Feb 11th, 2005 · Among the nominees for best new artist at this Sunday's Grammy Awards are Tex-Mex artists Los Lonely Boys, the Los Angeles band Maroon 5, young British soul singer Joss Stone, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West and the hot country artist Gretchen Wilson. Michele Norris talks with music critic Tom Moon about the category.
Nov 20th, 2004 · The legendary jazzman Coleman Hawkins would have been 100 years old Sunday. Music historians say masterpieces such as "Body and Soul" and Hawkins' dexterity on the tenor saxophone helped change the genre. His love of classical music also informed his music. Tom Vitale reports.
Nov 18th, 2004 · An artist educated at MIT has a unique perspective on his trade. Using lasers, heart monitors and other technological gadgets, Christopher Janney explores the nature of creativity and origin of the soul. NPR's Renee Montagne reports.
Nov 17th, 2004 · NPR's Tony Cox talks with jazz pianist Joe Sample about his first-ever solo album. Sample, best know for his ensemble work with the Jazz Crusaders, steps out with a new CD, Soul Shadows.
Nov 7th, 2004 · Singer Tift Merritt's latest CD has a hefty dose of alt-country sound, but she's branching out to blues, rock, pop -- and even some Memphis soul. The North Carolina-based singer talks with Sheilah Kast about Tambourine.
Oct 29th, 2004 · Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviews Ray, a new film about the life of Ray Charles. Turan says Jamie Foxx, in the starring role, gives a dominating performance that is at the heart and soul of the film's success.
Oct 28th, 2004 · Zap Mama's CD Ancestry in Progress charts a path from African a capella to a global vision of soul. Leader Marie Daulne says her new songs weave vocal styles from Africa and the East with technologies and music of the West. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne.
Oct 22nd, 2004 · Edwin "Lil' Eddie" Serrano has written songs for artists such as P Diddy, Usher and Janet Jackson. The New York native says shaping his own singing career has been difficult, but now he has a new CD: Nobody's Fool. He speaks with NPR's Teshima Walker.