Music

Music & Culture

Dolly Invested Royalties From Whitney's 'I Will Always Love You' In A Black Community

9:06pm August 02, 2021

by Joe Hernandez

"It was mostly just Black families and people that lived around there," Dolly Parton said. "And I thought, 'This is the perfect place for me to be, considering it was Whitney.' "

Music & Culture

Lil Nas X Embraces Black Queer Sexuality — And Becomes An 'Industry Baby'

8:20pm August 02, 2021

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with New York Times writer Jazmine Hughes about the unique pop stardom Lil Nas X is creating for himself.

Billie Eilish's second album, Happier than Ever, is out now.

Music & Culture

Billie Eilish Can't Wait To See The Future

11:48am August 01, 2021

With lyrics poking at the ways young women are scrutinized and exploited, Happier than Ever finds Eilish in some dark corners — but the pop supernova tells NPR she's got lots to feel hopeful about.

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George Harrison performs at the Concert for Bangladesh, held at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971 in New York City. Asked why he joined in organizing the event, he said, "Because I was asked by a friend if I'd help, that's all."

Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert

7:25am July 31, 2021

by Aaron Cohen

50 years ago, on August 1, 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh, led by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, raised funds — and awareness — for Bengali refugees. What's the legacy of this landmark event?

Lara Downes talks with Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary.

Music & Culture

Pandemic Lessons: Elaine Welteroth And Jonathan Singletary Talk With Lara Downes

5:00am July 31, 2021

by Lara Downes

The creative couple, who married in 2020, thrive on gratitude, community and the new approaches they've taken in the wake of the pandemic.

Music & Culture

Madonna, 'Open Your Heart (Extended Version)'

4:31pm July 30, 2021

by Reanna Cruz

On a 35th anniversary edition of True Blue, a 10-minute version of "Open Your Heart" welcomes an intimate connection between the instrumental and Madonna's voice.

Billie Eilish in the "Happier Than Ever" music video.

Music & Culture

Billie Eilish, 'Happier Than Ever'

2:43pm July 30, 2021

by Stephen Thompson

Billie Eilish released five singles in the long run-up to Happier Than Ever, but saved its best song for the album's drop date.

Music & Culture

COVID Era Produces A New Crop Of Solo Records From Jazz Instrumentalists

1:42pm July 30, 2021

by Kevin Whitehead

J.D. Allen's Queen City and Jon Irabagon's Bird With Streams are two very different new albums by outstanding tenor saxophonists.

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Matthew Whitaker, Gabrielle Cassava and Pedrito Martinez perform at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival.

Music & Culture

On The Road Again: Musicians Return To The Stage At Exit Zero

12:34pm July 30, 2021

by Sarah Geledi

We take you to the Exit Zero Jazz Festival with three sets from: piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker; New Orleans vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, and master conguero Pedrito Martinez.

Tobacco City in the "Never On My Mind" video.

Music & Culture

Tobacco City, 'Never On My Mind'

11:28am July 30, 2021

by Lars Gotrich

Tobacco City's debut album out today — Tobacco City, USA — mixes cosmic country with psychedelic choogle, but "Never On My Mind" ... well, that's where the honky tonk meets the soul revue.