Award-winning senior correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, and author of the poetry collection, #TheNewsPoems.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jeffrey Brown
The Composer Who Carried on Tradition With Marked Skepticism
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. In 1943, the Henze family went for a picnic by the Elbe River in Germany. Franz, the father, would soon be deployed to the Eastern Front of World War II. Hans, his son, wanted to be a composer but was in training to become a tank radio operator.
Ayad Akhtar blurs fiction and reality in new novel, 'The Radiance'
Ayad Akhtar blurs fiction and reality in new novel, 'The Radiance' A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author has a new novel that explores big questions about states of being and the… Nikole Hannah-Jones reflects on her daughter's school experience For decades, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones has reported on race, inequality and the deep divisions in American education.
Ayad Akhtar blurs fiction and reality in new novel, 'The Radiance'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author has a new novel that explores big questions about states of being and the state of America. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with Ayad Akhtar about "The Radiance" for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Powerful nor'easter batters parts of East Coast
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Cleanup efforts are underway after a powerful nor’easter battered parts of the East Coast, bringing dangerous waves, flooding and damaging winds from New England to New Jersey. The storm also knocked out power for many. Jeffrey Brown reports.
Marlon James explores how homophobia shaped life in Jamaica in 'The Disappearers'
Former Kansas GOP governor explains why he's backing Democrat Adam Hamilton for Senate Former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, crossed party lines to endorse Democrat Adam Hamilton in his bid to unseat… Marlon James explores how homophobia shaped life in Jamaica in 'The Disappearers' Marlon James’ new novel, "The Disappearers," was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. It tells the story of a group of… What the Paramount-Warner Bros.
Marlon James explores how homophobia shaped life in Jamaica in 'The Disappearers'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Marlon James’ new novel, "The Disappearers," was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. It tells the story of a group of gay men trying to make their way, and stay alive, in the homophobic culture of Jamaica in the 1980s and 90s. It’s raw, violent and sexually explicit, while also leavened with wit and humor. Jeffrey Brown spoke with James for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Sep 23, 2026
When Pierre Boulez was rehearsing contemporary music with Ensemble Intercontemporain, a group he founded, he had an unnerving habit. The conductor and composer would sing through a particularly difficult passage and then tell the musicians, “It’s very simple.” In a way, that was true. Boulez was excellent at breaking down thorny moments into more approachable components.
What makes Christian McBride the hardest-working man in jazz
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio As a bass extraordinaire, bandleader, composer and educator, Christian McBride has been called one of the hardest-working men in jazz. He’s as comfortable performing with jazz icons as he is with artists like Sting and Billie Eilish. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown recently met McBride at his hometown jazz festival for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach… Bob Mackie, fashion designer who dressed the stars and defined '70s glamour, dies at 87 Bob Mackie, the fashion designer whose visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s died Monday at 87.
Comedian Jenny Yang takes act to stages inside immigrant grocery stores
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach in her nationwide stand-up tour to raise awareness of those difficulties. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with her for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Remembering Gloria Steinem and her trailblazing fight for women's rights
Gloria Steinem, the pioneering journalist and activist who became one of the most recognizable voices of the modern women’s movement, has died at the age of 92. For more than half a century, Steinem challenged entrenched ideas about gender and power, helping bring the fight for women’s equality from the margins of American life into the mainstream. Jeffrey Brown has this remembrance. Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.
Painter Alex Katz reflects on his career and artistry ahead of 100th birthday
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Artist Alex Katz is an American great who just celebrated his 99th birthday. What better way to celebrate than to have an exhibition in Nice, France, this fall titled "Henri Matisse - Alex Katz." Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown visited Katz at his home in Maine for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
In new novel 'Under the Falls,' Richard Russo explores places left behind
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: Richard Russo has written ten novels, won the Pulitzer Prize for “Empire Falls,” and collaborated on screen adaptations and TV series based on his work. Now his latest book has just been published 40 years after his debut novel. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown visited him recently for our arts and culture series, Canvas.
