MUSIC

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury's possessions will soon be up for bid.

Freddie Mercury’s Treasured Belongings Are Headed to Auction

The Queen frontman’s crown, mustache comb, and handwritten lyrics are among the items hitting the auction block.

A Brief History of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Weird, Wonderful Career

Yankovic’s bizarre brilliance in reimagining hit songs into parodies is one of the best parts of pop culture.

Some music literally gives you goosebumps—what's up with that?

Why Does Music Give You Chills?

When your playlist strikes all the right chords, your body can go on a physiological joyride.

10 Facts About The Police's 'Synchronicity'

With their fifth and final album, 1983’s 'Synchronicity,' The Police were on the verge of something big.

You might want to give those 'Born in the U.S.A.' lyrics another look.

25 Famous Songs With Misunderstood Meanings

Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' isn't the patriotic anthem you think it is, and it turns out that 'Gangnam Style' has a real message behind it.

Melody Thornton performing from 'The Bodyguard' at The National Lottery's Big Night Of Musicals in Manchester, February 2023.

‘The Bodyguard’ Musical Cut Short in Manchester Due to Rowdy Audience Sing-Along

The show must go on—unless boisterous audience members insist on being part of it.

10 Inspiring Facts About Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson, a gifted contralto, was one of the most famous singers of all time, interpreting everything from Black spirituals to Italian opera.

Don’t let your favorite pop star drain your bank account.

The Best Time to Buy Concert Tickets

There is a way to get those elusive tickets without the opening-day frenzy and having to empty your bank account—it all comes down to knowing when to buy concert tickets.

DNA Analysis of Beethoven’s Hair Reveals New Clues About His Death

The composer suffered from hearing loss and a number of mysterious ailments before his death at age 56. His hair is providing some answers.

Put your Southern comfort cooking skills to the test.

Recreate Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, Barbecued Pork, and More With ‘The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook’

You can now recreate the best food at Dollywood restaurants—cinnamon bread included—in your own kitchen.

Posters from a Jeff Tweedy concert (left) and Lotus concert (right).

Higher Ground—Burlington, Vermont’s Beloved Music Venue—Is Releasing a Book Full of Its Iconic Concert Posters

Burlington, Vermont’s Higher Ground has a long history of producing iconic concert posters in collaboration with local arts organizations.

10 Records You Might Own That Are Now Worth a Fortune

These rare albums are probably worth more than your entire collection. Check out the reasons why here.

Spotify’s New AI DJ Thinks It Knows Which Songs You’ll Love

Spotify DJ provides the personalized touch of a real DJ, right down to the voice commentary.

Duke Ellington with members of his orchestra in New York, 1946.

9 Facts About Duke Ellington

Time to press play on “Take the ‘A’ Train” and find out how Edward Ellington became the Duke.

The Real-Life Murder That Inspired 'The Sopranos' Theme Song

The show's title track was based on a woman who got herself a knife.

Warning: These facts might blow your mind.

135 Amazing Facts for People Who Like Amazing Facts

Like animals, history, science, and more? You'll want to store these amazing fun facts away for future trivia nights.

When Joe Pesci Released an Album as 'Cousin Vinny'

The renowned actor, who had a background as a nightclub singer, decided to try his hand at pop music while in character as terrible lawyer Vinny Gambini.

Taylor Swift at Texas's AT&T Stadium during her 'Reputation' tour in 2018.

Chicago’s Newest Pop-Up Is a Taylor Swift–Themed Break-Up Bar

Calling all anti-heroes, heartbreak princes, and new romantics: This bar is for you (and every other Swiftie).

Footloose Warehouse Dance with Realistic Audio - (No Music)

‘Footloose’ Without Music Is As Awkward As You’d Expect

The warehouse dance scene from ‘Footloose’ takes on a different tone with realistic audio.

Alfred Hitchcock is among the artists whose work is entering the public domain this year.

Works by Hitchcock and Arthur Conan Doyle—and an Early Inspiration for Star Wars—Are Now Part of the Public Domain

And Mickey Mouse could be next.

Dolly Parton Recorded a Song Sealed in a Time Capsule, and You Won’t Hear It Until 2046

The iconic singer is worried her tune might rot before it’s heard by anyone.

Our 40 Favorite Stories of 2022

Mental Floss's writers and editors share their favorite stories from 2022.

This partridge has no idea where the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” came from.

12 Things You Might Not Know About "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Pipers piping? Geese-a-laying? Five goool-den rings? What is this song all about?

7 Christmas Songs Banned in the Past

The debate about banning “Baby It’s Cold Outside” rages on, but it’s not the only problematic Christmas carol to land on the do-not-play list.

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