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Ashley Kahn Ashley Kahn is an American music historian, journalist, and producer, as well as a regular commentator on Morning Edition.
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Ashley Kahn
Robert Plant: Starting Over After Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, then and now. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Music Articles

Robert Plant: Starting Over After Led Zeppelin

When Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980, it left fans dazed and confused. For Robert Plant, it created the challenge of going solo after being so closely identified with one of rock's biggest acts.

Robert Plant: Starting Over After Led Zeppelin

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Music Articles

Ornette Coleman: Decades of Jazz on the Edge

It's not easy living on the avant-garde edge of any art, let alone the always-changing world of jazz. But for nearly 50 years, the sound of Ornette Coleman has proven to be one of the most unorthodox — and most influential — in modern jazz.

Ornette Coleman: Decades of Jazz on the Edge

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Music Articles

Steven Bernstein: Mixing the Strange and Familiar

Steven Bernstein mashes the sound of big band era jazz with well-known pop songs. His latest band, the Millennial Territory Orchestra, has just released its first album: 'MTO Volume One.'

Steven Bernstein: Mixing the Strange and Familiar

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Music Articles

For Chico Hamilton, The Beat Goes On

Today is the 85th birthday of jazz drummer and legendary bandleader Chico Hamilton. He has spent seventy years behind the drum kit, performing in a wide variety of styles and jazz flavors: from big band and R&B, to funky and experimental.

For Chico Hamilton, The Beat Goes On

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Music Articles

Dan Penn: 'A Little Something I Like' in Music

The late 1960s were the golden age of Soul music. In studios located in Muscle Shoals, Ala., and Memphis, Tenn., legends like Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge and Otis Redding were recording songs that proved timeless. And many of them were made with Dan Penn.

Dan Penn: 'A Little Something I Like' in Music

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The CodeTalkers: A Language of Funk and Fun

The CodeTalkers don't look like your everyday jam band. But don't let the dark suits they wear in concert fool you. The Atlanta-based trio doesn't take itself too seriously, despite the formal attire.

The CodeTalkers: A Language of Funk and Fun

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Katrina Affects the Sounds of Jazz Fest

Music journalist Ashley Kahn shares the sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In the final report from this series, Kahn reports on how Hurricane Katrina influenced the lyrics and music of this year's Jazz Fest.

Katrina Affects the Sounds of Jazz Fest

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Nicholas Payton: Trumpet Is Essence of New Orleans

Long before Louis Armstrong came along, the trumpet and New Orleans were intertwined. For local jazz legend Nicholas Payton, the instrument represents the essence of the Crescent City.

Nicholas Payton: Trumpet Is Essence of New Orleans

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Healing Music in New Orleans Festival's Gospel Tent

On Friday morning, New Orleans kicks off its first jazz festival since Hurricane Katrina. This year, the Jazz & Heritage Festival has adopted the motto "Witness the Healing Power of Music." Nowhere will this be more evident than in the festival's Gospel Tent.

Healing Music in New Orleans Festival's Gospel Tent

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Music Articles

Flaming Lips Stay True and Reach Out with 'Mystics'

Commentator and music journalist Ashley Kahn talks to members of The Flaming Lips about their music and their latest album, At War with the Mystics. For more than 20 years the band has been a cult favorite. Kahn explains how their new effort maintains a spirit of experimentation, while earning them a shot at mainstream popularity.

Flaming Lips Stay True and Reach Out with 'Mystics'

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Music Articles

Neko Case Surges Forward with 'Flood'

Singer/songwriter Neko Case possesses one of the most distinctive voices in modern music. Some writers are already predicting that her latest, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, will end up one of the year's best. In a recent interview, Neko Case sang, played her guitar and spoke about her music with music journalist Ashley Kahn.

Listen Now

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Songwriter Al Anderson Returns to his Roots as a Performer

Music journalist Ashley Kahn talks with guitarist and songwriter Al Anderson about his new album, After Hours. Anderson has been in the music business for four decades. He has written a string of country hits for Nashville's biggest stars. Despite his success as a songwriter, Anderson says the urge to perform again has proved too strong to resist.

Songwriter Al Anderson Returns to his Roots as a Performer

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