Search results for

Shawn Amos is a musician and lyricist whose songs explore themes of race, history and masculinity. The enigmatically titled Thank You Shirl-ee May (A Love Story) is his third release.

Days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall east of New Orleans, thousands are still stranded in the city. And the city's mayor has issued what he called an "Urgent SOS" for help. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is overseeing the biggest recovery operation in U.S. history.

Twenty years ago, tons of toxic gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, India. It was one of the worst industrial accidents in history, with a death toll of more than 15,000. Many survivors say they have yet to receive compensation. Hear Miranda Kennedy.

Pieces of Chicago's history and cultural experiences go on sale Thursday to raise money for city cultural programs. The eBay offerings include an authentic Playboy Bunny costume from the 1960s. NPR's David Schaper reports.

DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

In December, New York Times and Eric Lichtblau broke the news that the Bush administration had authorized a domestic eavesdropping program. Risen's new book is State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration.

George McKee Elsey quietly witnessed and participated in the making of American history as an aide to two presidents — Roosevelt and Truman. Now 88, he tells his story in An Unplanned Life.

At the heart of country musician Jon Randall's new CD, Walking Among the Living, there's a bit of family history. The singer-songwriter's "North Carolina Moon" is an update of a tune that his father began to write when Randall was still in high school.

The always outrageous blueswoman Candye Kane is back with a new album, White Trash Girl. With a history that includes poverty, gang life, and working in the sex industry, she has earned the right to sing the blues.

After producing records for Solomon Burke, Ani DiFranco and most recently Allen Toussaint, Henry returns to his own material on Blood From Stars. In a session from WXPN, Henry traces the rugged history of American storytelling with a mix of blues, rock and jazz.