How a new concert series at the Kennedy Center is revamping chamber orchestra music Jennifer Koh is shaking up the long-established chamber music program at the Kennedy Center. An example of that is her collaboration with pianist-composer Missy Mazzoli.
Remembering gospel singer and backup vocalist Cissy Houston Houston, who died Oct. 7, started out on the gospel circuit as a child, sang backup for Aretha Franklin and later guided her daughter, Whitney, to superstardom. Originally broadcast in 1998. Terry Gross
Pharrell wanted to tell his story through Legos — here's why The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell’s early life as a boy growing up in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. Tonya Mosley
New podcast explores a forgotten chapter in grunge music history KUOW's podcast 'Let the Kids Dance,' tells the story of grunge music and a forgotten chapter: the Teen Dance Ordinance. Jonathan Zwickel
Remembering singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson Kristofferson, who died Sept. 28, was a Rhodes Scholar and an Army Ranger before taking a chance at songwriting. "Me and Bobby McGee" is perhaps his most famous song. Originally broadcast in 1999. Terry Gross
Saxophonist Nubya Garcia writes her own Odyssey, string section and all The London-based saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about the diverse sounds on her new album Odyssey. It's her first time writing for and conducting strings. Ailsa Chang
Remembering jazz guitarist Russell Malone Malone, who died Aug. 23, was one of the leading guitarists of his generation. Before starting his own group, he performed with Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. and others. Originally broadcast in 2000. Terry Gross
Brazilian musician and bossa nova legend Sergio Mendes dies at 83 Brazilian musician, Sergio Mendes, who popularised bossa nova, has died at the age of 83. Julia Carneiro