Music

Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Hamilton perform during the 70th Annual Tony Awards in 2016.

Music & Culture

Think You've Memorized 'Hamilton'? Get Ready To Prove It

1:07pm June 30, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The latest offshoot from the Broadway sensation, The Hamilton Instrumentals, allows listeners to demonstrate just how well they've committed Lin-Manuel Miranda's words to memory.

Cuban vocalist Danay Suarez's latest album is Palabras Manuales.

Music & Culture

Danay Suarez's 'Preguntas' Video Weaves A Story Of Wonder

12:03pm June 30, 2017

by Felix Contreras

The Cuban rapper and vocalist's new video, for a song from her stunning second album, Palabras Manuales, is one of her strongest statements yet. The song features Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca.

Morning News Brief: GOP Continues Work On Health Care Bill, JAY-Z Releases New Album

10:26am June 30, 2017

Republican senators are working on revisions to their health care plan. Also, Hong Kong is marking 20 years under Chinese rule, and rapper JAY-Z has a new album.

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Singer and songwriter Gary DeCarlo in 2014 in Parsippany, N.J. DeCarlo died Wednesday at age 75.

Music & Culture

Gary DeCarlo, Singer Of 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,' Dies At 75

10:10am June 30, 2017

Long unacknowledged as the voice behind the indelible stadium anthem, the singer and co-writer died on Wednesday at age 75.

Music & Culture

First Watch: Humble Fire, 'Builder'

10:00am June 30, 2017

by Bob Boilen

The D.C. band's new video, for the dreamy pop song "Builder," is about the ties that bind and also the ties that confine.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Hiss Golden Messenger, 'Standing In The Doorway'

9:39am June 30, 2017

by Laura Snapes

M.C. Taylor has a rueful, weary reediness that makes the tensions in his songs pull that much harder. In a beautiful outtake from Heart Like A Levee, dreaming and reality are at odds.

Kelly Jo Ramirez says her project Phat Lip is about "opening up all the listeners and exposing them to the Latin influence."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Phat Lip, 'Stranger's Love'

9:04am June 30, 2017

by Marisa Arbona-Ruiz

The new single from South Carolina musician Kelly Jo Ramirez's project is an infectious break-up song with Latin rhythms and pop harmonies. "I wanted to show the spectrum of Latino sound," she says.

Lillie Mae's solo debut, Forever And Then Some, is out now.

Music & Culture

World Cafe Nashville: Lillie Mae

6:00am June 30, 2017

by Jewly Hight

Though still in her 20s, the fiddler and singer-songwriter has been plying her trade in Nashville for a decade and a half. She talks singing with her siblings and her Jack White-produced solo debut.

Music & Culture

'New York,' I Love You: Hear St. Vincent's Bold New Ballad

11:44pm June 29, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

Last week, St. Vincent announced an upcoming tour, suggesting the impending release of her first album since 2014. Now, she's got a sweet, sad new single to match.

Steve Coleman's new album, Morphogenesis, is out now.

Music & Culture

On Steve Coleman's 'Morphogenesis,' Art Becomes Sport

4:47pm June 29, 2017

by Michelle Mercer

The jazz saxophonist and composer's new album is a dense work that musically maps the sport of boxing.

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