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Michael Moore's documentary about President Bush's war on terror -- Fahrenheit 9/11 -- has won the Palme d'Or, top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The politically charged film explores the links between the Bush family and Saudi Arabia. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Los Angeles Times film critic Ken Turan.

American musical icon Ray Charles died of complications from liver disease Thursday at his Beverly Hills home. In a career that lasted more than half a century, Charles defied categorization and brought his soulful stylings to jazz, pop, country and R&B.

Next week, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will hold a gala celebration to recognize a $1-million grant for new dance scholarships from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates profiles the dance company on its 45th anniversary -- view a photo gallery and hear music from the troupe's signature production, Revelations.

This week Koko Taylor became the first female blues singer to received receive a National Heritage Fellowship. We take a moment to listen to her song "Spellbound."

The singer Morrissey, who led the 1980s British band The Smiths, has just released his first recording in seven years. The CD, You Are the Quarry, reflects Morrissey's unique blend of the political and the personal, with songs like "Irish Blood English Heart" and "America is Not the World." Mikel Jollett has a review.

Kinky Friedman used to perform offbeat country songs with his band, the Texas Jewboys. He later turned to writing mysteries. Now he wants to be governor of Texas. His slogan for the 2006 campaign: "How Hard Can It Be?" NPR's Ketzel Levine has a profile of the Texas funnyman.

The Tavis Smiley Show producer Roy Hurst speaks with renowned vibraphonist Stefon Harris. The jazz musician's latest CD, a collaboration with a group of sidemen called Blackout, is called Evolution.

James Lee Burke made his name as a mystery writer with detective Dave Robicheaux... a character a lot like James Lee Burke. His daughter Alafair Burke writes crime fiction starring a deputy district attorney who closely resembles... Alafair Burke. NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks to both writers about their craft.

Built in 1929, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles has been the scene for many movies and outdoor concerts. Like many outdoor venues, it's a romantic setting but troublesome for acoustics. On June 25, the venue's new shell will be unveiled. It's designed to give musicians more space and better acoustics -- the latest in a series of redesigns over the years. Gene Parrish reports.

The Yongblood Brass Band plays an infectious blend of Dixieland, soul, rock and hip-hop. NPR's Michele Norris talks to members of the group and they perform in Studio 4A.