https://www.voanews.com/z/3649 VOA’s live worldwide international music request show with host Larry London. Border Crossings is the Voice of Americas perennial music program on the air since 1996. Border Crossings made its TV debut in 2012 and continues to attract viewers around the w https://www.voanews.com/Content/responsive/VOA/en-US/img/logo.png https://www.voanews.com/z/3649 en 2026 - VOA 60 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:24:36 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA American Idol Season 22 Runner-Up, Will Moseley released “Everything But Me” December 6.  It has over 500,000 streams on Spotify and hit #1 on the iTunes charts in Sweden, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand, and also charted in 16 countries. Moseley captivated the American Idol judges with his raspy drawl and a soulful delivery during his Season 22 audition.  Lionel Ritchie called him a “star” and went on to say, “his voice was amazing.”  He received all yeses from the judges, Ritchie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, earning him a Golden Ticket. He became the runner-up to Abi Carter who won the competition. https://www.voanews.com/a/7978907.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7978907.html Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:55:24 -0500 Border Crossings Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and performer Gino Vannelli is returning February 7, 2025 with THE LIFE I GOT (TO MY MOST BELOVED), marking his 22nd album and first new studio album since 2019. It is also the most intimate release in his expansive 50+ year career that’s highlighted by 20 million albums sold worldwide. Written through a time of personal hardship as his wife, Patricia, battled cancer and sadly passed earlier this year, its 11 finely etched tracks encompass the emotional turmoil of losing one’s soulmate and finding the will to move forward. https://www.voanews.com/a/7963630.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7963630.html Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:43:01 -0500 Border Crossings Lonestar, the highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning country group, released their impassioned rendition of “You Make Loving Fun,” the notable Fleetwood Mac hit, earlier this spring.  In addition, the band have officially announced that their new EP, Iconic, Vol. 1, will be released late summer of this year. The five-song collection is the band’s thoughtful homage to some of the industry’s legendary female vocalists. Lonestar is no stranger to chart-topping hits. Over the course of their 30 plus years together, the award-winning band have scored 10 No. 1 singles, including “Amazed,” — spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart, becoming a huge crossover hit, climbing to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 — and “I’m Already There,” which held steady at the top for six weeks. https://www.voanews.com/a/7948927.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7948927.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:51:03 -0500 Border Crossings As the lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and founder of rock band BUSH, Gavin Rossdale has sold over 24 million records in the U.S. and Canada alone, and won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement in Songwriting following a string of 26 consecutive Top 40 hit singles on the Modern, Mainstream, and Active Rock charts. Seven of these songs shot to No. 1: “Comedown,” “Glycerine,” “Machinehead,” “Swallowed,” “The Chemicals Between Us,” “The Sound of Winter” and 2022’s “More Than Machines.” Rossdale also reached the top of the charts with his 2008 standout solo hit, “Love Remains The Same.” He’s starred in acclaimed films such as Constantine and The Bling Ring, along with guest spots on several television drama staples including Criminal Minds and Burn Notice. Most recently, BUSH released Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023, their first-ever career-spanning hits collection, providing an expansive view of their incredible legacy with 21 tracks covering nearly 30 years—from their breakthrough hit, “Everything Zen,” to their latest single, “Nowhere To Go But Everywhere.” https://www.voanews.com/a/7914995.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7914995.html Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:56:58 -0500 Border Crossings Music icon Brenda Lee released “Brenda Lee Greatest Hits” in September of this year.  The album features 15 tracks remastered from original production tapes and is now available digitally as well as on vinyl in an exclusive blue marble color. Brenda Lee Greatest Hits features top songs including “I’m Sorry,” Lee’s first No. 1 single (1960), “Sweet Nothin’s” and the No. 1 track “I Want To Be Wanted” (1960). Eleven of the tracks featured on the album were in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  https://www.voanews.com/a/7892494.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7892494.html Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:51:20 -0500 Border Crossings Moira Smiley released “The Rhizome Project” album and book in September.   She states, The Rhizome Project celebrates all the powerful ways we are connected, though, like the rhizome roots, those connections may be hidden or forgotten.  Making a music album — maybe especially in an era when most of us listen to singles, playlists and fragments — can invite a listener into a collection of ideas or feelings that make more sense when gathered together. Curating an album of folk songs that ‘formed me’ helps me make sense of the new sounds I create today. Gathering these songs, these stories and these pictures helps me know why certain songs (and people) keep nurturing and challenging me across decades — allowing me to remain a ‘resonant reed’. https://www.voanews.com/a/7888874.