5-10-15-20
Black Thought on the Music That Made Him
The Roots MC breaks down the albums—by OutKast, Kanye, Tierra Whack, and more—that have soundtracked his life across the last half-century, five years at a time.
The Music That Made Cosmic Bluesman Lonnie Holley
We talk to the 73-year-old singer and visual artist about the songs that have meant the most to him, from the Temptations’ dispatches of Black life to Erykah Badu’s personality-affirming swagger.
DJ Premier on the Music That Made Him
The iconic hip-hop producer discusses his love of Prince, his surprising Travis Scott connection, and a childhood spent poring over liner notes.
Freddie Gibbs on the Music That Made Him
The 40-year-old rapper on hip-hop storytellers, worshiping Nelly, and learning not to compare himself to his peers.
Babyface on the Music That Made Him
The incomparable R&B producer details the artists and songs of his life, from a velvety classic by Al B. Sure! to Lorde’s cultural breakthrough, five years at a time.
Beth Orton on the Music That Made Her
The Slits, Karen Dalton, Alice Coltrane, and others pointed the English singer-songwriter toward her most liberated record yet.
Jazz Innovator Vijay Iyer on the Music That Made Him
The 50-year-old pianist and composer details the artists and albums of his life, from the swashbuckling energy of the Star Wars score to the ecstatic musicianship of Prince to the experimental rap of Antipop Consortium, five years at a time.
The Neptunes’ Chad Hugo on the Music That Made Him
The 48-year-old producer details the songs and albums that have meant the most to him—including ones by N.W.A., Daft Punk, and Arcade Fire—five years at a time.
The Music That Made Cyndi Lauper
From classic Broadway musicals to Joni Mitchell’s vivid songwriting to the genius of Missy Elliott, here are the sounds that shaped the pop eccentric’s life, five years at a time.
The Music That Made R&B Rebel Swamp Dogg
The 79-year-old cult hero offers a masterclass in old-school rock’n’roll and soul while talking about the brilliance of Jackie Wilson, Louis Jordan, Sly Stone, and more.
Lavender Country’s Patrick Haggerty on the Music That Made Him
The 77-year-old activist and gay country pioneer shares his love for Linda Ronstadt, Gil Scott-Heron, and Garth Brooks.
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Juliette Lewis on the Music That Made Her
The magnetic actress chronicles the songs and albums that have shaped her life, from Donna Summer’s disco escapism to Cat Power’s vast optimism.
Michael Stipe on the Music That Made Him
The R.E.M. leader chronicles the songs and albums that have meant the most to him—from Patti Smith’s teenage liberation to Madonna’s perfect pop—five years at a time.
Tori Amos on the Music That Shaped Her Life
The alternative icon on the comforts of Carly Simon, the escape of Aphex Twin, and the life-giving power of Tracy Chapman
Elvis Costello on the Music of His Life
The rock legend talks about discovering Joni Mitchell, learning guitar through Fleetwood Mac, and crying to Bob Dylan.
Aimee Mann on the Music That Made Her
The incisive singer-songwriter talks about the artists and albums that have meant the most to her—from Steely Dan to Sharon Van Etten to They Might Be Giants—five years at a time.
The Music That Made Beverly Glenn-Copeland
The 76-year-old synth-folk pioneer and transgender icon talks about channeling Odetta, keeping Annie Lennox on repeat, and hearing the sounds within silence.
Throwing Muses’ Kristin Hersh on the Music That Made Her
The alt-rock renegade talks about the artists and albums that have meant the most to her—from Philip Glass to Elliott Smith to the Legend of Zelda soundtrack—five years at a time.
The Music That Made Miranda July
The idiosyncratic filmmaker and author on finding riot grrrl and Heavens to Betsy, doing ecstasy in bed to Unrest, and landing a scene with a little help from Spiritualized.
Tom Morello on the Music of His Life
The visionary guitarist talks about the songs and albums that have meant the most to him—from Kiss to Public Enemy to the Prodigy—five years at a time.
The Music That Made Conor Oberst
As his longstanding band Bright Eyes returns, the 40-year-old songwriter reflects on the artists that have soundtracked his life, from Cyndi Lauper to the Faint to Phoebe Bridgers.
The Music That Made Laraaji
The New Age icon discusses the songs and sounds that have shaped his life—from Sinatra to Sade, Baptist choirs to Sikh chants, and plenty of joyful dance parties in between.