Mar 16th, 2010 · An English band steeped in harmony, a reggae pioneer, progressive rockers who thrived despite a defection, four Swedes who combined their nation's traditions with their rock heroes and a man who prowled a ballroom floor singing 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' wouldn't seem to have much in common. But now they're all in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mar 8th, 2010 · The singer was part of a musical scene in 1950s Cuba that produced an entire generation of musical innovators and pioneers. The two classic boleros she performs in this Tiny Desk Concert are a reflection of the passion for life she instills in every performance.
Mar 4th, 2010 · Keyboardist Bobby Espinosa, called by one music writer "The Jimmy Smith of East Los Angeles," died last week in Los Angeles, at age 60. Though his band El Chicano was marketed as a pop act, they were also a damn good Latin jazz band.
Mar 1st, 2010 · Billboard.com reports this morning that rapper Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, is in a coma. The MC is one half of the pioneering underground New York rap duo Gang Starr, that's been releasing critically acclaimed albums since the early '90s.
Feb 28th, 2010 · On Halloween night in 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to take part in an NBA game. Lloyd was inducted into Basketball's Hall of Fame in 2003 and has just published his memoir, called Moonfixer: The Basketball Journey of Earl Lloyd. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Lloyd about his book.
Feb 11th, 2010 · Singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III won a Grammy in January for his recent album paying tribute to an old-time country banjo player who died in 1931. Called High Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, the double album features nine new songs, plus a raft of tunes made popular by Poole, a country-music pioneer.
Feb 9th, 2010 · The Winter Olympics begin Friday in Vancouver, where speedskater Shani Davis hopes to add to the medals he won in 2006. Of his status as the first black athlete to win an individual event gold medal at the winter games, Davis said that while it's nice to be a pioneer, "I was just happy to accomplish my dreams and goals in speedskating."
Feb 8th, 2010 · A Census Bureau ad, directed by mockumentary pioneer Christopher Guest aired during the Super Bowl and beseeched viewers to pose for a "snap shot of America." Worth $2.5 million?