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Orrin Keepnews, one of the most respected producers in jazz history, played an integral role in the birth of modern jazz.
Behind The Song
Neil Young’s “Ohio”
On May 4, 1970, a student demonstration at Kent State left four students dead, one paralyzed and eight others wounded. The protest, meant to be a demonstration against the Vietnam War, ended when the Ohio National Guard opened fire into the crowd with over 60 rounds for a solid 13 seconds. When Neil Young saw […]
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Wimoweh. For the last 50 years, that happy little word has been a universally recognized shorthand for the song known as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” From Pete Seeger’s version in 1952 (titled “Wimoweh”) to the Tokens’ No. 1 single in 1961 to its featured role in the hugely popular Disney film and Broadway musical The […]
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”
In memory of Marvin Gaye who died on April 1, 1984—and whose 75th birthday would be April 2—here’s the story behind the enduring classic “What’s Going On.”
Legends of Songwriting
Johnny Mercer
The story of songwriter Johnny Mercer, one of the greatest lyricists of the American Songbook who penned such classics as “Moon River,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “Skylark.”
Harold Arlen
The story of Harold Arlen, the great American songwriter who gave the world such classics at “That Old Black Magic,” “One For My Baby,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and his crowning masterpiece “Over the Rainbow.”
Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
Behind the legendary songwriting duo of such classics as “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Love Hurts” and “Rocky Top.”
Best of PS
Dylan Plugs In: July 25, 1965
Bob Dylan stepped on stage July 25, 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival with an electric band in tow, which many folk purists in the crowd considered a heresy.
Behind the Songs of John Prine
Legendary songwriter John Prine tells the stories behind such classics as “Sam Stone,” Hello In There,” “Paradise,” “Dear Abby,” and more.
Marian Anderson’s April 9, 1939 Lincoln Memorial Performance
On April 9, 1939, celebrated African-American contralto Marian Anderson performed for 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied use of a D.C. Hall over segregation rules.
Remembering Jeff Buckley
Buckley’s legacy is one of a beautiful free spirit who left his promise unfulfilled. As Bono from U2 said, “Jeff Buckley was a pure drop in an ocean of noise.”
The Sgt. Pepper’s Album Cover: Faces in the Crowd
As the definitive snapshot of ‘60s pop culture, artist Peter Blake’s Sgt. Pepper cover was unlike anything the world had ever seen—and almost half a century later it’s still iconic Beatles.
The Story Behind “Mardi Gras Mambo” and “Iko Iko”
Mardi Gras and music go together like red beans and rice and coffee and beignets. Here’s the story behind two songs that are Fat Tuesday favorites: “Iko Iko” and “Mardi Gras Mambo.”
