A man’s death revealed his secret masterpiece—his rented home, illegally transformed into a classical villa. What happened next questions how we define art.
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The Godmother of Soul
At Oxford American, as part of their Southern Music Issue, Rosanne Cash celebrates the life and career of electric guitar pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an American singer and guitarist who influenced Elvis, Keith Richards, and Johnny Cash. “She traveled the world and left it scorched with her fearlessness and musical originality, inspired fierce devotion from […]
Death of the Hiker
Lost on a dangerous trail, Leyton Cassidy’s thoughts take her down a dark path.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Kevin Fagan, Sarah Ravani, Lauren Hepler, and J.K. Dineen, Eric Boodman, Gabrielle Anctil, Joe Hagan, and Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee.
I was Hypnotized as a Teen. Was it Dangerous?
Each year, comedy hypnotists bring thousands of willing participants on stage to be hypnotized in front of crowds—harmless fun or risky business?
I Nearly Died Drowning. Here’s What It’s Like to Survive.
On coming to terms with a near-death experience.
Violence Girl
How a young bilingual Latina became one of punk’s enduring icons and helped create a new musical universe.
Wonderful Things: The Kid Creole and the Coconuts Story
Combining island sounds with stylish clothes and an unforgettable stage presence, one of New York City’s most original bands helped influence 1980s pop culture, and they never sacrificed their unclassifiable artistic vision.
I’m Never Fine
“As a proponent of transparency, especially one who stands in opposition to the demonization of feeling, I can’t—I won’t—use the word anymore.”
Making Something Out of Nothing With a Scratch and a Hope: The Ballad of Shovels and Rope
“We had nothing to lose,” Cary Ann said. “Fuck it. Band. Family. Let’s give it a shot. . . . Handshake, spit on it. If it gets too nasty we’ll cut and run.”

