Music

As more same-sex couples get married in the U.S., many are opting for less traditional songs than Richard Wagner's standard march.

'Here Come The Brides': Same-Sex Weddings Call For A New Soundtrack

7:15pm December 26, 2015

by NPR Staff

Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" has been a staple at weddings for more than 150 years. But lately, a number of same-sex couples have been choosing to mix up the music at their nuptials.

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'Hello,' We Meet Again: Adele's Hit Revives Another

8:29am December 26, 2015

Linda Wertheimer muses on the similarities between Adele's hit song "Hello," and a "Hello" of a different era. Lionel Richie's '80s hit is finding new fans.

2015 In Music: Playlist Refreshers

8:29am December 26, 2015

NPR's Linda Wertheimer likes Buddy Holly and Bill Haley, so Stephen Thompson brings her playlist up to the present day with songs from Leon Bridges, the Alabama Shakes, Elle King and Sleater-Kinney.

Music & Culture

Nick Lowe Brings His 'Quality Holiday Revue' To America

1:32pm December 25, 2015

Initially "appalled" by the notion of making a holiday album, Lowe came to see it as a challenge. Quality Street tackles old classics and adds originals to the mix. Originally broadcast Dec. 22, 2015.

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LCD Soundsystem, which broke up in 2011, reunited to record what frontman James Murphy calls "this depressing Christmas song I'd been singing to myself for the past 8 years."

Music & Culture

Holiday Music Roundup: New Songs From Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem And More

1:04pm December 25, 2015

by Jacob Ganz

New music arriving over the holiday season has become a tradition of the streaming era. This year's haul includes a handful of sad Christmas songs and welcome non-holiday originals.

Sharon Jones performs at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.

Music & Culture

Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings On World Cafe

8:00am December 25, 2015

Your Christmas celebration is about to get funkier — and, it goes without saying, better.

Music & Culture

David Myles On World Cafe

12:53pm December 24, 2015

The mild-mannered, sharply dressed New Brunswick singer wore a suit to his Christmas-themed session.

Music & Culture

Art Hodes On Piano Jazz

12:26pm December 24, 2015

The pianist, an adherent to early jazz styles, was known for his work in New York City in the '30s and '40s. His career continued in his native Chicago, and he appeared on Piano Jazz in 1984.

The late Celia Cruz's version of "Jingle Bells" is featured on today's Latin Roots playlist.

Music & Culture

Latin Roots: Christmas In Cuba

10:00am December 24, 2015

Contributor Judy Cantor-Navas visits World Cafe to spin holiday songs by Celia Cruz and more.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: OutKast, 'Player's Ball (Christmas Version)'

9:00am December 24, 2015

by Timmhotep Aku

#TBT back to 1993, and the Christmas (album) miracle behind the original version of the legendary ATL duo's first single.