Marianne Faithfull is a singer who served as a muse for The Rolling Stones‘ Mick Jagger. She said The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is darker than it seems upon first listen. Notably, John Lennon was not the biggest fan of the record.
Marianne Faithfull said The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ is ‘very weird’
Faithfull is a singer most known for her hit “As Tears Go By” and her cover of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” In her 2008 book Memories, Dreams & Recollections, the singer wrote about her feelings about the Fab Four. “Their sweetness is very superficial,” he said. “You hear the undercurrent in Paul’s bass playing, you hear it in John’s harmonies, you hear it in the call-and-response stuff. Maybe not the first couple of records, but when you get to Revolver and Rubber Soul, things begin to darken.
“And there’s something very weird about Sgt.
Marianne Faithfull said The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ is ‘very weird’
Faithfull is a singer most known for her hit “As Tears Go By” and her cover of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” In her 2008 book Memories, Dreams & Recollections, the singer wrote about her feelings about the Fab Four. “Their sweetness is very superficial,” he said. “You hear the undercurrent in Paul’s bass playing, you hear it in John’s harmonies, you hear it in the call-and-response stuff. Maybe not the first couple of records, but when you get to Revolver and Rubber Soul, things begin to darken.
“And there’s something very weird about Sgt.
- 3/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bob Dylan wrote a whole essay about the lyrics of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes.” He said that there is a threat of violence in the track’s lyrics. Interestingly, Johnny Cash said he helped inspire the song.
Bob Dylan loves Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’
In his 2022 book The Philosophy of Modern Song, the “Lay Lady Lay” singer Dylan wrote essays about several songs he loved. The songs included Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas,” Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally,” The Eagles’ “Witchy Woman,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” It’s not surprising that Dylan gravitates toward classic rock!
Dylan had plenty to say about the meaning of “Blue Suede Shoes.” “Your shoes are your pride and joy, sacred and dear, your reason for living, and anyone who scrapes or bruises them is putting himself into jeopardy, accidentally or out of ignorance it doesn’t matter,” he wrote. “It...
Bob Dylan loves Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’
In his 2022 book The Philosophy of Modern Song, the “Lay Lady Lay” singer Dylan wrote essays about several songs he loved. The songs included Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas,” Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally,” The Eagles’ “Witchy Woman,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” It’s not surprising that Dylan gravitates toward classic rock!
Dylan had plenty to say about the meaning of “Blue Suede Shoes.” “Your shoes are your pride and joy, sacred and dear, your reason for living, and anyone who scrapes or bruises them is putting himself into jeopardy, accidentally or out of ignorance it doesn’t matter,” he wrote. “It...
- 2/18/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Elvis Presley‘s “Blue Suede Shoes” remains one of the most famous tracks of the 1950s, fans should remember that the tune was originally by Carl Perkins. Bob Dylan offered his take on the situation. He also had some interesting things to say about shoes in general.
A car accident caused Elvis’ ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ to overshadow the original
In his 2022 book The Philosophy of Modern Song, Dylan praised Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes.” He said there are numerous tunes about shoes. He said “Blue Suede Shoes” was wonderfully menacing, with its implied threat of violence. He felt the tune highlighted that stepping on someone’s shoes could be a greater insult than bashing their teeth in, beating them up, or discrediting them.
While Dylan liked Perkins’ signature hit, he didn’t think Perkins’ career was that successful. “Poor Carl Perkins, watching Elvis Presley sing his song ‘Blue Suede Shoes...
A car accident caused Elvis’ ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ to overshadow the original
In his 2022 book The Philosophy of Modern Song, Dylan praised Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes.” He said there are numerous tunes about shoes. He said “Blue Suede Shoes” was wonderfully menacing, with its implied threat of violence. He felt the tune highlighted that stepping on someone’s shoes could be a greater insult than bashing their teeth in, beating them up, or discrediting them.
While Dylan liked Perkins’ signature hit, he didn’t think Perkins’ career was that successful. “Poor Carl Perkins, watching Elvis Presley sing his song ‘Blue Suede Shoes...
- 1/28/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Ringo Starr became a Beatles legend, he played cover songs with lesser-known rock musicians. One of his signature tunes back then was a track about a caveman, but not just any caveman: a comic strip caveman. Somehow, this all connects to “Monster Mash.”
