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For many music fans, it has been hard to hear the dramatic stories coming out of New Orleans and not consider the city's rich culture. The city is steeped in music, a heritage that folklorist Nick Spitzer, who evacuated the day before Katrina hit, continues to celebrate on the air.

For a time, legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint was missing during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since his recovery, the songwriter has been on a mission to play and record music honoring his city — and helping it rebuild.

For lovers of jazz music, the year 2005 brought a wealth of reissues by critical artists from Jelly Roll Morton to John Coltrane. The music, the result of exhaustive archival and restoration work, adds new details to one of America's richest musical traditions.

A fire has destroyed the landmark Pilgrim Baptist Church on Chicago's South Side. Built in 1890, the church became a catalyst for the popularity of gospel music in the 1930s under choir director Thomas Dorsey.

When the Subdudes got back together in 2002, fans of their musical gumbo rejoiced. Four years later, the band is running strong with a style of roots-rock that is made to be played live. Their latest CD was produced by Keb Mo.

Brazilian Bossa Nova legend Sergio Mendes teams up with Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am to make hip-hop with a Brazilian flavor. Renee Montagne interviews Mendes and Will.i.am about the album Timeless.

In time for the holidays, Fresh Air presents an in-studio concert. Singer Rebecca Kilgore, trombonist Dan Barrett and pianist Rossano Sportiello played at the NOLA studios in Manhattan.

At 87, Cuban pianist and composer Bebo Valdes is busier than ever — and he's getting more recognition than ever before. But just 10 years ago, he was hardly recognized as a lounge pianist in Stockholm.

Legendary pianists mix with promising newcomers at the Jazz Piano Christmas, recorded live at the Kennedy Center. The 16th edition of the annual concert features Hilton Ruiz, Marcia Ball and others playing jazzy renditions of holiday classics.

Blueswoman Shemekia Copeland's voice rings rich with attitude and soul. The singer talks with Debbie Elliott about her new album, The Soul Truth, and why her lyrics tell stories of strong women standing up for themselves.