Music

Mark E. Smith onstage with The Fall in London in 2016.

Music & Culture

Mark E. Smith, Acerbic Leader Of The Fall, Dies At 60

6:15pm January 24, 2018

by Andrew Limbong

In a band known for its abrasive, genre-bending sound, Smith was the sole constant over four decades. His vision made The Fall moody, dark, repetitive, angry — and extremely prolific.

Hugh Masekela performs during the International Jazz Day 2015 Global Concert in Paris.

What Hugh Masekela Meant To South Africa's Freedom Fighters

5:46pm January 24, 2018

by Courtney Columbus

The jazz trumpeter, who died this week, was an outspoken opponent of apartheid and a longtime social activist. His music was the "soundtrack of the revolution," says author Sisonke Msimang.

Music & Culture

Elton John Says It's Time To Retire From Touring, But Only After A 3-Year Farewell Tour

4:19pm January 24, 2018

In a live interview and concert in New York on Wednesday, Elton John announced his retirement from touring. The singer say farewell to life on the road after a three-year, worldwide tour starting this fall.

Queue Listen Now

50 Cent was among the first musicians to accept bitcoin for his work, starting with his 2014 album Animal Ambition.

50 Cent: 'I Forgot' Taking 700 Bitcoins For 2014 Album; Stake Is Now Worth Millions

3:50pm January 24, 2018

by Bill Chappell

50 Cent agreed to accept bitcoin from people buying his Animal Ambition album. The value of those sales has now skyrocketed: The rapper's holding is worth more than $7.5 million.

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic perform a Tiny Desk Concert on Nov. 3, 2017 (Christina Ascani/NPR).

Music & Culture

George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars: Tiny Desk Concert

1:32pm January 24, 2018

by Abby O'Neill

George Clinton brought his family, both immediate and extended, to the Tiny Desk for a set of classic cosmic slop.

Odette sets her healing process to music with the acoustic version of "Collide."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Odette, 'Collide'

12:38pm January 24, 2018

by Sydnee Monday

The Australian singer's new single is a quiet revolution. "I think that the most important thing that a woman in a toxic situation can do is to talk about it," Odette says.

Legendary trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekela, who died this week, photographed during an interview on October 27, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Music & Culture

From Post-Bop To House: Mapping The Legacy And Influence Of Hugh Masekela

12:19pm January 24, 2018

by Piotr Orlov

The death of Hugh Masekela marked the passage of a legendary life spent re-orienting the world towards his vision — here, a look at his singular and expansive influence through the decades.

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock features music by Jim and Susie Malcolm.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: New Year, New Music 2

11:43am January 24, 2018

Join us for our second week of new year releases, with artists including Jim and Susie Malcolm, Aurora Celtic, and the young musicians of Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd.

Music & Culture

Lau Nau Sings An Enchanting Lullaby To Her Younger Self

11:00am January 24, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

Finnish singer Lau Nau, who makes beautiful and wandering folk music, writes a comforting song to her ten-year old, "younger, depressed" self.

A scene from a new video for the Caroline Says song "Sweet Home Alabama."

Music & Culture

First Watch: Caroline Says, 'Sweet Home Alabama'

10:02am January 24, 2018

by Robin Hilton

Austin-based singer Caroline Sallee appropriates the well-known Lynryd Skynyrd title to juxtapose that celebration of the south with her own, much grimmer take on those who never leave it.