A Martínez
A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First. He came to NPR in 2021 and is based out of NPR West.
Prior to NPR, Martínez was the host of Take Two at KPCC in Los Angeles since 2012. During his tenure, Take Two created important forums on the air and through live events that elevated the voices and perspectives of Angelenos, and provided nuanced coverage of the region's challenges including homelessness, climate change and systemic disparities in health and education. He is also a familiar voice to sports-talk radio listeners in Los Angeles as a former host of 710 KSPN's In the Zone, and he was a longtime pre- and post-game show host for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers.
Before he joined KPCC, Martínez had never listened to public radio. He views his path in public radio as proof that public radio journalism can be accessible, relatable and understandable to anyone, regardless of their background or educational pedigree, and says it has changed both his career and his perspective on life.
With a career that has lately been focused on Southern California, Martínez is excited to get to know the rest of the U.S. through Morning Edition.
-
The DJ and producer known as RJD2 found inspiration for his latest music while admiring the complexity of certain TV theme songs. The album is called “Visions Out of Limelight.”
-
The Bronx-born rapper sits with A Martínez to discuss how he advocates for price transparency and what he wants politicians in D.C. to do about it.
-
System of a Down singer Serj Tankian covers fleeing the Lebanese Civil War as a child, advocating for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and why his band hasn't made a new album since 2005.
-
The Museum for the United Nations has partnered with musicians to re-release some of their songs with added nature sounds to generate royalties for conservation efforts.
-
What does a man whose job is just to "beach" do in a winter wonderland? For actor Ryan Gosling, it's an opportunity to release a holiday version of his song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie."
-
For some performers, Christmas music royalties are the gifts that keep on giving.
-
NPR's A Martinez speaks with singer Laufey about making jazz more accessible to younger generations. She has a new album called Bewitched.
-
Hip-hop superstar Post Malone shares stories of fatherhood, self-doubt and why he named his latest album after his real name.
-
The blueprint for today's hip-hop just got his own exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library. "The Book of Hov" exhibit honors Jay-Z. Thirteen limited-edition library cards are also making their debut.
-
Dave Lombardo of Slayer breaks out gongs, timbales, djembes, congas and cajóns (plus anything else he can bang on) for the album Rites of Percussion.