Music

George Michael, seen here performing in September 2012, died this week. Among other things, the man could wear a suit.

The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

11:46am December 28, 2016

by Linda Holmes

In the wake of the death of George Michael, we take a moment to appreciate "Freedom '90," not his biggest hit, but an irresistible mix of independence and vulnerability.

Queue Listen Now

Clockwise from upper left: Paul McCartney, Jonny Greenwood, Aurora, Danny Brown, Lisa Hannigan

Music & Culture

Our Favorite Interviews Of 2016

11:30am December 28, 2016

Here's a second chance to listen to inspiring conversations with veteran musicians like Paul McCartney and Jonny Greenwood, as well as newer visionaries like AURORA and Danny Brown.

Listeners of our NPR One app rated these stories as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.

The Stories NPR One Listeners Loved The Most In 2016

9:36am December 28, 2016

by Tamar Charney

Listeners of our NPR One app rated these 10 stories as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.

The Naqsh Duo's debut album is called Narrante.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Naqsh Duo, 'Parlando'

9:00am December 28, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

Borrowing from Persian music and American jazz, two Iranian women come together to create a singular sound.

NPR Music critic Ann Powers says David Bowie's Blackstar "carries us into the next realm but at the same time violently engages with the struggle to live and to die."

Music & Culture

On The Enduring Power Of David Bowie's Parting Gift

4:36am December 28, 2016

by NPR Staff

Blackstar, the album Bowie released days before his death in January, set the tone for a fraught year. "This was an album that many of us returned to to cope with 2016," says NPR's Ann Powers.