The founder of the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which brought an innovative version of Zulu singing to a worldwide audience, died Tuesday in Pretoria. He was 78 years old.

James Taylor has had a long and rich career, with hits including 'Fire and Rain' and 'You've Got a Friend.'; Now he's releasing an audio-only memoir and has a new album of standards coming Feb. 28.

Michael Stipe gave himself a birthday present this year - a gift that was shared with legions of fans: two new solo songs, 'Drive to the Ocean' and 'Your Capricious Soul.' The Current's Mac Wilson connected with Michael Stipe to talk about the new music as well as a little bit about R.E.M. and about Michael's other projects.

Let's pick a winner and some losers from among a crop that includes a Disney showstopper, an Elton John banger, Randy Newman's latest Pixar romp and two songs about standing.

The composer and electronic musician hit a wall while making his first solo album in five years. Finishing the record meant finding inspiration in everything from Brian Eno to a tree in his yard.

Watch video of an interview Mac Wilson had with Alex O'Connor, aka Rex Orange County. O'Connor talks about being on tour, about mental health in the music industry, and about his latest album, 'Pony.'

A founding member of the band and its only constant member since 1979, Gill's influence with Gang of Four was far reaching. Artists including Michael Stipe of R.E.M., Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Bono from U2, and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers all have cited Gang of Four as a vital influence.

In town for a show at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Mandolin Orange's Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz visited The Current for a conversation with Mike Pengra about what proved to be a meteoric year for the band, some of their side projects, the music of Bob Dylan, and what might be next for the Chapel Hill, N.C., outfit.

When G. Love visited The Current studio for a solo session hosted by Mac Wilson, we were struck by his Gretsch guitars with their shimmering white finish. We got a chance to talk to G. Love about those guitars and more.

NPR's Scott Simon talks with the 23-year-old guitarist about the tragic event that inspired him to start writing songs and what it was like to collaborate with The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.