Music

The University of Louisville's marching band leaves the Churchill Downs infield after performing the state song at the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downer: The Forgotten Racial History Of Kentucky's State Song

10:32am May 06, 2016

by NPR Staff

"My Old Kentucky Home" is sung every year at the Kentucky Derby. Written in 1852 as an anti-slavery ballad, the song has a more sinister meaning upon closer examination.

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Music & Culture

Songs We Love: And The Kids, 'Friends Share Lovers'

9:27am May 06, 2016

by Marissa Lorusso

In an audibly collaborative, thoughtfully layered track, Hannah Mohan and company zero in on what happens when a tight-knit group gets a little too close.

Music & Culture

Monika: Tiny Desk Concert

9:00am May 06, 2016

by Bob Boilen

When you hear Monika, life feels good: The Greek singer's performances and presence are simply winning. Watch her perform four songs from Secret In The Dark at the NPR Music offices.

Sturgill Simpson's new album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, is meant as a musical letter to his wife and son.

Music & Culture

Sturgill Simpson Puts A Paternal Twist On Hard-Edged Country

7:45am May 06, 2016

by Jewly Hight

On A Sailor's Guide to Earth, Simpson focuses on bringing beauty and a sentimental spirit to his buzzed-about country sound. The album is meant to be a musical letter to his wife and son.

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Music & Culture

Your Song Changed My Life: St. Vincent On 'Jeremy,' By Pearl Jam

7:31pm May 05, 2016

NPR Music's Bob Boilen talks with musician St. Vincent about a song that changed her life, "Jeremy," by Pearl Jam.

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Sturgill Simpson, in a scene from his new video for 'Breakers Roar.'

Music & Culture

Sturgill Simpson Sings A Surreal Lullaby In 'Breakers Roar'

6:29pm May 05, 2016

by Jackson Sinnenberg

Watch a heartbreaking, dreamlike video for the outsider-country singer's new song.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Alan Reid

6:21pm May 05, 2016

The long-time Battlefield Band member was also host Fiona Ritchie's very first interview subject.

Music & Culture

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra: 50 Years Of Mondays

5:26pm May 05, 2016

The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, the most influential modern big band, played on Monday nights at the Village Vanguard in New York. For its 50th anniversary, its successor performs a salute.

James Blake performs live during Berlin Festival Day 2 at the Arena Treptow on May 30, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.

Music & Culture

James Blake Drops Three New Songs, New Album Coming Tonight

4:19pm May 05, 2016

by Robin Hilton

The electronic artist, producer and soulful crooner James Blake will release his long-awaited album, The Colour In Anything at 7 p.m. ET tonight.

Animal Collective performs live for KCRW

Music & Culture

Watch Animal Collective Perform 'Golden Gal' Live In The Studio

4:10pm May 05, 2016

by Jason Bentley

The experimental pop band gives a colorful performance of a song from its new album, Painting With.