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
May 15 Legendary blues man B.B. King dies at 89 By Sarah McHaney The King of the Blues, B.B. King, died Thursday, May 14, at his home in Las Vegas after suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. He was 89 years old. King was one of the most influential blues… Continue reading
May 10 Watch 1:30 After trauma of combat, soldiers find solace in songwriting By PBS News Hour An Austin-based singer-songwriter founded Songwritingwith:Soldiers, a free program that pairs professional songwriters with veterans to craft original songs based on their experiences. For many of the 120 military members who have participated, songwriting begins the healing process. Continue watching
May 05 Computer scientists prove 80s pop music is boring By Nsikan Akpan “Pop music is dead.” You’ve heard the refrain dropped by nostalgic music lovers at backyard barbecues. And it’s no surprise. Everyone thinks the tunes of their generation marked a sort of cultural pinnacle and that music has since become bland. Continue reading
Apr 13 ‘Austin City Limits’ founder Bill Arhos dies at age 80 By Anna Sillers Bill Arhos, founder of Austin City Limits, the longest-running music show in American television history, died on Saturday at the age of 80. Continue reading