Music

Singer Tom T. Hall leans to the edge of the stage at the Jamboree in the Hills near St. Clairsville, Ohio, in July 1977.

Music & Culture

Country Singer Tom T. Hall, Writer Of 'Harper Valley PTA,' Dies At 85

5:18pm August 21, 2021

by The Associated Press

He was known as "The Storyteller" for his unadorned yet incisive lyrics. Hall composed hundreds of songs and sang about life's simple joys as country music's consummate blue-collar bard.

Students practice the cello during class at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music on Sept. 26, 2010 in Kabul.

Afghanistan's Music School Falls Silent, Its Future Is Uncertain Under The Taliban

8:54am August 21, 2021

by Elizabeth Blair

The Afghanistan National Institute of Music was a thriving school in Kabul. But the last time the Taliban was in control of the country, all music related activities were strictly forbidden.

With Her 54th Album, Connie Smith Re-Affirms That She 'Is' Country Music

7:55am August 21, 2021

Country music legend Connie Smith has released her 54th album. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with her about forging timeless relationships and how she understands the genre after all these years.

Singer, rapper, songwriter, actress and — as of recently – podcast host Ivy Queen, photographed at SBS Studios on April 14, 2017 in Miami.

'It's Not Just Twerk Music': Podcast Traces The Complex History Of Reggaeton

5:08pm August 20, 2021

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Marlon Bishop and Julio A. Pabón, the creators of the podcast LOUD, about the history of the popular musical genre Reggaeton.

Larry Harlow at the 2008 Latin Grammy awards in Houston, Texas.

Music & Culture

Larry Harlow, Iconic Salsa Musician And Producer, Has Died At 82

3:32pm August 20, 2021

by Felix Contreras

Known affectionately as El Judio Maravilloso, "the marvelous Jew," the Brooklyn-born pianist, arranger, producer and activist helped to popularize the music that would become known as salsa.

Patty Griffin performs on Mountain Stage.

Music & Culture

Patty Griffin On Mountain Stage

2:49pm August 20, 2021

by Dave Lavender

In this 2014 concert, singer-songwriter Patty Griffin plays songs from the rediscovered Silver Bell, as well as a sublime cover of the Billy Hill-written song "Glory of Love."

Music & Culture

Gabriels, 'Love And Hate In A Different Time'

2:30pm August 20, 2021

by Brian Burns

A driving drum beat and string section give the song a sinister feel, while its gospel chorus reminds us that we're not headed down this path alone.

Music & Culture

Tony Bennett Retires From Performing: Listen Back To His 'Fresh Air' Interviews

2:10pm August 20, 2021

by Terry Gross

Bennett continued performing even after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Now, at 95, he will retire, following doctor's orders. Bennett spoke with Terry Gross in 1982, 1991 and 1998.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Liam Kazar (Feat. Andrew Sa), 'No Time For Eternity'

1:45pm August 20, 2021

by Michelle Bacon

The latest single from Liam Kazar relishes in life's ephemeral wonders while acknowledging their impermanence.

BTS performing on Good Morning America in 2019.

BTS And Garth Brooks Are Among The Latest To Cancel Tour Dates Due To COVID

1:30pm August 20, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Live music's return continues to take hits due to rising COVID-19 rates around the world. K-pop superstars BTS, Garth Brooks and Nine Inch Nails are among the latest acts to cancel their tours.