A Film From Mali: The Day Before The Music Died
The Last Song Before the War presents the glorious sounds of the 2011 Festival in the Desert, held shortly before Islamic extremists took over the region and banned music.
Music
A Swiss Town, A Casino Fire And 'Smoke On The Water'
This lakeside town of Montreux just hosted talks on Iran's nuclear program. But music fans know it for its rich musical heritage, including a starring role in "Smoke On The Water."
The Seratones Rock The Tiny Desk With A Jungle Beat
NPR's Rachel Martin speaks to AJ Haynes and Adam Davis of the Louisiana rock band Seratones. The group had a entry to the recent NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest, though they didn't win the final prize.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Focus,' Con Men And Rock And Roll
On this week's show, the state of rock and the art of the con — or at least the con-artist film.
Planet Of Sound: The Long, Unmistakable Orbit Of Aphex Twin
A flood of music — official and semi-secret, after years of silence — puts the career of the electronic musician Richard D. James, best known as Aphex Twin, into new and revealing perspective.
In LA, Clearing A Backlog Of Aging Instruments
The district has made progress, but many students are stuck with broken strings, squeaky horns and out-of-tune pianos.
Rapper Jin Tries To Stretch His '15 Minutes' Of Fame
In 2004, Jin was one of the first Asian-Americans to drop a major label rap album. One controversial song, "Learn Chinese," raised eyebrows. A decade later, he's trying to rephrase the message.
Debate About French Muslim Identity Plays Out In Hip-Hop
As part of our stories about Muslims in Western Europe, commentator Hisham Aidi, author of the book Rebel Music, talks about how music factors into the cultural differences between French Muslims.
Fresh Air Remembers 'Jazz Master' Orrin Keepnews
Keepnews co-founded two of the most important independent record labels of the 1950s and '60s. The Grammy-winning producer passed away Sunday. He spoke to Terry Gross in 1988.
Prolific Songwriter Rose Marie McCoy Was Largely Unknown
Rose Marie McCoy was one of the most prolific songwriters of last century, though her name is not well known. She died last month at the age of 92.