Jay Gabler

The music industry is marshaling its resources to support retailers and artists during this unprecedented crisis. Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) and John Prine are both in serious condition fighting COVID-19. Fans sheltering in place are using video to connect with music: a new mini-doc spotlights Bob Marley's female collaborators, and there's a doc spotlighting First Avenue in its 50th anniversary year. Plus, Jack Black is on TikTok now and it's awesome.

Country star Joe Diffie and rocker Alan Merrill have both died due to COVID-19, while at press time, John Prine is hospitalized in stable condition. Musicians continue to connect with fans digitally: Elton John hosted an all-star 'Living Room Concert for America,' and Dolly Parton will be reading children's books. In other news, a new documentary marks the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis's 'Bitches Brew.'

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internet Archive has made its online library of 1.4 million books available for free access 'to serve the nation's displaced learners.' Whether you're one of those displaced learners or just a music fan looking for a great read, here are ten books to jump into.

When the concert industry emerges from the coronavirus shutdown, Billboard projects, even more power is likely to be in the hands of major promoters. Also today: Bob Dylan releases the longest song of his career, random duets land in listeners' ears, Rihanna donates medical supplies, and a group of Ugandan musicians share an exuberant PSA.

As the Twin Cities, along with much of the rest of the world, hunker down at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, photographer Lucy Hawthorne visited several local music venues to document closed doors, empty streets…and signs of hope.

Nine Inch Nails have released hours of new music: 'Some of it kind of happy, some not so much.' Other artists are releasing quirky new material, including Kesha's song about...Nicolas Cage? Meanwhile, some financial help for hurting artists is starting to come in, with the federal stimulus bill moving forward and Spotify contributing up to $10 million. Finally, before you can rewrite the Knack's 'My Sharona' in light of the coronavirus outbreak...don't worry, they already have.

Jackson Browne has tested positive for COVID-19, and says 'it's important for all of us to be pretty forthcoming.' Also in the news today: James Taylor donates $1 million to medical emergency fund, an 'ultimate stay at home playlist' lands on the National Recording Registry, survival-themed songs climb the charts, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs talks about our perilous situation, and artists spoof the celebrity 'Imagine' cover.

In a new compilation, authors of books in the '33 1/3' series pay tribute to LPs that make them want to play both sides.

Jazz great Manu Dibango has died of COVID-19, and Radiohead's Ed O'Brien believes he is infected. Chris Thile talks about how the pandemic is affecting the musical life of New York City, while remote collaborations grow ever stranger.

As the world mourns Kenny Rogers, his duet partner Dolly Parton paid tribute to 'a wonderful man and a true friend.' Also in the news today, Low Cut Connie's Adam Weiner talks about livestreaming concerts during self-isolation, while the ongoing public health crisis shakes up release schedules for other artists. Plus, Neil Diamond rewrites one of his hits to encourage handwashing.

John Prine's wife Fiona has tested positive for COVID-19, and is urging fans to stay home to protect themselves. Meanwhile, artists are sharing new music on Bandcamp as the platform waives fees for a day; as more and more artists use livestreams to share songs and solidarity in the ongoing public health crisis.

Over 150 stars have signed a letter to the federal government asking for financial support to sustain the music industry through an 'existential crisis.' Also in today's news, Bandcamp is temporarily waiving its share of revenue and celebrities covered John Lennon's 'Imagine' in an endearing (if slightly awkward) video.

Glastonbury and Eurovision have been canceled due to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. The global pandemic is also causing Amazon to prioritize emergency supplies, causing challenges for media producers including record labels. In other news, many music performances are moving online.

Even Dave Pirner doesn't know what some of his lyrics mean, or even - in one case - exactly what they are. Still, 'Loud Fast Words' collects the Soul Asylum songbook for posterity. Pirner seems happy to let posterity make what it will of his 'Loud Fast Words.'

In this unprecedented public health emergency, concerts of all sizes have been cancelled or postponed around the world. Minnesota musicians are among those connecting with audiences online as artists and fans practice the social distance required to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s a scary time, but as in other tough times, people are turning…

There’s a huge amount of uncertainty right now around everything involving the coronavirus pandemic and our responses to it. What activities can go on, and what activities need to be called off? For how long? With large public gatherings and travel, particularly international travel, being discouraged or banned around he world, the global music industry…

In 'Cool Town,' Grace Elizabeth Hale chronicles the history of Athens, Georgia as ground zero for the explosion of what we now call "alternative music."

From ribbon dancing in the Kids' Disco to DJ storytime on a cozy carpet, Rock the Cradle 2020 had fun for all ages.

A new history chronicles the Twin Cities establishments that don't make a lot of postcards or get placed on historical registers (usually), but that have been the hubs of countless scenes from Polish union workers to barfly folksingers.

Autumn de Wilde is in the elite ranks of music photographers, having shot album covers for Elliot Smith, Wilco, Beck, Jenny Lewis, the White Stripes, Fiona Apple, and many more. As director, she's helmed music videos for Spoon, Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, and the Decemberists.