Music

Buying vinyl from a pop star? You might only get a fraction of the music

Marc Hogan

Fans who pre-ordered new albums by Lil Wayne and The Weeknd on vinyl got a rude awakening: More than half the songs that appeared on the streaming version were missing on the LP.
National

Sheila Jordan, a singular voice in jazz, has died

Neda Ulaby

Petra Mayer

She recorded a magical debut album on Blue Note and was later named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Arts & Culture

San Diego’s other public radio station is dealing with federal budget cuts too

John Carroll

Like KPBS, KSDS Jazz 88.3 lost a big chunk of its funding.
What was with all those teen heartthrob Bobbys in the '60s?

Bob Mondello

Bobbys were inescapable in music in the '50s and '60s: Bobby Sherman, Bobby Rydell, Bobby Darin and more. NPR critic Bob Mondello looks back to an era when everyone seemed to share his name.
Science & Technology

AI-generated music is here to stay. Will streaming services like Spotify label it?

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Unlike other tech giants, many music-streaming services like Spotify are not currently taking steps to label AI-generated content. But experts say more transparency is key.
Springsteen's label was about to drop him. Then came 'Born to Run'

Terry Gross

Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen: "If this didn't work, he was done." Carlin's new book is Tonight in Jungleland.
National

Eddie Palmieri, a trailblazer in Latin music, has died at age 88

Luis Trelles

The bandleader and pianist was one of the leading Latin musicians of his generation. He won multiple Grammys and was recognized as an NEA Jazz Master.
Indie rock fans, it's time to get on the Ryan Davis bandwagon

Ann Powers

Charming critics and audiences with New Threats From The Soul, his funny, loose, reference-packed album, the veteran Louisville musician is having an unlikely breakthrough at 40 years old.
Do we have a song of the summer this year?

Stephen Thompson

The idea that each year produces a few unofficial "songs of the summer" has been rattling around for ages. But do we have a strong contender this year?
National

Sean Combs denied bail, will remain in custody until sentencing

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Combs was convicted on July 2 of two counts of transportation for prostitution. The music mogul had filed a request to be released on bail before his sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 3.