MUSIC HISTORY

Equestrian Portrait of King Philip II (Michael Jackson) by Kehinde Wiley

Michael Jackson-Themed Art Exhibit Debuts in London

From man in the mirror to man on the wall.

Not even a lineup of the world's biggest artists could save "We Are The World" from annoying listeners.

The 20 Most Annoying Songs Ever

If you don't want to spend the rest of the day humming "We Built This City," "Who Let the Dogs Out," or "We Are the World," stop reading this article right now.

Archaeologists Excavate the Field Where Woodstock Was Held

They found a lot of beer can pull tabs.

Dennis Oulds, Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

When John Lennon and Yoko Ono Mailed Acorns to World Leaders

As the saying goes, "Great oaks from little acorns grow."

11 Surprising Facts About Irving Berlin

One of the most prolific—and generous—songwriters of all time was born on this day 130 years ago.

Michael Jackson's Moonwalk Turns 35

He might have made it famous, but Jackson was far from the first to perform what street dancers called the "back float."

The Ambiguous Origins of the Hokey Pokey

Where did this quirky song come from? It's complicated.

The Sad Story of Elvis Presley's Senior Prom

Side note: he wore blue suede shoes.

ABBA Classics Sung in Swedish (and Spanish)

Mamma mia!

Library of Congress (LOC), Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

10 Fascinating Facts About Ella Fitzgerald

The First Lady of Song, who once got some help from Marilyn Monroe, was the first African American woman to win a Grammy.

5 Composers Murdered by the Nazis

Theresienstadt concentration camp was an oddity, even by Nazi standards.

This Beatles Poster Breaks Down the Instruments Played in Every Fab Four Song

The long and winding road ...

One of Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' Gloves Can Be Yours (For the Right Price)

The crystal-covered glove is a leftie: Jackson wanted to keep his wedding ring visible on his right hand.

What's the Difference Between an Orchestra, a Symphony, and a Philharmonic?

Listen closely ...

When 'November Rain' Excited, Confused Rock Fans

Slash had no idea what it was about. Axl Rose insisted it be based on a short story. At roughly nine minutes, it stretched the patience of MTV’s viewers.

The Controversy Behind 'The Super Bowl Shuffle'

'The Super Bowl Shuffle' was billed as a song to "feed the needy." The Chicago Bears nearly fumbled it.

15 People Who Have Won at Least 15 Grammys

It takes a long time to rack up so many golden gramophones.

23 Amazing Facts About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is loved, lauded, and larger than life, and she might just be the most charitable celebrity on the planet.

How a Medieval Tree Helped Debunk a Famous Instrument's Identity

The Karr-Koussevitzky double bass was not what it seemed.

The Bittersweet Story Behind A Very Special Christmas

Thirty years ago, a personal tragedy led to the creation of the album that brought us "Christmas in Hollis."

John Lennon Was a Crazy Cat Lady

John Lennon had almost as many cats as the Beatles had No. 1 hits.

The Time Sammy Davis Jr. Impersonated Michael Jackson

Davis once said Jackson was "like a son."

How the Civil War Inspired 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day'

When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem that inspired the holiday tune, he definitely had the horrors of the Civil War on his mind.

Calling All Neil Young/Locomotive Superfans: The Singer Is Auctioning Off His Model Trains

The rock icon is also a huge model train nerd, and he's selling off some of his collection.

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