When Duke Flirted With The Queen
Duke Ellington's piece for Queen Elizabeth II is included in a new collection of late-period suites.
Music
'Electric Lady' Janelle Monae On Creating The Unheard
The 27-year-old singer's music is often called futuristic — in part because her early releases revolved around a robot love story, but also because her work so firmly resists classification. She discusses her new album, The Electric Lady, here with NPR's Jacki Lyden.
A Children's Author Wrangles A Cowboy Soundtrack
Writer and illustrator Sandra Boynton recruited some of rock and country music's finest to create an eclectic collection of tunes for her new album and songbook, Frog Trouble.
On Its New Album, Superchunk Makes The Downtrodden Sound Upbeat
The long-running rock band's latest album is driven by themes of loss and grief, set against ferocious guitars and soaring vocals. Fresh Air critic Ken Tucker says the provocatively titled I Hate Music is full of typically superlative moments.
The Dawn Of Sun Records: 15 Hours Of Blues
In 1950, a red-haired Alabama boy who'd learned about radio and electronics in the U.S. Army opened a recording studio to document the blues and country music he loved. A new box set compiles the beginnings of Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service, and the record label he would soon create.
At 60, 'Challenges Are Opportunities' For John Zorn
At 60, New York City composer John Zorn is wiser, sure, but no less prolific, thoughtful and antagonistic than before. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross that, at his age, "there are no more doubts."
From Peace To Patriotism: The Shifting Identity Of 'God Bless America'
In the new book God Bless America: The Surprising History of an Iconic Song, author Sheryl Kaskowitz explores the lyrical evolution of Irving Berlin's enduring song and explains how its early popularity reflected the anxiety of the pre-war period and sparked a surprising anti-Semitic and xenophobic backlash.
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.
Kathleen Hanna On Working Through Illness And Focusing Anger
The icon behind two pioneering bands, Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, has a new project called The Julie Ruin. It comes after years of being sidelined from sickness and some deep thought about her own long career.
Typhoon: Songs For A Lost Childhood
Kyle Morton, leader of the Portland, Ore. musical collective Typhoon, can trace the start of his songwriting career back to one life-altering bug bite.