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By the 1930s, Duke Ellington had already risen to the top of the jazz world. What was to come proved that his band occupied its own musical universe: Decade after decade, Ellington's ever-talented orchestra rode incredible waves of creativity.

The 11th annual music marathon now features artists from around the world, but its main attraction is still the chance to hear new ideas from New York's top improvisers.

The nation's blowhards have just a few days left to indulge in a time-honored quadrennial tradition: announcing that, if a certain candidate is elected president, they'll pull up stakes and move to Canada. Before jumping in the car and heading north, get to know some of the music that you'll soon call your own.

Ten years after Grandaddy's last album, the Modesto, Calif. band has released two new songs. Singer Jason Lytle reveals the emotional turmoil behind his return to the band's signature distorted pop.

Jazz icon Louis Armstrong didn't just leave behind a treasure trove of musical recordings; he also documented hundreds of his private conversations on tape. Those recordings served as the basis for Terry Teachout's new biography of the legendary musician, Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong.

With these 2009 releases, you'll find a few fresh faces: musicians hovering around age 30, including the young Jonathan Biss and the sublime Dutch fiddler Janine Jansen. Plus, this year proved exceptionally strong for music by and from Russians. Enjoy a sampling of both classic and less-familiar fare.

Philippine police killed three detained militants linked to Islamic State after they staged a Manila jail rampage that saw a police officer stabbed and a former opposition senator held hostage.

A proposed merger between EMI and Universal is drawing the scrutiny of regulators in the U.S. and Europe.

Everybody loves Cole Porter. But most jazz musicians really love Cole Porter. Singers love his lyrics, which showcase great wit, amazing rhymes and beautiful imagery. Instrumentalists love his elegant melodies and sophisticated song structures. Celebrate Porter's birthday with Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nellie McKay and more.

The '70s Memphis-based rock band Big Star won rave reviews for their albums and influenced countless followers, but never managed to become stars. Rock and Roll historian Ed Ward says a new box set and a collection of recordings by founding member Chris Bell offer a chance to look back on the band's troubled life.