Articles and Interviews

Shel Silverstein

Performing Songwriter looks back at the creative life of Shel Silverstein, a beloved poet, author, artist and songwriter.

“Me and Bobby McGee”

Inspired by a Fellini film, Kris Kristofferson wrote a classic road story that became a chart-topper for Janis Joplin, who recorded it days before her death.

Elton John’s American Debut: August 25, 1970

On August 25, 1970, Elton John made his U.S. debut in a legendary six-night sold-out run at West Hollywood’s Troubadour.

The Mysterious Death of Jim Morrison

No one knows for sure where the 27-year-old Doors frontman Jim Morrison was or what he did the evening of July 2, 1971, but by the next morning, one thing was certain: He was dead.

Rock’s FBI Files: Jim Morrison

Over 50 years after the fact, Jim Morrison was posthumously pardoned by Florida’s Clemency Board. But the story actually started before the questionable incident for which he was convicted.

On what would be Les Paul’s birthday, Performing Songwriter celebrates him with some entertaining and inspiring stories he told us in 2005, including ones about Bing Crosby, Django Reinhardt and W.C. Fields.

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.”

George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” Copyright Case

On Jan. 10, 1971 Bright Tunes Music filed a copyright infringement case against George Harrison for the similarities of “My Sweet Lord” to Ronnie Mack’s “He’s So Fine.”

A Conversation With Carole King

A rare interview with Carole King on the role of a songwriter, writing for commerce versus art, and the story behind “Natural Woman.”

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.”

Stephen Foster

The story of America’s first professional songwriter, Stephen Foster, who penned such classics as “Oh! Susanna,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.”