Music

Music & Culture

'Fresh Air' Celebrates 50 Years Of Philadelphia International Records

1:26pm May 31, 2021

by Terry Gross

In 1971, producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff co-founded Philadelphia International Records, the label that recorded the O'Jays, Patti LaBelle and other soul artists. Originally broadcast in 2008.

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Music & Culture

Shabaka Hutchings' 'Black To The Future' Is A Showcase For Black British Music

1:22pm May 31, 2021

by Kevin Whitehead

Bandleader and reed player Hutchings was born in London, but partly raised in Barbados. His new album with Sons of Kemet highlights the criss-crossing trajectories of African musical diasporas.

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Music & Culture

Get Up Close And Personal With Buck Meek's 'Two Saviors'

10:00am May 31, 2021

by Raina Douris

If you're familiar with Buck Meek's work as a guitarist for the band Big Thief, it'll come as no surprise that his solo project is just as disarming and intimate.

Music & Culture

Simon Grossmann Goes On The Trip Of His Dreams In New Album 'Bahia Margarita'

9:01am May 30, 2021

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with Venezuelan-American musician Simon Grossmann about his third studio album, Bahia Margarita.

After more than a decade away from the recording studio, Nnenna Freelon returns with Time Traveler, an album she describes as a love letter to her late husband.

Jazz Singer Nnenna Freelon Works Through Grief With New Album And Podcast

7:43am May 29, 2021

by Mandalit del Barco

"Time Traveler," Nnenna Freelon's first new album in more than a decade, is a passionate expression of love enduring as she grieves the loss of her husband and other family members.

They sought talent that fit the mindset of Black Wall Street — musicians who could set aside ego to commemorate their ancestors.

Music & Culture

In The Wake Of The Tulsa Race Massacre's Centennial, A Communal Hip-Hop Album Emerges

6:28pm May 28, 2021

by Julie Wenger Watson

Stevie Johnson is the executive producer of Fire in Little Africa, a hip-hop album commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre's centennial that honors the city's past, while bridging new communities.

Japanese Breakfast performs a Tiny Desk concert on Sept. 7, 2017. (Christina Ascani/NPR)

Music & Culture

NPR AZNs Pick Their Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts

6:16pm May 28, 2021

by NPR Staff

The employee group, which supports NPR staff members through advocacy and cultural visibility, reflects on some favorite performances in celebration of Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.

Darius Rucker of Hootie And The Blowfish performs at Bridgestone Arena in 2019. Some acts looking to tour arenas like this are looking as far ahead as 2024.

Live Music Is Back, But You Might Still Have To Wait On That Arena Show

4:59pm May 28, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Live music giants AEG Presents and Live Nation say they've got a surplus of acts wanting to play as soon as possible.

Music & Culture

Loudon Wainwright III And Vince Giordano Play From The Great American Songbook

1:35pm May 28, 2021

by Terry Gross

Wainwright and Giordano collaborated on the period music for the series Boardwalk Empire and the film The Aviator. Their latest album is I'd Rather Lead a Band. Originally broadcast Dec. 2, 2020.

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Music & Culture

Rachael & Vilray Share A Mic — And A Love Of Old Swing Standards

1:35pm May 28, 2021

by Sam Briger

The duo perform songs from their debut album, which draws on the music of the '30s and '40s. "There is a timeless quality to these old standards," Vilray says. Originally broadcast Feb. 18, 2020.

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