NPR's Scott Simon talks to Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and Glenn Kotche about their new album Cruel Country, and about writing songs with uncomfortable truths.

The singer-songwriter had a tough couple of years, losing both parents while balancing new love. The experience fueled the country-leaning balance of her new album, Big Time.

The initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, selects U.S. musicians to represent characteristically American music genres by bringing that music to more than 140 countries around the world.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention royalty in the lyrics or are performed by an artist with a royal-sounding name?  

Ian Hunter was born; Elvis Presley graduated from high school; Aretha Franklin got big respect on the singles chart; Fine Young Cannibals had the No. 1 album in the U.S.; and Curtis Mayfield was born, today in music history.

As part of the Ink the Garden sweepstakes, Minneapolis tattoo artist Heather Kim will give tattoos to eight lucky winners during the event.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what funky, sweaty Prince party jams do you want to hear?

Charlie Watts was born; Ray Charles had a No. 1 hit with a country ballad; the Stones made their U.S. television debut; Macca held two No. 1 chart positions; Prince played his first U.K. gig; Donna Summer started a three-week run at No. 1 with "Hot Stuff," Today in Music History.

From outer space to the Autobahn, the German legends’ artsy 3D performance provides wonderfully weird entertainment.

On Friday, June 3, Morris will release her cover of Prine’s ‘I Just Want To Dance With You’ as a single available on all streaming platforms.