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Ray Benson, longtime leader of the Western swing group Asleep at the Wheel, in concert at the Palace Theatre in Corsicana, Texas, on Dec. 9, 2022. He says he steers clear of politics on stage because "now it's totally toxic."

Musicians use rhythm and harmony to heal America's toxic divide

These days, as polarization reaches deep into American life, some musicians are trying to stay out of the fray and use their music to bridge divides.

Reneé Rapp credits her career and fame to her legions of fans.

Reneé Rapp wants to burn out by 30 — and it's all going perfectly to plan

You may know about Rapp from TikTok, TV or Broadway. But she says all of that has just been in service of her true passion: a solo music career.

For Santigold, 'Spirituals' represents salvation and freedom

In this encore, NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to singer/songwriter Santigold about her new album, "Spirituals."

Redux: 'Baby Loves Hip Hop'

Andy Hurwitz, creator of the CD Baby Loves Disco, returned with Baby Loves Hip Hop, in which top acts sing, rhyme and tell stories for the preschool set. This story first aired April 24, 2008.

Get To Know A Critic: Alex Ross

The New Yorker's classical music critic answers questions about his job and his daily routine.

Adam Kaye and his mother, Marti Kaye, spend every Sunday together. Adam normally plays some of her favorite songs on his guitar, with Marti whistling or humming along. But he recently had shoulder surgery and won't be able to strum a guitar for a while.

Still there: Alzheimer's has ravaged his mother's memory, but music brings her back

After 18 years of living with Alzheimer's disease, Marti Kaye spends most of her time in a wheelchair, expressionless. That changes the minute her son Adam Kaye starts playing his guitar.

Zeshan B sings like a classic soul artist, but also incorporates South Asian influences into his music. On his new album, Melismatic, he tackles social and political issues in both English and Urdu.

Zeshan B On 'Melismatic' And Creating Music That Champions Brown Power

NPR's Lulu Garcia Navarro speaks with singer Zeshan Bagewadi about his new album Melismatic, solidarity between communities of color and the link between the sounds of soul and Indo-Pakistani music.

Jack Black hits a milestone on the charts, while Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' keeps rising

It's a slow week on the Billboard charts, but Jack Black breaks a surprising record on the chart. Plus, rapper Doechii lands her first top 10 album and Alex Warren's "Ordinary" continues to move up the Hot 100.

Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine' takes a wicked leap to No. 1, a year after its release

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.

Alex Warren finally tops the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Ordinary'

The biggest news this week belongs to singer-songwriter Alex Warren, whose blockbuster track "Ordinary" ascends to No. 1 on the Hot 100 singles chart for the first time.

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