Latest Jazz from NPR Music

One of Billie Holiday's most iconic songs is "Strange Fruit," a haunting protest against the inhumanity of racism. Many people know that the man who wrote the song was inspired by a photograph of a lynching. But they might not realize that he's also tied to an iconic event in America's history.

Wilson's Arts and Crafts band has adapted to its leader's "slightly warped wavelength."

The rhythm-intensive Afrobeat ensemble is back with its first album in nearly five years.

Julio Cortázar's book Rayuela is expansive, smart, breezy, romantic and occasionally reminiscent of a disturbing dream. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that Miguel Zenon and Laurent Coq's Rayuela-inspired album lands on all those squares.

The jazz singer plays songs from her new album, Another Country, which explores Latin music.

Listener Melanie Cowart says things were rarely easy for her parents — one of whom was black and one white — in Depression-era Missouri. Porter's "Begin the Beguine," one of their favorite songs, became a fitting symbol of their relationship.

A big profile of trumpeter Marcus Belgrave emphasizes how he nurtured Detroit's jazz stars.

The recent announcement of the semifinalists for jazz's most prestigious contest left several musicians at unease. Thus, a debate was launched on the nature of music contests, and with it, perhaps a vision of a future beyond them.

The renowned double bassist from France demonstrates his love of classical, jazz and flamenco while performing solo behind the Tiny Desk. Watch Garcia-Fons thump, strum and loop his way through three mesmerizing songs.

Albert "Tootie" Heath was on John Coltrane's first album and would go on to play with every other major name in hard bop. He reunites with the pianist of The Bad Plus and an in-demand bassist.