In new novel 'Under the Falls,' Richard Russo explores places left behind
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Richard Russo has penned 10 novels, won the Pulitzer Prize, and collaborated on screen adaptations and TV series based on his work. In his latest book, "Under the Falls," Russo continues to revisit the community of his youth. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown visited him for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Aug 24, 2026
Quilt exhibit showcases artwork of inmate turned criminal justice activist
Quilt exhibit showcases artwork of inmate turned criminal justice activist His work is now shown in major museums and galleries, but Jesse Krimes created some of his first artwork in… Remembering the life and career of Hayden Panettiere Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36.
Quilt exhibit showcases artwork of inmate turned criminal justice activist
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio His work is now shown in major museums and galleries, but Jesse Krimes created some of his first artwork in prison. Following his release, he’s also become a strong advocate for the formerly incarcerated and for reforming the overall system of mass incarceration. Jeffrey Brown reports for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Remembering the life and career of Hayden Panettiere
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36. No official cause of death was given for the versatile actress and Golden Globe nominee. Emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest before she was pronounced dead at a home in South Carolina. Police say there was no evidence of foul play. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown remembers Panettiere's life and career.
Local arts groups that shape community culture face financial pressure
Local arts groups that shape community culture face financial pressure Larger theater companies, venues and museums typically get more attention.
Local arts groups that shape community culture face financial pressure
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Larger theater companies, venues and museums typically get more attention. But in cities and rural areas, it’s smaller arts organizations that are closest to and address the needs of their communities. Now, many are struggling as they face economic pressures. Jeffrey Brown reports for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Board packed with Trump allies votes to weaken protections for historic sites
Board packed with Trump allies votes to weaken protections for historic sites An advisory council packed with Trump allies voted to weaken federal oversight of construction projects affecting historic sites. Critics are… Booker Prize semifinalist list includes previous winners Douglas Stuart, Marlon James, Elizabeth Strout Judges read 163 novels to come up with the 13 semifinalists announced Tuesday for the 50,000 pound ($66,000) Booker Prize.
Board packed with Trump allies votes to weaken protections for historic sites
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio An advisory council packed with Trump allies voted to weaken federal oversight of construction projects affecting historic sites. Critics are concerned that this move will open the floodgates to endangering preservation of historic and cultural places across the country. Jeffrey Brown discussed more with Phillip Kennicott of The Washington Post. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Ocular artistry: Eye prosthetics become canvases for self-expression
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Prosthetics designed to blend in as replacements for missing body parts are becoming tools for creative expression. This is especially true in the community of ocular prosthetics, or artificial eyes. Jeffrey Brown meets a Portland eye maker whose designs are helping clients see themselves in a new light. It's for our coverage of the intersection of health and arts, part of our CANVAS series.
Ocular artistry: Eye prosthetics become canvases for self-expression
Flipboard provides you with personalized news and content based on your interests. We use Essential cookies and similar technologies to (i) help tailor content based on how you interact with content in our services and (ii) analyze site usage. We also work with our 58 partners to use Advertising cookies and similar technologies as described below: You can object to the processing of your information for advertising purposes at any time.
Anna Deavere Smith brings her family's history to the stage in 'Basil Biggs'
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: Anna Deavere Smith is well known for her acting in films and TV, including on “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.” She’s also made an impact as a playwright, creating her own style of theatrical dramas that explore aspects of American life. Now she’s doing something new, looking back at her own family history.
Anna Deavere Smith brings her family's history to the stage in 'Basil Biggs'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Anna Deavere Smith is well known for her acting in films and TV, including on “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.” She’s also made an impact as a playwright, creating her own style of theatrical dramas that explore aspects of American life. Now, she’s doing something new: looking back at her own family history. Jeffrey Brown met with Smith in Philadelphia for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Why the ancient story of 'The Odyssey' still resonates today
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is shaping up to be one of the biggest movies of the year. The highly anticipated film is already breaking ticket-sales records. Jeffrey Brown takes a look at what's driving the excitement and why a story that's nearly 3,000 years old continues to resonate today. It's part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Experimental artist Suzanne Jackson celebrates decades of work in first major exhibition
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Suzanne Jackson is an artist who has experimented with materials for decades. Now in her 80s, she's having her first major museum retrospective in an exhibition titled “What is Love.” Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown traveled to Minneapolis to meet Jackson for our Arts and Culture series, CANVAS.