Ringo Starr played a song about a caveman to German audiences
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed one another. Grohl asked Ringo if he would sing songs as part of his pre-Beatles bands. “I’d do ‘Watch Your Step,’ and I’d do ‘Alley Oop,'” Ringo replied. “Watch Your Step” is a blues-rock hit by Bobby Parker while “Alley Oop” is a novelty song about the comic strip caveman of the same name. Between “Alley Oop” and The Flintstones, cavemen appeared to be in vogue at that time.
Ringo discussed the reaction to “Alley Oop.” “In Germany, all the...
Ringo Starr played a song about a caveman to German audiences
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed one another. Grohl asked Ringo if he would sing songs as part of his pre-Beatles bands. “I’d do ‘Watch Your Step,’ and I’d do ‘Alley Oop,'” Ringo replied. “Watch Your Step” is a blues-rock hit by Bobby Parker while “Alley Oop” is a novelty song about the comic strip caveman of the same name. Between “Alley Oop” and The Flintstones, cavemen appeared to be in vogue at that time.
Ringo discussed the reaction to “Alley Oop.” “In Germany, all the...
- 1/12/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon loved a hit song because it reminded him of Elvis Presley’s early music. Elvis later put his own spin on that track. He even spotlighted the writer of the song at one of his famous Las Vegas shows. At that show, Elvis made a false prediction.
John Lennon liked a song that reminded him of Elvis Presley but disliked Elvis’ full albums
During a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, John was asked what music he listened to. “One of me favorites last year was ‘I Can Help,'” he said. “Billy Swan. A real old Elvis imitation kind of record. I like singles. I like jukebox music. That was the thing that turned me on. That’s the thing I like.” Considering there was a lot of nostalgia for Elvis’ early years during the 1970s, it’s likely “I Can Help” resonated with audiences because it reminded them...
John Lennon liked a song that reminded him of Elvis Presley but disliked Elvis’ full albums
During a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, John was asked what music he listened to. “One of me favorites last year was ‘I Can Help,'” he said. “Billy Swan. A real old Elvis imitation kind of record. I like singles. I like jukebox music. That was the thing that turned me on. That’s the thing I like.” Considering there was a lot of nostalgia for Elvis’ early years during the 1970s, it’s likely “I Can Help” resonated with audiences because it reminded them...
- 11/4/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was a fan of one of the forgotten disco songs of the 1970s. He had a more tolerant attitude toward disco than some other rock stars. He was also a fan of another track from the same era because it reminded him of Elvis Presley’s early work.
John Lennon liked a disco song but forgot the name of the group behind it
During a 1975 Rolling Stone interview, John was asked to name the musicians listened to at the time. “I like ‘Shame, Shame, Shame,'” he said. “Shirley and the gang. Some of this disco stuff. Great.” “Shame, Shame, Shame” was actually by a group by Shirley & Company. Considering a lot of 1970s rockers really hated disco music, John’s comments showed that he was more open to new styles than many of his contemporaries.
John gave fans more insight into his taste. “I like just individual records,...
John Lennon liked a disco song but forgot the name of the group behind it
During a 1975 Rolling Stone interview, John was asked to name the musicians listened to at the time. “I like ‘Shame, Shame, Shame,'” he said. “Shirley and the gang. Some of this disco stuff. Great.” “Shame, Shame, Shame” was actually by a group by Shirley & Company. Considering a lot of 1970s rockers really hated disco music, John’s comments showed that he was more open to new styles than many of his contemporaries.
John gave fans more insight into his taste. “I like just individual records,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Roy Orbison felt Elvis Presley‘s label wasn’t that great. He said the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll wasn’t a big fan of the music he made at that label. Orbison had a lot to say about his own experiences there. Regardless, the head of the label received an incredibly important honor the same night Elvis did.
Roy Orbison was on the same label as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins
During a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, Orbison discussed signing on producer Sam Phillip’s label, Sun Records. Sun Records boasted many early rock ‘n’ roll artists, the most famous being Elvis. “Well, Johnny Cash was on Sun Records — he was making unusual records,” Orbison remembered. “And Presley was there, and Carl Perkins. I was really impressed with that little chicken on the Sun label, because it represented something unique.” The chicken in question was on the label’s logo.
