When Danny Rapp Hopped onto the ‘American Bandstand’ Stage
American Bandstand’s Dick Clark gave Danny Rapp a framed gold disc for his teen hit “At the Hop”. Did teenage life get any better than this?
doo-wop
‘The Cadets’ Greatest Hits’ Delivers Doo-Wop Worth Your Attention
In the late 1950s, the Cadets delivered doo-wop and R&B designed to yield pure pleasure. These Black singers’ talent and versatility keep the music fresh.
Legendary Musician Dion DiMucci Gives a Braggin’ Interview
Legendary Dion DiMucci discusses his new book, musical conversion, creativity, the blues, and how faith – and braggin’ – have made him a better writer.
You’ve Gotta Get Satire to Get Dion DiMucci
Dion: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Philosopher is a tongue-in-cheek title that only Dion DiMucci can pull off with street panache—braggin’ is a blues tradition, after all.
How Dion DiMucci Influenced Bruce Springsteen
Fifteen years before a 20-something Bruce Springsteen sweated out his original sin in clubs along the Jersey Shore, there was the rock ‘n’ roller Dion DiMucci.
Keepin’ the Faith: Billy Joel’s ‘An Innocent Man’ at 40
Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man laid the foundation for him to become a vessel for nostalgia that would far outlast the album’s 1950s references.
Meghan Trainor Looks Back and Forth with ‘Takin’ It Back’
When Meghan Trainor digs deeper into her pool of talent to write something more substantial, the results are stunning and give us a glimpse of what she can do.
It’s Time We Hung Out at Joe’s Garage with Frank Zappa Again
As extremist minorities corrode social liberties, it’s time to take our rusting democratic values to Joe’s Garage where Frank Zappa waits with his sleeves rolled up.
We the Commas Dish Out Summertime Magic with “Custom Made” (premiere)
Emerging "surf alternative R&B" trio We the Commas' feel-good, soulful single feels "Custom Made" for summer.
Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” Calls Out from the Past
Laura Nyro, a witchy, queer, ethnic Russian Jew, died young, but her non-conformist anthem, "Save the Country", carries forth to these troubled times.
Ural Thomas and the Pain Offer Their Own Version of the Soul Revival with ‘The Right Time’
The Right Time, technically the debut from Ural Thomas and the Pain, shows a soul star happily still at his peak even as he nears 80.