‘Hunky Dory’ Influence on David Bowie’s Career
David Bowie was already four years and four albums into his career when he issued Hunky Dory, the first record to help secure his legend. He had been inching closer to this moment with each release, but with Hunky Dory…
Plastic Ono Band: John Lennon’s Self-Reinvention
Plastic Ono Band was more than John Lennon’s farewell to the Beatles. It represented his dismantling of everything the previous decade symbolized, a stark confrontation with the demons that haunted him, and a desperate plea for whatever love remained. The…
Final Triumph Stitched Together by Prince
Prince left on a high note with HitnRun Phase Two, an album of throwback R&B that recalled his mid-career sound and chart successes of the early ’90s. However, it wasn’t entirely the result of third-act creativity, but rather Prince’s unerring…
David Bowie Last Public Appearance Captured
In the last months of his life, David Bowie appeared frail, but not unhappy. On Dec. 7, 2015 he stepped out in New York City for the opening of his brand new off-Broadway play, Lazarus. Lazarus told the story of…
‘We Can Work It Out’ by Beatles Marks Group Success
“We Can Work It Out” truly lived up to its title, thrusting Beatles fans into the midst of a romantic disentanglement, despite being a million-selling stand-alone single. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison each made significant contributions to create…
Roy Orbison’s Last Show: A Memorable Performance
Roy Orbison left this world much earlier than many hoped or expected, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to influence contemporary singers. Orbison sang pretty much right up until the day he died on Dec. 6, 1988. Two days…
December’s Children and the Early Sound of the Rolling Stones
Desde el principio, nadie realmente consideró December’s Children (And Everybody’s) de los Rolling Stones como una adición oficial al creciente catálogo de la banda. Especialmente no los miembros del grupo, quienes vieron el álbum de 12 canciones – que fue…
Ace Frehley Performs at His First Final Kiss Concert
Key Takeaways Final Concert: Ace Frehley played his last concert with Kiss on December 3, 1980. Slow Disintegration: Frehley’s departure was a gradual process that began in the late 1970s. Commercial Struggles: The band’s popularity declined due to overexposure and…
All Things Must Pass by George Harrison: A Solo Landmark
George Harrison began his post-Beatles era with a very big bang: All Things Must Pass arrived in the U.S. on Nov. 27, 1970, as a triple-album boasting more than 20 songs. Tucked inside were a couple of huge hits but…
Band’s Thanksgiving Farewell Almost Didn’t Happen
The onscreen stars of The Last Waltz will always be Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson, both of whom were galvanizing throughout Martin Scorsese’s bittersweet 1978 film. Yet the project, conceived as the Band’s concert farewell on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 25,…
Peter Frampton’s Departure from Humble Pie Before ‘Rockin’ the Fillmore’
Key Takeaways Album Impact: Humble Pie’s Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore was a significant live album that helped elevate the band’s popularity. Live Energy: The band’s live performances were notably more intense and energetic compared to their studio recordings. Frampton’s Departure:…
Vitamins That Helped Save a Tom Petty Hit
Key Insights Songwriting Contribution: Tom Petty primarily wrote the Heartbreakers’ songs, but Mike Campbell’s contributions are significant. Famous Riff: The iconic riff in “Breakdown” was initially played only once at the end of the song. Studio Collaboration: Dwight Twilley’s advice…