NPR Music

Ahmad Jamal, 'A Musical Architect Of The Highest Order,' Keeps On Building At 84, the acclaimed jazz pianist is still recording and touring. Among his many achievements is one that often eludes even the most beloved jazz artists: mainstream popularity. Read this story

JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA: THE RADIO PROGRAM In Memory Of 2014: Jazz Night Looks Back This year marked the passing of legends like Charlie Haden, Horace Silver and Gerald Wilson. Hear their great live performances from the vault, and highlights remembrances from loved ones. Read this story

TOAST OF THE NATION Dee Alexander's Funkin' With Electric Soul: Live In Chicago An impromptu bongo beat became a full-on tribute to James Brown, and suddenly a band had a new repertoire. A powerful and versatile vocalist, Alexander and her ensemble honor the Godfather of Soul. Read this story

NPR'S 'JAZZ PROFILES' Buddy DeFranco: The Clarinetist Who Swung To Bebop A brilliant jazz improviser who toured with Count Basie and Billie Holiday, DeFranco devised many new paths for his instrument as small-group bebop overtook the big bands of the Swing Era. Read this story

MUSIC INTERVIEWS John McNeil, A Trumpeter Robbed Of His Breath, Blows Again McNeil suffered from a neural disorder that prevented him from performing for decades at a time. But thanks to a medical study, he's regained enough coordination to form a new band, called Hush Point. Read this story