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Arts & Life

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.

Recording Industry Legend Sam Phillips Dies

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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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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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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.

Comedian Bob Hope Dies at 100

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'Lowdown': A Memoir of Jazz and Junk

Joe Albany was an acclaimed bebop pianist, a band mate of legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker -- and a heroin junkie. In her new memoir, Lowdown: Jazz, Junk, And Other Fairytales From Childhood, author A.J. Albany recalls her turbulent life with her troubled, talented father. Tom Vitale reports.

'Lowdown': A Memoir of Jazz and Junk

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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.

Comedian Bob Hope Dies at 100

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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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Music Interviews

Janis Joplin Tribute Set for Central Park

Had she survived, Janis Joplin would be 60 this year. A tribute is planned Sunday at New York City's Central Park Summerstage. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Sam Andrew, a guitarist who played with two of Joplin's bands and arranged her version of "Summertime."

Janis Joplin Tribute Set for Central Park

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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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Movie Review: 'Camp'

Ever since a young Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland decided they just had to put on a show, the movies have loved to portray young people performing. The latest example is the new movie, Camp. Morning Edition and Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.

Movie Review: 'Camp'

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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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Hollywood, Video Game Industry Strengthen Ties

From The Matrix: Reloaded to Finding Nemo, nearly every blockbuster movie released this summer has a video game tie-in. Hollywood executives see the games as a gold mine for growth. But some observers say the games resulting from these marketing deals fail to engage players with a good story. NPR's Susan Stone reports.

Hollywood, Video Game Industry Strengthen Ties

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Met Opera Sued for Misuse of Donations

Representatives of a major donor to the Metropolitan Opera sue to recover millions of dollars they say the opera used against the philanthropist's wishes. At issue is a 2001 television broadcast of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde that featured a "nontraditional" set. Hear George Carpinello, a lawyer for the donor's estate.

Met Opera Sued for Misuse of Donations

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'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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