Music Features

The trumpeter, who died last week at the age of 78, was at the vanguard of jazz's midcentury development and is regarded as a legend by his peers.

The country's K-pop idols have found success worldwide, to the point that they are now synonymous with the country's popular and/or modern music. But there's a lot more where that came from.

Smithsonian Folkways is beloved for its historic collection of recordings and ephemera from folk and roots traditions — but the label's archive of electronic music is just as formidable.

Jack and Meg's 2000 album De Stijl is the kind of art you make for yourself, assured few will hear it. It was the last time they'd have that luxury, but they never forgot the lesson.

We asked writers in the LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the relationship between celebration, music and LGBTQ+ activism. Deborah Sprague writes about songs that reflect her experience as a trans woman.

These songs take on some of the ugliest stories in our history and reflect the commitment of Black musicians to telling the truth of how Black people have been wronged, and survived, and fought back.

We asked writers in the LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the relationship between celebration, protest, music and LGBTQ+ activism. Sasha Geffen reflects on a Pride that feels "fed up with symbolism."

We asked writers in the LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the relationship between Pride, music and LGBTQ+ activism. Gerrick D. Kennedy shares songs that help him stand in his power as a Black queer man.

There's a growing narrative highlighting K-pop fans' political progressiveness. But the reality is far more complicated.

We asked writers in the LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the relationship between celebration, protest, music and LGBTQ+ activism. Raquel Gutiérrez shares music that showcases Pride's political power.

The pair have come a long way since signing with Beyoncé's company five years ago. In fact, they seem to have matched her example, in one important respect: They seem fully themselves.

We asked music writers in the LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the relationship between celebration, protest, music and LGBTQ+ activism. Barry Walters writes about pandemics, privilege and disco.