Music

Swirling is the first album in over 20 years from the Sun Ra Arkestra, now led by 96-year-old saxophonist Marshall Allen.

Music & Culture

On 'Swirling,' Marshall Allen Keeps The The Sun Ra Arkestra Soaring Through Space

12:43pm November 02, 2020

The 96-year-old saxophonist, who began playing with Sun Ra in the late '50s and continued to lead the Arkestra after its namesake's death, discusses the band's first album in more than 20 years.

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Grateful Dead's American Beauty (seen here in a 50th anniversary edition from Rhino Entertainment) is the shared obsession of two NPR staffers born decades apart.

Music & Culture

Two Deadheads, From Two Generations, On 'American Beauty' At 50

9:35am November 01, 2020

by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

One lived through the Grateful Dead's heyday; the other was born after Jerry Garcia died. Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras and NPR producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento trade notes on a shared obsession.

Sharon Van Etten's "Let Go" is featured in October's edition of Heavy Rotation.

Music & Culture

Heavy Rotation: 9 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing

11:00am October 31, 2020

This October, NPR member stations bring you a mix of the most popular songs on their airwaves, including music from Nilüfer Yanya, Sierra Ferrell, Sharon Van Etten, Ani DiFranco and more.

Music & Culture

Elvis Costello's 'Hey Clockface' Strikes The Perfect Balance

9:34am October 31, 2020

NPR's Scott Simon talks with Elvis Costello about his new album, Hey Clockface.

Blues singer Shemekia Copeland uses her new album, Uncivil War, to tell the story of the Clotilda — what's thought to be the last slave ship to smuggle African captives to American shores.

Music & Culture

On 'Uncivil War,' Shemekia Copeland Sets Fire To A Relic Of American Slavery

7:47am October 31, 2020

by Debbie Elliott

The centerpiece of Copeland's latest album is a song born from the wreckage of the Clotilda — the last known slave ship to smuggle African captives to the United States.

Lara Downes interviews Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic.

Music & Culture

'In The Act Of Living, You're A Revolutionary': Anthony McGill Talks With Lara Downes

5:01am October 31, 2020

by Lara Downes

The New York Philharmonic principal clarinetist blows apart the labels he once applied to himself to discover a stream of activism.

Even when President Trump unveiled his plan for Black economic empowerment, he put most of his emphasis on telling people why they shouldn't vote for his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden.

With Lil Wayne, Ice Cube And 50 Cent, Trump Makes Final Push For Black Voters

7:03pm October 30, 2020

by Ayesha Rascoe

The Trump campaign has spent more than $20 million on a strategy to appeal to Black voters. But a big part of Trump's message is about what Black people shouldn't vote for Joe Biden.

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Music & Culture

Remembering Billy Joe Shaver, Songwriter Of Country's Outlaw Movement

2:12pm October 30, 2020

by Terry Gross

Shaver, who died Oct. 28, wrote songs for Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, among others. Originally broadcast in 1994 and 2005.

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Music & Culture

Sad13: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

10:05am October 30, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

Dressed as devils from their own homes, Sadie Dupuis and her virtual band explore the wild textures of her sweet-and-sour pop songs.

Elmo and Hoots the Owl join the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra on stage.

Music & Culture

Elmo Sings! Watch Him Perform 'It Feels Good (When You Sing a Song)'

8:18am October 30, 2020

by Alex Ariff

Watch a duet between Elmo and Hoots the Owl on stage with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Be careful not to sprain yourself smiling.