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
Apr 13 Watch 7:56 Sphinx Organization diversifying classical music nationwide and changing lives By Alison Thoet, Jeffrey Brown There is much talk these days about diversifying classical music and other arts. But one Detroit-based organization has been at it for a long time. The Sphinx Organization's reach now expands across the nation. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts… Continue watching
Jan 19 Rock legend David Crosby dies at 81 By Associated Press The brash rock musician evolved from a baby-faced harmony singer with the Byrds to a mustachioed hippie superstar and an ongoing troubadour in Crosby, Stills, Nash & (sometimes) Young. Continue reading
Sep 04 Watch 13:31 Singer Michael Bublé on his musical choices, inspirations By Geoff Bennett, Maea Lenei Buhre, Juliet Fuisz, Claire Mufson Throughout his 20-year career, Michael Bublé has been known for the kind of music that seems to transcend generations. For our Weekend Spotlight, Geoff Bennett spoke with Bublé to learn more about the mind behind the voice. Continue watching
Apr 30 Watch 6:12 Ukrainian folk band DakhaBrakha uses music to bring attention to the war in their homeland By Mike Cerre While some Ukrainians are fighting on the frontlines in the war against Russia others have taken a different approach. Ukrainian folk group DakhaBrakha is using a multi-city tour of the U.S. to raise awareness of their war-torn homeland and fight… Continue watching
Apr 14 Watch 6:41 Guitarist Yasmin Williams makes music without lyrics but not without meaning By Tom Casciato How does a musical artist develop a unique style? There’s talent, hard work and also inspiration. At the age of 26, guitarist Yasmin Williams is combining those key ingredients to create a sound that's wholly her own. Special correspondent Tom… Continue watching
Oct 20 Watch 6:24 Tuba player Richard Antoine White's journey from homelessness to 'belonging' on stage By PBS NewsHour Jeffrey Brown reports on musician Richard Antoine White’s unlikely journey from the streets of Baltimore, Maryland, to concert halls around the globe — thanks to his mastery of the tuba. This story is part of our arts and culture series,… Continue watching
Sep 24 How Irving Berlin's blue skies turned to blue days By Dr. Howard Markel Irving Berlin has no place in American music; he is American music,” legendary composer Jerome Kern once wrote. Yet for his final 25 years, Berlin led a rather reclusive existence. Continue reading
Aug 14 How the talented Oscar Levant broke taboos by talking about mental health By Dr. Howard Markel In today’s socially mediated 24/7 news cycle, it is difficult to imagine just how taboo the topic of prescription opiate addiction was back then, let alone how much courage it took for Levant to bring it to such national prominence. Continue reading