Music

Music & Culture

In Louisville, A Young Conductor Seeks To Challenge And Delight

10:38am October 18, 2015

by NPR Staff

At 28, Teddy Abrams is the youngest-ever music director of the Louisville Orchestra. He speaks with Rachel Martin about the task of making classical music at once accessible and provocative.

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Alfred Newman stands between actor Eddie Cantor (left) and director Norman Taurog, listening to a playback on the set of Strike Me Pink, circa 1935.

When John Williams Can't Go, Whom Does Spielberg Call? Thomas Newman

2:28pm October 17, 2015

by Tim Greiving

It's been decades since Steven Spielberg directed a film without Williams' help. With the composer unable to do his latest, Bridge of Spies, Spielberg kept it in the "extended family," tapping Newman.

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Whatever it is, it's most likely Justin Bieber's fault, right?

Music & Culture

The Good Listener: What's The Matter With Canada?

1:57pm October 17, 2015

by Stephen Thompson

Why do so many of Canada's most successful musicians shy away from acknowledging their home country?

Fan Returns Items Stolen From Patti Smith Over 30 Years Ago

6:37pm October 16, 2015

Musician Patti Smith received a surprising gift Thursday. While at a reading of her new memoir, a fan stood up, holding a bag of items stolen from Smith over 30 years ago.

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Music & Culture

Tyler Childers On Mountain Stage

3:17pm October 16, 2015

The West Virginia songwriter's heartfelt Americana has earned him a vocal Appalachian fan base.

Denmark Vessey's Martin Lucid Dream EP is out now.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Denmark Vessey, 'Don't Smoke K2'

1:57pm October 16, 2015

by Timmhotep Aku

The blue-collar Detroit MC uses sharp observations, wry humor and a funky loop to deliver a meditation on class warfare and the synthetic drug craze.

Music & Culture

Josh Ritter On World Cafe

1:22pm October 16, 2015

Hear the witty folk-rock singer give his new album, Sermon On The Rocks, the acoustic treatment.

Music & Culture

Oh Pep!: Tiny Desk Concert

1:13pm October 16, 2015

by Bob Boilen

The band's clever, thoughtful, infectious, harmony-filled music fits in everywhere from Nashville to its hometown of Melbourne.

Music & Culture

Margaret Whiting On Piano Jazz

12:38pm October 16, 2015

Over a decades-long career, Whiting sang everything from jazz and pop standards to country music.

Music & Culture

Johnny Mathis On Song Travels

12:06pm October 16, 2015

The singer performs "On Such a Night As This" and "You'll Never Know" with host Michael Feinstein.