To ring in the United States’ Semiquincentennial, here are 30 essential album covers — many for recordings by American artists, but not exclusively — featuring the colors of the American Flag.

Marvel Comics launched a title based on the band Kiss; Huey Lewis and the News hit No. 1 in the album charts with 'Sports'; guitar great Chet Atkins passed away; Buzzcocks released the second-shortest single of all time; and fans rushed the stage at a Pearl Jam concert, Today in Music History.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what love song would you like to hear and why?

Dallas, Texas hip-hop collective Cure for Paranoia is the winner of 2026’s Tiny Desk Contest. Founder and lead vocalist Cameron McCloud talked with host Jill Riley about the process, their upcoming show in Minneapolis, and the Dallas music scene.

Elton John crashed a concert in Oakland, Calif.; Bruce Springsteen kicked off a 15-month tour (and filmed a music video) in St. Paul; and Little Eva was born, Today in Music History.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that feel like a hug would you like to hear?

Radiohead were No. 1, Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' spent its 1056th week on the charts, Bowie's "Fame" was released Today in Music History.

MCA bought Motown Records; The Who's bass player was chosen as the best; The Jackson 5 was at the top of the charts with "The Love You Save"; Black Flag played their final gig, and Andre Cymone was born, Today in Music History.

Hollis Sparhawk and Noah Ruona have crafted a slow and enticing sound on their band’s debut, Be My Muse

The U.S. version of 'A Hard Day's Night' was released; the Byrds hit No. 1 with a Bob Dylan cover; Elvis Presley played his final stage show; and Mick Jones of the Clash, Big Audio Dynamite and Carbon/Silicon turns 63, Today in Music History.