Rhythm and blues music
Leon Bridges Offers Retro R&B With A Twist In 'Coming Home'
The Texas-raised singer connects to R&B music from the past — and challenges himself to give it an updated sound — in his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says Bridges' album packs an emotional punch.
The Long, Labored Process Behind Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk'
The producer says there was a moment when his co-writers thought, "Maybe this song wasn't meant to be." He also describes working with Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars.
Producer Cosimo Matassa Always Believed In New Orleans
In the 60s, musicians left New Orleans, major labels lost interest, and Motown and Memphis took over the black music charts. But one producer didn't give up.
At The Peak Of Her Powers: Barbara Lynn's 'Complete Atlantic Recordings'
Fresh Air rock historian Ed Ward has a look in to a vital part of Lynn's career.
D'Angelo's 'Black Messiah' Collapses Years, Genres
Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker says Black Messiah is as adventurous as any fan could hope for.
Box Set Looks Back On Pioneering '5' Royales
With the release of the 131-track collection Soul and Swagger: The Complete "5" Royales, the group has finally gotten the recognition they deserve.
Pharrell Williams: Just Exhilaratingly Happy.
To hear G I R L, you'd think Pharrell's world consisted of grooving on catchy beats and flirting with women. It's a lightweight image that draws gravitas from his prolific work ethic.
Robin Thicke: Smirky But Sincere On 'Blurred Lines'
Listen and look past his roué image, and the chart-topper is revealed as an earnest nostalgist.
Fame Studios And The Road To Nashville Songwriting Glory
One of America's great songwriters, Dan Penn, has written dozens of soul classics, often with keyboardist Spooner Oldham. For a while, the two were on the staff of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala. Ace Records has just released an entire CD of Penn's demos.
Justin Timberlake Returns To Music With Enthusiasm And 'Experience.'
On his first album since 2006, The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake explores his range, from soul-man groove to falsetto croon, taking inspiration from neo-soul and the expansiveness of '60s and '70s rock song formats.