Music

Music & Culture

'Fresh Air' Remembers Hit Songwriter, Pianist And Producer Allen Toussaint

1:34pm November 13, 2015

Toussaint, a central figure in the New Orleans rhythm-and-blues scene during the 1950s and '60s, died in Spain on Monday. He was 77. Originally broadcast in 1988.

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Poliça singer Channy Leaneagh in a scene from the band's new video for the song "Lime Habit."

Music & Culture

First Watch: Poliça, 'Lime Habit'

10:03am November 13, 2015

by Robin Hilton

Poliça's latest album is a love letter to the band's hometown of Minneapolis, recalling the city's troubled history of economic injustices, corruption and racism.

Music & Culture

Rahim AlHaj: Tiny Desk Concert

9:42am November 13, 2015

by Suraya Mohamed

Though wordless, the Baghdad-born oud player's music tells powerful stories about the blessedness and fragility of life.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Paris, 'Lethal Warning Shot'

9:03am November 13, 2015

by Kris Ex

Veteran Bay Area rapper re-emerges with snarling Black nationalism on an urgent and aggressive declaration of intent.

Alessia Cara's new album, Know It All, comes out Nov. 13.

Music & Culture

Review: Alessia Cara, 'Know It All'

8:42am November 13, 2015

by Erika Ramirez

The 19-year-old is ascending pop music's hierarchy by standing strong in herself.

Missy Elliott surprised the music world this week with the new song and video "WTF (Where They From)."

Music & Culture

Missy Elliott's Return Is Everything We Crave

8:11pm November 12, 2015

by NPR Staff

"We need it," says critic Ann Powers of the rapper's comeback, which yielded an eye-popping new video on Thursday. "There's really no other figure like her in all of hip-hop."

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Filmmaker David Lynch (left) with pianist and composer Marek Zebrowski

Music & Culture

First Watch: David Lynch & Marek Zebrowski, 'Polish Night Music'

5:46pm November 12, 2015

by Robin Hilton

A previously unreleased video of a 2007 live performance, entirely improvised by the American director and the Polish composer, whose collaborative album is being re-released this week.