Natalie Merchant on album 'Keep Your Courage'
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant about her ninth solo studio album, "Keep Your Courage," and the musical influences in her life.
Music & Culture
Meet the father-son duo releasing late blues musician Fred Davis' lost album
NPR's Scott Simon talks to singer Eli "Paperboy" Reed and his father Howard Husock about the late blues musician Fred Davis and releasing his lost album "Cleveland Blues."
'Champion' is not your grandmother's Metropolitan Opera
Terence Blanchard made history last season when his opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones was the first work by a Black composer staged by the Metropolitan Opera. And the Met has asked for more.
Why K-pop's future is in crisis, according to its chief guardian
The chief producer behind BTS says K-pop is in crisis as global sales slow or decline — and BTS' taking a break is a big factor. But the industry is trying to pick itself back up.
What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend reading, listening and viewing
Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Murder Mystery 2, If the Shoe Fits, and more.
Joni Mitchell receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Since the 1960s, Mitchell has been one of the most influential singer songwriters in popular music. We'll listen back to her 2004 Fresh Air interview.
Remembering legendary music executive Seymour Stein, co-founder of Sire Records
Stein, who died Sunday at 80, signed a wide range of pioneering artists: The Ramones, Madonna, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, k.d. lang and Ice-T. We'll listen back to two of his Fresh Air interviews.
From Daft Punk to ballet: Thomas Bangalter makes full swing to classical
Thomas Bangalter, formerly of French electronic music duo Daft Punk, has released a classical music album: the score to a ballet titled Mythologies that draws on American minimalism and Baroque works.
Coolio died of an accidental fentanyl overdose, coroner's report shows
Coolio died on Sept. 28, 2022, at a friend's home in Los Angeles. The 59-year-old rapper's cause of death was unknown at the time.
The 'School of Rock' band is getting back together
In 'School of Rock,' Jack Black plays a rocker who takes a gig as a fifth-grade substitute teacher. He and the actors who played the fifth graders, now in their 30s, are reuniting.