Defining a griot’s role in West African society can be a challenge, as the title doesn’t translate easily to European-based culture.

Billy Branch is a Chicago bluesman through and through. But he says many bands we now call classic rock had as much an influence on his sound as did the blues legends that became his mentors.

The contemporary music world lost perhaps its greatest voice Thursday morning when Aretha Franklin passed away at age 76 .

Illinois Wesleyan University jazz studies director Glenn Wilson says rare concert footage is a major reason the Thelonious Monk documentary is "a must watch."

Miski Dee Rodriguez said she left corporate America 15 years ago to follow her true love: Music.

The now five member blues-rock outfit Old Smoke has been headlining central Illinois shows and opening for national acts including Samantha Fish and Tommy Castro at the Castle Theatre for roughly three years -- despite no album to sell or promote.

Cody Diekhoff as his alter ego Chicago Farmer is a riveting live performer who has cultivated a loyal following with folk songs and stories about the American heartland. And especially central Illinois.

What to do when words won’t describe the current political landscape in the United States? At least words that can be aired on the radio?

Bloomington hip-hop artist Dominique Stevenson said positive messages and uplifting vibes in his music are connected to his religion. He doesn't believe people can achieve happiness, or good, alone.

A new take on an old Irish proverb: Original music is like a four-leaf clover — hard to find and lucky to have.