Soul on Ice Soul on Ice
Is jazz really dead--or has it simply moved to a cooler location? Four new books take a scholarly look at a musical genre that is on the wane in America, but finding new life and n...
Nov 17, 2005 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe
In Search of Sam Cooke In Search of Sam Cooke
A womanizing gospel king and black-pride pop star, Sam Cooke led a short life filled with contradiction.
Sep 22, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Robert Christgau
New World Symphony New World Symphony
Joseph Horowitz diligently lays out the immense problems that face American classical music today, and his warnings cannot go unheeded.
Sep 15, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Russell Platt
Kanye West, Unplugged Kanye West, Unplugged
NBC took offense when Kanye West took an unscripted swipe at President Bush during a benefit concert for hurricane victims. But somebody had to say it.
Sep 6, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Adam Howard
Tramps Like Us Tramps Like Us
Thirty summers ago, Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run exploded the cynicism and complacency of a morally exhausted era and gave a new generation reason to believe in rock and roll.
Sep 2, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Eric Alterman
Born Again in the USA Born Again in the USA
In his latest album, Bruce Springsteen reaches for the Good Book.
Jun 16, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Jody Rosen
The Cool War The Cool War
The US government employed jazz musicians as ambassadors to the world during the cold war.
Jun 9, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Brian Morton
The First Lady of Song The First Lady of Song
Billie Holiday wasn't just adored by her fans but by her friends and colleagues as well.
Jun 9, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Robert Christgau
Pete Seeger: Ain’t No One Like Him Pete Seeger: Ain’t No One Like Him
As part of a nationwide festival of tributes to Pete Seeger in 2005, Studs Terkel offered this essay on the life and times of an American balladeer.
Apr 28, 2005 / Books & the Arts / Studs Terkel
Tangled Up in Bob Tangled Up in Bob
In or around 1965, human nature changed.
Apr 7, 2005 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe