Music

Paul McCartney has released McCartney III, the latest in a trilogy of solo recordings that stretches back to 1970.

Music & Culture

On 'McCartney III,' Paul McCartney Is A One-Man Show Again

6:33pm December 18, 2020

McCartney has been busy in quarantine. The artist speaks about his new album, McCartney III, the quirks of writing love songs and remembering his late friends John Lennon and George Harrison.

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Music & Culture

Elton John On Music, Addiction And Family: 'I'm Proud Of Who I Am Now'

1:46pm December 18, 2020

by Terry Gross

In 2019, John told Fresh Air that his father's early misgivings about his chosen career became a source of motivation: "He gave me the determination to make something of myself."

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August Wilson at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colo., in 2004.

'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' Shines A Light On August Wilson's Vision

1:39pm December 18, 2020

by Tom Vitale

The late August Wilson's first Broadway hit, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, has been adapted for the screen, starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in his final film role.

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The Spell Songs Ensemble is featured on this week's episode.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Gifts

2:22pm December 17, 2020

Fiona Ritchie handpicks a stack of recordings as gift suggestions for music-loving friends and family.

Music & Culture

Our 2020 Nashville Music Recap

1:55pm December 17, 2020

In this episode, World Cafe's Nashville correspondent and NPR pop critic Ann Powers brings you some of the artists from the Music City that you might have missed this year.

Jazz Night In America's 2020 In Memoriam program includes Jimmy Heath, Lee Konitz, CÃ ndido Camero, Tony Allen, Annie Ross, Freddy Cole, Gary Peacock, Henry Grimes, Wallace Roney and McCoy Tyner.

Music & Culture

In Memoriam: Jazz Night Radio Remembers 10 Musicians Who Altered The Shape Of Jazz

1:35pm December 17, 2020

We remember luminaries we lost this year in our In Memoriam program: Jimmy Heath; Lee Konitz; Càndido; Tony Allen; Annie Ross; Freddy Cole; Gary Peacock; Henry Grimes; Wallace Roney; and McCoy Tyner.

Joni Mitchell, photographed in 1970. An album of Mitchell's early recordings, Archives Volume 1: The Early Years, was among the best archival releases of 2020.

Music & Culture

The Best Reissues And Box Sets Of 2020

11:04am December 17, 2020

by Tom Moon

There was an avalanche of reissues and vault rediscoveries, across all genres and all eras. Each promises edification, but also flat-out thrilling listening.

Grammy-winning trumpetist Keyon Harrold performs "Ethereal Souls" at Fontaine Capel in Socrates Sculpture Garden of Queens, N.Y..

Music & Culture

Ethereal Souls: Jazz Night In America Remembers Those We Lost In 2020

8:40am December 17, 2020

by Nikki Birch

Grammy-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold performs "Ethereal Souls" for Jazz Night In America's tribute to the jazz musicians we lost in 2020.

Music & Culture

Beethoven's Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Enlightenment

7:31am December 17, 2020

by Tom Huizenga

Growing up in a progressive city, Ludwig van Beethoven embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment, the philosophical movement that shook Europe and helped shape the composer's music.

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Hanson performs a Tiny Desk concert on Sept. 25, 2017 (Christina Ascani/NPR).

Music & Culture

Tiny Desk Playlist: The Holiday Concerts

5:00am December 17, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

From Sharon Jones to Amy Grant, 'tis the season to revisit our best seasonal Tiny Desk performances.