Roy Orbison was on the same label as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins
During a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, Orbison discussed signing on producer Sam Phillip’s label, Sun Records. Sun Records boasted many early rock ‘n’ roll artists, the most famous being Elvis. “Well, Johnny Cash was on Sun Records — he was making unusual records,” Orbison remembered. “And Presley was there, and Carl Perkins. I was really impressed with that little chicken on the Sun label, because it represented something unique.” The chicken in question was on the label’s logo.
- 10/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Roy Orbison wasn’t planning on pursuing music as a career — then he heard one Elvis Presley song. Orbison was later signed to Elvis’ label. The “You Got It” singer revealed he and the King had issues with the music they made at that label.
The Elvis Presley song that changed Roy Orbison’s life was a cover
During a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, Orbison said he had a band in high school but thought about quitting music. “I went to college for a year,” he said. “I guess it was an attempt at being legitimate, or not being a free spirit. It was a good year, but it was a lonely year. I think the reason it was really lonely was that I wasn’t where I needed to be.
“But I met a couple of guys at school who had written ‘Ooby Dooby,’ and what convinced me that...
The Elvis Presley song that changed Roy Orbison’s life was a cover
During a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, Orbison said he had a band in high school but thought about quitting music. “I went to college for a year,” he said. “I guess it was an attempt at being legitimate, or not being a free spirit. It was a good year, but it was a lonely year. I think the reason it was really lonely was that I wasn’t where I needed to be.
“But I met a couple of guys at school who had written ‘Ooby Dooby,’ and what convinced me that...
- 10/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “That’s All Right” caused a stir when it was first released in 1954. A contemporary rock ‘n’ roll singer was less impressed with the song. Regardless, it went on to become a standard for later generations of rockers.
Elvis Presley’s ‘That’s All Right’ was born out of a spontaneous moment during a break
According to a 2022 video from the Elvis YouTube channel, record executive Sam Phillips of Sun Records booked a session with Elvis when the singer was trying to break into the industry. Phillips wanted to find the right song for Elvis to sing, but nothing seemed to fit.
During a break, Elvis started singing an uptempo cover of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s blues song “That’s All Right.” Phillips sent the cover to the radio program Red Hot & Blue. The song received an overwhelmingly positive reception and the radio station received 40 phone calls.
Elvis Presley’s ‘That’s All Right’ was born out of a spontaneous moment during a break
According to a 2022 video from the Elvis YouTube channel, record executive Sam Phillips of Sun Records booked a session with Elvis when the singer was trying to break into the industry. Phillips wanted to find the right song for Elvis to sing, but nothing seemed to fit.
During a break, Elvis started singing an uptempo cover of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s blues song “That’s All Right.” Phillips sent the cover to the radio program Red Hot & Blue. The song received an overwhelmingly positive reception and the radio station received 40 phone calls.
- 10/18/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was critical of many musicians, but he also had idols who influenced him throughout his career. One of these people was Jerry Lee Lewis. Lennon had admired him since childhood and thought of him as an early inspiration. When he was famous himself, Lennon had the opportunity to meet Lewis. He immediately made it clear that he adored the musician.
John Lennon was thrilled to meet his idol after a concert
In Lennon’s “lost weekend,” a period of time when he was separated from Yoko Ono, he attended one of Lewis’ concerts. During this time, Lennon drank often, which typically made him argumentative and unpleasant. At Lewis’ show, however, he showed a different side of himself.
“I had only three childhood idols, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee, and I haven’t seen any live,” he told a friend, per the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
John Lennon was thrilled to meet his idol after a concert
In Lennon’s “lost weekend,” a period of time when he was separated from Yoko Ono, he attended one of Lewis’ concerts. During this time, Lennon drank often, which typically made him argumentative and unpleasant. At Lewis’ show, however, he showed a different side of himself.
“I had only three childhood idols, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee, and I haven’t seen any live,” he told a friend, per the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
- 10/13/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s always interesting when classic rock stars admire early rock ‘n’ rollers who sound absolutely nothing like them. For example, a member of Pink Floyd is a huge fan of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes.” His admiration for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is fine, but he definitely gave the guy way too much credit.
1 Pink Floyd member said Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ changed the sound of rock
During a 2020 interview with NME, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason said Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” was the first song he loved. He called Elvis’ song “the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll.” Mason promoted the myth Elvis invented rock ‘n’ roll when it was actually pioneered by Robert Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and other Black artists who sadly never became major pop stars.
