Martin Chilton

Features6 days ago

‘Gaucho’: How Steely Dan Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

Recording ‘Gaucho’ wasn’t fun at all, according to Steely Dan’s Walter Becker, but the album was hailed as the best of the year.

Features7 days ago

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’: The Story Behind Queen’s Rule-Breaking Classic Song

With ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, Queen recorded a song that broke all the rules, went on to break records, and continues to astonish in its audacity.

Features7 days ago

Dr. John: The Legacy Of New Orleans’ Voodoo Night Tripper

Dr. John's remarkable musical legacy spans funk, blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, rock, psychedelic rock, and pop. His influence is monumental.

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Features1 week ago

Mickey Mouse Music: Disney’s Secret Weapon

The world’s most famous mouse made his big-screen debut with ‘Steamboat Willie,’ marking the point at which Mickey Mouse music first entered pop culture.

still from video of Bing Crosby 'The Little Drummer Boy'

Features1 week ago

‘The Little Drummer Boy’: Bing Crosby’s Christmas Classic

Bing Crosby wasn't the first artist to record 'The Little Drummer Boy' but he made the song his own.

Features2 weeks ago

Best Chieftains Songs: 20 Essential Traditional Irish Tunes

The Chieftains are the world’s principal ambassadors of traditional Irish music, and their best songs prove why they are so beloved.

Features2 weeks ago

‘The Howlin’ Wolf Album’: More Than A Psych-Blues Novelty Record

A controversial album for both Howlin’ Wolf and his fans, ‘The Howlin’ Wolf Album’ remains a fascinating listen.

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Features2 weeks ago

Neil Diamond And ‘The Jazz Singer’: Why Cinema’s Loss Was Music’s Gain

Neil Diamond’s experience starring in ‘The Jazz Singer’ might have convinced him to follow his music, but it also resulted in a classic hit soundtrack album.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed-Reindeer Song - Burl Ives - Still from video

Features3 weeks ago

‘Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer’: Burl Ives’ Christmas Classic

'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' started out as a promotional story for a shopping chain, and eventually became one of the most popular festive songs ever.

Frosty The Snowman - Jimmy Durante - Still from music video

Features3 weeks ago

‘Frosty the Snowman’: Jimmy Durante’s Holiday Evergreen

As well as being a classic Christmas song, 'Frosty the Snowman' has been turned into a children’s book and a celebrated television film. Here is its story.

Minnie Riperton Her Chess Years Album Cover web 820 optimised

Features3 weeks ago

The Breadth And Depth Of Minnie Riperton’s Chess Recordings

Minnie Riperton is best known for her single ‘Lovin’ You’, but the songs she recorded during her Chess years remain highlights in her career as well.

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Features3 weeks ago

Songs That Influenced The Rolling Stones: 10 Essential Blues Tracks

The songs that influenced The Rolling Stones most have all come from the blues tradition – as the ‘Confessin’ The Blues’ compilation reveals.

Andrea Davis Lonely Girl Promo Single Label

Features3 weeks ago

Who Was Andrea Davis? Revealing Minnie Riperton’s Secret History

Beloved soul singer Minnie Riperton is a household name among soul fans, but her early alias, Andrea Davis, puzzled many Chess Records collectors for years.

Features3 weeks ago

Freddie Mercury Photos: A Visual History Of The Iconic Queen Frontman

An artist who explored all forms of creativity, Freddie Mercury expressed himself as much through his fashion as he did his songs, as these pictures reveal.