Depending on how long you've lived in San Francisco, the name Howie Klein may be familiar to you. His 415 Records brought bands like Romeo Void to popularity, and he's worked with greats like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Green Day and many more.

There's so much to recommend about 'Daddy's Country Gold,' the dazzling new album by out singer/songwriter Melissa Carper, it's hard to know where to begin. Carper's distinctive vocal style transcends a single genre description.

Shuttered at home, musicians are producing new songs in abundance, including local artists and longtime favorites. Also, we honor a singer-songwriter lost too soon.

Interpreting other musician's classics can be tough. Some fine accomplishments include film soundtracks, Billie Holiday and Leonard Cohen tributes, and the amazing senior chorus that brings a touching new perspective on Bowie and Rolling Stones hits.

"Underneath My Skin," the new single from gay singer-songwriter Justin Utley, shares some passionate emotions —and yes, some beefcake— in the video for the song, part of his new album, 'Scars.'

Billy Stritch is a gay man as comfortable in the limelight as he is in the background, known for his collaborations with Liza Minnelli, Linda Lavin, Christine Ebersole, and his uplifting pandemic-era live-streaming performances.

'Chickaboom!, the 2020 album by Tami Neilson, the self-described "hot rockin' lady of country, rockabilly and soul," Reigning queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige's new remixes and other women musicians are bringing new and classic sounds.

From dazzling debuts (Izzy Heltai, Katie Pruitt) to familiar faces (Bob Mould, Indigo Girls), in 2020, musicians produced a treasure trove of awesome audibles.

Despite the absence of live concerts, LGBT musicians around the country have managed to release new music. Here is the first part of two Best of 2020 music mentions, including a few who came out of their musical closets.

You can hear the inspiration of the spoken word scene in the songs on Happy Birthday (Merge) by D.C.'s Sneaks (aka Eva Moolchan). Ace of Cups, Yelle and other women-led bands' new music are reviewed.

'The Meaning of Mariah Carey' is The New York Times best-seller of the life and career of a truly influential artist and entertainer, the autobiography of one of the most talented, hardworking, compelling, witty, and transcendent African-American artists.

Whether you're safely home alone, or socially distanced with family or friends, this is a most unusual holiday. So, for Christmas week, Eve and Day, enjoy a most unusual holiday music playlist.

After a few years away from music, singer-musician Colton Ford has returned with new songs and new perspectives on art, life and yes, politics.

Smooth jazz superstar Dave Koz has a new album and a fresh take on the holidays with a one-night 'Greatest Hits of Christmas ' concert online.