Music History
Uncover the scandalous secrets and rebellious revolutions that shaped the soundtrack of our world in this thrilling journey through music history.
The Journey to Tipperary: A Tale of Music and History
Martin Sparks
Learn about the historical and cultural impact of the iconic World War I song 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' and its enduring legacy of hope and resilience.
The Tenor Who Roared: Ragnar Ulfung's Operatic Legacy
KC Fairlight
Ragnar Ulfung's powerful voice and dramatic flair left a lasting impact on the opera world, inspiring future generations and showcasing the enduring appeal of this art form.
The Rise and Fall of Dee Clark: A Soulful Journey
KC Fairlight
Delve into the soulful journey of Dee Clark, a 1960s R&B artist whose emotive music and personal challenges reflect the era's cultural shifts and industry struggles.
The Soulful Strums of the Harlem Street Singer
KC Fairlight
Reverend Gary Davis, the Harlem Street Singer, left a lasting impact on the music world with his soulful blues and gospel performances that transcended racial and cultural barriers.
The Enigmatic Life of Martin Gerbert: A Musical Monk
KC Fairlight
Dive into the life of Martin Gerbert, an 18th-century Benedictine monk whose pioneering work in musicology significantly shaped the understanding of Western church music history.
The Forgotten Genius: Maxim Berezovsky
Vince Vanguard
Uncover the tragic yet inspiring story of Maxim Berezovsky, an 18th-century musical genius overshadowed by political turmoil and cultural neglect in the Russian Empire.
The Vibrant Legacy of Blind Boy Fuller: A Piedmont Blues Pioneer
Martin Sparks
Blind Boy Fuller, a master of the Piedmont blues style, left a lasting impact on American music with his unique fingerpicking guitar technique and heartfelt storytelling.
The Forgotten Genius: Andy Kulberg's Impact on Music
Vince Vanguard
Uncover the profound yet overlooked influence of Andy Kulberg on rock and jazz fusion music, highlighting his innovative contributions with Blues Project and Seatrain.
Clics Modernos: A Revolutionary Sound of Political Pop
KC Fairlight
In 1983, Charly García's 'Clics Modernos' hit Argentina and revolutionized the music scene with its blend of synth-pop and raw political commentary, resonating deeply during a time of social change.
The Forgotten Symphony of the XXI Olympiad: A Musical State of Pride
Vince Vanguard
Imagine this: summer of 1976, the world gathers to witness the athletic prowess of numerous countries at the XXI Olympiad in Montreal. Amidst the physical feats and displays of excellence, another form of artistry underlies this prestigious event—a musical compilation titled Games of the XXI Olympiad (album).
The Last Singing Cowboy: Slim Bryant's Legacy
KC Fairlight
Slim Bryant's enduring influence on country music highlights his role as a pioneering musician and songwriter during the genre's formative years.
Firth, Pond & Company: The Harmonious Legacy of 19th Century Music Publishing
Martin Sparks
Firth, Pond & Company revolutionized 19th-century American music publishing by making sheet music accessible to the middle class and popularizing composers like Stephen Foster.
Rattling the Keys of History: Firth, Pond & Company
Vince Vanguard
Firth, Pond & Company may not be a household name today, but this 19th-century music publishing powerhouse shaped America's musical tastes with sheet music and bold entrepreneurship.
The Enigmatic Life of Gregory Coleman
KC Fairlight
This article delves into the influential yet unrecognized legacy of drummer Gregory Coleman and the iconic 'Amen Break,' highlighting issues of intellectual property and equity in the music industry.
The Prototype Years: A Blast from the Past that Shaped the Future
Vince Vanguard
Dive into the influential impact of Grooverider's 'The Prototype Years' on the evolution of drum and bass and its lasting legacy in electronic music.
When Soundwaves Roared: The Legacy of Metal Massacre
KC Fairlight
When guitars scream and drums beat like thunder, you know you’ve entered the realm of Metal Massacre. This iconic compilation series began its run in the early 1980s, effectively launching from Los Angeles, California, the molten heart of American heavy metal.
Metal Massacre: The Birth of a Heavy Metal Legacy
Martin Sparks
Metal Massacre's 1982 release revolutionized the heavy metal genre by launching iconic bands like Metallica and establishing Metal Blade Records as a pivotal force in the music industry.
The Resurgence of Extreme: More Than Just a Band
KC Fairlight
Extreme's enduring legacy in rock music showcases their unique blend of funk, hard rock, and glam metal, proving their ability to adapt and remain relevant across generations.
Bringin' It Down: The Power of Hardcore Punk
KC Fairlight
"Bringin' It Down" by Judge, released in 1989, remains a seminal hardcore punk album echoing societal frustrations. Its raw authenticity speaks to disillusioned generations.
Synth Sounds and Revolution: The Iconic Prophet-5
KC Fairlight
Explore the legacy of the Prophet-5, a revolutionary synthesizer from Sequential Circuits that transformed music production and captured the hearts of artists worldwide.
The Prophet-5: The Synth That Made Liberals Uncomfortable
Vince Vanguard
The Prophet-5, a groundbreaking synthesizer from the late 1970s, is more than a storied relic—it's an emblem of American innovation, precision, and freedom in music. Created by Dave Smith and John Bowen, the Prophet-5 delivered the art of sound with unmatched depth and authenticity.
Harmonicas and Riffs: The Unlikely Alliance of Sonny Boy Williamson and the Yardbirds
KC Fairlight
In 1963, in London's vibrant music scene, blues harmonica genius Sonny Boy Williamson teamed up with the emerging British band, the Yardbirds, a partnership that introduced blues to younger generations and left a mark on music history.
The Harmonica Maestro Meets the British Blues Boom: Sonny Boy Williamson and the Yardbirds
Martin Sparks
The collaboration between blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson II and the Yardbirds in the 1960s was a pivotal cultural exchange that helped spread blues music globally and influenced the British rock scene.
Rattling the Blues: When Sonny Boy Williamson Met the Yardbirds
Vince Vanguard
When Sonny Boy Williamson met The Yardbirds in 1963, it was a groundbreaking blend of American blues grit and British rock innovation, leaving a lasting impact on music history.