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Culture

Thursday

Sun Records Founder Dies

Record producer Sam Phillips, who helped launch the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis, dies of respiratory failure at age 80. Dubbed the inventor of rock 'n' roll, Phillips founded Sun Records in 1952 and was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. NPR's Bob Edwards has a remembrance.

Sun Records Founder Dies

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Wednesday

Music Interviews

Sam Cooke, Portrait of a Legend

With an unforgettable voice, good looks and the spirituality of gospel music roots, Sam Cooke soared to the top of the pop charts. On Morning Edition, NPR's Bob Edwards reports on how Cooke bridged the gap between rock and soul to become a music legend. Hear samples of newly reissued Cooke songs and the story of Cooke's triumphant return to New York's famed Copacabana nightclub.

Sam Cooke, Portrait of a Legend

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Tuesday

Music Review: 'Segundo' from Juana Molina

Juana Molina is part of a new generation of musical experimenters from Argentina. On Segundo, her debut CD, Molina mixes the sounds of electronica with the waving rhythms and undulations of traditional South American music. Critic Tom Moon has a review.

Music Review: 'Segundo' from Juana Molina

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Monday

Bob Hope Dies at 100

Bob Hope, master of the one-liner and world-famous comedian, dies of pneumonia at 100. A star in vaudeville, radio, television and film, Hope helped define the monologue. NPR's Lynn Neary asks visitors at the Library of Congress' Bob Hope exhibit for their thoughts on Hope's passing. And NPR's Michele Norris talks with longtime Hope writer Larry Gelbart.

Bob Hope Dies at 100

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Bob Hope Dies at 100

Bob Hope, master of the one-liner and world-famous comedian, dies of pneumonia at 100. A star in vaudeville, radio, television and film, Hope helped define the monologue. He was best known for entertaining U.S. troops at bases around the world. Pat Dowell has a remembrance.

Bob Hope Dies at 100

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Sunday

Brian Stokes Mitchell, the 'Man of La Mancha'

Brian Stokes Mitchell's not-so-impossible dream was a Broadway revival of Man of La Mancha. NPR's Jacki Lyden reports that Mitchell's run as Don Quixote has won new fans for a timeless character and the show's approachable star.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, the 'Man of La Mancha'

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Friday

Music Interviews

Thomas Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music

Thomas Dorsey combined sacred and secular styles to create a revolution in music. His story is the latest in "Honky Tonks, Hymns and the Blues," a special 11-part weekly series on the creation of American musical traditions.

Thomas Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music

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'Midnight Cowboy' Director John Schlesinger Dies

Oscar-winning British director John Schlesinger, whose films Midnight Cowboy and Bloody Sunday featured unlikely heroes who helped bring homoerotic themes into the open, died Friday in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 77. NPR's Neda Ulaby offers a remembrance.

'Midnight Cowboy' Director John Schlesinger Dies

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Tuesday

'Seabiscuit' Director Gary Ross

Seabiscuit, the story of a small, downtrodden horse who managed to mesmerize an entire nation, gallops onto the screen Friday. Adapted from the best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand, the film chronicles how Seabiscuit's unlikely triumphs on the racetrack helped revive Americans' spirits in the latter half of the Depression. Hear filmmaker Gary Ross.

'Seabiscuit' Director Gary Ross

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Sunday

Music News

'Blue Note Records, The Biography'

Blue Note, the uniquely American jazz label, was formed by German immigrants who loved the music form and wanted to tell the world about it. In Blue Note Records, The Biography, author Richard Cook tells the story of Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, who formed the label that's been synonymous with jazz since 1939. Hear an extended interview with Cook.

'Blue Note Records, The Biography'

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Saturday

Actor Jeff Bridges

He says he's so indecisive that it takes him hours to order food at restaurants. But when the part of Charles Howard in the movie Seabiscuit landed on his plate, actor Jeff Bridges did not hesitate. NPR's Scott Simon talks to Bridges about his work on the film, opening next week. They also chat about other roles in Bridges' 30-year career.

Actor Jeff Bridges

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New Music

Another Batch of Annoying Music

Jim Nayder, the Annoying Music Man, makes uninvited another stop at Weekend Edition Saturday to share the best of the worst music on the planet. NPR's Scott Simon suffers along. Hear carefully selected samples — the best of the worst — online.

Another Batch of Annoying Music

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Friday

Music Interviews

Radiohead Translated for the Piano

Classical pianist Christopher O'Riley is best known for his interpretations of music by such composers as Stravinksy and Ravel. But on his latest album, True Love Waits, he transforms the compositions of rock band Radiohead. NPR's Michele Norris talks with O'Riley.

Radiohead Translated for the Piano

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Movie Review: 'Dirty Pretty Things'

British movie director Stephen Frears usually works on his own turf, but his latest effort takes place in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan reviews the movie, Dirty Pretty Things.

Movie Review: 'Dirty Pretty Things'

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Tuesday

Review

Music Reviews

Music Review: 'The Trouble With Being Myself' from Macy Gray

Critic Tom Moon reviews the new CD by Macy Gray. He includes Gray among a group of "neo-soul" artists — contemporary R&B musicians that have hit pay dirt by consciously emulating the sounds and songwriting devices of classic soul. The Trouble With Being Myself, evokes the sounds of Chaka Khan, Al Green and the Jackson Five.

Music Review: 'The Trouble With Being Myself' from Macy Gray

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