The Doors’ ‘L.A. Woman’ at 50, and More: Robby Krieger in Conversation
The guitar legend on the band’s final LP before Jim Morrison’s passing, his fusion-focused solo work and that time Zappa wanted to produce the Doors.
Front Page
Conversations
“We play a little of everything”: Willie Nelson in Conversation
The American icon on Sinatra, Django Reinhardt, the art of the duet, his Texas beginnings and more.
“I’m Constantly Striving”: Archie Shepp in Conversation
In a long and wide-ranging interview, the jazz giant thinks about his rapid ascent in the avant-garde, his shift toward the tradition, his new duo set with Jason Moran, and much more.
Features
Rick James’ ‘Street Songs’ at 40
Booty-call anthems, Marley weed, studio visits from Robin Williams and daring to tell Stevie Wonder what to play: Members of James’ Stone City Band recall the era of an essential LP.
Remember the Sound: An Oral History of Philadelphia International Records
Gamble, Huff and Thom Bell tell the tale of Philly soul.
A Portrait of the Guitarist: Richard Thompson in Conversation
In a frank and revealing new memoir, the British folk-rock pioneer and six-string giant assesses his trailblazing tenure in Fairport Convention.
In Memoriam
DMX: 1970 – 2021
Raw, real, intelligent and ultimately compelling, the MC born Earl Simmons set an unsurpassed standard for intensity in hip-hop.
Mental Health, Blackness and the Bravery of DMX
In hip-hop and Black culture at large, the late MC’s openness changed the conversation.
SOPHIE: 1986 – 2021
The electronic-music visionary and queer icon was an essential architect of hyperpop.
Essays
TIDAL Primer: Igor Stravinsky
Ethan Iverson offers a crash course in the life and work of a 20th-century titan on the 50th anniversary of his passing.
Becoming the Man-Machines: Daft Punk’s ‘Discovery’ at 20
How the Robots made their masterpiece, and how their masterpiece made them.
The Art of Kinda Fittin’ In: ZZ Top Begins
Ben Ratliff on how self-awareness and one culturally savvy guitar picker made that little ol’ band from Texas the long-reigning champs of blues-rock.
Women's Stories & Sounds
Raunchy Reinas: Tokischa, Gailen La Moyeta, Tomasa del Real and More
The women serving up sex-positivity in Latin music, and the bold, sultry forebears behind their ascent.
Billie Holiday and the Cult of Jazz Machismo
How Lady Day was the first woman allowed to be a jazz musician.
A Life at the Opera
Alicia Hall Moran’s subjective history of Black excellence in classical music’s most profound storytelling tradition.
Discover
Midlife Masterpieces
Lou Reed, Public Enemy, Bonnie Raitt and others prove how pop excellence can thrive between youth and twilight.
Murda She Wrote: March 2021
New music from Moyann & Shenseea, Etana & Stonebwoy, D’Yani, Busy Signal, and Badda General & ZJ Liquid.
Culture
“I Don’t Have Any Regrets”: A Conversation With George Coleman
The jazz titan looks back on his storied career and a newly released archival live recording from 1971.
“Thankful for Everything”: A Conversation With Sergio Mendes
On the cusp of 80, the Brazilian icon reflects on decades of rhythm, melody and joyful living.
