Music & Culture

How The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles Is Diversifying Music

8:01am February 20, 2021

NPR's Scott Simon speaks to Charles Dickerson, founder and conductor of The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and cellist Hanna Innis about fostering diversity in orchestras.

Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City remains closed following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on Jan. 16, 2021.

Metropolitan Opera Backstage Workers: 'Without People, The Opera Is Nothing'

9:46pm February 19, 2021

by Jeff Lunden

A union representing 800 backstage workers began a publicity campaign today urging donors and government entities to withdraw support for the company because of a labor dispute.

Music & Culture

Remembering U-Roy, Jamaican Dancehall Icon

4:16pm February 19, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The iconic dancehall musician U-Roy has died at age 78. The DJ and vocalist known as "The Originator" had a massive impact on Jamaican music, and was also viewed as a crucial forebear to rap.

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Music & Culture

Prince Markie Dee Of The Fat Boys Has Died

4:16pm February 19, 2021

Prince Markie Dee, a founding member of The Fat Boys, has died. The trio was among hip-hop's best-known groups in the 1980s.

Music & Culture

Remembering Legendary Jazz Pianist And Composer Chick Corea

1:34pm February 19, 2021

by Kevin Whitehead

Corea, who died Feb. 9, had a strong melodic sense and a crisp, distinctive touch at the keyboard. Looking back, it's easy to hear why he was among the most beloved of modern improvising composers.

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Country artists like Miko Marks, Rissi Palmer, Mickey Guyton and Willie Jones are making standout music despite the confines of an industry that privileges whiteness.

Music & Culture

With All Eyes On Country Music, Will Black Nashville Get The Reckoning It Deserves?

10:00am February 19, 2021

Country music's race problem became a hot topic in early February, but the roots of racial injustice in the industry go much deeper. Two Nashville writers unpack the history and recent responses.

Music & Culture

Dolly Parton Asks Tennessee Lawmakers Not To Put Statue Of Her Up At Capitol

7:14am February 19, 2021

The singer shared a social media message with her fans this week, explaining it wasn't appropriate to erect a statue of her "given all that is going on in the world."

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Chika plays a Tiny Desk concert. (Max Posner/NPR).

Music & Culture

Tiny Desk Playlist: Women Run The Rap Game

7:00am February 19, 2021

by Clover Hope

Writer and author Clover Hope highlights her five favorite Tiny Desks by women rappers.

U-Roy, performing at Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Aug. 8, 1984.

U-Roy, Jamaican Vocalist Who Defined Dancehall And Presaged Hip-Hop, Dies At 78

9:30pm February 18, 2021

by Patricia Meschino

Influenced by jazz, the Kingston-born vocalist revolutionized the art of occupying a space with his words. "Before U-Roy, no one was toasting," Grammy winner Sean Paul tells NPR.

Music & Culture

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

5:20pm February 18, 2021

by Nate Chinen

The legendary pianist has lived many lives as a musician, from post-bop wunderkind to free-jazz maverick to fusion explorer to chamber-jazz eminence.