Arthur Russell Arthur Russell artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music

Arthur Russell

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Corn, a new collection of Arthur Russell's archival recordings from the early '80s, comes out June 9. Tom Lee/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Tom Lee/Courtesy of the artist

Review

First Listen

Review: Arthur Russell, 'Corn'

May 31, 2015 • A new collection gathers some of the great musician's unreleased recordings from 1982-83, with each song culled from Russell's prodigious tapes by one of his closest and most devoted listeners.

NPR Music Presents A Screening Of 'Wild Combination: A Portrait Of Arthur Russell'

Illustration by Tyler Boss

All Songs Considered

NPR Music Presents A Screening Of 'Wild Combination: A Portrait Of Arthur Russell'

November 20, 2014 • Come watch a documentary on the life and music of the avant-garde and disco composer Arthur Russell's life — and stick around for a discussion with musicians and friends.

First Listen: 'Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell'

The compilation Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell comes out Oct. 21. Janette Beckman/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Janette Beckman/Courtesy of the artist

First Listen

First Listen: 'Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell'

October 12, 2014 • The Red Hot Organization pays tribute to an inimitable character on a double-length tribute, with help from Robyn, Sufjan Stevens, Hot Chip, Phosphorescent, Blood Orange, Scissor Sisters and more.

Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Review

Music Reviews

Music Review: 'The World of Arthur Russell'

June 1, 2004 • In the 1970's and early 1980's, musician Arthur Russell composed music with danceable rock and avant-garde classical music influences. Much of his music was made into 12" discs for DJs to play in dance clubs. It featured many instruments drifting in and out of hearing range. Russell has since died of AIDS — but his many tapes are finally being put together in a number of compilations, the first being a CD called The World of Arthur Russell.

Music Review: 'The World of Arthur Russell'

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Matthew Billings

A Blog Supreme

Covering Arthur Russell On Bassoon

November 15, 2010 • Before a crowd of literally less than ten, Katherine Young performed a few compositions for bassoon and electronics. But the surprise of evening was a beautiful translation of Arthur Russell's "Soon to be Innocent Fun."