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At a time when hip-hop dominates the R&B scene, it's often easier for a rapper to achieve commercial success than a singer. Our music critic examines why that is, in his review of two new albums by R&B vocalists: Ghetto Classics by Jaheim and On the Jungle Floor by Van Hunt.

David Sterritt and John Anderson recognize the films that didn't make it into the "A list canon" in their new book, B List: The National Society of Film Critics on the Low-Budget Beauties, Genre-Bending Mavericks, and Cult Classics We Love. Tell us: What's on your B-list?

Nashville-based musician Moe Denham has spent a career getting the best from a Hammond B3 organ. After decades as a sideman and opening act, he's out with a new CD: The Soul Jazz Sessions.

Singer and pianist Bobby Short has one of the most distinctive voices in the music world, and for 37 years he's been holding court in one of the most distinctive jazz venues around — the Cafe Carlyle in Manhattan. Now 80 years old, he's still going strong, and talks to NPR's Tavis Smiley about his long career.

The Los Angeles-based harpist and composer talks about approaching her instrument in new ways on her debut album.

In The Entertainer, Margaret Talbot chronicles her family history and the rise of popular American entertainment. Her father, actor Lyle Talbot, "loved to work," the author says. "He was somebody who felt very lucky that he was able to make a living doing what he loved in a creative field."

Sonic Youth, the avant-garde rock band from New York, has released a new album called Destroyed Room, a collection of previously unreleased tracks and B-sides from the band's last 12 years.

Toussaint was an important behind-the-scenes figure in New Orleans R&B during the '50s and '60s. He later became known for his own recordings. He died in 2015. Originally broadcast in 1988.

World-renowned trumpet visionary Jon Hassell composes what he calls Fourth World music. It's an innovative sound that melds various ethnic styles, particularly African and Asian, with electronic techniques. On World Cafe, his band performs three songs from his new album in a session with host David Dye.

The pair perform songs from their collaborative jazz album, Milton + esperanza.