'Post-literate age': Why fewer Americans are reading for pleasure
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In recent years, there has been attention and worries about how reading has changed among kids. Those concerns include the nature of what kids are reading and how many fewer books are part of their education diet. A new cover story in The Atlantic is casting a broader spotlight, raising similar questions for the overall population. Jeffrey Brown discussed more with The Atlantic's Rose Horowitch.
America's oldest hospital preserves the nation's history of medicine and health care
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio There's a new museum in Philadelphia, but its building and mission date back to before this country was founded. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown went to see how the past and present meet at the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum. It's part of our ongoing coverage of health and arts for our CANVAS series.
Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: Well, one of the biggest hits on Broadway right now is a new version of “Cats,” the legendary musical based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry about a tribe of felines called Jellicles. It’s an imaginary name, now reimagined in “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” and critical acclaim has followed. The musical received nine Tony Award nominations and won three.
Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio One of the biggest hits on Broadway right now is a reimagined version of “Cats,” the legendary musical about a tribe of felines. “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” has received acclaim and won three Tony Awards. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown took in the show and talked to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Jun 18, 2026
Dave Eggers on 'Contrapposto' and supporting the next generation of writers
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Amna Nawaz: Bestselling author Dave Eggers has a new novel out this week telling the story of two art-obsessed friends over many decades. And there’s much more to the author’s own story as well. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports from San Francisco for our arts and culture series, Canvas. Jeffrey Brown: Bicycle? Dave Eggers: Yes. I bike around the Embarcadero a lot.
Dave Eggers on 'Contrapposto' and supporting the next generation of writers
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Best-selling author Dave Eggers has a new novel out this week, telling the story of two art-obsessed friends over many decades. There’s much more to the author’s own story as well. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports from San Francisco for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Musical phenom introduces an old instrument to new audiences
Musical phenom introduces an old instrument to new audiences The pipe organ is typically associated with formal concert halls, church music and traditional works by Baroque composers like Bach.… 4 things to know about Obama's new presidential museum Here’s a closer look at the top attractions of the campus that is expected to draw as many as 1… Obama's new presidential museum, by the numbers The Obama Presidential Center will open June 19, more than a decade after the former president chose...
Musical phenom introduces an old instrument to new audiences
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The pipe organ is typically associated with formal concert halls, church music and traditional works by Baroque composers like Bach. But one musician, Anna Lapwood, is broadening the instrument’s reputation and has gotten millions of people to tune in. Jeffrey Brown and Maine Public went to experience this in Portland as part of our arts and culture series, "CANVAS."
Russians who fled after Ukraine invasion stage fresh take on classic play in U.S.
Ada Ferrer reflects on family history and forces shaping Cuba and the U.S. in new memoir Historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Ada Ferrer has spent her career exploring history, identity and memory.
Russians who fled after Ukraine invasion stage fresh take on classic play in U.S.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Two Russians who left their country after the invasion of Ukraine and are now rebuilding their lives and careers in the U.S. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports on a recent production in New York for our Art in Action series, exploring how art and democracy shape one another, as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Bellevue Literary Review celebrates 25 years of stories on illness and recovery
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: Three doctors, two poets and a fiction writer walk into a windowless hospital conference room, not the start of a joke, but of a prestigious journal, “Bellevue Literary Review,” now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Our senior arts correspondent, Jeffrey Brown, reports for our ongoing coverage of the intersection of health and arts, part of our Canvas series.