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7888874.html Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:32:19 -0500 Border Crossings Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Tiffany Woys grew up being influenced by such powerhouse vocalists as Celine Dion, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, Michael Jackson and Carrie Underwood. As a child, she’d look for any opportunity to get up and sing in front of people, and by the time she hit 20, she was recording an independent album and hitting the road.  On May 31st  her new EP, “I’m Your Woman” was released and on Sept 20th her heartfelt, patriotic and timely song “American Dreamer” was also released. https://www.voanews.com/a/7888831.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7888831.html Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:03:57 -0500 Border Crossings Last week, 2ŁØT, the genre-blending band known for its unique sound and dedication to social advocacy, released its debut album Entropy, marking a significant milestone in its mission to inspire change through music. Alongside the album, the band shares their latest single, "Never New You" a moody, reflective track inspired by the complex theme of human connection and the feeling of only knowing the surface of those around us, hinting at the often unseen depths within everyone. https://www.voanews.com/a/7879071.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7879071.html Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:43:04 -0500 Border Crossings NYC-based pop artist and American Idol alum Sabrina Monique, who's stepping into a new era of her journey has released her new album, 'It's Not Me, It's You.”  Characterized by struggle and resilience, Sabrina's story echoes the experiences of many women navigating the complexities of the music industry. 'It's Not Me, It's You' is the distillation of Sabrina's lived experiences, a defiant dance-pop journey that captures the spirit of liberation and self-discovery. The album weaves the intricate dynamics of her past, from the challenges of a tense childhood to the competitive auditions and the bustling life among peers in Manhattan, delivering a rhythm that invites listeners to both reflect and celebrate. It is a powerful piece in her discography that pays homage to her evolution—from a dreamer using her art as a beacon of joy to an artist claiming her space with unapologetic confidence and a clear vision for her music and message. Her story is one of embracing one's history, transforming struggles into strength, and the candid expression of an artist who is finally the captain of her own ship. https://www.voanews.com/a/7846560.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7846560.html Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:55:27 -0400 Border Crossings 2x GRAMMY® Award-winning, Multi-Platinum-certified songwriter and lead guitarist of Hootie & The Blowfish for more than three decades – flaunts his myriad musical gifts with his fifth and finest solo album, Popped. A free-spirited and free-wheeling collection spanning rootsy Americana and folk ballads, to Caribbean-flavored pop, doo wop, and full-on heavy rockers, the album serves as a captivatingly confident display for the Charleston, SC-based artist’s well-traveled muse, rich with dexterous musicality, crisp production skills, and characteristically unaffected songcraft. https://www.voanews.com/a/7846530.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7846530.html Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:32:44 -0400 Border Crossings Akon’s “Beautiful Day”: The Anthem the World Needs Right Now.  Akon, the global superstar known for his uplifting music and impactful global initiatives, is back with his first solo song in nearly a decade and it’s the Akon we all know and LOVE , “Akon’s Beautiful Day.” This powerful anthem speaks to resilience, hope, and finding the light and sunshine in life’s darkness. With a career marked by groundbreaking achievements, including being the first artist to hold both the number one and number two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 twice or reach 1 billion views on YouTube , Akon has consistently used his platform to push boundaries and above all else inspire and connect with people worldwide. “Akon’s Beautiful Day” features an interpolation of the viral hook sung by 10-year-old Jamaican student Jermaine Edwards, whose heartwarming performance at school captivated audiences around the globe as well as Akon. This record beautifully wraps his smooth vocals around this melody, transforming it into a stadium-style anthem with the support of a choir of children’s voices, echoing the message that no matter what you are going through, you can always find light and beauty in life. The release of “Akon’s Beautiful Day” coincides with the 20th anniversary of Akon’s debut album, Trouble, which first launched him into global superstardom with hits like “Locked Up.” https://www.voanews.com/a/7832307.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7832307.html Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:23:51 -0400 Border Crossings For saxophonist and composer Boney James, these words perfectly describe the music he has crafted for his new Concord Records album, Slow Burn.  Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades and includes a long list of accolades; four GRAMMY nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024 year Boney became the first ever artist to score 20 number one singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. https://www.voanews.com/a/7826692.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7826692.html Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:14:03 -0400 Border Crossings A preacher's son with a passion for both country music and faith, Trey Calloway’s unique blend of Christian and country influences has captivated fans and critics alike. His latest single, “Backroad Believer,” co-written with Steven Cade and Andrea Renfree, is a powerful testament to his roots, combining rock-infused country sounds with an uplifting message of positivity and spirituality. Currently nominated for the 2024 Texas Country Music Association Christian Songwriter of the Year, Calloway is riding high on a wave of recent successes. His undeniable talent has earned him features on Spotify's editorial playlists, a million streams, and even a spotlight on CMT. https://www.voanews.com/a/7826668.