History
Emily Soldene: Opera Singing Rebel
The story of an extraordinary woman who re-invented herself several times.
WDIA: The First Black Radio Station in the U.S.
In October 1948, with the show "Tan Town Jamboree" hosted by Nat D. Williams, WDIA established itself as the first radio station in the United States that catered to a Black audience.
History of "Taps": The Military Memorial Melody
"Taps" is a distinctive bugle melody. It is routinely played at U.S. military memorials and funerals. Its origins can be traced back to the 1830s.
"Smokin' Dragon" Zine: Revisiting Issues 8 to 10
"Smokin' Dragon" was one of the most popular independent fanzines of the 1990s. Here we look again at issues eight, nine and ten, remembering the rock bands that crammed its lively pages.
"Smokin' Dragon" Zine: Revisiting Issues 1 to 7
A gem of British subculture, "Smokin' Dragon" was one of the most well-known independent music zines of the 1990s. Interviews with emerging bands, demo reviews, art, poetry and prose were the staple features of this lively and diverse DIY publication.
List of First Videos Played on VH1
On New Year's Day, 1985, VH1, the sister channel of MTV, made its cable debut. Marshall Fish lists the videos played during the network's first hour on the air, and some trivia to go with them.
Who Sang It Best? "Away in a Manger (Luther's Cradle Song)"
Some of the best known Christmas songs have been covered by a variety of artists. We look at the Christmas carol, "Away in a Manger," and compare the traditional church choir version with performances by 14 popular artists. Who do you prefer?
Who Sang It Best? "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)"?
Some of the best known Christmas songs have been covered by a variety of artists. We look at Nat King Cole's classic tune, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," and rank 14 contenders. Who do you prefer?
Woodstock Performers: Jimi Hendrix
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The 10th and final act on Day 3, which had actually become Day 4 due to massive delays throughout the festival, was Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was the last act at Woodstock.
Woodstock Performers: Sha Na Na
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The second-last act was Sha Na Na. They hit the stage just after 7:30 a.m. on what was the unofficial Day 4 of the festival.
Woodstock Performers: Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Paul Butterfield was the fourth act on the final, unofficial Day 4 of the festival.
Woodstock Performers: Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young)
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The seventh act on Day 3, which was now well into Day 4, was Crosby, Stills & Nash. Neil Young had just been added to the lineup, making Woodstock the first gig ever for CSN&Y.
Woodstock Performers: Blood, Sweat & Tears
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The sixth act on Day 3 was Blood, Sweat & Tears. They were already huge, so it was no surprise they were booked. BS&T hit the stage at 1:30 a.m., the unofficial Day 4 of the fest.
Woodstock Performers: Johnny Winter
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The fifth act on Day 3 was blues guitar great, Johnny Winter. Johnny's brother Edgar Winter was In the band at that time, and the brothers played a blistering set
Woodstock Performers: The Band
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The fourth act on Day 3 was the Band. Already veterans of the music scene, this great roots-rock outfit was a perfect fit for the Woodstock festival.
Woodstock Performers: Ten Years After
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The third act on Day 3 was Ten Years After. Their set was plagued by technical challenges, but the last song of their set made stars of Alvin Lee and Ten Years After.
Woodstock Performers: Country Joe and the Fish
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The second act on Day 3 was Country Joe and the Fish. Joe Cocker had just finished his set about 3:30 p.m. when the skies had opened up, causing yet another delay.
Woodstock Performers: Joe Cocker
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The first official act on Day 3 was the mad Englishman, Joe Cocker. Jefferson Airplane had finished their set just after 08:00 a.m., allowing the crowd to finally get some shut-eye.
Woodstock Performers: Jefferson Airplane
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The 14th and final act on Day 2 was Jefferson Airplane. Day 2 was so long, Grace Slick and company actually began their set at 7:00 a.m. on the Sunday of the festival.
Woodstock Performers: The Who
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The 13th act on Day 2 was British band the Who. Day 2 was so long, the Who's set actually began at 5:00 a.m. on the Sunday of the festival, right after Sly & the Family Stone.
Woodstock Performers: Sly and the Family Stone
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock acts were up, and the 12th act to appear on Saturday (actually Sunday a.m.) was funk-rock band, Sly and the Family Stone.
Woodstock Performers: Janis Joplin
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock acts were up, and the 11th act to appear on Saturday (actually Sunday a.m.) was already a legend. "The Queen of Psychedelic Soul," Janis Joplin.
Woodstock Performers: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock bands were up, and the tenth act to appear at Woodstock on what was now Sunday was Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was classic swamp-rock.
Woodstock Performers: Grateful Dead
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The ninth act on Day 2 was California band the Grateful Dead. Their set, including a long-drawn-out version of "Turn On Your Lovelight," finally ended around midnight.
Woodstock Performers: Mountain
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The eighth act on Day 2 was another band with a big frontman, Leslie West. That band was Mountain.
