Sep 4th, 2008 · The singer and composer blends wry personal stories with often-complex brass and string arrangements, and mixes it up with both classical musicians and indie rockers. He performs live from his forthcoming self-titled album.
Aug 30th, 2008 · Duke has put out more than 30 albums, which have incorporated jazz, pop, Latin and R&B to critical and commercial success. On his latest album, Dukey Treats, the legendary keyboard player, composer, arranger and bandleader pays tribute to funk, soul and Sly Stone.
Aug 27th, 2008 · From Boston's New England Conservatory, eight musicians – none older than 13 – showcase their remarkable accomplishments. A 10-year-old violinist plays Bartok, a 13-year-old pianist tackles a diabolical piece by Prokofiev and a multi-talented 11-year-old cellist performs music by Kabalevsky. Also, a 13-year-old composer debuts a new work. This program originally aired on April 2, 2008.
Aug 24th, 2008 · The life and presidency of Andrew Jackson was full of contradictions that inspired hatred, pride and reluctant admiration from his countrymen. It also inspired Christopher Hedge to compose a new work about the seventh president, titled Andrew Jackson: The Atrocious Saint.
Aug 23rd, 2008 · How many vice presidents are also talented composers? Well, President Calvin Coolidge's vice president, Charles Dawes, was. He composed the music to a song that's been performed by the likes of Bob Dylan and Elton John.
Aug 15th, 2008 · William Berger, author of Puccini Without Excuses, sizes up two new and very different recordings of the composer's best-known opera. Berger says the beauty of Bohème lies in the little details of the characters' lives.
Aug 15th, 2008 · Hancock is one of the most influential players and composers on the modern jazz scene. A true innovator and ardent explorer, Hancock continues to push boundaries and transcend musical genres. In a program from 1987, Hancock solos on his own tune, "Dolphin Dance," and then joins Marian McPartland for "That Old Black Magic."
Aug 11th, 2008 · Music and comedy fans everywhere are mourning the sudden loss of two enormous talents. Soul musician and composer Isaac Hayes and comedic actor Bernie Mac died over the weekend. Professor and culture critic Mark Anthony Neal explains how the lasting contributions of both Hayes and Mac put them in a class of their own among entertainers.