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As part of our occasional series What's in a Song from the Western Folklife Center, folklorist Archie Green presents a ballad called "Factory Girl" — a tune that's endured over generations.

Musician and writer Miles Hoffman says the great composer, born 234 years ago this week in Bonn, Germany, is still revered for his forceful music — and admired for writing a share of it after losing his hearing.

Renowned Latvian-born violinist Gidon Kremer has established a worldwide reputation as one of the most original and compelling artists of his generation. His Kremerata Musica quartet plays an all-Shostakovich program in Carnegie's Zankel Hall.

Drawing on the centuries-old tradition of female vocal music from Eastern Europe, the women's ensemble Kitka has won wide acclaim for their lush harmonies. Their latest CD, Wintersongs, features Slavic and Balkan carols and hymns. NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with members of the ensemble.

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives us his top picks in pop for 2004. He runs down his 10 best albums, and then talks about some trends of 2004, such as the return of punk, the year of the hip-hop producer, crunk music, and the potential end of an era as iPods and single song downloads replace album purchases. Ken Tucker is also a film critic for New York magazine.

The multi-talented Mos Def plays a police officer in the new indie film The Woodsman, also starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, about a pedophile who moves into a suburban neighborhood. He also talks with Terri Gross about his new rap album, The New Danger.

Tipper Gore, who launched a successful campaign for warning labels on explicit music lyrics, says parents are still the best line of defense against indecent material aimed at children. She talks with NPR's Robert Siegel.

NPR's Alison MacAdam tells the story of getting in touch with her best friend from kindergarten, Scott Hoffman, who is now a sensation in a disco-rock band called The Scissor Sisters. Hoffman explains how he uses music to fill the voids he felt growing up in Lexington, Ky.

Miami's New World Symphony offers a unique educational environment for talented young musicians. The artists have all their expenses paid while they play a concert season, build their repertoires and study with veteran conductors. But the symphony fellowships don't just stop at musical training. NPR's Ari Shapiro reports.

NPR celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with the 13th annual "A King Celebration" — a musical tribute featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs. NPR's Fred Child hosts.