Vince Giordano: The Fresh Air Interview
Giordano has been obsessed with 1920s jazz since he first heard it on his grandparents' Victrola. His band the Nighthawks performs the music heard on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.
Music & Culture
'I Built The Platform Myself': M.I.A. On Being Heard
While making the new album Matangi, the singer-rapper discovered she had a divine counterpart: a Hindu goddess who shares both her birth name and her taste for self-expression. She speaks with NPR's David Greene about fame, war and controversy.
Digital Music, In The Truest Sense
Like a tap dancer of the hands, Darren Drouin slaps, clicks, claps and snaps his way to YouTube stardom. He even includes a tutorial on "freestyle finger snapping" so you can snap your own tune.
Amir ElSaffar Navigates Uncharted Blue Notes On 'Alchemy'
Alchemy is a step forward in defining and refining the trumpeter's mix of jazz and Iraqi rhythms.
Accordions, Beer And God: Zydeco In Gran Texas
If it's Sunday in Houston, get ready to dance up and down the aisle at church. Zydeco music is the soundtrack to spirit-filled parties fueled by beer, boudin, and red beans and rice. It's a joyful continuation of a decades-old tradition.
Luscious Jackson Is Ready For Its 'Magic Hour'
After a very long hiatus, the members of the infectious alternative rock crew are back with a new album. The musicians discuss how everyday life inspired the band's first new record in 14 years.
Arcade Fire Takes A Dancey Turn Down A Well-Trod Path
With a new record, the band Arcade Fire is trying to top their 2011 release, which won a Grammy for Album of the Year. Critic Will Hermes says that on Reflektor, they turn to dance music to try to reinvigorate their sound.
Influential Musician Lou Reed Dies
Rock musician Lou Reed died Sunday at 71. Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep report.
Jason Isbell Locates His Musical Compass On 'Southeastern'
The singer-songwriter earned a name for himself while playing with Drive-By Truckers and The 400 Unit, but on his new album — written after he got sober — Isbell finds a new level of emotional honesty. Here, he talks with Terry Gross about his life and plays songs from Southeastern.
In Memoir, Linda Ronstadt Describes Her 'Simple Dreams'
Last month, Ronstadt revealed that she has Parkinson's disease and can no longer sing. Her new memoir, Simple Dreams, reflects on a long career. In this conversation with Fresh Air's Terry Gross, she offers frank insights on sex, drugs, and why "competition was for horse races."