Ryan Benk

A first in a career spanning six decades: Cher has a Christmas album. She talked with NPR about her mother, her experience working with Stevie Wonder, and the time she hopped a freight train at age 9.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with researcher Joe Johnson and musician Jake Blount about the new Library of Congress guide to African American banjo music resources in its collection.

Scientists at University of California Berkeley have recreated a Pink Floyd song using previously recorded brain waves. In the process, they've learned a lot about how the brain processes music.

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Black Opry founder Holly G. about Jason Aldean's latest single and the fight to recognize Black contributions to country music.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest entrant Nicolle Horbath composed songs about the pandemic but gave them a bossa nova twist.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to soul singer Bettye LaVette about her new album, "LaVette!" and her years of performing on the club circuit.

The brand-name version of the once-daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV used to cost upwards of $1,800 a month. Federal guidance now makes getting the drug with insurance cheaper.

Journalists based in Colombia, South Africa and Indonesia talk about how the Black Lives Matter movement inspired activists abroad this year.

NPR's David Greene speaks with the singer and multi-instrumentalist about his new album, exploring his roots in Colombia and the influence of his late mother on his music.

Both the Trump and Biden campaigns are competing for voters in key swing states like Pennsylvania. But is either of the major parties trying to engage Black voters in cities like Pittsburgh?