Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'inspiration'

Gen. Washington's Delaware Crossing Still Inspires

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:48:00 EST

President Bush and President-elect Obama each made mention this week of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware. Gen. Washington crossed the river on Dec. 25, 1776. The next day, the British suffered a major defeat in the Battle of Trenton. Historian David McCullough says it was a time when the Revolutionary War looked lost to Washington's men.

Good For The Jews: Irreverent Hanukkah Songs

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:40:00 EST

The music of Good for the Jews provides snarky, funny commentary on Jewish pride and culture. Here, just in time for Hanukkah, members Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin reveal their inspirations and provide a taste of their comedic tunes.

R&B Star Returns With Christmas Album

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

Howard Hewett, former front man for the R&B group Shalamar, sings the holiday classics on his new album, a Howard Hewett Christmas. Hewitt reflects on his the inspiration for his newest album and his expansive career in the music business.

Taste Test: Obama Soda A Hit With French Teens

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:13:00 EST

The election of Barack Obama has inspired one French entrepreneur to create a new soft drink. The maker of Obama Soda says he hopes his beverage, and its namesake, will inspire young people living in some of France's grimmest housing projects by giving them a little taste of the American dream.

Richie Havens: A Folk Icon, Still Strumming

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:19:00 EST

Richie Havens is the man who opened Woodstock, and he hasn't stopped performing or inspiring ever since. Here, the legendary folk singer and guitarist discusses his new album, Nobody Left to Crown.

Bettie Paige Dies At 85

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST

Bettie Paige, the pinup bombshell from the 1950s, has died in Los Angeles. She was 85. Paige was a secretary-turned-model who helped inspire the sexual revolution.

Sports Advice: Copy Hollywood's Business Model

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:36:00 EST

The economic downturn may force pro sports leagues to re-examine their business model, says commentator Frank Deford. And the leagues might look to Hollywood for inspiration: Top athletes would still command huge contracts, but lesser players could see their salaries reduced.

Folk Singer And Civil Rights Activist Remembered

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:04:00 EST

Folk singer Odetta Holmes died yesterday in New York. The 77-year-old enjoyed a celebrated music career and was a source of inspiration for many. She was a classically-trained vocalist but is also being remembered for lending a powerful voice to the Civil Rights movement.

Faded Paper Figures: 'North By North'

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:46:00 EST

Southern California-based Faded Paper Figures wears its inspirations on its sleeve. On its MySpace page, bands such as The Postal Service and Stars are listed as major influences Â� a fact that's easy to hear on the electro-pop trio's debut, Dynamo. It features intriguing lyrics, the occasional duet, and plenty of drum machines and programmed keyboards.

The Year In Jazz: Best CDs Of 2008

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST

It's been a remarkable year for jazz, and narrowing down a Top 10 list for 2008 takes a bit of work. Once again, there's room for enthusiasm and optimism about the state of jazz and its ability to inspire musicians and listeners alike. Here's a look (and a listen) back at some of the year's highlights.

Steve Wynn Finds Inspiration In Slovenia

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST

Former Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn took a break from his current band, The Baseball Project, to record Crossing Dragon Bridge. Seeking inspiration, he traveled far from his New York City apartment to Ljubljana, Slovenia where he crafted an album that sounds unlike anything he's done before.

Election Inspires Minority Leaders To Aim High

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

As Barack Obama prepares to become America's first African-American president, writer Mark Oppenheimer discusses his recent article in Slate Magazine about how other minority groups see the possibility of one of their own becoming president.

Paul Winter On Piano Jazz

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:44:00 EST

Saxophonist and bandleader Paul Winter has created his own unique style of environmentally conscious music. The natural world is not only an inspiration, but it has also been a collaborator in his music. Winter talks about playing with humpback whales, as well as his legendary recording expeditions to the Grand Canyon.

Jayme Stone On Mountain Stage

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:22:00 EST

A chance meeting in California with Indian musician Ali Akbar Khan launched the endless musical education of banjo player Jayme Stone. He's taken inspiration from many musical styles, languages and cultures all over the world, and his genre-bending music recognizes no borders. Stone and kora player Mansa Sissoko recently visited Mountain Stage and performed music from their album, From Africa to Appalachia.

Lucinda Williams Shines A Light On Darkness

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:18:00 EDT

Lucinda Williams' ninth studio album, Little Honey, showcases her new perspective on the world. The album's mix of sad tunes and optimism leads to songs that demonstrate Williams' belief that "love is a mighty sword." Here, she discusses her career and the inspiration for Little Honey.

Essay: Soldier Inspires Voters On U.S. Base In Iraq

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Sgt. Asa Rubman, a paralegal, set up a voting drive in the dining room at his military base in Baghdad. Over the course of five days, nearly 600 soldiers, airmen and contractors cast absentee ballots — many for the first time.

In Hollywood, Hard Times May Mean Good Times

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:12:00 EDT

The only bromide in Hollywood older than "boy meets girl" is that "movies are recession-proof." And it seems to be true — local theaters can offer a cheap getaway from life's troubles. John Ridley says that often, the boost in box-office sales seems to inspire some great movies.

Sara Jenkins: Simple Mediterranean Cooking

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:15:00 EDT

For her new cookbook, Olives and Oranges, chef Sara Jenkins found inspiration in the memories of her childhood, when she traveled across Italy, Spain, France, Lebanon and Cyprus. She has fashioned her cooking style around recollections from that childhood abroad.

Neil Gaiman's Ghostly Baby-Sitters Club

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:17:00 EDT

Neil Gaiman's new novel, The Graveyard Book, is the story of an orphan toddler adopted by dead people. Inspiration for the book came 23 years ago, says Gaiman, when he was watching his son ride a tricycle through a cemetery.

Calexico: Songs Of The American Southwest

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The Tucson-based band not only takes its name from the border region between California and Mexico, but also finds inspiration in the geography, history and music of the area. Calexico joins David Dye from Wave Lab Studios in Tucson to play songs from its new album, Carried to Dust.

Pick Of The Week: Giant Balloon Sculptures

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:14:00 EDT

Flora Lichtman, Science Friday's digital media producer, talks about an artist who crafts giant balloon sculptures after finding inspiration in the natural world.

'In Your Ear': What RNC Chair Duncan Listens To

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan contributes to the Tell Me More series In Your Ear, when some of the guests who've dropped by share the music they listen to. Duncan shares the songs he finds inspiring and soothing.

Sarah Palin Works To Close Gap In Florida

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Once again, Florida is a battleground state this presidential election. Polls show Republican nominee John McCain trailing Democrat Barack Obama. Democrats have registered many more new voters this year than Republicans. However, GOP strategists are confident that vice presidential nominee Sara Palin can inspire more people to vote for McCain.

Hayden Carruth, A Poet With A Jazzman's Touch

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:06:00 EDT

National Book Award-winning poet Hayden Carruth drew inspiration from nature, music and the troubled times of his own life. He died Sept. 29 in his home in Munnsville, N.Y.; he was 87.

Joan Osborne: The 'Indomitable Spirit' Of NYC

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 05:18:00 EDT

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter's new album, Little Wild One, tackles the subjects of post-Sept. 11 New York City and motherhood. Osborne discusses the record and how her new appreciation of New York helped provide the inspiration.