We love it when great things happen to good people, especially when the story is a total surprise, and that’s what’s been going on with Alabama-raised singer and songwriter Kashus Culpepper. He’d never been on a stage or played the guitar before 2020, but a confluence of free time, an encouraging group of friends, and a timely instrument helped Kashus find his voice and his calling. He’s been celebrated by the media and stars like Elton John, and his debut album Act 1 has surprised many with its depth and power.
ON DEMAND
VIDEO
The Pink Stones join us for episode three of WMOT's 2026 30A Songwriters Sessions, where we invite artists to perform acoustic sets in a beach house turned studio near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, during the 30A Songwriters Festival.
Listen live and stream your favorite WMOT shows on the go with our mobile app.
NPR TOP STORIES
-
The novel is the first work translated from Mandarin Chinese to win the award, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
-
Ward learned the term "respair" — meaning the recovery of hope after despair — during the pandemic. Her new book On Witness and Respair is an essay collection on grief, motherhood and survival.
-
President Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP runoff for U.S. Senate, one week before voting ends in the contentious and expensive primary.
-
While dozens of states have taken legal action against the controversial industry, Minnesota is the first state to pass a law making it a felony for companies like Kalshi and Polymarket to operate.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter, featuring music news, contests and our concert calendar.
WMOT's video archive is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe.
Click here to view the latest ticket giveaways.