Music

A sign marks an intersection of Highways 61 and 49 near Clarksdale, Miss.

Music & Culture

Bessie Smith At The Crossroads

11:19am August 08, 2019

by Alison Fensterstock

Clarksdale, Miss. is home to both the crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul and the site of Bessie Smith's death. But in the legend of the genre, not every tale gets the same care.

James Levine, conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra at New York's Carnegie Hall in February 2010.

Music & Culture

Met Opera, James Levine Avoid Public Dispute In #MeToo Accusations, Settle Lawsuit

4:05pm August 07, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The Metropolitan Opera suspended, and then fired, Levine after several men came forward with accusations that the conductor had sexually abused them.

'Soul. R&B. Funk.' Features A Decade Of Photos From 'The Best Seat In The House'

1:20pm August 07, 2019

by Sonari Glinton

Bruce Talamon has photographed Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Barry White, Bob Marley, Patti LaBelle ... the list goes on. A new book shows his work from 1972-1982.

Queue Listen Now

Bandits on the Run began playing music together in the subways of New York City.

Music & Culture

Station Breaks: The Best New Songs From NPR Music Stations

10:08am August 07, 2019

Enjoy August's exciting array of new discoveries from Bernard Fowler, Neal Francis, Erin Rae and more, in a playlist curated by NPR Music stations.

Cathie Ryan is one of the artists featured on this week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: From The Archives, Part 1

10:02am August 07, 2019

Host Fiona Ritchie discovers hidden gems in her archives that bring memorable moments from over a decade of episodes.

Music & Culture

An Immortal Reflection Of Bessie Smith, In Feeling And Form

9:59am August 07, 2019

by Emily Lordi

Precision isn't the word most associated with the blues, but Romare Bearden's 1974 collage depicts Bessie Smith in a way that illuminates her expressiveness and her high level of artistic control.

Carly Rae Jepsen's chill summertime playlist features Fleetwood Mac, Robyn and Rosalía.

Music & Culture

Playlist: Carly Rae Jepsen's Living Room Dance Party

6:31am August 07, 2019

by Carly Rae Jepsen

The pop singer offers a roséwave playlist for a chill summertime: "Some sad, but mostly happy and all epic artists."

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, one of seven musical siblings, has just released Romance, her debut album.

Music & Culture

In a Family Filled With Musicians, A Young Pianist Finds Her Voice

6:00am August 07, 2019

by Paul Georgoulis

Isata Kanneh-Mason, one of seven siblings in a British family bursting with promising music careers, showcases the long-overlooked music of Clara Schumann on her debut.

Music & Culture

Ed Sheeran Sets Record For Highest-Grossing Tour

5:39am August 07, 2019

On Friday, musician Ed Sheeran broke the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, beating U2's mark.

Queue Listen Now

David Crosby and The Lighthouse Band performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Nov. 29, 2018 (Cameron Pollack/NPR).

Music & Culture

David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band: Tiny Desk Concert

5:00am August 07, 2019

by Colin Marshall

David Crosby, Becca Stevens, Michelle Willis and Michael League are The Lighthouse Band, and together they harmonized the heck out of the Tiny Desk.