“Elvis was moving things on slightly from Bill Haley,” Mason added. “Bill Haley was the...
1 Pink Floyd member said Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ changed the sound of rock
During a 2020 interview with NME, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason said Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” was the first song he loved. He called Elvis’ song “the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll.” Mason promoted the myth Elvis invented rock ‘n’ roll when it was actually pioneered by Robert Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and other Black artists who sadly never became major pop stars.
“Elvis was moving things on slightly from Bill Haley,” Mason added. “Bill Haley was the...
- 9/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A famous producer wanted The Beatles‘ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to catch listeners off guard. He discussed what he thought of the final song. In addition, he revealed what he thought of three of The Beatles as people.
What The Beatles’ producer thought of ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ on a technical level
George Martin was The Beatles’ regular producer. During a 1995 interview with The Christian Science Monitor, Martin recalled The Beatles introducing him to the music of American rockers such as Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Their music sounded different from the British music of the era because of the technology they used.
Martin was asked if he could recreate that American sound by importing foreign technology. “No, because it’s not just technology,” he opined. “It’s a combination of the type of song, the type of arrangement,...
What The Beatles’ producer thought of ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ on a technical level
George Martin was The Beatles’ regular producer. During a 1995 interview with The Christian Science Monitor, Martin recalled The Beatles introducing him to the music of American rockers such as Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Their music sounded different from the British music of the era because of the technology they used.
Martin was asked if he could recreate that American sound by importing foreign technology. “No, because it’s not just technology,” he opined. “It’s a combination of the type of song, the type of arrangement,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
B.B. King was one of many classic rock stars who paved the way for Elvis Presley. King thought Elvis was different from several of his contemporaries. Despite this, King did not fully buy into the mythology surrounding the “Heartbreak Hotel” singer.
B.B. King said Elvis Presley didn’t give him the chill that Johnny Cash did
According to the 2021 book King of Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, King met Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Each artist was a member of The Million Dollar Quartet, a group of famous musicians who were each signed to Sun Records at one point.
King discussed the performers. “I saw all of them, but they didn’t have much to say,” he said. “It wasn’t anything personal, but I might feel a little chill between them and me.” He didn’t reveal why he felt this “chill,...
B.B. King said Elvis Presley didn’t give him the chill that Johnny Cash did
According to the 2021 book King of Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, King met Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Each artist was a member of The Million Dollar Quartet, a group of famous musicians who were each signed to Sun Records at one point.
King discussed the performers. “I saw all of them, but they didn’t have much to say,” he said. “It wasn’t anything personal, but I might feel a little chill between them and me.” He didn’t reveal why he felt this “chill,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A little more than a year after the death of Naomi Judd, a couple dozen of her friends and admirers are saluting her and daughter Wynonna on an upcoming album of songs by the Judds. A Tribute to the Judds, due out Oct. 27, will find Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, LeAnn Rimes, Jelly Roll, and many others singing 14 songs made famous by the mother-daughter duo.
“To have all of these artists, most of which are my friends, come together and lend their voices and artistry to reimagine these songs,...
“To have all of these artists, most of which are my friends, come together and lend their voices and artistry to reimagine these songs,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The Beatles‘ The White Album is actually just called The Beatles. During an interview, Paul McCartney examined the origin of the title. In addition, John Lennon revealed what he thought of the album in retrospect.
A great artist helped come up with the official name of The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul said he worked on the packaging of The White Album with artist Richard Hamilton. Hamilton is most remembered for his pop art piece Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing? The artist asked Paul a fateful question.
“Richard asked, ‘Has there been an album called The Beatles?’ so I referred back to Emi and they said, ‘No. There’s been Meet the Beatles!, Introducing… The Beatles in America, but there’d never been an album called The Beatles,'” Paul recalled. “So he said,...
A great artist helped come up with the official name of The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul said he worked on the packaging of The White Album with artist Richard Hamilton. Hamilton is most remembered for his pop art piece Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing? The artist asked Paul a fateful question.
“Richard asked, ‘Has there been an album called The Beatles?’ so I referred back to Emi and they said, ‘No. There’s been Meet the Beatles!, Introducing… The Beatles in America, but there’d never been an album called The Beatles,'” Paul recalled. “So he said,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison’s son, Dhani, grew up surrounded by legendary musicians. Harrison had many friends in the industry who would visit often, and Dhani got to know many stars that the average person could only dream of meeting. Reflecting on his childhood, Dhani said it was “mindbending” to see so many rock stars just casually hanging out in his house.
