Music & Culture

'Y Volver, Volver': As Restrictions Lift, Mariachi Are Back

4:35pm June 15, 2021

by Adrian Florido

As the pandemic recedes, the sounds of daily life are returning to American neighborhoods. In Mexican communities, that means mariachi musicians are back serenading family parties.

Joni Mitchell on the cover of Blue, an album turning 50 in 2021.

Music & Culture

Brandi Carlile Will Join NPR Music's Listening Party For Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'

1:06pm June 15, 2021

by Lars Gotrich

For its 50th anniversary, join us in an online listening party for Joni Mitchell's Blue. NPR Music's Ann Powers will be joined by Brandi Carlile in a live conversation about the album.

The Mexican-American band Los Lobos, newly named as National Heritage Fellows.

NEA Announces 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Winners

12:19pm June 15, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

This year's honorees include the Mexican-American band Los Lobos, the founder of the Irish-American musical group Cherish the Ladies, and Native American and Puerto Rican textile artists.

Music & Culture

Encore: Compilation Of Old Tunes Is 'An Alternate History Of The World's Music'

4:27pm June 14, 2021

NPR's Ari Shapiro looks back on his talk with Jonathan Ward on his 100-track compilation of early recordings from around the world called Excavated Shellac: An Alternate History of the World's Music.

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Music & Culture

Cher Strauberry, The First Trans Woman In Pro Skating, Releases Her Debut Punk Album

7:07am June 14, 2021

Scott Detrow speaks to Cher Strauberry about her debut album, "Chering is Caring" and about the challenges of coming out as the first trans woman in the world of professional skateboarding.

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Joseph Keckler performs a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Joseph Keckler: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

5:00am June 14, 2021

by Marissa Lorusso

The classically trained singer, performance artist and writer turns his Tiny Desk (home) concert into a showcase of his dynamism as a performer.

Music & Culture

Wolfgang Van Halen Is A One Man Band In Debut Album

8:05am June 12, 2021

NPR's Scott Simon speaks to Wolfgang Van Halen, son of late guitarist Eddie Van Halen, about his new band Mammoth WVH, and its self-titled debut album.

Tania León is a Cuban-born American composer who won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her piece Stride.

Music & Culture

Tania León Wins Music Pulitzer For 'Stride,' Celebrating Women's Resilience

6:00pm June 11, 2021

by Tom Huizenga

The revered Cuban composer's winning piece was inspired by the life and struggles of Susan B. Anthony and her own poor mother and grandmother in Cuba.

Music & Culture

VINCINT's Debut Album Is A Vulnerable Soundtrack For Newly Reopened Dancefloors

4:29pm June 11, 2021

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with VINCINT, who's highly-anticipated debut album There Will Be Tears is simultaneously vulnerable and danceable.

Betty Who is an Australian-American singer-songwriter.

Music & Culture

Betty Who's 5 Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts

12:31pm June 11, 2021

by Betty Who

Musician and Tiny Desk alum Betty Who picks her top Tiny Desks.