Music

Popular music critic Ken Tucker delves into the controversy over the rap group Public Enemy. Public Enemy's first album sold over 800,000 copies and their new song "Fight the Power," (featured in the movie "Do the Right Thing") is climbing the charts. The band however, recently fired its so-called "minister of information," Richard Griffen, for making anti-Semitic statements. In the ensuing political storm, Public Enemy has disbanded for an indefinite period of time.

The Texas-based pianist joins Fresh Air to sing a classic boogie-woogie song and a piece of her own, about Mobile, Texas.

Three members of the popular band join Fresh Air to perform a few songs to showcase their distinctive Louisiana sound.

New performers-in-residence, singer Joan Morris and pianist William Bolcom, play two of their favorite Rodgers and Hart songs.

New Orleans-based musician Dr. John, aka Mac Rebennack, performs a few songs by one of the greats from his home city.

Together, brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, along with Lamont Dozier, wrote dozens of hits for the Detroit label. They worked with other record companies in the 1970s, but, says rock historian Ed Ward, they never their earlier success with Motown.

After weeks of playing the music that has influenced him over the years, performer-in-residence Malcom Rebennack sings some of his own songs.

Fresh Air performer-in-residence, born Malcom Rebennack, plays some of the blues songs that influenced his own music.

Accordionist and composer Guy Klucevsek joins Fresh Air to perform a solo arrangement of a new work, and to play a recording of a recent musical collaboration. He's slated to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival.

New Orleans-based performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs a few classic standards.