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Refined Elizabethan music might not come to mind when you think of Sting. Think again. The rock star has released Songs of the Labyrinth, a new CD of songs for voice and lute by John Dowland, one of that era's most important composers.

For An Invitation, George wrote the songs with just her voice and a guitar, then sent them away to master arranger Van Dyke Parks. The result is a lushly orchestrated, theatrical song cycle, which buoys George's unique vocal phrasing with a small orchestra.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, a pioneer among televangelists who later became a leading voice in the national debate over Christian values, has died at the age of 73. Falwell was found unconscious Tuesday in his office at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Oscar Brand, host of WNYC's "Folksong Festival," died Friday at age 96. He hosted the program for 70 years, and he was also host of NPR's "Voices in the Wind." His show featured interviews with and songs by many of the greats of folk music.

More than 35,000 new voters registered at Vote.org after the singer posted a link on her Instagram Stories. "I've heard you raise your voices, and I know how powerful they are," Swift wrote.

On her latest album, Comfort of Strangers, musician Beth Orton moves away from the electronica sound she is known for, relying instead on the simple sounds of her voice and guitar. Independent music critic Christian Bordal has a review.

John Sebastian is probably best known for founding The Lovin' Spoonful. And who better to talk about summertime music than the voice behind "Summer In The City"? He dishes on his favorite tune for the season: The Beach Boys' "I Get Around."

Melissa Block talks with Lolis Eric Elie, a writer and editor behind the HBO series Treme about a new cookbook written in the voices of the show's characters. Elie says it reflects both old New Orleans traditions and more recent influences.

Julia has bright red hair, big green eyes and she loves to draw. She can be a little shy, but Elmo and Abby Cadabby don't mind. She's voiced by Stacey Gordon, whose son is on the autism spectrum, too.

It's urgent. It's acrobatic. It's pulsing with raw sexuality. It's the unmistakable voice of Robert Plant. The iconic Led Zeppelin vocalist behind the wailing "Whole Lotta Love" continues to challenge his instrument on his new album, Band of Joy.

The 12-voice male a capella group Chanticleer performs holiday selections for us in NPR's Studio 4A. Their CD Christmas with Chanticleer, featuring soprano Dawn Upshaw, was released to critical acclaim last year. Their newest CD is Our American Journey.

Bluegrass hero Dan Tyminski possesses a remarkable voice and unmistakable charisma, both of which shine through on his second album, Wheels. Hear a batch of his Tyminski's songs when he stops by World Cafe to discuss his new album.

Mead's warm high-register voice lends intimacy and warmth to Almost and Always, a quiet and soulful exploration of post-marital life. Performed with the backing of woodwinds and a string quartet, Mead experiments with richly ornamented melodies. Hear him in a session on World Cafe.

Bobby Hill reviews Casandra Wilson's current cd New Moon Daughter. It is a collection of songs by contemporary songwriters done with a hushed dirgeful voice. (6:30) THE CD IS CALLED NEW MOON DAUGHTER BY CASANDRA WILSON ON BLUENOTE RECORDS. (IN S

Montreal-based singer and guitarist Amy Millan is best known for lending her voice to the excellent alt-rock groups Stars and Broken Social Scene, but her debut solo album, Honey From the Tombs, takes on a sound that's distinctly bluegrass.

When rock singers want to learn how to use their voice without ruining their vocal chords, they often turn to Melissa Cross, otherwise known as the "Scream Queen." Cross teaches metal, punk and hardcore performers how to growl, bark, bellow — and scream.

For the documentary Voices of Iraq, Iraqis received 150 video cameras and were asked to film whatever they wanted. The result is a rare look at daily life in Iraq -- the tragic, the joyful and the mundane. Filmmakers Eric Manes and Archie Drury talk with NPR's Michele Norris.

A group of Roman Catholic laity is urging Cardinal Bernard Law to step down as leader of the Boston Archdiocese. The call by Voice of the Faithful comes as Law faces growing criticism on his handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal. Hear NPR's Tovia Smith.

Being the son of a musical legend doesn't automatically qualify Sean Lennon to be a great musician, so it's a pleasant surprise to hear his beautiful, simple melodies and evocative voice. Lennon continues to develop as a musician, releasing Friendly Fire this month.

John Brady reviews In the Reins, a seven-song collaboration between soft-voiced Florida folk singer Sam Beam, who records under the name Iron and Wine, and the band Calexico — border rockers from Tucson, Ariz., known for their eclectic tastes.