Music

Neil Young's newly released album, Homegrown, arrives at the same moment as two other veteran songwriters, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, put out projects of their own.

Music & Culture

With New Albums, Bob Dylan, Neil Young And Willie Nelson Are As Relevant As Ever

5:39pm June 30, 2020

by Ann Powers

At 79, 74 and 87 years old, respectively, these three veteran songwriters prove that it's possible to release poignant and powerful work late in an artist's career.

Megan Thee Stallion performs Jan. 30, 2020, in Miami, Florida.

Music & Culture

NPR Music's 25 Favorite Songs Of 2020 (So Far)

4:29pm June 30, 2020

During the first half of year we'd love to forget, our most memorable songs range in topic from self-affirmation to self-preservation.

Leslie Odom Jr. originated the role of Aaron Burr on Broadway in Hamilton. Like the rest of the original cast, he's available to watch at home in the film, which arrives Friday on Disney+.

'Hamilton' Comes Home, Just In Time For The Fourth Of July

3:25pm June 30, 2020

by Linda Holmes

The very good movie version of Hamilton, filmed with the original cast at the height of the show's popularity, will perk up faithful cast album fans — and new viewers, too.

Music & Culture

Bob Dylan's 'Rough And Rowdy Ways' Breathes, Expands And Contracts

1:46pm June 30, 2020

by Ken Tucker

The good songs on Dylan's latest record inflate with interest; the mediocre songs start to shrink and slink away. And there's a striking amount of upbeat rhythm & blues on the album.

Queue Listen Now

Coreyah plays a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Coreyah: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

12:03pm June 30, 2020

by Bob Boilen

The Seoul-based sextet performs music that blends Korean traditional music with modern sounds.

Freddy Cole performs onstage during the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition in 2015.

Music & Culture

Freddy Cole, Distinguished Jazz Art And Unassuming Vocalist, Dead At 88

11:29am June 30, 2020

by Nate Chinen

Freddy Cole died on Saturday at his home in Atlanta. With his charming, easeful baritone and a crisp, efficient touch at the piano, Cole carved out a professional career of more than 65 years.

cupcakKe switches her flow up so many times that "Discounts" is a raunchy and hilarious three-minute shopper bargain.

Music & Culture

Heat Check: Underrated And Elevating

9:47am June 30, 2020

by Sidney Madden

Whether stealthy rotation faves or creatives re-introducing themselves, this week's Heat Check head-nods the musical stalwarts who deserve flowers mid-climb.

Music & Culture

Sufjan Stevens Announces New Solo Album 'The Ascension'

9:36am June 30, 2020

by Marissa Lorusso

Stevens' eighth solo studio album will be released September 25, with its first single coming on Friday.

CDC Says Singers Could Be Virus Superspreaders — But 100 Sang Unmasked With Pence

2:10pm June 29, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

At a campaign rally in Dallas that featured Vice President Pence, a choir of about 100 people sang unmasked. Epidemiologists worry that singers are particularly likely to spread the coronavirus.

Music & Culture

NPR Music's 25 Favorite Albums Of 2020 (So Far)

8:27am June 29, 2020

How can it be possible that we're only halfway through the year? Here are 25 albums from 2020's first six months that are worth holding onto for the next six, and beyond.