What makes a great song? Naturally, a song needs compelling production and sweet melodies, but the most important (and sometimes most underrated) factor is the lyrics. If an artist can tell a great ...

Now that we're halfway into the 2020s, it's safe to say that R&B is still in a solid place. While some fans are still holding on to the claims of how much they miss the '90s and 2000s sounds, some ...

GloRilla grabbed two major honors at the 2025 BMI R&B/Hip‑Hop Awards in Los Angeles on August 28, 2025. She earned the Impact Award for her influence on culture and music, and she also tied for ...

Renowned R&B disc spinner DJ Akio is the latest big name confirmed for the second edition of the highly anticipated World of Sounds, which recently introduced a new segment called Jukebox. DJ Akio, an ...

ALL RIGHT. WELL LOOKING AHEAD LOOKING AHEAD TO SEPTEMBER, THE ORIOLES WILL CELEBRATE HBCU NIGHT AT THE YARD. R&B SINGER LLOYD WILL TAKE THE FIELD FOR A SPECIAL PREGAME CONCERT. WHEN THE O’S HOST THE ...

This is FRESH AIR. Up next in our archive series R&B, rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll, we have an interview with rhythm and blues singer LaVern Baker. Baker was one of Atlantic's first big success ...

All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Singer, songwriter, producer and talent scout Johnny Otis got his start leading a big band ...

James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994. This ...

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. Let's continue our archive series R&B, rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll with rhythm and blues singer Etta James. She got her start at the age of 15 when she was ...

Aug. 22 is an important date in hip-hop and R&B. Veteran American rapper GZA (also known as The Genius) was born on this day in 1966. He is best known as a founding member and the "spiritual head" of ...

Enjoy an eclectic mix of events this weekend in Baltimore, from some waterfront R&B music performances, to tasty vegan food, to puppet shows for kids, and more. Check it all out in our weekend events ...

Aug. 20 has seen many transformative events in the world of hip-hop and R&B. One of the most influential R&B/soul artists of all time, Isaac Hayes, was born on this day in 1942. His best-known album, ...