Music & Culture

French singer Johnny Hallyday smiles as he receives the best album award next to French TV host Virginie Guilhaume at the 31st Victoires de la Musique, the annual French music awards ceremony, last year at the Zenith concert hall in Paris.

Music & Culture

'French Elvis' Johnny Hallyday Dies At 74

8:57am December 06, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Born as Jean-Philippe Smet during World War II in occupied Paris, Hallyday latched on to American-style rock 'n roll in the 1960s and went on to sell 100 million albums over five decades.

King Krule performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Oct. 20, 2017 (Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR).

Music & Culture

King Krule: Tiny Desk Concert

8:42am December 06, 2017

by Bob Boilen

King Krule, the musical project of English singer, songwriter and rapper, Archy Marshall, brings its twisted, woozy tones to the Tiny Desk.

New York's Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan. Famed conductor James Levine, its music director emeritus and former conductor, was suspended by the company while allegations of sexual misconduct are investigated.

Music & Culture

After Assault Allegations, Classical Institutions Rush To Distance From James Levine

9:40pm December 05, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

The conductor, trailed by "scurrilous rumors" for years, has now been publicly accused by four former proteges of sexual assault when they were either teenagers or young adults.

Tarriona "Tank" Ball closes out the night at NPR Music's 10th Anniversary Concert at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.

Music & Culture

Watch Tank And The Bangas Celebrate 10 Years Of NPR Music

8:08pm December 05, 2017

by Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey

At our 10th Anniversary Concert, Tank and the Bangas brought their characteristic joy out in full force.

The Danish String Quartet looks to their Nordic roots on the new album, Last Leaf.

Music & Culture

Vintage Nordic Folk Tunes, With Strings Attached

5:34pm December 05, 2017

by Tom Huizenga

Members of the Danish String Quartet carry on Scandinavian folk traditions by refurbishing old songs and writing a few new ones of their own.

Ed Sheeran performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2017. Spotify reports Sheeran is the most-streamed artist of 2017.

Music & Culture

Spotify's Most-Streamed List Is Free Of Surprises

1:48pm December 05, 2017

by Sidney Madden

Ed Sheeran, Rihanna and Luis Fonsi take top spots in Spotify's year-end roundup of streaming stats.

Music & Culture

Bootsy Collins On World Cafe

1:25pm December 05, 2017

by David Dye

Bootsy in the house, baby! The great bassist performs tunes from World Wide Funk, his first album in six years.

Music & Culture

Seth Glier On Mountain Stage

11:48am December 05, 2017

In his second appearance on Mountain Stage, the folk artist's otherworldly voice is accompanied by various percussion instruments and rich, layered harmonies.

A still from Birthing Hips' music video for "Internet."

Music & Culture

Birthing Hips' 'Internet' Is Beautifully Deranged

10:10am December 05, 2017

by Marissa Lorusso

The Boston band makes brainy, noisy punk that reflects sonic adventure and technical mastery. "Internet," from its album Urge To Merge, shows off the group's flair for the uncanny.

Blush's self-titled debut album comes out Dec. 8.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Blush, 'Baby Don't Blush'

10:08am December 05, 2017

by Nina Corcoran

Maura Lynch tries to control a newfound crush from getting out of hand in an indie-pop rush of giddiness.