8 Tracks is your antidote to the algorithm. Each week, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich, with the help of his colleagues, makes connections between sounds across time. A slightly different version of this column originally ran in the NPR Music newsletter. In high school, I'd Sharpie my favorite bands' logos...

8 Tracks: Go back to those gold sounds

Though not always guitar-led, Imagine Dragons’ distinctive style – which merges pop, alt-rock and electronica – has been grabbing rock fans’ attention since they dropped their first record, Night Visions, in 2012. For guitarist Wayne Sermon, the lack of heroics isn’t a problem. “I’m really proud...

“In my experience, 70% of vintage guitars are clunkers – a new guitar will beat their sound and how they play. But if you get that diamond in the rough, it’s next-level”: Wayne Sermon is sneaking vintage guitars into Imagine Dragons’ blockbuster pop-rock

Linda Ronstadt, an iconic figure in American music, has a career that spans over four decades and multiple genres, including rock, country, folk, and Latin. With her powerful voice and versatile talent, Ronstadt has earned numerous awards, including ten Grammy Awards, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her ability to seamlessly transition between musical styles has made her one of the most influential and beloved artists of all time. This article celebrates her remarkable contribution to music by highlighting the top ten best Linda Ronstadt songs. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat rock anthems, these songs showcase her exceptional vocal range, emotional depth, and unique ability to connect with audiences. Each track on this list has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to resonate with fans old and new. Join us as we explore the timeless hits that define Linda Ronstadt’s legendary career, celebrating the songs that have cemented her status as a true musical pioneer and an enduring symbol of excellence in the world of music.

10 Best Linda Ronstadt Songs of All Time

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Herbie J Pilato

It's been eight years since former TV child star Sawyer Sweeten, best known from Everybody Loves Raymond, died tragically by suicide at only 19 years old. Sawyer Sweeten, his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten, and their older sister Madylin, played Ray Romano's TV children on Everybody Loves Raymond, the Emmy-winning sitcom that originally aired on CBS 1996 to 2005.

The Tragic Suicide of Former TV Child Star Sawyer Sweeten ('Everybody Loves Raymond'): 9 Years Later

Otis Redding was a highly influential American singer and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the greatest voices in soul music. Born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, Redding’s career, though tragically short, left a profound impact on the music world. Redding’s distinctive voice and emotive style helped...

10 Best Otis Redding Songs of All Time

Savannah, GA

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Daily Coffee Press

Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

Federal Charges in Southern GA: Indictments and Sentences for Firearms and Drug Offenses

Christian gospel singers are vocal artists who passionately convey the message of the Christian faith through their music. Rooted in biblical teachings, their songs often express themes of hope, salvation, love, and devotion to God. These artists blend soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics, creating an emotional and spiritual experience that resonates deeply with listeners. Their performances can range from powerful solo acts to harmonious choirs, often accompanied by instruments like the piano, organ, or guitar. Through their voices, gospel singers inspire, uplift, and bring a sense of peace and comfort to those who hear them.

15 Best Christian Gospel Singers of All Time

Washington, DC

If you’ve seen a large building made entirely out of concrete built sometime between the 1950s and 1970s, you’ve probably seen the style of architecture known as brutalism. People have a lot of feelings about these buildings. NPR interviewed people on the street in front of FBI headquarters...

Why brutalist buildings should stay, even if people think they're ugly

Common and Pete Rock are two of hip-hop's greatest heroes. Common is one of the most famous Chicago rappers of all time and Pete Rock is a producer with hundreds of credits to his name: with C.L. Smooth, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Biggie. The list goes on!. These two icons...

Common & Pete Rock

Shaun Martin, a Grammy-winning keyboard player for Snarky Puppy and longtime collaborator with gospel star Kirk Franklin, has passed away. Martin died on August 3, at the age of 45, the band announced in a statement shared on social media. While the cause of death has not been revealed, Variety...

Grammy-Winning Musician Shaun Martin Dead at 45

If you type “dark cello music” into the YouTube search bar, you might be surprised at how many results you get. It’s a robust niche, with hundreds upon hundreds of videos—some with runtimes of up to 10 hours. Many purport to produce meditative or otherwise calming effects, their gothic, black-and-white photographs soundtracked by waves of resonant, melancholic tones. These videos often have tens of thousands of views or more. One of the most popular recordings in this particular corner of YouTube is only three minutes long, and its title is a unique combination of search keywords and poetry. “The Darkest Cello Music – ‘Beginning To End’,” uploaded by Hendyamps Studios on August 31, 2019, boasts 1.6 million views. Nearly 1,100 comments offer a loose consensus of the composition’s impact and beauty.

