“Mr. Disorderly Conduct.” That’s what Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler dubbed the lovably verbose lyricist who made up half of the legendary songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller.
In Tribute to Jerry Leiber
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Articles and Interviews
Behind Elvis Costello’s Songs
Stories behind Elvis Costello’s songs “Watching the Detectives,” “Man Out of Time,” “Everyday I Write the Book,” “So Like Candy,” “Mistress and Maid,” and “Indoor Fireworks.”
The Living Soul of Ashford & Simpson
Pulsing locomotive rhythms, heartbeat-thumping bass lines and melodies that soar with all the love and wonder of a human spirit in full-flight—that’s an Ashford & Simpson song.
Farewell, Nick Ashford
Farewell to Nick Ashford, writer of such hits as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Every Woman” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” with his wife and writing partner Valerie Simpson.
Mark Ronson
From Amy Winehouse to Bob Dylan, Mark Ronson has established himself as a producer who’s just as eager to work with legends in the making as living legends.
Buddy Holly’s Final Ed Sullivan Appearance
On January 26, 1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets made their second and final appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show—this time earning the well-known wrath of the host.
In Tribute to Bill Morrissey
Bill Morrissey, who passed away on July 23, 2011, was revered. He was studied. He was a kind and patient teacher of the supreme importance of words. Of tradition. Of art with purpose. Of writing truth instead of fact. But mostly he was a beloved friend.
Farewell, Andrew Gold
The music world lost a great songwriter, musician, singer and extraordinary friend when Andrew Gold passed away during the on June 3.
Rosanne Cash: Architecture For The Soul
Rosanne Cash’s essay for Performing Songwritert on how important art is in our lives, and how vital it is for us to be truthful when we’re creating.
The Optimistic Life of Stevie Wonder
A working definition of Stevie Wonder’s brand of soul music could be optimism in the face of heartbreak. His life has been full of both.
Farewell, Phoebe Snow
An archived interview with Phoebe Snow who died April 26, 2011. In it she talks about the writing of “Poetry Man.”
Behind the Songs of Loretta Lynn
The stories behind Loretta Lynn’s songs “Honky Tonk Girl,” “Your Squaw Is On the Warpath,” “Fist City,” and “Dear Uncle Sam.”
