MusicNoughties girl bands lift lid on inner workings of pop stardomGirls Aloud, Sugababes, Atomic Kitten and Mis-Teeq reveal what life was like at the height of their fame.See moreLatest headlinesKaty Perry to headline new Blenheim Palace FestivalMcFly and Rick Astley to appear at Lincoln CastleGrassroots venue submits bid to reopen theatre'I have purpose again, I'm not just someone's mum''I couldn't speak after my stroke, but now I sing'FeaturesWhy the teenage David Bowie was already a rebelOn 12 November 1964, the would-be pop star told the BBC that cruelty to long-haired men "just has to stop" – a stunt that hinted at his unconventional spirit.'Awop-bop-aloobop alop-bam-boom!': Why Little Richard's Tutti Frutti was so risquéWhen the single was released in 1955, it was a big hit – but only after the original lyrics were changed. In 1972, the singer told the BBC that "there's nothing bad" about his music.Fans missed the point of D'Angelo's Untitled videoAs fans honour the loss of R&B legend D’Angelo and recall his sensual, slow-burn video for Untitled (How Does It Feel), it’s time to consider if the artistry wasn’t skin-deep.The autumn's best films, shows, books and albumsFrom returning pop superstars to Oscar-ready films and big-time celebrity memoirs, here are BBC Culture's recommendations for what to watch, listen to and read for the rest of 2025.15 of the best albums of 2025 so farFrom pop queens to rap duos, and rave-loving singers to hardcore rockers, we pick our favourite music of the year for you to listen to now.The road trip that celebrates a musical legendMany towns and cities along the Blues Trail have planned festivals, exhibitions and live music to mark what would have been BB King's 100th birthday.WatchBruce Springsteen joins surprise radio call with Sam FenderJeremy Allen White dials the boss live on air - then Stephen Graham gets Sam Fender to join the call.MusicWhy Elton John burst into tears after recording a songThe musician explains a heavy moment thinking about the lyrics of a song from his forthcoming album.MusicListen to the 'earliest known country song' ever recorded A wax cylinder containing the oldest recorded country song was discovered in Pennsylvania. MusicJennifer Lopez explains why she cancelled her tourJennifer Lopez explains why she cancelled her tour, and is surprised by a fan in the studio.MusicWhy Bruce Springsteen will never stop performing75-year-old Bruce Springsteen explains why he has no plans to stop touring.MusicFrisson: Why music can give you chills or goosebumpsWhy certain music can trigger a surprisingly physiological reaction. MusicHow can music help our memory?We discover the power of music on our memories by meeting a care home resident with dementia.MusicThe incredible power of music to heal usWe explore where our musical creativity comes from, and what happens to our brains when we improvise.MusicHow music affects our mental healthAs we grow, how do we connect to music and can it help us to heal?MusicCan music shape us in the womb?Why do we move to a rhythm, are we actually born to be musical, and how does music really shape who we are?MusicAntytila: The rock band that swapped guitars for gunsAlmost six months ago, members of the rock band Antytila joined the Ukrainian army.MusicJoseph Boulogne: The musical genius you've never heard ofA soldier, athlete, musical genius and revolutionary, Joseph Boulogne was the crème de la crème of 18th-century French society.MusicHow Fela Kuti and Tony Allen created a new genre of musicIn the 1960s, Fela Kuti and Tony Allen developed a whole new genre of music: Afrobeat.MusicThe team that helps a man losing his voice sing an operaFaced with motor neurone disease (MND), Paul Jameson is reclaiming his voice through opera.MusicThe drum born from a mystical forestDeep in Argentina's Santigueno forest, a legendary musical instrument is made.MusicDid David Bowie predict the rise of Kanye West?David Bowie was a visionary on so many counts, but did he really fortell the birth and rise of Kanye West?MusicThe mystical instrument that speaks with the spiritsSounding a bit like bagpipes, the qeej is used by Hmong people in Vietnam to connect with the spirit world.MusicThe musicians serenading the wildernessThe Musical Mountaineers combine classical music with the stunning scenery of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State.MusicThe composer whose brother took the creditThe unsung life of German composer and pianist Fanny Mendelssohn, who composed more than 400 works of music.MusicThe surprising human therapy used on dogsThese police dogs are no longer as stressed as they once were.MusicMore Music2 days agoJLS to play two shows at Utilita ArenaThe gigs on 21 and 22 November are part of The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour, and the band will play some of their most popular songs.2 days ago3 days agoFestival returns as venues face 'challenging time'The event brings bands to venues across Bristol and is seen as a lifeline for the local music scene.3 days ago3 days agoTeenagers urge others to make use of youth serviceIsabella and Lara want more young people to know about the activities available through JYS.3 days ago3 days ago'Shining a light on female rock bands' and celebrating grassrootsThe festival, taking place until 16 November, is dedicated to local artists and spread across 27 venues.3 days ago3 days agoUkrainians would like to watch comedies - but for now their culture is defined by warNearly four years on from Russia's invasion, the arts are back but the war permeates everything.3 days ago3 days agoSqueeze drummer Gilson Lavis dies aged 74The celebrated drummer, who lived in Lincolnshire, toured with some of the music industry's greats.3 days ago3 days agoKendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead 2026 Grammy nominationsLady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar lead the nominees, while K-Pop breaks into the song of the year category.3 days ago3 days ago'Singing is a nice way to let go of your feelings'Brenda, who has sickle cell anaemia, will be part of the BBC Children in Need Choir on 14 November.3 days ago3 days agoBiggest council-run firework event to light up skyDudley Council's 30-minute fireworks display will be held alongside a funfair, market, music, food stalls and bars.3 days ago...
