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Played on three string instruments, this music was the country's soundtrack from the turn of the 20th century to the 1940s.

One of the most controversial and acclaimed singers of the last 20 years, O'Connor continues to deny convention and expectations. Hear an interview and in-studio performance by the fiercely uncompromising singer-songwriter.

Citing Bob Dylan and Neil Young as influences, the 26-year-old Irish singer is a master of simple folk songs that focus on his gentle voice and guitar. Regan was raised in a family of musicians, who instilled in him a love of early folk and blues that continues to pervade his music.

Quetzal has spent two decades playing the soundtrack of its East L.A. neighborhoods: an evolving mash-up of Mexican son jarocho, low-rider oldies, cumbia, boleros, rock and blues.

Hear five pioneering examples of women who composed for and directed their own groups.

The arrangements by Dan Messé make Hem's songs feel quaint and warm, while singer Sally Ellyson is an untrained natural talent with an effortless yet breathtaking voice.

With the release of the 2005's The Acrobat, 2007's With My Left Hand I Raise the Dead and an album in which he covers the soundtrack to the '80s movie Footloose, Thomas Bartlett established Doveman as a true sleeper. His third album of original material with Doveman, The Conformist, is a testament to his soft-spoken style. This time around, though, he adds flourishes of upbeat synths, drums and catchy choruses.

Rae follows her hugely successful debut with The Sea, an intimate and emotional album that reflects on the 2008 death of her husband. In this session for WXPN, the soulful pop singer performs four songs from her new album.

The charming husband-and-wife led band made a lasting impact with its debut album, thanks in part to producer and arranger Van Dyke Parks. The clever and whimsical work still holds strong a year after its release. Hear both acts perform live and talk about their work and collaborations.

The singer shares songs she loves by other artists and talks about her debut full-length release, Miss Universe, an album filled with melodies that won't let go.