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Summer is, unfortunately, more about what we want it to be than what it actually is. Idealism may make a potent brew, but we know the season inevitably ends. That's why some of the best summer songs are tinged with fragility and marked by melancholy. This is music that admits the painful truth about summer: that even the best times won't last, as long days fade with autumn's encroaching dusk.

Jazz has no shortage of celebrated masters. Every year brings an abundance of new milestones for record labels to celebrate. With that in mind, we present songs by six American jazz musicians who would have become centenarians in 2009, including Lester Young.

In time for the World Cup, hear some of the greatest songs ever written about soccer on the first-ever episode of Alt.Latino, NPR's new Latin alternative music show. Also on this inaugural episode: an interview with superstar singer Juanes.

We're now a decade into the 21st century, so it's time to check in on the blues and see how it's doing in the relatively new world of loops, samples and remixing technology.

Maybe it was Halloween, or maybe it was the tidal wave of pumpkin spice advertisements. Either way, this month's Recommended Dose electronic music mix turned out darker and more aggressive than usual.

Country music star Toby Keith, who dominated the charts in the 1990s and 2000s with a string of hits, has died at 62. The singer had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

A listener's guide for the opera-curious includes a little history, a little trash-talk and some gorgeous singing.

As a gathering place for all classical music lovers in Kansas City, Classical KC presents as many upcoming concert seasons by local groups as we can get our hands on.

In "Texas Hold 'Em," the singer is accompanied by a banjo. It's often thought of as a quintessential Americana instrument. But the history of the banjo tells a different story.

Listen Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. to 'Juneteenth: Remembrance and Celebration,' a special program honoring and uplifting Black voices.