Ken Tucker reviews rock, country, hip-hop and pop music for Fresh Air. He is a cultural critic who has been the editor-at-large at Entertainment Weekly, and a film critic for New York Magazine. His work has won two National Magazine Awards and two ASCAP-Deems Taylor Awards. He has written book reviews for The New York Times Book Review and other publications.
The tune crooned by Bing Crosby is still one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. It's endured as a favorite — despite a complicated and controversial history.
Nate Amos, the songwriter behind This Is Lorelei, talks about revisiting old songs, reshaping them, and what it means to hear his past work with new ears.
This year, to honor Susan Stamberg's memory, we reflect on her 34 years of performances that can still move us, make us laugh and bring us fresh meaning.