Music

Sergio Arau (center) poses with fellow Botellita de Jerez bandmates. They were one of the most influential groups in the '80s after rock re-emerged in Mexico following 15 years of censorship and repression.

Music & Culture

'Rompan Todo' Explores A Turbulent History Of Latin America Through Rock Music

4:29pm December 25, 2020

by Betto Arcos

Rompan Todo is a new Netflix six-part documentary series that explores the socio-political history of rock music in Latin America from its genesis in the 1960s to the present.

Music & Culture

'White Christmas': A Holiday Concert With Rosemary Clooney

1:32pm December 25, 2020

by Terry Gross

To celebrate Christmas, Fresh Air listens back to a concert given by the late singer and actress on Feb. 11, 1997. Clooney spoke about her childhood and working with Bing Crosby and Billy Strayhorn.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

'Fresh Air' Presents Swinging Christmas Music From Rebecca Kilgore And Pals

1:32pm December 25, 2020

by Terry Gross

Kilgore is one of the leading interpreters of American songs. In December 2005, she and trombonist Dan Barrett and pianist Rossano Sportiello recorded at the NOLA studios in Manhattan.

Queue Listen Now

In Soul, a middle-school band teacher makes one small misstep and ends up in The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.

In 'Soul,' Jon Batiste's Music Helps Bring Pixar's First Black Lead To Life

7:58am December 25, 2020

by Mandalit del Barco

Batiste is one of several real-life musicians who consulted on the new Pixar film, about a middle-school band teacher who ends up in a fantastical realm called The Great Before.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Cozy Up With Andrew Bird As He Performs Holiday Songs From 'Hark!'

5:00am December 25, 2020

Bird's holiday album is a collection of covers and originals that some might not view as Christmas material at all.

Playboi Carti released Whole Lotta Red, the long-anticipated follow up to 2018's Die Lit.

Music & Culture

Playboi Carti Finally Drops Second Album, 'Whole Lotta Red'

12:27am December 25, 2020

by LaTesha Harris

Playboi Carti has released his long-anticipated second album, Whole Lotta Red. The album comes two years after his 2018 studio debut, Die Lit and features Future, Kid Cudi and Kanye West.

Music & Culture

Music Aficionado On What To Listen To This Holiday Season

3:58pm December 24, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with holiday music expert Chris Klimek about what's on his holiday music playlist this year.

The Gathering is featured in this week's episode.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Celtic Christmas

12:11pm December 24, 2020

On this week's episode, hear Fiona Ritchie's reflections on this holiday season amidst such a challenging year, featuring Joel Mabus, Carlos Nuñez and The Gathering

Music & Culture

Jeff Tweedy On Performing From His Couch: 'It Felt So Intimate To Us Right Away'

1:21pm December 23, 2020

by Ann Marie Baldonado

At the onset of the pandemic, the Wilco frontman began filming The Tweedy Show, an at-home Instagram series with his wife and sons. His also has a new memoir, How to Write One Song, and a new album.

Queue Listen Now

Kathleen Edwards (by Remi Theriault), Jason Isbell (by Alysse Gafjen), Bonny Light Horseman (by Annie Beedy)

Music & Culture

World Cafe Picks The Best Songs Of 2020

11:05am December 23, 2020

by Raina Douris

Explore a playlist full of 2020 highlights, including songs by big stars (Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift) and up-and-comers (Bonny Light Horseman, Arlo Parks, Devon Gilfillian).