MUSIC HISTORY

American singer, actress, and activist Lena Horne circa 1947.

10 Amazing Facts About Lena Horne

With a multifaceted career that lasted more than 70 years, Lena Horne is many things to many people: a talented singer, one of the most famous actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age, and a tireless champion of civil rights.

17 Amazing Facts About Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock 'n' Roll,” is the legendary musician who melded country, gospel, and R&B influences to help revolutionize American pop culture.

A portrait of Marian Anderson taken by Carl Van Vechten in 1940.

Explore Marian Anderson’s Handwritten Letters, Private Recordings, and More in a Newly Digitized Collection

Marian Anderson’s singing was unparalleled—and her work to promote civil rights was just as important.

L to R: Beastie Boys Ad-Rock (Adam Horowitz), MCA (Adam Yauch), and Mike D (Michael Diamond) pose in Portugal 1998.

20 Crafty Facts About Beastie Boys

Though Beastie Boys effectively disbanded following the 2012 death of Adam "MCA" Yauch, the band has been collecting fans for more than 40 years with its uniquely intoxicating, and ever-evolving, sound.

Born In the U.S.A.: How Bruce Springsteen's Anti-Vietnam Anthem Got Lost In Translation

“Born in the U.S.A.,” the title track off Bruce Springsteen’s blockbuster 1984 album, isn’t the patriotic singalong many people thought it was.

The Santa Cruz town elders probably would've been alarmed by the audience's enthusiasm for Big Jay McNeely in 1953.

The Racist Origins of Santa Cruz, California's Rock ‘n’ Roll Ban of 1956

Police officers were horrified when they saw teenagers exhibiting “highly suggestive, stimulating, and tantalizing motions” at a rock ‘n’ roll concert. But how much of a role did race play in their outrage?

George Michael, Bob Geldof, Bono, Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Howard Jones gather together for the Live Aid finale at London's Wembley Stadium.

Live Aid: The Complicated History of the World's Biggest Charity Concert

The 1980s were a busy time for do-gooder musicians like Bob Geldof, who wanted to use his voice to make the world a better place with events like Live Aid. But the concert's legacy is a bit more complicated.

The Time David Bowie Called Out MTV for Ignoring Black Artists

In a 1983 interview clip, David Bowie is shown criticizing MTV for ignoring black musicians in favor of white artists.

Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina making some waves on the cover of 1973's "Full Sail" album.

If the Yacht Is a Rockin': Riding the Yacht Rock Nostalgia Wave

Yacht rock began as a sendup of the late '70s and early '80s smooth jams to which many Millennials and late period Gen-Xers were likely conceived, then morphed into a beloved musical genre that has come to define the summer months.

Ah-hoooo! Warren Zevon performing at New York City's Bowery Ballroom in 2000.

Werewolves of London: How The Everly Brothers and a B-Movie from 1935 Inspired Warren Zevon's Monster Hit

Warren Zevon's 'Werwolves of London' began as a sort of novelty song, but has since transformed into an anthem for badasses everywhere (and badasses with great hair, in particular).

How much would you pay even just to touch the guitar that Kurt Cobain played during MTV Unplugged in New York?

Kurt Cobain's MTV Unplugged Guitar Is Headed to Auction

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain died just five months after the concert aired—and you could own part of his legacy.

Paul McCartney with John Lennon's son Julian, the inspiration for "Hey Jude," in Greece in the mid-1960s.

Paul McCartney’s Handwritten Lyrics for “Hey Jude” Just Sold for $910,000

McCartney wrote the song for John Lennon’s son Julian after Lennon began his relationship with Yoko Ono.

The 48 Most Frequently Banned Wedding Songs

In 2017, stats/polling site Five Thirty Eight asked more than two dozen professional DJs who had DJ’d around 200 weddings and asked them: What songs do couples ban from their weddings?

11 Surprising Facts About Johnny Cash

With his gravelly baritone and colorful lyrics, Johnny Cash became one of the 1960s’ most prolific crossover artists, bridging the gap between country and early rock ‘n’ roll with a moody, bluesy flair.

Eric Clapton performing in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1992.

10 Wonderful Facts About Eric Clapton

As a solo artist and a member of bands like The Yardbirds, Blind Faith, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton—the man known as “Slowhand” (and sometimes “God”)—has thrilled generations of fans with his righteous bluesy wailing.

The von Trapp family performs on a London radio show in December 1937.

The Real History Behind The Sound of Music

Julie Andrews immortalized the charming tale of Maria von Trapp and her musically inclined family in 'The Sound of Music'—here’s how it really went down.

The Violent Shootout That Led to Daryl Hall and John Oates Joining Forces

One of the biggest duos in pop music history, Daryl Hall and John Oates first encountered one another during a dance hall riot in 1967 Philadelphia.

Why Air Supply Changed the Lyrics to “All Out of Love” for American Fans

The mellow duo Air Supply found success in the 1980s thanks to their easy-listening love songs. But one lyric was so strange it had to be revised.

When “Weird Al” Yankovic Asked Kurt Cobain for Permission to Parody "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

“Weird Al” Yankovic was used to rejection by the time he parodied "Smells Like Teen Spirit," but he was still nervous about asking for Kurt Cobain's blessing.

10 Legendary Facts About Bob Marley

More than any other reggae artist, Bob Marley embodied the political righteousness and defiant joy inherent to the genre.

L to R: Depeche Mode members Martin Gore, Dave Gahan, Alan Wilder, and Andrew Fletcher in Berlin in July 1984.

10 Surprising Facts About Depeche Mode

Few bands inspire faith and devotion like Depeche Mode. Over a career spanning four decades, the boys from Basildon, England, have redefined what electronic music can look and sound like.

Dr Pepper's Wild Guns N' Roses Publicity Stunt to Give Everyone in America a Free Soda

Dr Pepper tried to drum up publicity by promising a free bottle to everyone in America if Guns N' Roses came out with their long-delayed 'Chinese Democracy' album in 2008. No one expected the band to do it. When they did, Dr Pepper suddenly had to make go

The World’s Oldest Christmas Carol Is One You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

The Catholic Church chose its first Christmas song before it even chose a day to celebrate the holiday on.

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra on the set of the Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Christmas Show in 1967.

8 Surprising Facts About 'Let It Snow'

"Let It Snow" was written in Southern California during a heatwave. Here are some more facts about the honorary holiday song.

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