Modest in his demeanor but remarkably enduring, the American-born, Swedish conductor continually fell in love with music, leading orchestras with no-nonsense insight and integrity well into his 90s.

The modern masters of vintage soul and R&B perform more than a half-dozen tracks that run together in a single, continuous groove.

When the Kennedy Center closed in September, it left an important American orchestra without a home. The players, and their charismatic conductor, have taken their show out onto an uncertain road.

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks with Jazz pianist Joe Alterman about his podcast The Upside of Jazz from NPR member stations WABE in Atlanta.

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on new songs breaking into the chart.

When you welcome The Rocky Horror Show to the Tiny Desk, it's only fitting to fill the audience with Frank-N-Furters, Magentas, Eddies, Riff Raffs, Brads, Janets, and various other creatures of the night.

Dolores Huerta was a civil rights icon and labor leader who met countless famous people in her long life. She was also a passionate jazz fan, who found herself speechless when she met Charlie Parker.

Michelle Branch's hit song "All You Wanted" released in 2001.

NPR Music culture critic and reporter Rodney Carmichael ruminates on the latest in rap culture. This week: Is the rap mogul's self-selection a crowning achievement or a final affront?

"Is it real?" is the most pressing question in music in 2026, and it's one that feels impossible to adequately answer, in almost any context.