NMR provides powerful insights into RNA structure and dynamics. We have used NMR to probe the function of biological RNAs. We have focused on two general areas: RNAs and ligands involved in protein synthesis, and those from important viral pathogens, such as HIV and HCV. We have determined a number of structures of aminoglycosides antibiotics bound to their RNA targets. These structures revealed the basis for aminoglycoside activity and specificity, and suggested that their mechanism of action involves control of RNA conformation. These NMR experiments drove us to develop single-molecule fluorescence methods to monitor ribosome dynamics. We will present an overview of the NMR and single molecule data on translation. We will also present methods to investigate large RNA structures by NMR. The influence of Prof. Hilbers work on our research cannot be overstated.