Music

Music & Culture

Superdeluxe Release Of Prince's 'Sign O' The Times' Holds Up As A Masterpiece

1:29pm October 07, 2020

by Ken Tucker

Prince's creativity is more impressive than ever on a new version of his highly praised 1987 album — now with three discs of previously unreleased material.

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Singer Johnny Nash records in a New York City studio, circa 1958.

'I Can See Clearly Now' Singer Johnny Nash Has Died At 80

1:08pm October 07, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The Houston-born singer had his biggest American hit in 1972 — but as a fan of Jamaican music, he signed Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh and produced some of their early recordings.

21 Savage and Metro Boomin in Atlanta in 2019. The duo recently released Savage Mode 2, which feels like a big-budget revenge thriller.

Music & Culture

'Savage Mode 2' Is A Rare COVID-19 Era Blockbuster Sequel

10:30am October 07, 2020

by Christina Lee

In a year when Hollywood's splashy sequels are continually delayed, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin delivered a big-budget revenge thriller that toes the line between authoritativeness and absurdity.

Angel Olsen plays a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Angel Olsen: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

8:20am October 07, 2020

by Bob Boilen

The singer-songwriter performs four songs on her porch in Asheville, N.C., for Tiny Desk's quarantine series.

Gabriel Garzón-Montano's latest album is Agüita.

Music & Culture

Gabriel Garzón-Montano's 'Agüita' Is A Rebuke Of Genre's Limitations

5:44am October 07, 2020

NPR's David Greene speaks with the singer and multi-instrumentalist about his new album, exploring his roots in Colombia and the influence of his late mother on his music.

Great Scott was a popular hangout for students at Boston College for many years.

Music & Culture

City Scenes: Remembering Boston's Great Scott

5:00am October 07, 2020

by Adam 12

Great Scott, the gritty little club in Boston's Allston neighborhood, will not reopen after the pandemic. This oral history dives into the club's 44-year-long legacy.

Music & Culture

Rock Icon Eddie Van Halen Dies At 65

10:05pm October 06, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

The guitarist, bandleader and songwriter Eddie Van Halen died on Tuesday. He was 65. NPR remembers his life and legacy.

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Music & Culture

Eddie Van Halen, Guitar Hero, Dies At 65

6:28pm October 06, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

The namesake of rock band Van Halen dazzled a generation of guitar fans with his flashy solos and trademark finger tapping.

Bootsy Collins, funk bassist, performing live concert performance at the Hammersmith Odeon, in Hammersmith, London, England in June 1978.

Music & Culture

The Funkiest, Most Memorable Bass Riffs Ever: A Playlist

4:50pm October 06, 2020

Sometimes bass guitar can be an overlooked instrument. Sometimes it gets relegated to the background. Not today, my friends. Not today.

Silvio Rodríguez's latest album is called Para la espera.

Music & Culture

On 'Para La Espera,' Silvio Rodríguez Combines The Personal And Political

4:08pm October 06, 2020

by Betto Arcos

One of Cuba's best-known singers and songwriters, Rodríguez says this pandemic-era album — whose title translates to "For the Wait" — is all about dealing with uncertainty.