Arts

A Tribute To The Late American Composer Eubie Blake

9:00am July 04, 2016

Blake's music is featured in the Broadway revival, Shuffle Along. Our tribute features live performances of his songs and interviews with pianist Dick Hyman, among others. Originally broadcast in '98.

The director Michael Cimino in Italy during the '70s.

Michael Cimino, Director Of 'The Deer Hunter,' Dies At 77

1:54pm July 03, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Cimino received broad critical acclaim for the 1978 Vietnam War epic The Deer Hunter, which won five Oscars. He followed it up with Heaven's Gate, one of the most famous flops in film history.

Apple pie: The all-American dessert we eat to celebrate Independence Day actually reveals our dependence on foods with far-flung origins.

As Chinese, Iranian and Indonesian As Apple Pie

7:00am July 03, 2016

by Simran Sethi

The flavorful fruits originated in Central Asia; the wheat, in the Mideast. The lard? Courtesy of the Spanish. Spices came via the Banda Islands. Put them altogether for an all-American treat.

A day after getting a phone call from Kanye West's camp, Vincent Desiderio was in Los Angeles for the premiere of the rapper's video "Famous," which Desiderio's painting Sleep partly inspired.

A Chat With The Painter Whose Work Inspired Kanye West's 'Famous'

6:31am July 03, 2016

by NPR Staff

All Vincent Desiderio knew when he agreed to fly to Los Angeles was that West was a fan of his work. Twenty-four hours later, he found out just how deep the rapper's appreciation went.

Arts

Not My Job: How Much Does Producer Norman Lear Know About Learjets?

11:19am July 02, 2016

There was a time in the 1970s when the most-watched TV shows all had one thing in common: They were produced by Norman Lear. We've invited him to play a game that has nothing to do with any of that.

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The Architecture Project Behind Obama's Chicago Presidential Library

8:52am July 02, 2016

The Obama Foundation named Tod Williams and Billie Tsien as the architects of the presidential museum and library. Scott Simon talks to Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.

Back in the 1950s and '60s, Carmen Herrera was making art, but her male counterparts were getting all of the attention. Now, at 101, she's still hard at work, and finally getting some long overdue recognition.

Arts

Overlooked But Undeterred, A 101-Year-Old Artist Finally Gets Her Due

8:39am July 02, 2016

by Karen Michel

Carmen Herrera was making art in the '50s and '60s but her male counterparts were getting all of the attention. Now, she's still hard at work and finally getting some long overdue recognition.