A look back at music NPR commissioned during the COVID pandemic

By Leila Fadel,

Published March 14, 2025 at 4:24 AM EDT

During the COVID pandemic, NPR's Morning Edition commissioned pieces by musicians from various genres. Five years later, we listen back on the project.

More Stories

When music provokes utter silence

Ann Powers

Critic Ann Powers considers musical performances that have left audiences stunned in utter silence, and what you can hear when sound falls away.
Marking the centennial of powerhouse jazz drummer Roy Haynes

Kevin Whitehead

Born March 13, 1925, Haynes was a drummer who liked to prod his fellow players. Over the course of his career, he played with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Chick Corea and many others.
Remembering soul singer Jerry Butler, aka the 'Iceman'

Terry Gross

Butler, who died Feb. 20, was born in rural Miss., and had his first hit in 1958, singing lead with The Impressions. He later moved to Chicago and entered local politics. Originally broadcast in 2000.
Third Eye Blind: Tiny Desk Concert

Maia Stern

Third Eye Blind mixes nostalgia, deep cuts and an entirely new song into a set that culminates in a full-on singalong.
Can a deluxe album ever improve on the original?

Sheldon Pearce

Streaming has turned the once-rare deluxe edition into a given for pop albums. Many feel clunky or inessential 鈥� but a few artists have found ways to take the format high-concept.

瓜神app

A look back at music NPR commissioned during the COVID pandemic