NPR Topics: Music
100 Years Of Johnny Mercer, Pop Poet Laureate |
He wrote the words, and sometimes the music, for more than 1,500 songs, among them "Skylark," "Blues in the Night" and "Moon River." He had a few hits himself on Capitol Records — which he started. He was a great American lyricist, and today marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.
An Unlikely African-American Music Historian |
One hundred years ago this past Friday, a bandleader named Polk Miller put together an unusual recording session. Miller — who was white — recorded seven songs with a black vocal quartet. But the man who led these sessions was no civil rights activist.
China's Newest Export: Punk Rock |
America is used to exporting its culture. It's called soft power, this ability to dominate the tastes of people in other countries. So it's not such a big deal for an American band to tour in China. But a Chinese rock band taking the stage in New York? That's new.
Alex Cuba: Cuban Soul That Runs In The Family |
Alexis Puentes' father was so particular about his children's musical education that he controlled the music Alexis listened to. As Alex Cuba, he filters his father's musical influence through the likes of Ray Charles. Here, he performs songs from his new album.
Hafez Nazeri: From Iran, Music Beyond Politics |
On Nov. 14, Hafez Nazeri will headline at Carnegie Hall. The young Iranian musician has been attracting attention for "Sounds of Peace," an East-meets-West program inspired by a progressive political vision. Or is it?
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University Seeks Grateful Dead Archivist |
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Music Of Late Musician Explores Haitian Culture |
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Egberto Gismonti: Guitars That Dazzle |
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The Best Live Rock Record Ever? |
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A Raelette On Ray Charles |
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'S' Is For 'Sesame Street' |
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So It's Come To This: A Weezer Snuggie |
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New York City Opera Rises From Turmoil |
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Out Of Paul Simon's Shadow, A Son Rises |
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Are We Eavesdropping On Rihanna And Chris Brown? |
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