Jul 06 ‘Do I look like a ‘shroom salesman?’ and other things overheard at a Dead show By Jeffrey Brown One man walked directly up to me and asked if I had any mushrooms to sell him. I thought, "Really? Do I look like that guy?" The Grateful Dead's Fare Thee Well concert in Chicago was a scene -- a… Continue reading
Jul 03 Watch 5:39 ‘Amazing Grace,’ a song of suffering to pull us together By PBS NewsHour, Jason Kane At the funeral for Rev. Clementa Pinckney, a South Carolina state senator who was killed in the church shooting in Charleston, President Obama broke from his eulogy to sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ a song that exemplifies human vulnerability and redemption. Special… Continue watching
Jul 02 Watch 8:26 From the big bang to cosmic vibrations, Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart plays the rhythm of the universe By PBS News Hour Mickey Hart, a well-known drummer for the Grateful Dead, has collaborated with astrophysicists on music that reflects the origins of the universe, and with neuroscientists to figure out how music stimulates different parts of damaged brains. Special correspondent Mike Cerre… Continue watching
Jul 01 One old, one new: James Taylor sings two songs for the NewsHour By Anne Azzi Davenport James Taylor sings his classic “Shower the People” for the Newshour at his recording studio in New York City. And he rehearsed his new song, “Angels of Fenway,” with his band, an ode to his beloved Boston Red Sox. Continue reading
Jun 30 Watch 7:39 Why James Taylor is still ‘endlessly interested’ in making music By PBS News Hour "Before This World," James Taylor's first album of all new material in 13 years, is the veteran songwriter's first-ever chart-topping record. Jeffrey Brown talks to Taylor, now 67, about wearing his heart on his sleeve in his songs and finding… Continue watching
Jun 25 How Marvin Gaye and Nikki Giovanni help my students discuss racial violence By Colin Pierce When I planned the lesson out the day before, I didn't intend it to end with everyone crying in the basement of a church. And yet there we were. Continue reading
Jun 11 The accidental history of pride anthems By Corinne Segal Walk into any LGBTQ pride event during the month of June, and you’ll probably end up dancing to Diana Ross’ 1980 iconic release “I’m Coming Out.” But Ross herself did not intend it that way. Continue reading
Jun 09 In honor of Cole Porter’s 124th birthday, his story of triumph over pain By Dr. Howard Markel When Cole Porter died of kidney failure at age 73 on Oct. 15, 1964, only his closest friends knew the extent of the physical and mental anguish he had endured for 27 years. Against all clinical odds, even if only… Continue reading
May 26 Want to work out smarter? Trick your brain with music By Corinne Segal What songs get you moving? For cognitive scientists, researchers and now music streaming apps, the answer is in your brain. Continue reading
May 20 Spotify’s new platform to include video and podcasts By Corinne Segal Spotify announced a new platform that expands its music offering to include video, podcasts and interactive features at an event in New York today. New video offerings will include clips from partners like Comedy Central, VICE News and The Nerdist. Continue reading