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.
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In the early 1990's, American rock music was just beginning to emerge from "hair metal." A new book recounts the wild festival of music and activism that helped redefine rock: "Lollapalooza."
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Singer and guitarist Jessica Dobson of the band Deep Sea Diver speaks with NPR's A Martinez about overcoming feelings of self-doubt on her new album, "Billboard Heart."
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This year's Grammy Awards feature some not-so-new faces in the "Best New Artist" category. A Martinez speaks with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson about why that is and who's considered a "new" artist.
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Colombian musician Ela Minus unites the excitement of the dance club with the more human touch of analog synthesizers on her new album, DÍA. -
Rapper Jay-Z has been caught up in allegations surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs. They have been accused of raping a minor at a party in 2000. Jay-Z is taking action against the attorney filing charges.
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As a member of the hit K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, Rosé has earned worldwide fame. Now, she's got the spotlight all to herself with her first solo album, rosie. -
NPR Music reveals its list of the top albums of 2024. How does this list get decided?
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NPR's A Martinez talks with Cary Baker, author of "Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music."
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Beyoncé became the first Black female artist to top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. But she was notably absent from this year’s Country Music Association Awards nominations.
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The folk music duo of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings release their album 'Woodland," four years after a tornado destroyed their home and studio.