How a Viral “Dark Cello” Video Led to Hendyamps Studios

Quincy, MA

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Dianna Carney

Get ready for an afternoon filled with live music, fun activities, and local vendors. The Friends of Ruth Gordon Amphitheater has invited the community to join them for the Friends Rock Music Festival on Sunday, August 11th from 2 PM until 8 PM. This free-to-attend festival promises a day filled with a diverse lineup of artists and bands, offering something for every music lover. Performances will include:

Live Music, Delicious Food & More: Don't Miss This Free Music Festival in Quincy

Tampa, FL

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

Three men and a woman have been arrested on murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Charles Jones , a Jacksonville rapper known as Julio Foolio,” outside a hotel in Tampa.

4 arrested in slaying of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio

Nashville, TN

Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us this week as we celebrate great music out of Nashville! We hear an electric performance on violin, imitating sounds from Jimi Hendrix's guitar, by a teen musician who already holds a real job in an orchestra. We meet a talented pianist who performs Beethoven. And a teen bluegrass mandolin player with a career on the rise performs solo and collaborates on a toe-tapping tune with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan.

Beethoven to Bluegrass and Special Guest Victor Wooten

Los Angeles, CA

Mountain View, CA

Composer and California icon Danny Elfman will play two Golden State concerts showcasing his career highlights. The performances — Nov. 2 at the Hollywood Bowl and Nov. 3 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View — are his only remaining U.S. performances in 2024. Elfman will be backed by...

Danny Elfman To Play 2 Career-Spanning California Concerts

Trumpet players are musicians who perform on the trumpet, a brass instrument known for its bright, powerful sound and versatility. They use a combination of embouchure, breath control, and finger techniques to produce a wide range of notes and dynamics. Trumpet players can be heard across various music genres, including jazz, classical, and pop, where their roles can range from melodic leads to intricate solos and harmonic support. Their ability to execute complex passages, deliver expressive phrases, and contribute to ensemble settings makes them central figures in both orchestras and bands. The trumpet’s ability to project and cut through other instruments highlights its distinctive place in music.

15 Best Trumpet Players of All Time

Music bands often have complex dynamics and things can sometimes go wrong. Tensions and disagreements often lead to changes in the line-up. Here, we look at five founding members who, despite being instrumental in starting their bands, were asked to leave. 1. Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones) Brian Jones was...

5 Founding Member Who Were Kicked Out of Their Own Bands

Audio will be available later today. Last summer's heat in Europe contributed to tens of thousands of deaths. A study finds that many more were prevented because of adaptations that have happened since a devastating heat wave in 2003.

The devastating heat wave in 2003 was a wake-up call for Europeans

Instrumental music, with its ability to convey emotion and tell stories without the use of lyrics, has captivated audiences for centuries. It transcends language barriers, allowing listeners to experience a pure, unfiltered form of artistry. From the soaring symphonies of classical composers to the innovative jazz improvisations and cinematic scores that enhance our favorite films, instrumental music holds a timeless allure. In this article, we embark on a journey through the top 15 most popular instrumental music songs of all time. These pieces have not only achieved remarkable success but have also left an indelible mark on the landscape of music history. They represent the pinnacle of instrumental prowess, showcasing the diversity and richness of music that relies solely on melody, harmony, and rhythm. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or a curious newcomer, these tracks offer a glimpse into the extraordinary world of instrumental music, highlighting its power to evoke emotions, create atmospheres, and resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. Join us as we explore the very best that instrumental music has to offer, celebrating compositions that have defined and shaped this enchanting genre.

15 Best Instrumental Music Songs of All Time

Will Phoenix

One night at a trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had scribbled down more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

‘Something’ in Music 433

NewsBreak

With new orchestral music, Louis Cole pulls magic out of the air

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with drummer and composer Louis Cole about the new sounds he brought to his latest album. When Louis Cole was a kid,...

With new orchestral music, Louis Cole pulls magic out of the air

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