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Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga has sung from The Great American Songbook – classic songs so familiar they are woven into our cultural fabric.
Setting out to harness their “insane influences” into “something that could be put on stage”, Bee Gees’ ‘Odessa’ emerged as a genre-spanning masterpiece.
With her new album, ‘Things Have Changed’, soul singer Bettye LaVette covers Bob Dylan classics, taking them “out of his mouth and putting them into mine”.
A cynical act of mimicry by Sonny Boy Williamson II sparked a blues legend, the latest chapter of which has been tackled in song by Randy Newman.
A pioneering bossa nova singer, Astrud Gilberto made her name with ‘The Girl From Ipanema’, but she has had a long and varied career.
Inspiring musicians and delighting fans, tribute albums are a mix of respectful homage and inventive re-recordings. Here are 40 of the best tribute albums.
An influence on everyone from David Bowie to Thom Yorke, the best Scott Walker songs offer an insight into the mind of a true musical original.
The best live albums of all time capture the very essence of a band’s energy in concert, making you feel like you were actually there.
In ‘The Territory And The Adventure’, Maria Golia reveals how Ornette Coleman became “a genius” who changed “the entire course of jazz”.
The Band’s guitarist and songwriter, Robbie Robertson, discusses the ‘Once Were Brothers’ documentary: “I am happy how soulful it turned out.”
The final album recorded during Nick Drake’s lifetime, ‘Pink Moon’ is stark and foreboding – but traces of hope can be found in its lyrics.
A masterpiece in every sense, ‘Tell Mama’ sees Etta James singing with a depth of emotion that brings every single song to life.
Boasting Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, Chess Records is synonymous with rock’n’roll – as this list of the 10 best Chess rock’n’roll records proves.
‘Dave Brubeck: A Life In Time’ looks at how the pianist’s life criss-crossed with countless jazz greats, and dives into some lesser-known areas of his life.
From the first flushes of romance, to heartbreak, loss and lust, the love song puts emotions to words – and music – remaining a core part of our lives.
