Jun 12 French music icon Françoise Hardy dies at 80 By Thomas Adamson, Associated Press Hardy's lyrics often captured the angst and longing of adolescence, resonating deeply with young audiences. Her melancholic and introspective tone set her apart from the more exuberant pop music of her peers. Continue reading
Mar 28 Watch 6:51 Cuban musicians struggle to reach American audiences amid shifting diplomatic relations By Mike Cerre The on-again, off-again diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba have made it more difficult for Cuban musicians to travel to the U.S. for this year’s summer music festivals. Special correspondent Mike Cerre reports from Havana for our arts and… Continue watching
Dec 30 Watch 8:39 Critics look back at 2023's epic year in music By Stephanie Sy, Andrew Corkery, Claire Mufson 2023 had it all when it came to music: record-breaking tours, unique songwriting and new artists on the rise. The Root’s senior writer Candace McDuffie and freelance music writer and critic Maura Johnston join Stephanie Sy to discuss the music… Continue watching
Dec 24 Watch 5:53 The business of Christmas music and why some songs become classics By John Yang, Claire Mufson Christmas music is a big part of the music industry. John Yang speaks with Nate Sloan, an assistant professor of musicology at the USC Thornton School of Music and co-host of the podcast Switched On Pop, about what makes Christmas… Continue watching
Nov 18 Citing record heat, Taylor Swift postpones Rio de Janeiro show after fan dies during concert By Diane Jeantet, Associated Press Taylor Swift postponed an Eras Tour concert in Rio de Janeiro Saturday after a 23-year-old fan died during her Friday night show, according to a message posted on the singer's Instagram. Fans and politicians reacted to the death with outrage, speculating it… Continue reading
Sep 22 Watch 9:06 How COVID lockdown helped save the Tedeschi Trucks Band By William Brangham The husband-and-wife creative duo behind the 12-member Tedeschi Trucks Band have been called two of the best roots musicians of their generation. But after a decade of success and touring, they hit a rough period after the death of a… Continue watching
Sep 02 Jimmy Buffett, American singer of 'Margaritaville' fame, dies at 76 By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into a billion-dollar empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76. Continue reading
Jul 31 Watch 6:59 How Jason Aldean's controversial hit song became a cultural flashpoint By Jeffrey Brown, Courtney Norris, Karina Cuevas One of the most popular country music hits of the summer is Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town." But the song has ignited controversy and faced backlash from fans who say the lyrics encourage racism and violence. The… Continue watching
Jul 30 Analysis: Once decried as sacrilegious, Sinéad O'Connor's music and life were deeply infused with spiritual seeking By Brenna Moore, The Conversation Throughout her life, O’Connor defied religious labels, exploring multiple faiths. The exquisite freedom in her music cannot be disentangled from that something transcendent that she was always after, writes professor of theology Brenna Moore. Continue reading
Jul 16 Jane Birkin, actor, singer and style icon, dies in Paris at 76 By John Leicester, Associated Press Actor and singer Jane Birkin, who made France her home and charmed the country with her English grace, natural style and social activism, has died at age 76. Continue reading