Woodstock Performers: Canned Heat
This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock bands were up, and the seventh act to appear at Woodstock on Saturday August 16, 1969 was Canned Heat.
Woodstock Performers: The Incredible String Band
This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock bands were up, but The Incredible String Band, who were supposed to appear on Day 1, had been rescheduled due to rain and ended up being the sixth act to perform on August 16, 1969.
Woodstock Performers: Santana
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock bands were up, and the third act to appear at Woodstock on Saturday August 16, 1969 was Santana. Relatively unknown, Santana was a festival hit.
Woodstock Performers: Country Joe McDonald
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15–18, 1969. Day 2 at Woodstock meant the rock bands were up, and the second artist to appear on Saturday, August 16, 1969, was Country Joe McDonald. He also performed with The Fish on Day 3.
The Story Behind the Song "Telstar" by The Tornados
"Telstar" is an instrumental song released in 1962 by the English group The Tornados. It was futuristic and fun and was written and produced by Joe Meek.
Woodstock Performers: Arlo Guthrie
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The seventh performer on the opening day of the festival was Arlo Guthrie, the man who gave us "Coming Into Los Angeles."
Woodstock Performers: Melanie
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The sixth performer on the opening day of the festival was Melanie Safka, who filled in when the Incredible String Band refused to play in the rain.
Woodstock Performers: Ravi Shankar
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. The fifth performer on the opening day of the festival was Ravi Shankar, who played through a downpour. Pandit Ravi Shankar was a true Master of the sitar.
Woodstock Performers: Richie Havens
Ever wonder who played at Woodstock? This series highlights the artists who performed at Woodstock August 15-18, 1969. Day 1 of the festival was devoted to folk and acoustic acts, and the very first performer on the opening day of Woodstock was Richie Havens.
The Story Behind the Song "Woodstock" by Joni Mitchell
Woodstock was a music festival that ran from August 15-18, 1969. Both Woodstock and Yasgur's farm are celebrated in the song "Woodstock" are often associated with Crosby, Stills & Nash, but the song was actually written by Joni Mitchell.
Taylor's Inn in Poteau: Little Dixie’s Music Mecca
Taylor's Inn rivaled Cain's Ballroom for Western Swing and Jazz Music. This is the story of Poteau's forgotten music mecca.
Songs That Celebrate Cuba, Havana, and Hemingway
From country to trop-rock to pop to latin salsa, Havana has captured the imagination of many songwriters from both the U.S. and Cuba. Here are a few of them, with emphasis on songs in English.
Mary Austin's Epic Romance With Freddie Mercury
Mary Austin was the only woman that Freddie Mercury ever loved. They had a profound, unconventional relationship that transcended mere physicality. Freddie wrote the exquisite ballad, "Love of My Life," for her, and indeed, she was.
Internationally Famous Stars Who Were Discovered on YouTube
Discover some of the famous international artists who started their careers on the world's biggest video platform.
What Is a Diva?
Why are famous and talented entertainers called "divas" when they want to be taken seriously—what does that term really mean? This lady singer takes a look at the physicality of being a vocalist, as well as behaviors of a few of the music and fashion industries' well-known divas.
Martha Reeves: From Motown Secretary to Vandellas Star
Martha Reeves became a Motown superstar. But she started with the company as a secretary, with no guarantee she'd ever be allowed to be a singer.
London Rock 'n' Roll Landmarks That Have Inspired Iconic Bands and Covers
From the Beatles to David Bowie, London locations feature prominently in the history of popular music. Here are just a few.
10 Greatest Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
The civil rights movement changed the face of America forever. But that movement would never have succeeded without its songs. Here are 10 of the songs (with lyrics) that had the greatest impact on the struggle for equal rights in the 1950s and '60s.
Famous Fender Telecasters: George Harrison vs. Merle Haggard
George Harrison and Merle Haggard were two icons of 20th-century music, and they both had huge impacts on our musical culture using Fender Telecaster guitars.
What's a Concert Band? The Evolution of the Concert Band
Through the efforts of the early pioneers of instrumental music, the "Band" has changed throughout the years. This article explores these changes as we look at the evolution of the concert band.
List of First 25 Videos Played on MTV
Most music trivia fans know that "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first video played on MTV. But which videos were shown after that? Marshall Fish looks at some of them.
John Lennon’s "Rock 'n' Roll" Album Is Wonderful Nostalgia
John Lennon's "Rock 'n' Roll" is an insight into what inspired Lennon's songwriting and the artists that influenced him the most. The album is magnificent.
Stradivarius: Fascinating Facts You Might Not Know
From thefts to mishaps to stunningly high resale values, these facts about Stradivarius are not generally known.
Influential Music Videos of the 1970s and 1980s
A discussion about some of the most influential music videos from the 1970s and '80s.
Piano in the Impressionist Period: Composing a Mood
Impressionism gave composers of piano music a new way of looking at things.