Randy Newman discusses the origins of "Laugh and Be Happy," which he has revised for his album Harps and Angels, and gives a solo performance of the song.

Randy Newman discusses and performs "Potholes" from his new album, Harps and Angels.

Randy Newman performs the song "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country" from his album Harps and Angels. When it was first released as a single in 2007, its lyrics published as an op-ed in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times called it a “three-decades-on bookend to Political Science ... so funny it hurt," and Rolling Stone named it #2 on its list of the year's best singles.

k.d. lang performs songs from her album, Hymns of the 49th Parallel

Learn more about Oumou Sangare, her life in Mali, and her album, Oumou

Learn about the bandmembers of Orchestra Baobab, their lives in Dakar, and their 2002 album. Specialist in All Styles

Orchestra Baobab performs "On Verra Ca" from their album Specialist in All Styles

Malian musician Afel Bocoum toured with Ali Farka Toure for 30 years. Learn about his own career and his album, Alkibar

Malian singer and guitarist Ali Farka Toure's final album, Savane.

Distinto, Diferente is the second album by Cuban group Afro-Cuban All Stars. Learn about the bandleader, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, and the group's second album.