B.B. King On Life, Plantation Living And His 'Droopy-Drawers' Sound
"I developed in my head that I'm never any better than my last concert or the last time I played," B.B. King told Fresh Air's Terry Gross in 1996.
Music & Culture
Oak Ridge Boys Take Their Impeccable Harmonies 'On The Road'
The Oak Ridge Boys are still at it, with a new CD of hymns and gospels called Rock of Ages. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban about Bonsall's new book and their latest CD.
After Thaw, Minnesota Orchestra Returns To Cuba
This week, the ensemble became the first professional U.S. orchestra since 1999 to play in Cuba — 86 years after its first visit to Havana.
In HBO's 'Bessie,' Queen Latifah Stars As Empress Of The Blues
It took Queen Latifah more than 20 years to bring the life of pioneering blues singer Bessie Smith to the screen. "Inhabiting her has inhabited me," she says.
In 'Rhythm,' Bhi Bhiman's Music Isn't Limited By National Borders
Bhi Bhiman had an all-American childhood, but his songs have an international character. He talks with NPR's Scott Simon about his childhood, his politics and his new album, Rhythm & Reason.
B.B. King And The Majesty Of The Blues
The legendary blues guitarist and singer, who died on Thursday, was the most recognizable and accessible icon of a sound that was in flux.
B.B. King's Guitar Name, 'Lucille,' Came From A Near Death Experience
American blues great B.B. King died Thursday in Las Vegas at the age of 89. King played many guitars over the years, and all of them were named "Lucille."
B.B. King, Legendary Blues Guitarist, Dies At 89
The great bluesman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and toured relentlessly his whole life, wringing peerless emotion out of every note he played.
Drum Fill Friday, With Purple's Hanna Brewer
This week's Drum Fill Friday comes from Guest Quizmaster Hanna Brewer, drummer for the Texas party-rock group Purple. Hear the fill and match it to the song.
How Does Trust Happen In Music?
Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust between conductor and orchestra, which he describes as a "miracle."