Music

Dust off that mixtape, the cassette turns 50

Image courtesy of Philips Although the debut of the cassette can be traced back to a 1963 Berlin fair, Philips dates the format's official launch at the company's headquarters in Amsterdam on Sept. 13th, 1963.

Music Legend Doc Watson Dies at Age 89

Doc Watson, a legend of folk and bluegrass music, died Tuesday at a hospital in North Carolina. He was 89 years old. Blind as an infant, Watson developed into one of the nation's finest pickers and received scores of honors.

Five Resources on Venezuela's Youth Music Program 'El Sistema'

By Larisa Epatko

On Friday's NewsHour, education correspondent John Merrow reports on how an adaptation of a music program from Venezuela is playing out in the United States. Venezuela's national youth music program "El Sistema" has produced professional musicians, such as Los Angeles…

In Iran, Women Use Rap to Rage Against the Regime

By Larisa Epatko

Rap in any country can be a way to make a statement. In Iran, it's one of the few outlets for women with something to say.

Stories from SXSW: Finding the Harmony Between Music and Interaction Design

At the 2011 SXSW Interactive Festival, two presenters decided to reevaluate their work in interactive design by way of a metaphor that taps the festival's 25-year-old roots: music.

Hallelujah! A Global Mash-up of Handel's 'Messiah'

The journalists who bring you The Rundown blog were debating last week what gift we could give you, our loyal readers, for the holidays. One thing sprang to mind that is almost universally enjoyed this time of year:…

New Documentary Explores How Music 'Made' Louisville

By Molly Finnegan

After the Great Depression and a horrendous flood devastated Louisville, the city's mayor and and the conductor of its symphony orchestra hatched a plan to make the city great again.

Andrew Bird Cultivates a 'Sonic Arboretum'

A successful multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Andrew Bird recently joined instrument and acoustic engineer Ian Schneller to create a novel live music experience, something they're calling the "Sonic Arboretum," at the Guggenheim Museum.