Music

Jordan Roseman, better known as DJ Earworm, uses only sounds from the year's top 25 pop songs to make his annual mix.

Music & Culture

'It Feels Like Our World Is Fracturing': DJ Earworm Breaks Down His 2016 Mashup

5:00am December 26, 2016

by NPR Staff

Every year since 2007, the mashup artist has woven the top 25 pop hits of the year into a single track that captures the essence of the year. The title of this year's mashup? "Into Pieces."

British singer George Michael performs at Rockfest in June 1988 at Wembley Stadium in London. An estimated 70,000 fans packed the venue for the 10-hour concert in honor of the jailed black South African ANC leader Nelson Mandela.

Music & Culture

George Michael, Singer Of 'Freedom '90,' 'Faith,' 'Last Christmas,' Dies At 53

7:28pm December 25, 2016

by Christopher Dean Hopkins

The British pop singer, who achieved fame as half of the duo Wham! before a breakout solo career, was 53.

Actors Take On Expanded Vocal Duties In Movie 'Sing'

5:00pm December 25, 2016

The new animated movie Sing features animals competing in a music competition like American Idol. Executive Music Producer Harvey Mason Jr. and actress Jennifer Hudson discuss the making of the movie.

Music & Culture

The 'Jingle Bells' Song Has Roots In Minstrelsy

8:56am December 25, 2016

The Christmas staple "Jingle Bells," has been the subject of many arguments about its provenance. Researcher Kyna Hamill, who did some more digging, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang.

Amy Grant's new album, Tennessee Christmas, is out now.

Music & Culture

Amy Grant On Faith, Songwriting And Christmas Blues

8:56am December 25, 2016

by NPR Staff

The pop songwriter says she wants her album, Tennessee Christmas, "to feel like a good, steady companion, whether you're at the top of your game or struggling."

RTJ3 features Danny Brown, Kamasi Washington, BOOTS, Trina and Zack de la Rocha, among others.

Music & Culture

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animals! Here's Run The Jewels' New Album.

8:39am December 25, 2016

by Lars Gotrich

Run The Yules! Killer Mike and El-P dropped off RTJ3 three weeks early.

Mitski's song "Your Best American Girl" is one of Stephen Thompson's favorites of 2016.

Music & Culture

What 2016 Sounded Like

5:10pm December 24, 2016

by NPR Staff

NPR Music editor and reviewer Stephen Thompson reflects on the year through the lens of music and shares the songs that impressed him most.

Music & Culture

Encore: 'It Wasn't Alternative To Us': Chazmere On Making Your Own Entertainment

8:43am December 24, 2016

For his new album, Chaz Van Queen has opted to go by the moniker, Chazmere. He tells host Linda Wertheimer why he changed his name, and how to use the word "bae."

Music & Culture

Alternative Classical Christmas Music Recommendations

8:34am December 24, 2016

If traditional Christmas songs are burning a hole in your brain, we'll help expand your repertoire with alternative classical Christmas music served up by author and critic Colin Fleming.

"Samba doesn't accept restraint," says Sao Paulo performer Douglas Germano. "It has to break free or else it dies."

In Gritty Sao Paulo, Samba Reinvents Itself With An Introspective Sound

7:00am December 24, 2016

by Marina Lopes

A hundred years after the first recorded samba, São Paulo is pioneering the genre's second act. The city's introspective anthems couldn't be more different than Rio's optimistic, breezy samba beat.