History

"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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 & The Fish. Joe Cocker had just finished his set about 3:30 p.m. when the skies had opened up, causing yet another delay.

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 shuteye.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Woodstock was a music festival that ran from August 15-18, 1969. Both Woodstock and Yasgur's farm are celebrated in this song usually associated with Crosby, Stills & Nash. The song was actually written by Joni Mitchell.

Taylor's Inn rivaled Cain's Ballroom for Western Swing and Jazz Music. This is the story of Poteau's forgotten music mecca.

From Country to Trop-Rock to Pop to Latin Salsa, Havana has captured the imagination of songwriters from both the U.S. and Cuba.

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.

Discover some of the famous international artists who started their careers on the world's biggest video platform.

Why are famous and talented entertainers called DIVA 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 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 venues feature highly in the history of popular music. Here are just a few.

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.

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.

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.

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 is an insight to what inspired Lennon's songwriting and the artists that influenced him the most. The album is magnificent.

Facts about Stradivarius not generally known. Making decorated violins. Made violas, cellos, mandolins, guitars and harps. Thefts and mishaps—all contribute to Stradivari's fascinating life.

A discussion about some of the most Influential Music Videos from the 1970's and '80's.

Impressionism gave composers of piano music a new way of looking at things.

Do you recall singing the song Three Little Fishies? I loved this song as a kid, and wanted to know more about how this wonderful children's song came to be.

They don’t write songs like this anymore and there are those of a sour disposition who might be heard to mutter “Bloody good thing too.”

To the casual observer, art school would not seem like a good training ground for rock performers. Yet, many singers like Joni Mitchell and John Lennon first studied art before they became musicians.