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The compiler of Classic African American Gospel, a new collection from Smithsonian Folkways, talks about the roots of Motown in gospel music, its role in the Civil Rights movement, what new gospel sounds like and who's playing it.

For many years, the search for unknown or forgotten soul singers has dug deeply into music archives. But surprises still turn up. Music critic Milo Miles says this year's best discovery is a West African singer and bandleader named El Rego.

British singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson worked with David Kahne, who's helped acts ranging from The Strokes to Tony Bennett, to write and record his fifth album, Bella. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the result is a romantic album that spans a wide range of styles and moods.

Afrobeat has proven to be the most durable and appealing fusion of African and American pop styles -- in spite of the death of Afrobeat's creator, Fela Kuti. Critic Milo Miles talks about how some smart, determined Afrobeat inheritors both sustain and build upon the style's foundations.

Supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are flocking to Rio's most famous beach to celebrate Independence day - and a military display with an ominous undertow ahead of next month's election.

Black Francis, frontman of the Pixies, is trying his hand at literature. He's co-authored an illustrated novel based on the world's first pornographic film, a 1908 production called The Good Inn.

Loretta Berning remembers her father and a cherished Victory Vertical piano made during World War II for our StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative.

In a transitional period between different groups with Miles Davis and Anthony Braxton and his fusion band, Return to Forever, Chick Corea recorded a series of solo piano improvisations in 1971. Those recordings and a 1983 follow-up have been reissued in a three-CD box set.

In the liner notes to his new album, Ghost on the Canvas, Campbell writes that it's the last studio record he plans to make after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the album "has a melancholy air of valedictory about it."

Listen to Me is a pan-generational tribute featuring Natalie Merchant, Ringo Starr and more.