A Christian music icon and his wife share their journey of faith and hope as they navigate the challenges of caregiving and cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of trust, community, and the power of music in times of need. [... more]

Mark Shaiman, a renowned composer and lyricist, shares his journey in the entertainment industry, from his early days in New York to his success in show business. He discusses his experiences working with Bette Midler, Rob Reiner, and John Waters, and how these collaborations led to his breakthrough in writing the music for the hit musical Hairspray. Shaiman also opens up about his personal struggles with grief and loss, particularly during the AIDS crisis, and how his work on Hairspray helped him find joy and purpose again. [... more]

A new memorial is being unveiled on the National Mall to honor the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, a US-led military campaign that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi invaders. Meanwhile, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is running for Congress in New York's 12th District, vowing to bring a fresh perspective to politics. In the world of entertainment, legendary composer Mark Shaman reflects on his career, while Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, discusses the growth of mixed martial arts. In a separate development, Anthropic, an AI company, has been banned from the federal government over concerns about its technology. [... more]

Duke Ellington's life and career are a testament to his genius and resilience in the face of racial segregation and societal expectations. From his early days as a composer and performer to his rise as a national figure, Ellington's story is one of determination and creativity. His music, which blended jazz, classical, and African American influences, continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and artists. [... more]

The psalmist calls all creation to praise God, from angels to animals, and from the sun to the stars, highlighting God's work of creation, providence, and redemption, and emphasizing that creation responds to its Creator and glorifies God by doing what it was designed to do. [... more]

The story of Georgia on My Mind, a quintessentially American song about love, longing, and the power of music. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorell, the song was brought to life by Ray Charles, who recorded a version that reached number one on the Billboard pop album chart in 1960. [... more]

A discussion about the intersection of faith, music, and autism, featuring Kevin Lanham's Christmas songs and Dr. Brian Hack's book, Genocide Prophecy: Autism in the Church and a New American Reich. [... more]

Stephen Schwartz discusses his career in musical theater, including the creation of Wicked and his experiences with collaboration and songwriting. He also shares his journey into psychology and his time working in Hollywood, ultimately winning an Oscar. Schwartz reflects on his legacy and the impact of his work on audiences, feeling grateful for the ongoing life of his songs and the ability to communicate with others through his writing. [... more]

A rapidly growing prediction market industry is raising questions about the future of betting on everything, from elections to sports. Meanwhile, a disturbing reality is facing working Americans: homelessness. In Atlanta, a family's desperate situation is a testament to the challenges faced by millions of people who work full-time jobs but still struggle to afford a roof over their heads. In a different vein, a conversation between William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the nature of exploration and the universe, while a young politician's campaign offers a glimmer of hope for what our politics could be. [... more]

Henry Mancini, the renowned American composer, grew up in a steel town in Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for music. He served during World War II and later became a keyboardist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Mancini's life took a significant turn when he met his wife, Virginia, and began working with the Universal Music Department, where he collaborated with Blake Edwards on the iconic score for 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', including the timeless song 'Moon River'. [... more]

Michael Tilson Thomas reflects on his 80 years, drawing from his family's Yiddish theater background and his own experiences as a conductor, influenced by Leonard Bernstein and James Brown. He shares his approach to music, emphasizing spontaneity and discovery, and discusses his illness, geoblastoma, and his gratitude for the time he has left. [... more]

Cancer patients face devastating delays and potential loss of life due to drastic budget cuts at the National Institutes of Health. Meanwhile, a new Superman film is set to hit theaters, with David Korinswet taking on the iconic role. The film's director, James Gunn, aims to bring a fresh take to the character, making him more relatable and human. In other news, William F. Buckley Jr.'s legacy is being reevaluated, with some arguing that his conservative movement paved the way for Donald Trump's presidency. [... more]

A woman's mission to bring comfort to families of fallen soldiers, a look at the legacy of a pioneering female cartoonist, and a story of a retired shop owner who pursued a college education at 79, are just a few of the stories featured on this Memorial Day weekend. Meanwhile, a Russian journalist shares his experiences covering the war in Ukraine, and a bestselling author discusses her approach to writing literary fiction. In other news, Delta Airlines celebrates its 100th anniversary, and a legendary music producer talks about his career and his latest project, a Broadway musical. [... more]

Danny Elfman's life story is one of serendipity and passion for music. From his early days as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the new wave band Oingo Boingo to his rise as a renowned film composer, Elfman's journey is marked by chance encounters, creative experimentation, and a desire to push boundaries. With iconic scores for films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice, Elfman has become synonymous with the art of music composition. But his story doesn't stop there - he's also a rock guitarist, a string quartet player, and a classical composer, defying categorization and inspiring a new generation of musicians. [... more]

Duke Ellington's life and career are a testament to his genius as a composer and musician. Born in 1899 in Washington, D.C., Ellington rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a national figure with his band's performances at the Cotton Club in New York. Despite facing racial segregation and limited opportunities, Ellington continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and artists. [... more]

Duke Ellington was a renowned jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Washington D.C. in 1899, Ellington's early life was marked by racial segregation and class divisions. He found solace in music, particularly jazz, which became a defining feature of his career. Ellington's band, which included musicians such as Johnny Hodges and Cootie Williams, was known for its unique blend of jazz and classical music. Despite facing racism and prejudice throughout his life, Ellington persevered and went on to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and died in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,000 compositions and a body of work that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers to this day. [... more]

Henry Mancini's early life in Pennsylvania, his introduction to music, and his rise to fame as a composer are told through the story of his wife, Virginia Mancini. From his modest childhood in a steel town to his work on iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Peter Gunn, Mancini's life is a testament to his talent and perseverance. [... more]

A growing concern is emerging about the struggles of boys and men in American society, with a widening gender gap in higher education and men falling behind in various aspects of life, including mental health and participation in the labor market. [... more]

The author recounts their experience attending a John Williams concert at Tanglewood, where they were able to see the legendary composer conduct the Boston Pops. Meanwhile, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted a new class of members, including Joe Thomas, Demarcus Ware, and others, who shared their stories and experiences in the NFL. [... more]

The story of Duke Ellington's life, from his childhood in Washington D.C. to his rise as a jazz legend, is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and resilience in the face of racial segregation and cultural challenges. With the help of his mentor Harvey Brooks and his own innate talent, Ellington became one of the most important composers in jazz, known for his unique style and ability to bring people together through music. [... more]