Common, the Chicago-hailing rapper, actor and activist, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about his latest album, 'Let Love,' and appreciating stillness in order to make it.

Artists heard on The Current are frequently featured on TV programs, and we've gathered the listings in one convenient place for you. See the complete listings and find performance videos as the week progresses. You can also subscribe to receive the week's schedule in your inbox to plan your TV viewing around music.

The Doors recorded their first demos; Bjork slept through a house break-in; Kanye surprised Mike Myers on live national television; and the Rolling Stones recorded their cover of a Willie Dixon song, Today in Music History.

It's the highly-anticipated sixth studio album from the postmodern chanteuse, and although the folk-flavored arrangements don't break Del Rey's well-established melancholy mold, it's an inviting and often witty effort: on the album cover, she's extending a hand to welcome you on board.

Before last night I was a Brandi fan, but I was no fanatic. I have come to the light. I spent most of the time before the show surveying the landscape, assessing what kind of “crowd” we’d be dealing with tonight. I was slightly taken by surprise because it was a mix of…well…everybody. That made…

For the third year in a row, AARP Minnesota is showcasing four local musicians and asking fairgoers to vote for their favorites. This year's winner will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and will receive a $3,000 prize.

From 'Born to Die' (2012) to her new album 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!,' Lana Del Rey has gone through an epic stylistic evolution. The constant, she says, is her own voice telling her own story.

Today in 1975, KC and the Sunshine Band went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Get Down Tonight." And tonight, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will play a sold out show at Surly Brewing Festival Field. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from a band that is named Blank and the Band Name?

James Taylor covers Marvin Gaye; The Rolling Stones released 'Tattoo You' and KC and the Sunshine Band "get down", and Kate Bush had eight albums on the UK charts, Today in Music History.

It’s MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair, so after posting this video round-up, I’m headed to Falcon Heights for broadcasts and cookies. Host Sean McPherson will host trivia at our booth (the corner of Judson and Nelson) at 12:30 p.m., and Local Show host Andrea Swensson will introduce a Shredders set at Dan Patch…