“We’re more popular than Jesus now.” John Lennon’s infamous remark in January of 1966 set off an enormous controversy when it was reported in the United States. In fact, the comment is still repeated as evidence of Lennon’s... Read More

"Digging" collects eighty-four essays and reviews in which the poet, playwright, and critic Amiri Baraka makes an impassioned case for jazz as a central achievement of American culture. Baraka’s 1963 book, Blues People, is a seminal... Read More

The lead dancer raises high over his head a star created by locking together the swords of his fellow danc-ers. Slowly he lowers the star until the center circles the neck of the Old King. Each dancer takes possession of his hilt once... Read More

National Public Radio provides unflappable refinement for the savage heart that beats wildly in the modern breast. The eloquent voices of NPR commentators announce soothing classical notes that swirl out of car stereos and float into... Read More