Music & Culture

Audience members assembled on the lawn to enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra, newly returned to Tanglewood after last season's cancellation.

Back Together And Blown Away: The Boston Symphony Orchestra Returns To Tanglewood

9:29am July 19, 2021

by Jeff Lunden

The Boston Symphony Orchestra recently returned to its storied summer home, Tanglewood, after the pandemic canceled last season. With reopening comes normalcy, as well as an opportunity for growth.

Protesters attend a #FreeBritney Rally at Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The group is calling for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the pop star's father, Jamie Spears, who has control over her finances and business dealin

Music & Culture

Britney Spears Says She Will Not Perform Under Her Father's Conservatorship

7:57pm July 18, 2021

by Wynne Davis

The artist took to Instagram to address criticism of her dancing videos and to say that those are the only performances she will be doing under her father's conservatorship.

Music & Culture

Country Musician Chase Bryant Releases 'Upbringing' After A Mental Health Crisis

8:02am July 18, 2021

Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks to country musician Chase Bryant about his new album, "Upbringing." It's his first release since a mental health crisis and a failed suicide attempt.

Music & Culture

Remembering The 'Clown Prince Of Hip-Hop' Biz Markie

5:02pm July 17, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Rapper and DJ Biz Markie has died. The self-deprecating rapper was known for his 1989 hit "Just a Friend."

In a time when facts are political, Amarante thinks "maybe theater, drama, can be remembered as a vehicle to reflect a truth."

Music & Culture

Rodrigo Amarante And His Great Musical Tantrum

1:56pm July 17, 2021

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks to musician Rodrigo Amarante about his second solo album, Drama, which he says was inspired by a personal reckoning with his own understanding of manhood.

Music & Culture

Biz Markie, DJ And 'Just A Friend' Rapper, Dies After Stroke In April

12:38pm July 17, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Rapper and DJ Biz Markie has died. He was 57 years old. The self-deprecating rapper was known for his 1989 hit "Just a Friend."

Queue Listen Now

Biz Markie, in an undated photo from the early years.

Biz Markie, Pioneering Beatboxer And 'Just A Friend' Rapper, Dies At 57

11:06am July 17, 2021

by David Ma

Biz Markie died Friday night after months of health issues.

Music & Culture

Blues Label Alligator Records Celebrates 50 Years

9:52am July 17, 2021

Scott Simon speaks to Bruce Iglauer about the legendary blues label Alligator Records, which began 50 years ago.

Music & Culture

We Should Tell Stories Of Black Joy: Will Liverman Talks With Lara Downes

5:00am July 17, 2021

by Lara Downes

The rising young baritone, searching for diversity in the opera house, tries on his composer hat by putting a Black spin on Rossini's The Barber of Seville.

Music & Culture

Wet Leg, 'Chaise Longue'

4:10pm July 16, 2021

by Raina Douris

With jittery guitars underneath, the Isle of Wight duo's debut single "Chaise Longue" delivers clever and funny lyrics in an unwaveringly disinterested tone.