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With Beyoncé on top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Francesca Royster, author of Black Country Music, about the history of Black women in country music.

Marian McPartland, world-renowned jazz pianist and host of NPR's Piano Jazz, thought that an all-time favorite song list was impossible. Here, she offers her current Top 5: the songs and recordings that she's listening to right now.

Usher — the chart-topping singer-songwriter — will be this year's halftime performer. With a catalog full of bangers, how will he squeeze 30 years of music into just 13 minutes?

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.

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.

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.

Before the Chiefs face the 49ers this Sunday at the Super Bowl, hands will be placed over hearts as Reba McEntire sings the national anthem. Learn more about the history of this musical tradition from some Kansas City musicians who have taken to the field to perform themselves.

The Museum for the United Nations has partnered with musicians to re-release some of their songs with added nature sounds to generate royalties for conservation efforts.

The singer's Tiny Desk performance is a joy to behold.

On this edition of All Songs Considered, host Bob Boilen talks with Carrie Brownstein, Stephen Thompson and Robin Hilton about the year in music.