Aretha's Bridge
Amidst an instantly historic performance in 1971 that led to one of her best-known albums, Aretha Franklin's rendition of a single song carries inside it the weight of pop, soul and gospel history.
Music & Culture
Aretha Franklin Knew How To Make Us Laugh, Too
The Queen of Soul had quite the sense of humor.
Musician (And Landscaper) Ryan Culwell On Making Ends Meet
NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks to Ryan Culwell about his latest album. The Last American is about the struggles of ordinary Americans.
Yo-Yo Ma, A Life Led With Bach
If the celebrated cellist could soundtrack his life, the music would be J.S. Bach's six Cello Suites. Yo-Yo Ma explains why they mean the world to him while he played the music at the NPR offices.
Across the Blue Ridge #139 - Galax Fiddlers’ Convention
This week we hear music from the past at the Galax, VA Old Fiddlers' Convention. The event was founded in 1935 by the local Moose Lodge, and is now billed as the world's oldest and largest fi
'The Voice Of A Century': Michael Eric Dyson Looks Back On Aretha Franklin's Life
Noel King talks to Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University, about the legacy of Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul died August 16 at the age of 76.
Lera Lynn 'Plays Well With Others' In Concert
To celebrate the release of her latest album, Lynn gathered the album's collaborators for a special record release concert at Nashville's 3rd and Lindsley Bar & Grill.
Stefon Harris On Piano Jazz
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris is one of the most innovative and impressive artists in jazz, blazing new trails on vibraphone and marimba.
All The Things You Are: Aretha's Life In Jazz
Jazz was central to Aretha Franklin's musicianship, however far she rambled. Without it we'd be remembering a different artist now, and celebrating a different body of work.
Yo-Yo Ma: Tiny Desk Concert
Watch the 19-time Grammy winner return to his lifelong passion for J.S. Bach, playing music from the Cello Suites and offering advice on the art of incremental learning.