Marissa Lorusso

The Grammy Award-winning artist and educator had shared an ALS diagnosis in 2022. She was best known for ballads such as "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."

How Women Made Music, a new book out now from NPR, considers what the canon of popular music would look like without men. On this episode, we dig into the book and talk about the greatest albums and songs by women and other marginalized voices, with NPR Music's Ann Powers, contributor Marissa Lorusso and host Robin Hilton. Questions, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Haters may say it's AutoTune, but when Caroline Polachek sings live, it's clear that the impressive range and control you're hearing is all her.

The synth-pop band just finished its first tour in nearly 20 years. After a recent show in Brooklyn, two longtime fans reflect on why this music still hasn't lost its power.

NPR music contributor Marissa Lorusso reviews Eye on the Bat, the latest album from indie band Palehound.

El Kempner turns the force of their wiry indie rock toward collapse, yet the visceral palette of Eye on the Bat has an unexpectedly joyful quality.

On the record's 11 songs of vividly detailed, windswept alt-country, Williamson's reeling from the aftermath of a breakup, driving on country highways and finding new love.

Pop Culture Happy Hour host Stephen Thompson and NPR Music contributor Marissa Lorusso suggest three songs to make your summer road trip playlist perfect.

With a new home in Nashville, the singer-songwriter's fifth solo album is a laid-back affair full of zen-like wisdom that lands as guidance for a generation.

What does it mean to illustrate the world of Steely Dan? NPR Music contributor Marissa Lorusso spoke with the Danfans behind the new book Quantum Criminals.