Music & Culture

New Collection Showcases Leonard Cohen Was 'Preoccupied With Brokenness'

10:20am October 09, 2018

by Terry Gross

Musician and writer Leonard Cohen died in 2016, leaving behind many unpublished poems and lyrics. His son Adam Cohen discusses The Flame, a collection of some of Leonard's final works.

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Natalia Lafourcade performs at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017.

Music & Culture

Natalia Lafourcade Is The 21st Century's Guardian Of Cultural Memory

9:45am October 09, 2018

by Julyssa Lopez

In many ways, Lafourcade has left her mark on the 21st century by looking back. Her work has freed music that for many younger listeners had been trapped in amber, and imbued it with new life.

Music & Culture

Adrianne Lenker Of Big Thief On 'abysskiss' And How Songs Can Heal

5:00am October 09, 2018

by Bob Boilen

In the last two years, Big Thief has released two stunning records. Now, the band's singer and songwriter Adrianne Lenker has a new album of her own that is hushed, introspective and potent.

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Music & Culture

Hurricane Maria Gave Composer Miguel Zenón's 'Yo Soy La Tradición' Emotional Urgency

6:53pm October 08, 2018

by Michelle Mercer

The latest album from composer Miguel Zenón, Yo Soy la Tradición is an eight-part suite written as an homage to his native home of Puerto Rico.

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Taylor Swift endorsed two Democratic candidates in Tennessee over the weekend, and urged her young fans to register to vote for candidates that "closely represent" their values.

Taylor Swift Endorses Democratic Candidates In Tennessee

6:16pm October 08, 2018

by Shannon Van Sant

In an Instagram post, Swift said she supports candidates who fight for "human rights," and urged her young fans to register to vote.

Taylor Swift Publicly Enters The Political World With Endorsement For Democrats

6:06pm October 08, 2018

Taylor Swift has famously stayed out of politics, but that changed Sunday with a stirring endorsement of Tennessee Democrats. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Washington Post reporter Emily Yahr about Swift's surprising reversal.

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The Rise Of The Los Angeles Philharmonic To 'America's Most Important Orchestra'

5:55pm October 08, 2018

by Mandalit del Barco

The Los Angeles Philharmonic is starting to mark its centennial this fall. It's credited with helping to bring high culture and great composers to L.A.

Sylvester performs with his band at the Los Angeles club Whisky a Go Go in 1972.

Music & Culture

Bigger Than Disco, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' Is A Celebration Of Self

5:13am October 08, 2018

by Rick Karr

Sylvester's 1978 dance hit transcends its moment and even the gay rights and AIDS awareness movements it came to represent. It's an anthem to liberation — of desire, and of the body.

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Hamiet Bluiett, seen here performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2007, died Thursday at 78.

Music & Culture

Hamiet Bluiett, Giant Of The Baritone Sax, Has Died At 78

5:09pm October 07, 2018

by Tom Vitale

The avant-garde saxophonist and member of the World Saxophone Quartet died Thursday at age 78.

"Every time I learn something new about the music, I then bring [that] into the next performance," Hilary Hahn says.

Music & Culture

Back To Bach: Hilary Hahn Rekindles An Old Love

11:43am October 07, 2018

When the violinist was just 17, a stunning Bach debut album launched her career. Over two decades later, she returns to finish up the set of pieces she started as a teenager.

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