Fresh Air

Paxton plays guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica — among other instruments. He's known for performing music from the 1920s and '30s. Paxton's new album of original songs is Things Done Changed.

The Washington brothers talk about growing up with their famous father, Denzel. Justin Chang reviews Gladiator II and Wicked. Gomez says Emilia Pérez won't be her last Spanish language project.

The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell's early life in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. Originally broadcast Oct. 8, 2024.

Years ago, the acclaimed cellist asked a high school student to help him name his instrument. He brought his cello — aka "Petunia" — in for music and conversation during this May 2024 interview.

Haynes, who died Nov. 12, was a heavy hitter, whose limber beat could lift the bandstand. His 65-year recording career was studded with more classics than we have time to even hint at.

Gershwin wrote lyrics for enduring jazz standards, including "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You". We talk with Michael Owen, author of Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words, and listen to some of his hits.

Actor John David and director Malcolm talk about growing up with their famous father, Denzel Washington, and collaborating with their dad and sister on the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's play.

This Paramount+ series, featuring Billy Bob Thornton as a savvy veteran of the oil business, is an old-fashioned soap opera and a breezy portrait of one of the world's most influential industries.

During her years as a military linguist, Bailey Williams pushed her body to extremes. Her new book is Hollow: A Memoir of My Body in the Marines.

Two big-budget films are set to battle at the box office: Wicked offers a gravity-defying origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West, while Gladiator II revisits the violence of ancient Rome.