Abdullah Ibrahim, a South African jazz pianist revered by Nelson Mandela as his nation’s Mozart, has passed away at the age of 91 in Germany following a brief illness. His partner, Marina Umari, expressed that Ibrahim’s love for South Africa remained steadfast throughout his life, regardless of his global travels. Ibrahim’s career, spanning eight decades,...
Sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque have released a new triple album marking more than five decades of recording together. Their journey began in 1969 at the Paris Conservatoire with a significant moment. Olivier Messiaen, a renowned composer and teacher, heard them play Visions de l’Amen. He proposed a recording with his wife, but the sisters...
Welcome to New Music Friday, a feature of NPR Music’s podcast highlighting top album releases each week. Hosted by Stephen Thompson, the podcast offers music clips, context, and insightful commentary on the selected albums. It features contributions from members of the NPR Music Network, including this week’s guest, Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco....
Taylor Swift delivered a heartfelt speech during the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala, held in New York. Her voice showed moments of emotion, partly a result of her enthusiasm at the Knicks NBA finals game the previous evening. In her 21-minute address, Swift combined sincerity with humor as she recounted her beginnings...
Exploring love is a fresh direction for Olivia Rodrigo, an artist traditionally known for her incisive breakup songs. Her latest work was unexpectedly complicated by a mid-creation breakup. With lyrics drenched in self-deprecation, Rodrigo invites listeners to witness her vulnerability and humiliation in love as she traverses personal hardships in real-time since age 17. Her...
After creating deeply impactful breakup songs, Olivia Rodrigo has turned her attention to the euphoria of new love. Her first two albums, Sour (2021) and Guts (2023), displayed her talent in portraying Gen Z romantic experiences. Songs like “Drivers License” captured the sting of betrayal, while “Good 4 U” expressed the frustration of seeing an...
Ariana Grande’s Impressive Chart Streak Ariana Grande’s latest single, “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” marks her 10th number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. This is her eighth track to debut at the top. The single continues her streak where the first song from each of her albums lands in the Hot 10....
The world premiere of CrazySexyCool, a musical with aspirations for Broadway, is now showing at Arena Stage. This production delves into the intricate dynamics and friendship within the R&B trio, TLC. CrazySexyCool is aptly titled, drawing from the iconic ’90s girl group’s successful album released in 1994. Achieving diamond certification, the album features defining hits...
Keith Urban, a renowned country music star, is known for his diverse songwriting style. However, his 2026 album, ‘Flow State,’ marks an unexpected shift. The album features collaborations with music legend Michael McDonald and includes 10 cover songs of the yacht rock genre. Yacht rock refers to soft rock from the late ’70s and early...
The Green Mill, a historic tavern and nightclub located near the corner of Lawrence and Broadway, remains a beloved fixture in the community. Known for its vibrant history and welcoming neon sign, it will mark a special occasion next Friday, June 19. This date commemorates 40 years since the former owner, Dave Jemilo, began his...