Fairport Convention band cofounder Richard Thompson looks back on his life in music The British singer/guitarist spoke to Fresh Air in 1994 and '22 about about his formative years and about pioneering a new musical genre that blended rock with traditional music of the British isles. Terry Gross
'Music is a need for me': Violinist discusses composing an album under ISIS NPR’s Ari Shapiro speaks with musician and composer Ameen Mokdad, about his album The Curve, which he composed while living under ISIS occupation in Mosul, Iraq. Ari Shapiro
Meshell Ndegeocello talks about her album and ongoing inspiration from James Baldwin NPR's Tiny Desk is honoring Black Music Month with concerts lead by women, including Meshell Ndegeocello. NPR's Ari Shapiro spoke with her about her album “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin." Ari Shapiro
PJ Morton talks new album 'Cape Town to Cairo' NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with singer-songwriter PJ Morton about his new album, Cape Town to Cairo. Scott Detrow
The Reverend Shawn Amos on his latest album 'Soul Brother No. 1' NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks to musician The Reverend Shawn Amos about his latest album "Soul Brother No. 1." The album spans multiple genres including gospel, rock, blues and funk. Danielle Kurtzleben
Questlove on hip-hop, history and the first time he heard 'Rapper's Delight' The Roots bandleader says hearing The Sugarhill Gang's 1980 hit felt like a paradigm shift: "Suddenly they start talking in rhythmic poetry and we didn't know what to make of it." Terry Gross
Jon Lampley, a veteran of Stephen Colbert's talk show, releases his debut album Musician Jon Lampley has been a fixture in the band on Stephen Colbert's talk show. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to the trumpet player about his debut album, "Night Service: Live at LunÀtico." D. Parvaz
Maggie Rogers takes a nostalgic Southwest road trip with 'Don't Forget Me' In 2021, burnt out from the intensity of her early career, Rogers considered quitting music entirely. Instead, she took a detour — to Harvard Divinity School. Her new album is Don't Forget Me. Sam Briger
With age and sobriety, Michael McDonald is ready to get personal McDonald says that earlier in his career, he tended to avoid writing about himself directly in songs. He opens up about his life and career in the memoir, What a Fool Believes. Tonya Mosley
