In South Africa, Soulful Music Delivers Serious Messages
Johannesburg-based band The Muffinz tackles AIDS, politics and education while blending jazz, soul and R&B with their country's choral traditions.
Music & Culture
Remastering 78s: A Company Brings Clarity To Pianist Artur Schnabel's Works
Many historic recordings have been transferred to CD, but not always as accurately as desirable. But a small record company in France has been remastering these recordings in a revolutionary way.
Winning In Country Music, With No Help From Nashville
Traditional country musicians, the kind who never get airplay on mainstream country radio stations, are thriving in regional scenes supported by devoted live audiences.
Doritos Stage Pulled From SXSW But Issues Remain
As the Austin, Texas, music festival enters its 28th year, concerns continue over corporate branding and security.
Brandi Carlile's Surging Voice Grounds 'The Firewatcher's Daughter'
Carlile has been releasing albums for the past 10 years, and Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker says her new one, called The Firewatcher's Daughter, is her best yet.
They're Not Only '60s Songwriting Superstars, But They're Also Married
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who wrote "We Gotta Get Out of this Place," have been a team for more than 50 years. Terry Gross spoke with them in 2000, when they were depicted in the musical Beautiful.
Drummer Hal Blaine Talks About Making Music Over The Years
Blaine is featured in the new documentary The Wrecking Crew about a group of anonymous intensely successful musicians who recorded together. Terry Gross spoke with him in 2001.
The Tiny Desk Concert Contest Winner Is ...
Out of thousands of submissions, one soulful musician came out on top.
50 Years Of The Hollies
Not many bands can celebrate a silver anniversary, which is why Fresh Air music historian Ed Ward wishes more people made a bigger deal out of The Hollies.
Hear Lydia Loveless Cover Prince's 'I Would Die 4 U'
This roughed-up, rootsy take on one of Prince's most ecstatic pop songs — out on Record Store Day — makes good on an April Fools' Day prank that fans wished wasn't a joke.