Albums like To Pimp a Butterfly and 1999 blend jazz harmonies with sharp lyricism, proving the genre’s deep connection. Hip-hop may keep evolving, but funk and jazz remain its heartbeat, fueling its ...

Ahhh, the 80s. Big hair, big synthesizer sounds and programmed beats. That didn't just happen with pop and rock, some of these trends seeped into contemporary jazz, too. This was the decade when much ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) When you think about soul and funk legends of the ‘70s and ‘80s, certain names dominate the headlines — but true music lovers know Carl Carlton belongs firmly in that conversation.

In the last 50 years, much has changed in the music industry, especially in how you listen. Between changes from physical media to the now ubiquitous world of streaming, ways to appreciate music are ...

As musical director for the bands behind Mr. Brown and also Van Morrison, Mr. Ellis helped forge new hybrids, meshing pop, jazz, R&B and more. By Jon Pareles Alfred (Pee Wee) Ellis, a saxophonist, ...