Johnny Irion On His Artistic Lineage
Johnny Irion's family is rich in writing and music. His great uncle is John Steinbeck and his wife and collaborator is Arlo Guthrie's daughter. He talks with Scott Simon about his new album.
Music
Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing
This month's playlist includes the eclectic meditations of Shannon Shaw and the nostalgic melodies of Coach Phillips.
New Music Friday: 7 Albums You Should Stream Today
This week's sprint through Friday's new albums includes an instant classic from rapper Pusha-T, raw guitar rock from Thunderpussy, reggaetón singer J Balvin and more.
For Pusha T, Time Is Of The Essence
The rapper and president GOOD Music talks about his new album, DAYTONA, the ways the #MeToo movement has hit the world of hip-hop and working with Kanye West, even when their politics don't align.
Barbara Cook On Piano Jazz
This week's Piano Jazz from 1998 remembers lyric soprano Barbara Cook, a Broadway star, staple of the New York cabaret scene and favorite of audiences around the world.
Thea Musgrave, The 90-Year-Old Composer With 80 Players In The Bullpen
The Scottish-born musician, still busy writing music, celebrates her 90th birthday on May 27.
Is Will Smith, Nicky Jam, Diplo And Era Istrefi's World Cup Anthem Good? Who Cares?
The song joins a legacy of tepid songs required to accomplish too much in too little time.
Dr. Dog On World Cafe
Hear how Scott McMicken's "F*** Dr. Dog" statement led to the band's latest album, Critical Equation.
Ill Camille: Tiny Desk Concert
The Los Angeles rapper and Kendrick Lamar collaborator performed four songs from her excellent album, Heirloom.
Donovan Woods On World Cafe
Woods found success in Nashville co-writing for artists including Tim McGraw and Charles Kelley from Lady Antebellum. It was all just par for the course given his remarkable artistry.