Music

Born on April 14, 1925, Ammons was a second-generation jazz musician from Chicago, who earned attention for his fiery work in Billy Eckstine's big band, and his staged duels with fellow saxophonists.

Lamar's duet with SZA samples Luther Vandross' 1982 hit "If This World Were Mine." The song was written by Marvin Gaye, who himself recorded it in 1967 as a duet with Tammi Terrell.

Dacus mixes confession and intimacy on Forever is a Feeling. The EVEN MORE Freewheelin' Jeffrey Lewis nods to Dylan's early New York City folkie days, with a great song about the pain of existence.

The jazz singer's 1960s concert career is amply documented on record, with live albums from Berlin, LA, Tokyo and the French Riviera. Now comes a newly released concert of Fitzgerald in Oakland, Calif.

Rock critic Ken Tucker recommends three songs that are recent additions to his playlist: "Are You Even Real," by Swims; "Same Kind of Lonely," by Booker; and "big change," by Young.

Born March 13, 1925, Haynes was a drummer who liked to prod his fellow players. Over the course of his career, he played with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Chick Corea and many others.

Butler, who died Feb. 20, was born in rural Miss., and had his first hit in 1958, singing lead with The Impressions. He later moved to Chicago and entered local politics. Originally broadcast in 2000.

The 1970s band the New York Dolls was hugely influential, despite making only two studio albums. Today we remember Johansen, aka Buster Poindexter, who died Feb. 28. Originally broadcast in 2004.

Known as "Lady Louie," Ketchens has been a fixture of the French Quarter for nearly four decades. We talk about her classical training and her career as a street performer, and she'll play some music.

Questlove's new documentary called "Sly Lives! (AKA The Burden Of Black Genius)" is about the impact of Sly Stone and his band Sly and the Family Stone on music and culture.

Faithfull, who died Jan. 30, was discovered at a Rolling Stones party in 1964 and later became Mick Jagger's girlfriend. She went on to become an acclaimed singer. Originally broadcast in '94 and '05.

Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go.

As SNL marks its 50th anniversary, Questlove has a new documentary, highlighting the musical guests and music comedy sketches featured over the decades. Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music is the work of a storied musician and filmmaker who remembers watching the show when he was a kid growing up in Philly.

The rhythmic sense that made Ringo a great rock drummer guides his vocals here. The result is relaxed authority that usually only a genius like Willie Nelson or Ray Charles can make sound so easy.

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A new recording features pianist McCoy Tyner and saxophonist Joe Henderson in a concert taped in New York City in 1966. The music here is a prelude to later iconic records by each leader.

In 2008, Suze Rotolo reflected on being Dylan's girlfriend and muse. Folk singer Joan Baez spoke to Terry Gross in 1987. In 1998, Al Kooper looked back on his time as a session musician with Dylan.

Though Alex had been the guitarist in the family, when they formed Van Halen, it quickly became clear who would play: "[Ed] made that instrument sing." Originally broadcast Oct. 29, 2024.

From music producer Quincy Jones, to critic and archivist Dan Morgenstern, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead remembers just a few of the influential musicians and personalities we lost this year.

An interview recorded with Bruce Springsteen in 2016, after the publication of his memoir, "Born To Run."

The singer-songwriter and Talking Heads frontman presents some of his favorite holiday music — including songs by The Pogues, James Brown and LCD Soundsystem. Originally broadcast Dec. 20, 2023.