Musicians

For Borderlands, out May 29 from Smithsonian Folkways, Wu Man joined forces with seven Uyghur musicians to improvise on their traditional music.

LISTEN NOW: Wu Man Brings East and West Together in New Album

In Borderlands, the Chinese musician highlights the culture of the Uyghur people

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Remembering Doc Watson, Folk Guitar Hero (1923-2012)

Smithsonian Folkways honors the blind folk musician who died yesterday at the age of 89

British musician Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones performs on stage during the band's 'Voodoo Lounge' tour, late 1994.

Five New Books That Will Rock You Like a Hurricane

The '70s music scene is being reexamined in these books by and about the major players of rock 'n' roll

No matter what type of music they played, says Apache guitarist Stevie Salas, Native Americans "seemed to share a common rhythmic thread."

The Pop Charts' Native Roots

From country music ballads to rock power chords, Native Americans left a lasting impression on the soundtrack of the 20th century

Famous for Motown hits like “My Girl” and “Get Ready,” the Temptations spin and glide through their polished choreography at the Apollo Theater.

Motown Turns 50

For years, the recording industry excluded black artists. Along came Motown, and suddenly everyone was singing its tunes

Lester Young electrified the jazz world with his dexterity and imagination.

Lester Young Turns 100

Billie Holiday’s favorite musician, jazz great Lester “Prez” Young brought a hip, freewheeling sensibility to his saxophone playing

Herman Leonard photographed jazz icons such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie.

Herman Leonard’s Eye for Jazz

In the 1940s and 50s, photographer Herman Leonard captured icons of the jazz world, including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington

Keefe's tribute to Bailey includes “Rocking Chair,” “I’ll Close My Eyes” and “Bluebirds in the Moonlight.”

Julia Keefe’s Jazz

The young musician discusses the joys of improvisation and her new tribute to fellow American Indian artist Mildred Bailey

Chuck Mangione was nominated for a Grammy for his hit song "Feels So Good."

For Smithsonian, Mangione Memorabilia 'Feels So Good'

The jazz flugelhornist and composer kicks off Jazz History Month with a donation to the National Museum of American History

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Dr. John's Prognosis

The blues and rock musician shares stories of his wild past and his concerns for the future.

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Rhythm and Identity

A Q&A with Bobby Sanabria, musician, composer and professor of Latin jazz

The view from the back of the grotto looking toward the Colorado River during a Moab Music Festival concert

At Moab, Music Among the Red Rocks

The Moab Music Festival features world-class music in an unparalleled natural setting

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Blue Ridge Bluegrass

The town of Floyd, Virginia draws jam-ready musicians and some toe-tapping fans

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks donated mementos to the American History museum, including his trademark cowboy hat, a gold record and a handwritten lyric sheet

With his own record label, Sufjan Stevens is “one of the indie world’s most eccentric and personal songwriters,” says Rolling Stone.

One Man Band

The next Bob Dylan? Maybe. Sufjan Stevens' honest sound and stark lyrics speak volumes to a new generation. And he plays all the instruments

Mariza is gaining a reputation as the new queen of fado.

Portugal's Soulful Sound

Often compared to American blues, fado is gaining global appeal

The first Chicago Blues Festival was held in 1984. Today it draws hundreds of thousands of listeners and is the largest free blues festival in the world.

Blues Alley

How Chicago became the blues capital of the world

Although loosely based on The Supremes (above), the movie Dreamgirls is a work of fiction. The real story of the 1960s girl groups, however, changed American music forever.

The Real Dreamgirls

How girl groups changed American music

Ray Charles' Ray-Bans, his celebrity trademark, are held in the collections of the National Museum of American History.

Ray Charles' Fusion of Gospel and Blues Changed the Face of American Popular Music

A visionary virtuoso, Charles made brilliance look easy

A prodigy who played for President Kennedy at age 7, Ma (in 1988) is no snob, performing Bach to pop to tangos.

35 Who Made a Difference: Yo-Yo Ma

Humanitarian, globe-trotting teacher, good sport, ice-dancing fan and heckuva nice guy. Oh, and he plays the cello

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