Music

'Black Swans' collection showcases rare recordings of early Black classical musicians

5:17pm December 22, 2021

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Saïs Kamalidiin, a Howard University professor, about a new collection showcasing 25 recordings of early Black classical musicians called Black Swans.

Music & Culture

KIRBY, 'Wish I Loved'

3:40pm December 22, 2021

by Kara Frame

This is a song for those who have love to give, but lack a worthy recipient

Music & Culture

Simone Dinnerstein, 'Doctors and Interns'

3:38pm December 22, 2021

by Tom Huizenga

Listen to a highlight from composer Richard Danielpour's 15-movement piano cycle, which was inspired by essential workers' response to the pandemic.

Jazz legend Chick Corea, shown here in 2018, died on Feb. 9, 2021.

'Fresh Air' remembers the jazz notables who died in 2021

1:26pm December 22, 2021

by Kevin Whitehead

Earlier this year, Kevin Whitehead noted the passing of Chick Corea and Mario Pavone. Now he remembers a few more players who died in 2021, including Milford Graves, Ralph Peterson and Dave Frishberg.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Varg2™ & Bladee, 'SHINIE'

12:42pm December 22, 2021

by Reanna Cruz

Listening to Bladee in "SHINIE" is like discovering beams of sound from another planet: fleeting, yet indicative of something beautiful just out of your grasp.

Music & Culture

girl in red, 'Did You Come?'

11:21am December 22, 2021

by Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis

girl in red's "Did You Come?" is sexual without being sexy, full of hurt yet upbeat enough that you can still thrash around a bit.

Music & Culture

Christina Aguilera, Becky G and Nicki Nicole (feat. Nathy Peluso), 'Pa Mis Muchachas'

10:38am December 22, 2021

by Reanna Cruz

Aided by Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso, 'Pa Mis Muchachas' is a smooth guaracha ode to the Latina.

Lil Nas X, Japanese Breakfast, Vince Staples (pictured) and more share their favorite music of 2021 with NPR.

Music & Culture

Our Favorite Artists' Favorite Music of 2021

5:00am December 22, 2021

by LaTesha Harris

In a year where putting on a record was the only way to escape, we wondered what how our favorite musicians fared. From Lucy Dacus on Dijon to Vince Staples on Doja Cat, these are our faves' faves.

The Beatles on Mount Doom (or a still from Peter Jackson's Get Back, a documentary constructed from footage shot during the making of the band's last studio albums and final performance).

Music & Culture

The Fellowship of the Rockers

5:36pm December 21, 2021

by Ann Powers

The new documentary Get Back, cut from 50-year-old footage of Beatles recording sessions by director Peter Jackson, offers a chance to look at one moment when the myth of the "band guy" took shape.

Music & Culture

Joell Ortiz, 'Uncle Chris Car'

3:33pm December 21, 2021

by John Morrison

Joell Ortiz shows us how environment and circumstance can dramatically change a person's life trajectory.