In Case You Haven’t Heard
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.
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.”
The Emotional Truth of Jonatha Brooke’s ‘My Mother Has 4 Noses’
Jonatha Brooke’s vulnerable, emotionally powerful musical theater piece tells the story of serving as a care giver to her mother, who had dementia, during the final two years of her life. It’s a brilliant piece of art.
Martin Luther King: Oh, You Beautiful Fool
Performing Songwriter celebrates the memory of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. today with “Beautiful Fool,” a song of hope and dreams by Don Henry.
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.
Bono’s Defining Moment at Live Aid, July 13, 1985
The 1985 Live Aid event is the perfect example of how U2 frontman Bono masterfully understands the emotional heft that can be communicated by just the right gesture.
The Story Behind “Strawberry Fields Forever” & “Penny Lane”
In Feb. 1967 the Beatles released a double-A side single of “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane” which opened the doors to the wonders of Sgt. Pepper. Here’s the story.
Frank Sinatra: The Stories Behind His Songs
Frank Sinatra was the best friend a song ever had. We have the stories behind some of his greatest hits— like “Nice ‘n’ Easy,” “My Way,” “It Was a Very Good Year,” “All the Way,” and “The Best Is Yet to Come”—told by the songwriters.