This Is Triumphant Music: MLK on Jazz
In 1964, the civil-rights hero defined the plight and victory of Black American music.
Front Page
Culture
Songs of Protest & Healing: Meshell Ndegeocello on the Gospel of James Baldwin
How the cultural and literary icon continues to deliver lessons of freedom, humanity and humility.
Stevie Wonder Remembers MLK
[repost] The maestro discusses writing “Happy Birthday" and reflects on MLK’s legacy.
Essays
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.
In Memoriam
MF DOOM: 1971 – 2020
Equally beguiling and virtuosic, the MC was among the most unforgettable forces in hip-hop history.
Tony Rice: 1951 – 2020
Béla Fleck on the influence and inspiration of the bluegrass legend and guitar giant.
The Courageous Humility of Charley Pride
How country’s first Black superstar broke barriers while thriving in the genre’s commercial mainstream.
Discover
Locked Down, Turnt Up
Resilient and resourceful as ever, hip-hop culture has thrived in the face of the global pandemic.
“A Perfect Entity”: George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’ at 50
Ashley Kahn, editor of ‘George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters,’ considers the legacy of the post-Beatles masterpiece.
Live and Lost: Dispatches From the Venues Shuttered by Covid-19
We’ll never forget the jazz clubs, supper joints, dives and mid-sized rooms we lost to the ongoing pandemic. Here are excellent concert recordings from a handful of them.
Conversations
“We All Grow Together”: A Conversation With Stone Gossard
The Pearl Jam guitarist on Painted Shield, his project with Mason Jennings, and what the future of touring holds for rock’s most revelatory live band.
“I’m Always Keeping Myself Open”: A Conversation With B-Real
The rap royal on Serial Killers, Cypress Hill’s legacy, meeting Chuck D, his influence on Latin hip-hop and more.
“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.
Features
DJ Screw: Time Stretched
How the visionary’s legacy thrives 20 years after his passing.
“I Don’t Want a Word to Define Me, and ‘Jazz’ Is a Word”: Matthew Shipp at 60
The avant-garde luminary reflects on standout recordings from his TIDAL catalog.
