Pop

McCorkle is a favorite of Fresh Air, and Terry thought it's been too long since she's been on the show. Today, McCorkle is joined by pianist Ben Aronov and bassist John Goldsby.

Parker has been singing and writing songs for 15 years. He is known for his angry, biting lyrics. He's just produced his 14th album, "Struck by Lightning," which reveals Parker's new, mature perspective on life.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the singer-songwriter's "Night Ride Home," which he says is a return to the pop sound that marked her great, earlier albums.

World music critic Milo Miles checks out a couple of acts that have shaped the sound of popular music in India.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward looks back on the music of 1981 -- a year he says was great for black musicians in particular, including Prince, Rick James, and Grandmaster Flash. British bands like Duran Duran dominated, too.

Rock critic Ken Tucker comments on the success of white rapper Vanilla Ice's debut, To the Extreme, and The Simpsons Sing the Blues, a compilation performed by the voice actors of the popular animated show.

The Fresh Air rock critic gives us his ten best for 1990 and his thoughts on the music scene over the year.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays some of the worst in Christmas music. He says it's almost enough to make him convert to another religion.

Ken Tucker reviews new albums by Guy and LeVert. He says they're updating the R&B sound for the '90s.

Cerf writes children's songs for Sesame Street and helped launch the humor magazine the National Lampoon. In 1978 he co-edited the journalistic parody "Not the New York Times." His most recent humor book is "The Book of Sequels," a spoof of current trends in the publishing and film industries.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.

Ken Tucker reviews Monie Love's Down to Earth and Shazzy's Attitude: A Hip Hop Rapsody. Ken says these women provide a solid alternative to the prevailing misogynistic lyrics in contemporary rap and heavy metal.

Rock historian Ed Ward discusses the musician's role in recent popular music. Before rising to prominence in the Velvet Underground, Cale studied with avant-garde composers like LaMonte Young.

World Music commentator Milo Miles reviews the work of Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Aside from his excellent music, Miles praises N'Dour's political consciousness and respect for women.

Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at the early days of the folk revival, and profiles some of the singers that gained exposure through the politically-charged magazine, Broadside.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the influential musician, who had a string of hits in the early 1950s. An automobile accident scarred his face, and he stayed out of the public eye for several years. But Mayfield still made a living from music, with song for other artists -- like the Ray Charles hit, "Hit the Road, Jack."

Lane wrote the scores for several Broadway shows, including Finian's Rainbow and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He accompanies Michael Feinstein on piano on the new album, Michael Feinstein Sings the Burton Lane Songbook.

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Beach Boys's legendary concept album, which was never released. Many of the songs eventually appeared on their later, official releases, often in a watered-down form.

World music critic Milo Miles says Paul Simon's earlier album Graceland featured excellent South African sounds, but was politically tone deaf. His new album takes its inspiration from Latin America, and while not as strong as Graceland, still has some poetic beauty.

The singer performs for Fresh Air audiences with pianist Huw Warren. Tabor was a mainstay of the British folk scene, and has more recently branched out into other forms of music. Despite her accomplishments, she admits to not practicing and never learning to read music. Her latest album is called Freedom and Rain.