Music & Culture

Patrick Shiroishi — pictured here in Los Angeles — released 19 albums in 2022; at least three were standouts in their respective fields, in part because of the questions of identity they examine.

Music & Culture

Patrick Shiroishi's music moves a Japanese American saga forward

1:23pm February 01, 2023

by Grayson Haver Currin

The saxophonist and composer resisted his Japanese American heritage for decades. He now funnels that painful and triumphant personal history into a string of vital records.

Missy Elliott, one of 14 artists announced as nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Feb. 1, 2023.

Music & Culture

Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson and more named 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees

11:18am February 01, 2023

by Lars Gotrich

As they have every year since 1986, members of the Hall will select from a group of nominees – though these days, the nominees tend to represent a wider spectrum of popular music.

Music & Culture

HBO's 'The Last of Us' revives Linda Ronstadt's hit 'Long Long Time'

6:25am February 01, 2023

It may have been a while since you heard the 1970s hit. "Long Long Time" was used three times in The Last of Us episode. An hour after the show aired, Spotify reported streams increased by 4,900%.

Music & Culture

As Ryuichi Sakamoto returns with '12,' fellow artists recall his impact

5:06am February 01, 2023

by Elizabeth Blair

A Japanese musician has released his first album in six years — a collection of compositions recorded during his battle with cancer. (Story first aired on All Things Considered on Jan. 26, 2023.)

Music & Culture

Lady Wray: Tiny Desk Concert

5:00am February 01, 2023

by Bobby Carter

NPR Music's Tiny Desk series kicks off a celebration of Black History Month with this stunning performance from Lady Wray.

Music & Culture

Y La Bamba, 'Dibujos de Mi Alma'

5:25pm January 31, 2023

by Pilar Galvan

The lead single from Lucha captures an ambivalent feeling: yearning deeply for someone while aware of the ways that love can turn toxic.

Tom Verlaine, frontman of Television, dies at 73

4:56pm January 31, 2023

Tom Verlaine, singer and guitarist for the iconic 1970s rock band Television, died at 73 years old.

Encore: 'Hadestown' creator Anaïs Mitchell's solo album looks back to reach forward

4:56pm January 31, 2023

Anaïs Mitchell spent more than a decade developing her hit musical Hadestown. She's went back to her roots with a solo album infused with memories of her childhood in rural Vermont.

Music & Culture

Medium Build, 'Especially Me'

1:56pm January 31, 2023

by Elle Mannion

The track focuses on singer-songwriter Nick Carpenter's vivid storytelling, steady voice and gentle reminder to tell your friends you love them.

Music & Culture

King Tuff, 'Rock River'

1:32pm January 31, 2023

by Cyrena Touros

Sometimes you're looking for corny in your life; King Tuff makes it sound like summer sun in a song.