Space Shuttle Challenger Disintegrates During Live Broadcast
Key Takeaways Challenger’s Launch: The Challenger launched on January 28, 1986, marking a significant event in space exploration. Historical Significance: Christa McAuliffe was set to be the first private citizen in space, capturing national attention. Engineering Concerns: Engineers raised alarms…
Prog Rock Problem in the Hall of Fame Explained
While the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has routinely received criticism for an alleged bias against metal acts, there’s another sub-genre that seems harshly overlooked: progressive rock. Prog rock first emerged in the late ‘60s, evolving from psychedelia into…
David Bowie Transforms Again Before Disappearing
David Bowie orchestrated his departure with a familiar sense of mystery and panache. A clue-filled final album, released just days before Bowie finally succumbed on Jan. 10, 2016, after a secret 18-month bout with liver cancer, became this wellspring of…
John Mellencamp’s Fight to Break Free from ‘Johnny Cougar’
Key Takeaways Career Choice: John Mellencamp faced a pivotal decision between adopting a stage name and pursuing music or returning to a mundane job. Management Influence: Tony DeFries, his manager, believed a more American name would boost Mellencamp’s appeal in…
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…
‘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…
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,…
Jonathan Cain Announces Farewell to Journey, Says Neal Schon
There has been a significant change with Journey. Neal Schon has announced that longtime bandmate Jonathan Cain will be leaving the band after an upcoming tour. Cain has been part of the lineup since the diamond-selling U.S. chart-topping Escape album…
Jonathan Cain Quits Journey, Says Neal Schon
There has been a significant change within Journey. Neal Schon reports that longtime bandmate Jonathan Cain has left after years of conflict. Cain has been part of the group since the release of the diamond-selling U.S. chart-topping Escape album in…
FireHouse Launches Career with Hit Debut Album
It is often said that the last one in is the first one out, but there are exceptions to every rule. Case in point: the guys in FireHouse, who dropped their hit debut album in the waning months of the…
Warrant’s Success with ‘Cherry Pie’ Led to Their Downfall
Warrant’s 1989 debut album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, lived up to its title by generating substantial revenue for the band’s label with a well-crafted blend of radio-friendly rockers and ballads. When it came time to record the follow-up, the…
Purple Rain sequel by Prince fails to make an impact
Key Insights Commercial Breakthrough: Achieving a significant commercial breakthrough can create pressure for artists. Prince’s Consistency: Unlike many, Prince continued to explore his creativity post-success. Graffiti Bridge: Released in 1990, Graffiti Bridge faced numerous production challenges. Critical Reception: The film…