Music

Chastity Brown talks music and songwriting in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder
Minneapolis-based musician Chastity Brown has been called a storyteller. Our sister station, The Current, said, “She uses her voice, harmonica, guitar, and words to set your heartbeat at the right pace. And when she's performing, it all feels right.” They describe her music as “soul and jazz tinged folk.”
Nashville has long been associated with country music. But a museum devoted to African American music, which opened earlier this year, sets the record straight about the city's diversity.
Talking music with The Current’s Jim McGuinn
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with The Current’s Jim McGuinn about fall concerts and reconsidering the songs you used to dislike.
Paul McCartney: John Lennon responsible for Beatles' breakup
Paul McCartney has revisited the breakup of The Beatles, flatly refuting the suggestion that he was responsible for the group’s demise. “I didn’t instigate the split,” McCartney said in an interview. “That was our Johnny."
Carlisle Floyd, a founding father of American opera, has died at age 95
Known primarily for his southern-flavored operas, Floyd helped create an American opera vernacular. His 1955 hit “Susannah” won the New York Music Critics Circle Award and helped launch his career.
Watch a massive violin transport musicians down Venice's Grand Canal
The wooden vessel is called "Noah's Violin." As it floated through Venice's Grand Canal on Saturday, members of the string quartet on board serenaded viewers with their own (real) instruments.
White House offers Nicki Minaj call to answer vaccine Qs
The White House offered Wednesday to connect Nicki Minaj with one of the Biden administration's doctors to address her questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, after the Trinidadian-born rapper's erroneous tweet alleging the vaccine causes impotence went viral.
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80
Watts, famous for his potent beat and unflappable style, featured on all 26 Rolling Stones studio albums and numerous live albums.
What’s your song of the summer?
Every summer has a song that defines it. Brandt Williams talked with two music journalists about what makes the perfect summer song and their picks for 2021’s song of the summer.
State Fair grandstand act pulls out of Saturday show
Philadelphia-based Low Cut Connie canceled its Minnesota State Fair performance, citing the fair’s lack of mask or vaccine mandates.