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7826668.html Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:47:02 -0400 Border Crossings Legendary, award-winning star of stage, screen, and music, Vanessa Williams, new album, SURVIVOR, is a 14-track album, which marks her first new release in 15 years, is an exciting, genre-defying collection of songs that reflect Williams’ rich and diverse musical catalogue. “SURVIVOR is an eclectic collection of songs that embraces my musical past and brings that history into the present and the future,” Williams shares. “It absolutely represents me musically and has something to say. I wanted to remind my loyal fans that I’m still here, don’t count me out and to bring my music to a whole new generation that might know be better for my stage and television roles.” She adds, “Playing with all of the different styles of music I’ve loved to perform over the years is just who I am as an artist, which I really attribute to my parents, who were music teachers. I listened to everything growing up and that has always inspired my diverse musical tastes.” https://www.voanews.com/a/7815039.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7815039.html Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:21:52 -0400 Border Crossings GRAMMY® Award winners and multi-instrumentalists Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer have joined creative forces with Chinese hammered dulcimer virtuoso Chao Tian for their global, and roots music project, From China to Appalachia. Utilizing traditional songs from the U.S. old-time and string band canon alongside traditional Chinese songs, the album is proof positive of the sonic, cultural, and vernacular interconnections between people from opposite sides of the world. https://www.voanews.com/a/7815029.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7815029.html Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:11:31 -0400 Border Crossings Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden debuts as a songwriter at 85 with “I’ve Got My Heart On You,” a heartfelt duet featuring rising star Danni Stefanetti. Inspired by his son Solomon’s words during his touring days, this song blends Golden’s legendary status with Stefanetti’s fresh talent. Golden, a Country and Gospel Hall of Famer with 5 Grammys, brings decades of experience to his first self-penned track. Stefanetti, an award-winning artist, adds her virtuoso guitar skills and contemporary flair. This collaboration offers a poignant tribute to family bonds. With Golden’s rich baritone and Stefanetti’s emotive vocals, “I’ve Got My Heart On You” promises to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike, showcasing the timeless power of country music to connect generations. https://www.voanews.com/a/7801709.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7801709.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:41:00 -0400 Border Crossings More than three decades after its inception, the Mandoki Soulmates band, led by founder Leslie Mandoki, has not only set breakthrough musical standards with their new album “A Memory Of Our Future,” but has also delivered a masterpiece of audio production technology: an entire album recorded and produced in the analog domain—from first note to finished vinyl. Needless to say, the production of an 80-minute concept album is a rare undertaking in today’s musical landscape. On top of that, the purely analog signal processing used throughout, from microphone to mixing and mastering, to vinyl lacquer cutting, makes “A Memory Of Our Future” a manifesto of precision and passion that can be felt in every note of this magnum opus. https://www.voanews.com/a/7801684.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7801684.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:30:04 -0400 Border Crossings Acclaimed indie rock band Carbon Leaf, have released their latest album, “Time Is The Playground.”  The album marks Carbon Leaf’s first full-length album in a decade, blending nostalgic storytelling with nuanced, folk-infused indie rock. The lead single, “Backmask 1983,” masterfully melds AC/DC guitar with Cars synth to evoke the essence of the 1980s, capturing a sense of wonder and discovery from that era. The album’s title track builds from a reflective acoustic melody into a vibrant celebration of life’s moments, urging listeners to seize the present while learning from the past. This album is a brilliant rumination on time, love, and personal growth, featuring both rediscovered musical fragments and brand new material.  https://www.voanews.com/a/7801656.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7801656.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:13:16 -0400 Border Crossings Justin De Dios, also known as Justin, of SB19 is ready to take on the industry by coming back as a soloist. Aside from his group career with SB19, the next step is to show and prove to the world that he is more than just meets the eye, leaving people captivated by powerful vocals and visuals. Justin’s track "Kaibigan" is all about the importance of friendships and coming of age.  https://www.voanews.com/a/7791895.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7791895.html Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:24:58 -0400 Border Crossings Rob McNelley, the acclaimed Nashville guitarist known for his collaborations with icons like Bob Seger, Dolly Parton, and Luke Combs, has just released his latest single, “The Other Side.” This slow-burning track, built on a growling bass line and featuring McNelley’s signature guitar prowess, is the newest addition to his series of Americana-flavored singles that have been rolling out throughout the year. “The Other Side” follows the release of McNelley’s two previous singles, “Circus Is Leaving Town” and “Right Back To You,” each showcasing the versatility and depth of his songwriting and musicianship. https://www.voanews.com/a/7754311.html https://www.voanews.com/a/7754311.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:18:05 -0400 Border Crossings