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Music Interviews Interviews with top musicians from jazz, blues, rock, pop, folk, classical, urban, and world music. Listen online to live studio sessions and musician interviews and watch video sessions.

Music Interviews

Cabaret Singer Bobby Short

Fresh Air

He's been playing piano and singing at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City since 1968. He's considered one of the great cabaret singers of our time. The 79-year-old song stylist was slated to retire from the Cafe Carlyle this coming New Year's Eve, but he's extended his schedule, and he's not going anywhere for the time being. Short has been named a "living landmark" by New York's Landmark Conservancy and a "national living legend" by the Library of Congress.

Cabaret Singer Bobby Short

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Jane Olivor Sings Again on 'Safe Return'

Singer Jane Olivor went from performing folk music in clubs in New York City in the early 1970s to becoming a major pop star, performing at Carnegie Hall. But with fame came misfortune, with the death of her husband and a long battle with stage fright that kept her from singing for several years. Olivor has returned to the stage and has released a new CD and DVD of a recent live performance. Jane Olivor talks to NPR's Liane Hansen about her return to singing and the Safe Return project.

Jane Olivor Sings Again on 'Safe Return'

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Intersections: Hip-Hop Producer Timbaland

Timbaland is one of the most influential producers in the music industry. For Intersections, a series on artists' inspirations, he discusses his varied musical influences and his successful collaboration with superstar Missy Elliott. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.

Intersections: Hip-Hop Producer Timbaland

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J.J. CALE

The southern guitar shuffle of J.J. Cale has been mimicked by some of the most successful acts in rock 'n' roll history - like Eric Clapton and Dire Straits - yet Cale himself has remained a recording artist on the fringe of the music industry. His latest CD is called "To Tulsa and Back," and it marks his return to the studio after eight years. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Cale about his songwriting accomplishments and why he returned to his hometown of Tusla, Oklahoma, to record his new release. (9:41)

Music

'To Tulsa and Back' with J.J. Cale

Since the mid-1960s, songwriter J.J. Cale has been writing southern-style rock hits for Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. He talks with NPR's Liane Hansen about his first collection of new songs in eight years, To Tulsa and Back.

'To Tulsa and Back' with J.J. Cale

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Ray Charles Dies at 73

Blues and gospel legend Ray Charles has died at the age of 73. Charles won the Grammy 12 times. His songs "Hit the Road, Jack," "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind" have become American classics. NPR's Felix Contreras offers an appreciation of the musician.

Ray Charles Dies at 73

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