George Harrison’s son hung out with many rock stars at his home George Harrison | C Flanigan/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE
George Harrison was friends with many classic rock stars. In addition to the other members of The Beatles, Harrison was also close with the members of The Traveling Wilburys, which included Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. He was also close friends with guitarist Eric Clapton.
Since he worked closely with these excellent musicians, they often recorded and rehearsed at his home studio.
George Harrison’s son hung out with many rock stars at his home George Harrison | C Flanigan/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE
George Harrison was friends with many classic rock stars. In addition to the other members of The Beatles, Harrison was also close with the members of The Traveling Wilburys, which included Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. He was also close friends with guitarist Eric Clapton.
Since he worked closely with these excellent musicians, they often recorded and rehearsed at his home studio.
- 6/9/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Like most musicians, The Monkees Mike Nesmith felt the influence of Elvis Presley’s music as a young man. Presley made his mark on the sounds of the 1950s and early 60s and how musicians performed. However, Presley’s influence went way beyond his music for The Monkees guitarist. Nesmith and the king of rock and roll had a legendary history together without meeting.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
- 4/15/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The quiet Beatle didn’t like performing much. After touring the world throughout Beatlemania, George had had enough. However, he loved it when he got to play with a band or with his friends. Here is a list of George Harrison‘s best on-stage collaborations.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Delaney and Bonnie/Eric Clapton
In 1969, George watched Eric Clapton and husband and wife duo Delaney and Bonnie perform in Bristol. The act invited George to join the tour, and he agreed. He played the next night. It was his first stage performance since The Beatles’ final concert in 1966. According to Beatles Bible, George appeared for five of the tour’s six dates, playing two shows each night.
George told Timothy White at Musician Magazine that performing with the duo influenced his slide guitar work, which he’d just begun to play. Delaney gave George a...
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Delaney and Bonnie/Eric Clapton
In 1969, George watched Eric Clapton and husband and wife duo Delaney and Bonnie perform in Bristol. The act invited George to join the tour, and he agreed. He played the next night. It was his first stage performance since The Beatles’ final concert in 1966. According to Beatles Bible, George appeared for five of the tour’s six dates, playing two shows each night.
George told Timothy White at Musician Magazine that performing with the duo influenced his slide guitar work, which he’d just begun to play. Delaney gave George a...
- 4/10/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” was inspired by early rock ‘n’ roll stars Carl Perkins and Bobby Parker. “I Feel Fine” reached No. 1 for several weeks in the United States. “I Feel Fine” was a hit twice in the United Kingdom. The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
George Harrison said The Beatles‘ “I Feel Fine” was inspired by the harmony of one classic rock song. In addition, he felt it featured a “bastardized” riff from another song. George never received a writing credit for his contribution to “I Feel Fine.”
George Harrison didn’t always get credit for co-writing The Beatles’ songs
The book George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters includes an interview from 1989. In it, George said he didn’t always receive credit for his work on The Beatles’ songs. “Well, and there was also this thing — because they got together at an early age...
The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” was inspired by early rock ‘n’ roll stars Carl Perkins and Bobby Parker. “I Feel Fine” reached No. 1 for several weeks in the United States. “I Feel Fine” was a hit twice in the United Kingdom. The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
George Harrison said The Beatles‘ “I Feel Fine” was inspired by the harmony of one classic rock song. In addition, he felt it featured a “bastardized” riff from another song. George never received a writing credit for his contribution to “I Feel Fine.”
George Harrison didn’t always get credit for co-writing The Beatles’ songs
The book George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters includes an interview from 1989. In it, George said he didn’t always receive credit for his work on The Beatles’ songs. “Well, and there was also this thing — because they got together at an early age...
- 4/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles remain a popular band decades after they broke up. A few musicians hated the band, but millions of people loved them. They sent several singles and albums to the top of the Billboard charts throughout the 1960s, but three Beatles records peaked at No. 2 in the United States because other Beatles albums kept them from getting to No. 1.
