music

Ron Murphy first became intricately involved with music at the age of five when he began singing at the Myrtle Baptist Church in his native Newton. Over 70 years later, he is still at it.

It has long been said that there’s a lot to like about Lowell. From the historic mills to memories of writer Jack Kerouac to the famed Folk Festival that takes over the city every July, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution has many attractions that keep people coming back year after year.

While she has been winning wide acclaim for some time as a collaborator, Debo Ray felt it was time to cut her teeth by cutting her own tracks.

Handel & Haydn, the oldest continuously performing arts organization in the United States, has been presenting Handel’s famous “Messiah” oratorio during the holiday season for 170 consecutive years.

On a recent weekday, the Boston Children’s Chorus rehearsed for its new season. Gathered in a carpeted church room, more than two dozen young people — basses, tenors, altos and sopranos — sang together harmoniously, accompanied by the piano, rotating through several musical pieces, all linked by the season’s theme: “People, Get Ready.”

Berklee College of Music has seen some of music’s biggest talents come through its doors. While DJ and producer Jazzy Jeff did not attend Berklee, he has crossed paths with many of the college’s former students.

Whenever Francesca McNeely heard “Wade in the Water” as a young girl, she simply thought the African American spiritual was an upbeat song. It’s an easy mistake to make, she said.

Lovers of live jazz in Boston face tough decisions this fall: How to choose among the many shows featuring numerous first-rate performers?

Composer, music educator and community organizer Carlos Simon has performed his unique compositions, blending gospel and jazz influences with Western classical chords, all over the world. Now, he’s ready to take on Boston.

Breathy vocals and a scratchy, static-like effect overlay upbeat keys. “Love,” a low voice warbles, elongating the word. “Love” echoes. The multilayered fusion crescendos into a bouncy drum beat, ushered in by the voice rapping, “So we’re leading with love? Yeah, we’re leading with love.”

Tito Jackson, an original member of the hit-making pop group the Jackson 5, has died, his family confirmed Monday. He was 70.

The world of entertainment has lost another important icon. Frankie Beverly, the lead singer and songwriter of the soul and funk band Maze has passed away.