2023 Grammy Nominees Announced: Classical, Jazz, Soundtrack, and More

The Recording Academy announced its 2023 Grammy nominations on November 15, 2022.

The Rich Warren Connection

“Rarely do I pick up a CD from an artist who doesn’t pay homage to Rich Warren,” says Wanda Fischer, award-winning host of The Hudson River Sampler.

The Sounds of Chicago in a Festival of Art Song and Vocal Chamber Music

“We’re celebrating the spirit of the city and taking a moment for some musical civic pride!”

Pete Seeger gets own stamp; ceremony planned at Newport Folk

Seeger, a Harvard dropout who died in 2014 at age 94, wrote or co-wrote “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.”

Grammys add new categories, including songwriter of the year

The Recording Academy has created a social change song award and five new categories, including songwriter of the year.

Grammys 2022: See All the Classical+ Nominees (And Winners)

The 64th Grammy Awards will occur on Sunday, April 3 in Las Vegas. Here are the categories, nominees, and eventually, winners, for the classical, jazz, and world music fields.

Ravinia Festival’s 2022 Lineup Brings Signature Music Mix, Bevy of Guests

In addition to the annual CSO residency, Ravinia will play host to a spate of guest ensembles, including Music of the Baroque, The Knights, the Lincoln Trio, Chanticleer, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Chicago Sinfonietta.

See Photo Highlights from WFMT’s 70th Anniversary Day of Celebration

We’re still soaring from our big day last week, when we welcomed some of Chicago’s leading artists to take part in a daylong celebration of WFMT and the music we’ve been presenting for the last 70 years!

Stream Highlight Performances from WFMT’s 70th Anniversary Day of Celebration

How better to mark 70 years of WFMT than with a party!?

Blues & Roots Artist Anne Harris on Alchemy, Music, and Improv

“I made a very concerted deal with myself that I wanted to take the instrument the route of improvisation in the idioms of American roots music, folk music, Americana, blues.”

Kennedy Center Honors back once more, Biden attends

Honorees include Motown Records creator Berry Gordy, opera singer Justino Diaz, and folk music legend Joni Mitchell.

Ravinia Returns for 2021 Season

Ravinia Festival is back for 2021 for its 85th concert season, offering up a signature blend of classical, jazz, folk, and rock music performances.

Delayed Kennedy Center Honors to be rescheduled for mid-May

The honorees are country music legend Garth Brooks, dancer and actress Debbie Allen, violin virtuoso Midori, folk music icon Joan Baez and actor Dick Van Dyke.

In Their Own Words: Quotes From Artists and Friends of WFMT Who Died in 2020

2020 was a year of great loss for all; the music world was no exception. As we reflect on the year gone by, WFMT salutes the contributions of artists and friends who died this past year.

Arlo Guthrie, citing health, says he’s retired from touring

In lengthy posts on his Facebook page and website, the 73-year-old folksinger announced Friday he is retiring from performance immediately.

Musician Justin Townes Earle dead at age 38

Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, a leading performer of American roots music known for his introspective and haunting style, has died at age 38.

There Were Penguins in the Opera House

Corky Siegel – the internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso, pianist, singer, composer, and musical alchemist whose signature blend of blues and classical has captivated audiences for over fifty years – wants to invite you into his living room.

Marilyn Rea Beyer, new ‘Midnight Special’ host, comes full circle

Beyer talks to WFMT about her introduction to folk music at Chicago’s Symphony Center, formative memories of Steve Goodman and Studs Terkel, and what to expect as she takes the reins of ‘The Midnight Special.’

Silkroad’s new face: Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens

Grammy-winning folk singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens takes the baton from renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who founded the group two decades ago.

Rich Warren retires as host of ‘The Midnight Special’

After hosting more than 1,250 installments, Rich Warren is retiring as the host of ‘The Midnight Special.’ Saturday, July 25 will be his final show.

Singer, songwriter, activist Baez named Guthrie recipient

Baez is this year’s recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, an award that recognizes artists who speak out for the less fortunate.

John Prine Dies, Rich Warren Pays Tribute

John Prine, who began his career in Chicago, exhibited the ability to wring every possible meaning from a word to expose the joy, sorrow, frailty, and strength of the human condition.

Update: Singer John Prine is in stable condition, his wife says

News that Prine’s health was in jeopardy provoked an outpouring of affection for the legendary singer-songwriter.

A Banjoist Takes on Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1

What does a Bach/bluegrass crossover sound like? It sounds like pure relaxation.

Rhiannon Giddens, Francis Johnson to get Americana award

The Americana Music Association said the new award has been created to honor those who have “either made a lasting impression through music or inspired art to recognize the legacy of Americana music traditions.”