Beatles members George Harrison (from left), Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon (plus an unidentified person) with gold records in 1965 | Bettmann 14 Beatles albums reached the top of the U.S. charts
The Fab Four released a steady stream of albums from 1963 to 1970. They existed for a short time but achieved incredible success as 14 of their studio albums raced to the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart. Still, the first Beatles album to debut at No. 1 was the first anthology compilation released in 1995.
Let’s look more closely at The...
Beatles members George Harrison (from left), Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon (plus an unidentified person) with gold records in 1965 | Bettmann 14 Beatles albums reached the top of the U.S. charts
The Fab Four released a steady stream of albums from 1963 to 1970. They existed for a short time but achieved incredible success as 14 of their studio albums raced to the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart. Still, the first Beatles album to debut at No. 1 was the first anthology compilation released in 1995.
Let’s look more closely at The...
- 3/19/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s songs were often covers. Sometimes, the original versions of Elvis’ songs were by famous singers. For example, one of his most famous movie songs was first performed by Bing Crosby.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
- 3/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles found inspiration from the earliest rock ‘n’ roll pioneers, and they showed it. Before Paul McCartney and John Lennon grew into prolific songwriters (while being called idiots by a singer who then recorded one of their songs), the Fab Four covered songs by Ray Charles, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, and Buddy Holly. Yet Elvis Presley might have been the biggest influence. We’re ranking The Beatles’ four Elvis covers from worst to best.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon of The Beatles; Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki/Asp/Getty Images; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images The Beatles covered several Elvis songs during BBC Radio sessions in the early 1960s
They became perhaps the most covered band in the world later, but The Beatles played other people’s songs to fill their set lists in the early days.
John had a strange way of...
(l-r) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon of The Beatles; Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki/Asp/Getty Images; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images The Beatles covered several Elvis songs during BBC Radio sessions in the early 1960s
They became perhaps the most covered band in the world later, but The Beatles played other people’s songs to fill their set lists in the early days.
John had a strange way of...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lana Del Rey’s songs feature a lot of references to classic rock. Sometimes she subverts the songs she mentions. For example, she contracted herself with the main character of an Elton John song.
Lana Del Rey | Chelsea Lauren / Contributor 5. ‘Born to Die’
One of Del Rey’s earliest singles shows off her eclectic taste in music. At one point in the track, she quotes the Christian hymn “Amazing Grace.” She also quotes Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” According to The Guardian, “Walk on the Wild Side” is an ode to 1970s hedonism that references personalities from Andy Warhol’s Factory.
Del Rey does this all in a song that’s more musically indebted to trip-hop and baroque pop than either hymn books or Reed. “Born to Die” proves Del Rey is great at creating fascinating juxtapositions — and great at making songs as well.
4. ‘Religion’
On the surface,...
Lana Del Rey | Chelsea Lauren / Contributor 5. ‘Born to Die’
One of Del Rey’s earliest singles shows off her eclectic taste in music. At one point in the track, she quotes the Christian hymn “Amazing Grace.” She also quotes Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” According to The Guardian, “Walk on the Wild Side” is an ode to 1970s hedonism that references personalities from Andy Warhol’s Factory.
Del Rey does this all in a song that’s more musically indebted to trip-hop and baroque pop than either hymn books or Reed. “Born to Die” proves Del Rey is great at creating fascinating juxtapositions — and great at making songs as well.
4. ‘Religion’
On the surface,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s fitting that Johnny Cash’s life became a major Hollywood movie. The country music superstar found success after enduring tragedy (which became a major inspiration in his life), addiction, and forbidden love. It’s a reason his songs resonate with so many people. Sun Records founder Sam Phillips gave Cash his big break in the music business. There wouldn’t be a Man in Black otherwise, but Cash had mixed feelings about Phillips and his business practices, and he was right to see the good and bad.
Sam Phillips (left) and Johnny Cash in 1956 | Colin Escott/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash admitted he had mixed feelings about Sam Phillips
Phillips was the kingmaker in the Memphis music scene of the late 1950s. The producer and Sun Records founder gave some of the world’s most legendary artists their start, Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis,...
Sam Phillips (left) and Johnny Cash in 1956 | Colin Escott/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash admitted he had mixed feelings about Sam Phillips
Phillips was the kingmaker in the Memphis music scene of the late 1950s. The producer and Sun Records founder gave some of the world’s most legendary artists their start, Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1969, Paul McCartney started Mpl Communications, the umbrella company that handled his multitude of business interests. The company owns the publishing rights to decades-worth of music from many classic artists. Paul McCartney isn’t too involved with the company and was surprised to discover that Mpl was the publisher for the musical Annie.
