American Songwriter

Stevie Wonder has released a batch of vault tracks, songs recorded during his career but never previously made available to the public. Music fans are sharing the news widely, with many celebrating the arrival of unheard material from one of the most celebrated songwriters in American music.

Rachel Chinouriri performed her song 'Never Need Me' on the new British version of Saturday Night Live, according to NME. The appearance marks a high-profile television moment for the British singer-songwriter as the UK adaptation of the long-running American comedy show rolls out its musical guests.

Fans are asking whether The Voice is on tonight, as new episodes draw attention. In the latest episode, coach Riley Green used his first In button to secure a 15-year-old singer described as exceptionally talented, according to American Songwriter. Viewers are reacting to the young contestant's audition and the coaches' quick moves to keep strong acts on their teams.

Tribute posts are circulating about Bernard 'Buddy' Rich, the American jazz drummer, songwriter, conductor and bandleader born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Rich is widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time, and music fans continue to celebrate his technique and legacy, keeping his name prominent in jazz circles.

The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has released new solo music centered on faith and Americana, and it is drawing praise from conservative and Christian listeners. The Mormon singer has long woven religious themes into his songwriting, and the new material is being welcomed by audiences who see it as an affirming exploration of belief and American life.

Chicano singer-songwriter Obed Padilla has released a new single, "I Don't Get High Anymore." The track is being praised for its sun-drenched, genre-blending sound rooted in the American Southwest and the Chicano independent music underground, with early listeners calling it a fitting anthem for late-summer drives and highlighting Padilla's songwriting talent.

Veteran American folk singer-songwriter Tom Rush is performing at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. A fixture of the 1960s folk scene whose songs were covered by artists including Emmylou Harris and James Taylor, Rush remains an active touring performer. Coverage highlights his long-standing influence on the folk tradition and his enduring appeal to audiences decades into his career.

The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine has announced singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega as this year's Phoebe Jacobs Award honoree. The award, named after the longtime Louis Armstrong associate and jazz advocate, recognizes figures whose work connects music with healing and public service. Vega, known for songs like 'Luka' and 'Tom's Diner', is being celebrated for her lasting contribution to American songwriting.

Eric Church, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are being featured on The Best of Pickin, a program highlighting notable performances in roots, country and folk music. The pairing of Church, a country arena headliner, with Welch and Rawlings, celebrated acoustic songwriters, is drawing attention from fans of both mainstream country and traditional American music.

Judith Owen and Tonya Boyd-Cannon's song 'Inside Out' is being played on Jazz FM, with listeners tracking it under the Now Playing tag. Owen is a Welsh singer-songwriter and Boyd-Cannon an American vocalist, so the pairing has drawn attention from jazz fans hearing the collaboration on air.

TIME has announced its 2026 TIME100 Next list recognising emerging leaders, with a strong showing from music. British singer RAYE and rising American artist Sombr are among the honourees, alongside Australian pop star Troye Sivan and US singer-songwriter Conan Gray. The list highlights figures shaping the next generation of culture, entertainment and public life, and fans are celebrating the musicians' inclusion.