Singers
Paul McCartney knew he'd never top The Beatles — and that's just fine with him
Paul McCartney has a new, two-volume set of books called The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present. It's a collection of his lyrics and the stories behind them, starting with songs he wrote before The Beatles and ending with songs from his latest album, McCartney III, which was released in 2020.
'Fresh Air' listens back to Nick Lowe's 2001 album, 'The Convincer'
British singer, songwriter and guitarist Lowe got his start in the '70s pub-rock era. His 2001 album, The Convincer, has been newly remastered and reissued. Originally broadcast in 2001 and 2011.
'Posthumously Released Prince Album Speaks To Today's America'
Six years before his death in 2016, Prince recorded — but did not release — Welcome 2 America. Who knows why Prince opted to hide it away in 2010; this album's sound is very much of-the-moment.
No Longer '20 Feet From Stardom': Singer Merry Clayton Steps Out Of The Background
Clayton sang backup with Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Carole King and many others. Now she has a new album — where she's front and center — called Beautiful Scars. Originally broadcast in 2013.
Remembering Jazz Singer Annie Ross
Ross, who died July 21, was a member of the jazz vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She wrote "Twisted," which was recorded by both Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler. Originally broadcast in 1990.
A concert with singer-songwriter Dion
Dion has just released a CD of new songs, covers and new versions of his old hits. It's called New Masters (Collectables, 2003). In the late 1950s, Dion and his band the Belmonts topped the charts with several pop hits, earning him the status of teen idol. His best known songs include "I Wonder Why," "A Teenager in Love," "The Wanderer," and "Runaround Sue." This interview first aired Oct. 17, 2000.
From the Archives: Tiny Tim
We listen back to an interview with the eccentric singer and performer Tiny Tim. Born Herbert B. Khaury, he began performing in the 1950s. He is best known for his performances on Laugh-In, especially his croonings of "Tip Toe Through the Tulips." Tiny Tim died in 1996. There's a new box set of his recordings God Bless Tiny Tim. This interview originally aired on June 16, 1996.
James McMurtry Is More Expressive Than Ever On 'Complicated Game'
Complicated Game demonstrates a new range of style and subject matter for McMurtry.
Emmylou Harris And Rodney Crowell: Harmonizing To That 'Old Yellow Moon.'
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell have been friends and collaborators since they first met in 1974. While they always wanted to make an album together, they never did until recently. Old Yellow Moon includes songs by Crowell, Patti Scialfa, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson among others.
This interview was originally broadcast on March 28, 2013.
Bing Crosby: From The Vaults, Surprising Breadth.
Four albums of reissues and archival recordings from Crosby's own vaults are getting a high-profile release; they demonstrate that his influence on modern singing is so huge, we barely notice it anymore. He could sing anything from Latin to Hawaiian to The Great American Songbook.