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NPR's Scott Simon remembers Ray Charles, who died this week, with a musical selection.

The new musical Cookin' at the Cookery tells the tale of blues singer Alberta Hunter's career and her comeback after 50 years at age 82. NPR's Tony Cox speaks with the show's writer, as well as its lead actress, Tony Award-winning Ann Duquesnay.

Library music, the instrumental sounds behind 1970s film, TV and radio productions, is a little-known treasure of soul, jazz and funk. Collector David Hollander has made it his mission to introduce library music to the masses.

Some of the biggest names in music joined Ray Charles for the late musician's final CD, Genius Loves Company. Hear longtime friend and keyboardist Billy Preston and album co-producer Phil Ramone talk about Ray Charles the man, his music and his lasting legacy.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews new reissues of Duke Ellington recordings between 1950 and 1961: Blues in Orbit, Masterpieces By Ellington, Piano in the Background, and Piano in the Foreground.

If jazz legend John Coltrane has disciples — musical or otherwise — chief among them would be his widow, Alice Coltrane. Now, after a 25-year hiatus, she's back with a new CD, Translinear Light.

Singer Madeleine Peyroux moved to France at age 15, honing her vocal talents on the streets of Paris before making her recording debut at age 22. Eight years later she's back with a new CD, Careless Love. She speaks with NPR's Sheilah Kast.

Branford Marsalis releases a new album dedicated to the beauty of the ballad. It's called Eternal. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with the sax man about that new work and about his brand new record label, Marsalis Music.

Funky sax player Maceo Parker joins NPR's Tavis Smiley to talk about his legendary time with James Brown, his more recent work with Prince and his latest solo recording, Made By Maceo.

Norah Jones, the 24-year-old jazz-pop singer who two years ago took home eight Grammy awards for her debut album, releases her second CD, Feels Like Home. The music features the same understated playing and soulful inflections, but with a more down-home feel. NPR's Michele Norris interviews Jones.