Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Motown legend Smokey Robinson

1:52pm September 02, 2022

by Terry Gross

In addition to writing and producing most of his own records, Robinson also wrote for other Motown acts, including the Temptations, the Marvellettes and Marvin Gaye. Originally broadcast in 2006.

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Music & Culture

Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Isaac Hayes

1:52pm September 02, 2022

by Terry Gross

Hayes helped shape the sound of Memphis soul in the 1960s, and later co-wrote hits for Sam & Dave and Carla Thomas before making albums of his own. Originally broadcast in 1994.

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The Juilliard Jazz Ensemble performs a Tiny Desk concert.

Music & Culture

Juilliard Jazz Ensemble: Tiny Desk Concert

5:01am September 02, 2022

by Nikki Birch

The ensemble, composed of current students in Juilliard's jazz studies program, gives a performance that embodies a spirit of community and collaboration.

Singer Samara Joy, the first to be featured in Jazz Night's new series Youngbloods, focusing in on five particularly promising young jazz artists. Photo by Meredith Truax

Music & Culture

Youngbloods: Vocalist Samara Joy

3:41pm September 01, 2022

Jazz Night In America puts the spotlight on Samara Joy, a young vocalist and songwriter who is taking cues from the past to create music that is both classic and contemporary.

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Nicki Minaj performs onstage at the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on August 28, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey.

Music & Culture

Nicki Minaj shattered rap's glass ceiling — but never stopped fighting

2:12pm September 01, 2022

by Meaghan Garvey

For the better part of a decade, Nicki simply existing as Nicki felt like a radical act. Along the way, things changed: rap, the internet, fandom, feminism. Maybe Minaj did, too.

Music & Culture

Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash

1:39pm September 01, 2022

by Terry Gross

Cash was 18 when her dad, Johnny Cash, gave her a list of 100 essential country songs to help her better understand the music that came before her. Originally broadcast in 2009.

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Puerto Rican rapper Residente is challenging the definition of America

6:23am September 01, 2022

by Enrique Rivera

Puerto Rican musician Residente is gearing up for his biggest fight yet – challenging the meaning of America.

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Cast members of SIX The Musical perform a Tiny Desk concert.

Music & Culture

SIX The Musical: Tiny Desk Concert

5:00am September 01, 2022

by Josh Rogosin

The Queens of the musical SIX reign over the Tiny Desk, enrapturing the audience of NPR staffers assembled.

Country music legend Dolly Parton, pictured here in March, announced the launch of "Doggy Parton" on Wednesday. The collection includes pet apparel and accessories, some featuring the singer's face.

Barking 9 to 5! Dolly Parton launches 'Doggy Parton,' a pet apparel collection

4:15pm August 31, 2022

by Vanessa Romo

The line features fringe-trimmed cowgirl dresses, rhinestone-bejeweled harnesses, gingham shirts and bandanas, concert T-shirts, toys and even a blond wig inspired by the singer.

Music & Culture

Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Lizzo

1:59pm August 31, 2022

by Terry Gross

A self-described "showgirl at its finest," Lizzo initially thought she'd be a classical flautist. Though rap and pop won out, she still brings the flute into her music. Originally broadcast in 2019.

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