Bellevue Literary Review celebrates 25 years of stories on illness and recovery
Three doctors, two poets and a fiction writer walk into a windowless hospital conference room. Not the start of a joke, but of a prestigious journal, “Bellevue Literary Review”, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our ongoing coverage of the intersection of health and arts, part of our CANVAS series. Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.
Why Wynton Marsalis thinks jazz is the perfect metaphor for democracy
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Renowned trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis has launched a new project, a kind of call and response for these times. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown met Marsalis at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, for our series Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, part of our CANVAS coverage.
Tessa Thompson and Adrien Brody on Broadway debuts in 'The Fear of 13'
Tessa Thompson and Adrien Brody on Broadway debuts in 'The Fear of 13' In 2004, Nick Yarris walked out of a Pennsylvania prison after 22 years on death row.
Tessa Thompson and Adrien Brody on Broadway debuts in 'The Fear of 13'
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In 2004, Nick Yarris walked out of a Pennsylvania prison after 22 years on death row. His was the first death row case in Pennsylvania overturned by DNA evidence. His wrongful conviction is now the focus of the new play “The Fear of 13.” It stars Adrian Brody and Tessa Thompson in their Broadway debuts. Jeffrey Brown spoke with them for our Art in Action series, as part of our CANVAS coverage.
Art exhibition shines light on Romani persecution during Holocaust
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio It's a lesser-known chapter of the Holocaust, the murder of some 500,000 Roma and Sinti people, members of a long-marginalized and often persecuted minority in Europe. One way into that history is through the work of an artist who survived it herself. Jeffrey Brown reports for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Apr 23, 2026
Inside Chicago's innovative Steppenwolf Theatre Company as it marks 50 years
Inside Chicago's innovative Steppenwolf Theatre Company as it marks 50 years Steppenwolf Theatre Company has long been one of the nation’s most influential ensemble companies. It's known for the actors it… A Brief But Spectacular take on how life is a play Actor and comedian Lyric Lewis discovered her love of performance through improv.
Inside Chicago's innovative Steppenwolf Theatre Company as it marks 50 years
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Steppenwolf Theatre Company has long been one of the nation’s most influential ensemble companies. It's known for the actors it has launched and the groundbreaking work it has produced. It’s marking its 50th season at a moment of real uncertainty for theaters. Jeffrey Brown traveled to Chicago for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
People in recovery find a fresh start by crafting Troublesome Creek instruments
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In eastern Kentucky, the heritage of folk and traditional music, rooted in instruments like guitars, mandolins and dulcimers, is deeply seated. There's an effort to capitalize on this rich culture while providing a fresh start for people in addiction recovery. Jeffrey Brown has the story for our look at the intersection of art and health for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
People in recovery find a fresh start by crafting Troublesome Creek instruments
Man indicted on charge of procuring or promoting use of a minor PIKEVILLE, Ky. – One man has been indicted on a charge of procuring or promoting the use of a minor.According to a uniform citation, 36-year-old …
Washington National Opera finds new stage after split with Kennedy Center
Washington National Opera finds new stage after split with Kennedy Center Earlier this month, the Kennedy Center board approved the president’s plan to close the center for two years. The Washington… Trump's White House ballroom construction must halt unless Congress OKs it, judge orders “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families.
Washington National Opera finds new stage after split with Kennedy Center
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Earlier this month, the Kennedy Center board approved the president’s plan to close the center for two years. The Washington National Opera had already announced it was leaving, one of the most consequential developments in a year of turmoil. Jeffrey Brown reports for our Art in Action series, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, part of our CANVAS coverage.
Trump's vision for D.C. draws design backlash and court challenges
Geoff Bennett explores Black comedy's history and cultural impact in 'Black Out Loud' In the 1990s, a remarkable wave of Black sitcoms and sketch comedy reshaped American television. Shows like “In Living Color”… 'Saturday Night Live UK' debuts across the pond 'Saturday Night Live' has crossed the pond with a mild splash.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Jeffrey
Contact Jeffrey, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack