Aretha Franklin, pictured during a television appearance in January 1972, the same month in which the project Amazing Grace was recorded. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images hide caption
Music Features In-depth storytelling from the NPR Music team.
Janelle Monae performs in 2018 in Los Angeles. Kevin Winter/Getty Images and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco performs at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 5, 2017, in New Orleans, La. Josh Brasted/Getty Images hide caption
Charles Mingus poses next to a poster for his six nights of performances at the Strata Concert Gallery in Detroit in 1973. A recording of one of those nights has just been released. Sue Mingus/Courtesy of BBE Music hide caption
The Beatles in 1968 Courtesy Apple Corps Ltd. hide caption
Emel Mathlouthi performs during Nobel Peace Prize concert in 2015. Ragnar Singsaas/Getty Images and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
A member of The Residents waves to the crowd after a performance in Moscow on September 8, 2001. Reuters hide caption
A hologram of the legendary soprano Maria Callas is currently touring North America and Europe. Evan Agostini/Base Hologram hide caption
Sia performs at Coachella in 2016. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
An image of Mac Miller, who died suddenly in September, projected on the rear of the stage at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif., before a benefit concert organized in Miller's honor. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images hide caption
Following their performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, The Kingdom Choir, conducted by Karen Gibson, signed a record deal with Sony Music. Their first album, Stand By Me, is out now. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images hide caption
After Royal Wedding Spotlight, The Kingdom Choir Releases Debut Album
Suspiria is the first film score by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke. Greg Williams/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
In her solo work and with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens has helped shepherd the revival of the black string band tradition in American consciousness. Claire Harbage and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
"Mother" Maybelle Carter (left) performs with her daughter Helen in 1977 at the A.P. Carter Memorial Festival in Virginia. Robert Alexander/Getty Images hide caption
'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' Connects Musicians, Generation After Generation
Big Freedia performs during the 2018 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Photo Illustration: Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage/Getty Images and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
Nicki Minaj performs during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. Ethan Miller/Getty Images hide caption
Slick Rick released his debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick in 1988. Al Pereira/Getty Images hide caption
How Slick Rick And Queen Latifah 'Breathed Life Into Hip-Hop' In 1988
Tegan and Sara perform in 2016 in Australia. Photo Illustration: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
"I Am Woman" singer Helen Reddy performs in 1970. Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty Images hide caption
You're Gonna Hear Them Roar: 'I Am Woman' Is An Anthem Beyond Its Era
Cher's dance anthem "Believe" was released 20 years ago this month. Rick Stewart/Getty hide caption
Miranda Lambert performs in Dover, Delaware in 2015. Photo Illustration: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Big Barrel and Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption