Latest Music News
A traditional send-off in New Orleans for an innovative brass band musician
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Blaring trumpets and joyful voices resounded in a New Orleans neighborhood this week as about 100 people marched in honor of John “Prince” Gilbert, a key member of innovative brass bands that have become an important part of the city's music scene over the past several...
'Gravy Day' is an Australian tradition inspired by an unlikely Christmas song by Paul Kelly
NEW YORK (AP) — To many Australians, Saturday is more than just Dec. 21. It's “Gravy Day,” all because of a lyric in one of the most unlikely Christmas songs ever written. “How to Make Gravy,” written by singer Paul Kelly, has become a holiday classic in Australia over the...
Kehlani shares how taking risks earned Grammy noms while balancing mental health during activism
LOS ANGELES (AP) — While recording “Crash,” Kehlani faced a career-defining decision: Stick with the familiar R&B sound that helped build the singer's name, or risk it all to showcase their full artistic range. For Kehlani, who uses she/they pronouns, choosing the latter...
The best and biggest concerts of 2024: Olivia Rodrigo, Missy Elliott, George Strait and more
NEW YORK (AP) — As The Associated Press’ music writer, Maria Sherman has seen more than 80 concerts in 2024. Here are some of her picks for the best and biggest shows of the year. Most shows on this list were seen in the New York metropolitan area — unless otherwise noted — and it excludes...
Robbie Williams: 'I’ve been a cheeky monkey all my life'
NEW YORK (AP) — It was after one particularly emotional premiere of the new biopic about his life that Robbie Williams resolved he couldn't be “the crying guy” at every screening. “Better Man,” which chronicles the life of Williams, the British pop star and former Take That...
How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones' legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion...
Meet Amy Allen, the songwriter behind the music stuck in your head
NEW YORK (AP) — Amy Allen might not yet be a household name, but her work lives in your brain rent-free. And it's grabbed the attention of the Grammys. The 32-year-old songwriter has composed enduring hits with Halsey (“Without Me”), Selena Gomez (“Back to You”) and Tate...
The Black Crowes enjoy Grammy Awards love again several decades after first nomination
NEW YORK (AP) — The first time Chris and Rich Robinson were at the Grammy Awards, it was 1991. The New York Giants had won the Super Bowl, and the U.S. was in the midst of the Gulf War. The siblings behind the band The Black Crowes had just released their debut album “Shake Your...
For airports, background music no longer is an afterthought
SEATAC, Washington (AP) — Background music is no longer an afterthought at many airports, which are hiring local musicians and carefully curating playlists to help lighten travelers’ moods. London’s Heathrow Airport built a stage to showcase emerging British performers for the...
Now caretaker of his dad's work, Sean Ono Lennon seeks to innovate, not merely repeat
NEW YORK (AP) — Only recently given stewardship over his late father's work, Sean Ono Lennon is on a remarkable run. The only child of John Lennon and Yoko Ono won an Academy Award this year for a short film based on his parents' 1971 song "Happy Christmas (War is Over")" and, a...
