Music

Worried artists reached out to Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell. His responses didn't help

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Since President Trump took over leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts earlier this year, some artists are trying to figure out how to proceed. One musician emailed the interim director, Richard Grenell. He responded.
Science & Technology

20 musicians who should get to go to space before Katy Perry

Neda Ulaby

On April 14, Blue Origin plans to launch a space flight with a crew that includes the singer behind the 2010 hit "Firework." But we can think of many other artists who deserve to be among the stars.
National Recording Registry adds Tracy Chapman, Hamilton and the Minecraft game soundtrack

Neda Ulaby

There are 25 new additions to the Library of Congress collection. They include albums by Elton John, Miles Davis, Amy Winehouse, and the original cast recording of Hamilton.
'You know it when you feel it': A new documentary explores the roots of funk

Eric Deggans

"Once you get the funk out there, it's not going back. You can't put it back in the box," says filmmaker Stanley Nelson. His new Independent Lens documentary is out now.
Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine' takes a wicked leap to No. 1, a year after its release

Stephen Thompson

Ariana Grande's deluxe edition of her 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, catapults it from No. 87 all the way back to No. 1. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar's "Luther (feat. SZA)" sits in the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a seventh consecutive week, and Pat Boone makes his long-awaited move toward chart domination.
The rise of the influencer as rap artist

Sheldon Pearce

The YouTube star PlaqueBoyMax built his following the usual way, livestreaming opinions on music and news. What's unusual is his latest move, which tests the modern meaning of the word "creator."
National

Amadou Bagayoko, one half of Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, dies at 70

The Associated Press

Bagayoko, an acclaimed guitarist and half of the Grammy-nominated blind duo Amadou & Mariam, died in his hometown of Bamako on Friday.
National

Remembering Michael Hurley, a godfather of folk music's underground

Grayson Haver Currin

Sometimes called the father of freak-folk, the 83-year-old singer-songwriter lived, worked and died on his own terms.
Sean Combs indicted on additional sex trafficking charges

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

The rap mogul, who awaits trial on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, faces two new counts expanding the timeline of his alleged crimes.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile almost abandoned their new album

A Martínez

Phil Harrell

Elton John partnered with Brandi Carlile for a new album of duets, Who Believes in Angels? But the project almost fell apart during its first recording sessions.