Music & Culture

In his memoir, Me, British singer-songwriter Elton John, shown in 1974, shares revelations about his sexual orientation and his struggle with cocaine.

Elton John On Music, Addiction And Family: 'I'm Proud Of Who I Am Now'

1:37pm October 14, 2019

by Terry Gross

The artist says his father's early misgivings about his chosen career became a source of motivation: "He gave me the determination to make something of myself." John's new memoir is called Me.

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Shawn Colvin performing live for World Cafe.

Music & Culture

Shawn Colvin Goes Acoustic With 'Steady On'

9:00am October 14, 2019

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Steady On, the singer-songwriter recorded a new solo acoustic version of the record that captures the way she performs it live today.

Yanga performs live at Nuevofest 2019 in Philadelphia at World Cafe Live.

Music & Culture

Nuevofest 2019: Experience Yanga's Fiery And Danceable Performance

9:00am October 14, 2019

by Bruce Warren

Based in Southern California, the five-piece delivered a set of Afro-Colombian influenced songs.

Music & Culture

Greta Thunberg And 'Right Here, Right Now' Redux

5:26am October 14, 2019

Twenty years ago, DJ Fatboy Slim had a hit with the song "Right Here, Right Now." Recently, he put a new spin on it, sampling climate activist Greta Thunberg's speech to the United Nations.

Music & Culture

Music: 'Elbow' Releases New Album

8:05pm October 13, 2019

The band Elbow has just released its eighth studio album, Giants of all Sizes. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks with frontman Guy Garvey about the record's themes: Brexit, injustice and grief.

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In 'Me,' Elton John Pulls Back The Curtain On A Storied Life

1:00pm October 13, 2019

In a wide-ranging interview with NPR about his memoir, the rock star shares that at 72 years old, he's finally ready to look back. He offers thoughts on his royal friends, drug use and cell phones.

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Rhodri Marsden's Disco Album Aims To Shake Off Brexit Jitters

8:35am October 13, 2019

With the Brexit deadline approaching, how are Brits shaking off their anxieties? For musician Rhodri Marsden, who has released a disco Brexit album, the answer is in the boogie.

La Santa Cecilia. From left, Marisol "La Marisoul" Hernandez, Miguel "Oso" Ramirez, Alex Bendaña, Jose "Pepe" Carlos.

Music & Culture

La Santa Cecilia: 'We Are As American As Apple Pie And Tacos'

8:12am October 12, 2019

The Grammy Award-winning group's self-titled album is packed with political messaging and brims with hope.

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Music & Culture

Remembering Henry 'Gip' Gipson

8:12am October 12, 2019

by Peter Breslow

Musician Henry "Gip" Gipson died this week. He ran a legendary blues juke joint in Bessemer, Ala.

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Music & Culture

Art Blakey's Legacy: A Rallying Cry And A Gathering Place

5:56am October 12, 2019

by Tom Vitale

Jazz drummer, bandleader and mentor Art Blakey was born 100 years ago. The Jazz Messengers came to be called Blakey's University and graduated stars Donald Byrd, Wayne Shorter and Wynton Marsalis.

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