

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Rissi Palmer, host of the Apple Music show "Color Me Country," about the Morgan Wallen controversy and what the fallout says about the culture of country music.