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NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Kam Franklin, lead singer of the Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers, about her hometown being a source of strength, because the industry hasn't always embraced her.

The arc of American culture can be found in the nation's music. Author Tom Piazza shares that story in his new collection of essays, called Devil Sent the Rain: Music and Writing in Desperate America.

Watch live performances from Allison Russell, Bonnie Raitt and more as the Americana community reveals its top album, song and artist of the year.

Presidential campaigns mean a busy time for politicos and journalists — and also for satirists. The Washington, D.C.-based comedy troupe the Capitol Steps has been in the thick of it, writing songs and skits that bring out the silly side of the campaign trail.

David Bowie might just be rock's most famous chameleon. He's been a folk singer, a soul singer, a rock star and a pop icon — and now he's the subject of a new biography.

Television writer and musician Barbara Hall got the idea for her latest novel after taking violin lessons from a music teacher who seemed angry that she wanted to learn. Hall discusses her book, The Music Teacher and the idea that not everyone is called to be a professional musician; some are called to teach.

Every weekday through Hispanic Heritage Month, World Cafe dives into the music of a different country in Latin America.

In this bittersweet music, Schubert added an extra cello to the standard string quartet, and in the process created a completely new sound for a small string ensemble. Hear a performance that deeply probes Schubert's personal brand of lyrical melancholy.

DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

Before the Civil Rights movement, segregated American cities helped give birth to the Chitlin' Circuit, a touring revue that provided employment for hundreds of black musicians. Rock historian Ed Ward profiles two recent books which illuminate the conditions these musicians endured.