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The summer of 1958 was the season of bossa nova. Fifty years ago, a movement of melody, harmony, lyrics, and rhythm sent a fresh wave of sound throughout Brazil.

Springtime brings warming temperatures, a spirit of renewal, and a bunch of jazz tunes with the season in mind. Listen to these songs as you gaze out your window at the last bit of snow, walk around a park, or leaf through a gardening catalog.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, designated by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Like most of the artists celebrated by JAM, tenor sax legend Stanley Turrentine was born in April. Hear five songs by the tenor sax legend, whose deep, warm, soulful tone was rooted in the blues.

Leprechauns, parades and green beer—at least in this country they're the trappings of a successful St. Patrick's Day. But the soul of Ireland is found in its music. Belfast-born flutist Sir James Galway picks his Top-5 favorite songs for the holiday.

No road trip is complete without a great car. And while classic wheels aren't great for your carbon footprint — not to mention your travel budget — here are five songs that go well with a ride in an old-fashioned luxury gas-guzzler.

For all the jazz albums to be universally hailed as classics, many more deserve to be recognized as such. Here, arranger and Grammy-winning record producer Bob Belden picks five slept-on jazz classics.

Gene "Jug" Ammons was one of the tenor giants of his era. He had a big, deep tone that was perfect for everything from warm ballads to groove-intensive blues or sweet swing. His prolific recording career has resulted in music that has withstood the test of time.

Here's a chance for all baseball-loving jazz fans to get into the swing of the season with a few jazz songs that take their inspiration from the boys of summer. It's America's greatest art form celebrating the Great American Pastime.

Holiday's voice was unlike that of any other singer in her time, and remains unmatched in style. She never simply sang a melody, but made every song her own by changing phrasing, sharpening or dragging out diction, or adding a little drama to a not-too-dramatic tune.

Ellington was the most prolific jazz composer of all time, writing and performing tirelessly for more than 50 years. Many of his compositions also bear the name of composer Billy Strayhorn, his longtime collaborator and friend. Ellington's mark can be found everywhere on jazz, both past and present.