Music

Anthony Tommasini, classical critic for the Times, looks back ahead of retirement

8:13am December 18, 2021

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Anthony Tommasini, chief classical music critic for The New York Times, about his storied career and pending retirement.

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Music & Culture

Endea Owens and the Cookout, live at Dizzy's Club

12:40pm December 17, 2021

by Nikki Birch

Literally sparkling, Owens captivated the room with her masterful playing and exuberant charm.

Music & Culture

Bob Boilen's Favorite Music of 2021 Is...

12:12pm December 17, 2021

by Bob Boilen

Bob Boilen's favorite music of 2021 includes a 100-song playlist and his top 10 albums. It's music filled with great stories and sonic adventures.

B.K. Habermehl, Nnena and TeaMarrr perform a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Insecure Takeover Part 2: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

11:53am December 17, 2021

by Bobby Carter

Three ladies featured on the latest Insecure soundtrack perform a Tiny Desk home concert from Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen in Inglewood, California.

Music & Culture

Experiencing the down-to-earth vibe of Billie Eilish

11:28am December 17, 2021

In this session, Eilish joins us from the couch at her parents' house to talk about her latest album, Happier Than Ever.

A detail from the cover of David Bowie's album Hunky Dory, first released in 1971.

NPR 50: The long tail of David Bowie's explosive 'Hunky Dory'

10:15am December 17, 2021

by Allyson McCabe

Bowie was still an aspiring pop star, with but one successful single under his belt, at the time of Hunky Dory's release. It wouldn't last.

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World News

After escaping the Taliban, Afghan music students and teachers begin their new lives

6:36am December 17, 2021

by Hannah Bloch

This week, members of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music flew from Doha to Portugal, where they'll rebuild their school — and lives. They describe their escape from Kabul and future hopes.

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Encore: Defining T. Rex album came out the same year NPR debuted original programming

4:20pm December 16, 2021

by Avery Keatley

NPR celebrates its 50th anniversary remembering other events in 1971. The band T. Rex overhauled their musical style and released Electric Warrior, an album that became the cornerstone of glam rock.

Music & Culture

Amythyst Kiah on Mountain Stage

4:11pm December 16, 2021

by Dave Lavender

Amythyst Kiah comes to the Mountain Stage with songs from her debut album Wary + Strange

Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones and José James bring holiday cheer to Jazz Night.

Music & Culture

The 'Jazz Night' before Christmas with Norah Jones, Jamie Cullum and José James

2:23pm December 16, 2021

by Trevor Smith

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We're giving you the gift of Christmas music from three of your favorite jazz singer-songwriters: Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones and José James.