Search results for

The singer-songwriter's latest project is Front Parlour Ballads, a mostly acoustic work. Thompson tells John Ydstie about songs build around bikers, schoolyard bullies, dreamers, lovers and losers.

One of the founding members of the kung-fu-meets-hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan, The RZA also has written film scores, including those for Kill Bill and Ghost Dog, and a book called The Wu Tang Manual. (This interview originally aired March 7, 2005.)

In 1965, Robert Moog invented the Moog synthesizer, an electronic keyboard that creates otherworldly sounding electronic music. His instrument went on to usher in a new era of rock and electronic music. The Beatles used a Moog synthesizer on their 1969 Abbey Road album.

Dinosaur Jr. helped define and shape indie and alternative rock in the late 1980s and early '90s. The reunited band is now back on the road after issuing re-mastered versions of their first three albums: Dinosaur, You're Living All Over Me, and Bug.

In their new CD, Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble continue their exploration of the cultural traditions along the ancient trade route. Ma talks with NPR's Fred Child about the project.

Called the "godfather of hip-hop," Russell Simmons has been credited with bringing rap to the mainstream. In the early 1980s, he helped found Def Jam Records, launching pad of legendary hip-hop acts like Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. (This interview originally aired Nov. 27, 2001.)

DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

Gospel star Yolanda Adams returns to the scene after a recording hiatus with her new CD, Day by Day She talks about the project and her upcoming tour.

Ani DiFranco always seems to be on the move with a new project. Her latest release, Knuckle Down, is the seventeenth album she's released under her Righteous Babe label.

Singer and actress Annie Ross was part of the legendary team of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross and originated the style known as vocalese. She's currently performing in Manhattan at Danny's Skylight Room on Wednesday nights until September. (This interview originally aired March 2, 1990.)