Mpl Communications is one of the world’s largest music publishers Paul McCartney | Noam Galai/WireImage
Mpl (McCartney Productions Ltd.) Communications is a music publishing company founded by McCartney. The company handled McCartney’s post-Beatles work but would later own the copyrights of 100–years’ worth of music. Mpl owns the distribution rights for many songs from artists like Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Carl Perkins, and John Lennon.
The company has also bought the rights to a few films, including a film adaptation of Rupert Bear. Many TV shows and movies that want to use copyrighted...
Mpl Communications is one of the world’s largest music publishers Paul McCartney | Noam Galai/WireImage
Mpl (McCartney Productions Ltd.) Communications is a music publishing company founded by McCartney. The company handled McCartney’s post-Beatles work but would later own the copyrights of 100–years’ worth of music. Mpl owns the distribution rights for many songs from artists like Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Carl Perkins, and John Lennon.
The company has also bought the rights to a few films, including a film adaptation of Rupert Bear. Many TV shows and movies that want to use copyrighted...
- 2/12/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Just because some classic rock songs are overrated doesn’t mean they’re bad. Despite this, all the classic rock songs on this list need to be taken down a peg. Notably, Elvis Presley’s cover of one of these tracks is more famous than the original song.
The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney | Fox Photos/Getty Images 5. The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’
Yes, The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is an important song that helped drive the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s. It’s also an unpleasant track with a repetitive plunking piano track. And that horn solo is just so cheesy, it’s like it’s from Elvis’ Vegas period.
According to Stereogum, Paul McCartney took inspiration from The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds to compose “Penny Lane.” It doesn’t come close to capturing the brilliance of that album, or even Paul’s other psychedelic outings. It’s a wonder...
The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney | Fox Photos/Getty Images 5. The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’
Yes, The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is an important song that helped drive the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s. It’s also an unpleasant track with a repetitive plunking piano track. And that horn solo is just so cheesy, it’s like it’s from Elvis’ Vegas period.
According to Stereogum, Paul McCartney took inspiration from The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds to compose “Penny Lane.” It doesn’t come close to capturing the brilliance of that album, or even Paul’s other psychedelic outings. It’s a wonder...
- 2/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison liked “highbrow” music, but that doesn’t mean he was more musical than his fellow Beatles. The guitarist admitted many times that he should’ve practiced more.
John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney of The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images George said he liked ‘highbrow’ music but wasn’t sure if he was more musical than the other Beatles
The guitarist interviewed himself in a November 1964 issue of The Beatles Book Monthly (per Beatles Interviews). George asked the questions he thought reporters missed, including if he thought he was the most musical out of The Beatles.
George replied that it depends. He explained that some people have said he is only because he admitted to liking Segovia’s guitar playing, “and they think that’s all very highbrow and musical.”
George believed he loved his guitar more than the others loved theirs. For John Lennon and Paul McCartney,...
John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney of The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images George said he liked ‘highbrow’ music but wasn’t sure if he was more musical than the other Beatles
The guitarist interviewed himself in a November 1964 issue of The Beatles Book Monthly (per Beatles Interviews). George asked the questions he thought reporters missed, including if he thought he was the most musical out of The Beatles.
George replied that it depends. He explained that some people have said he is only because he admitted to liking Segovia’s guitar playing, “and they think that’s all very highbrow and musical.”
George believed he loved his guitar more than the others loved theirs. For John Lennon and Paul McCartney,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Paul McCartney is best known by his real name, the Beatles legend has used many pseudonyms throughout his career. Early in their careers, The Beatles members thought performing using stage names would be fun. They discontinued the names, but Paul McCartney’s fake name inspired became the inspiration for The Ramones.
Paul McCartney once performed under the name Paul Ramon Paul McCartney | David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns
In the early days of The Beatles, they were known as the Silver Beetles. The band consisted of McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Thomas Moore, and Stu Sutcliffe. Ringo Starr joined the group in 1962 and became their permanent drummer. In 1960, the group went on a tour of Scotland with Johnny Gentle. Inspired by Gentle’s stage name, the band created pseudonyms for themselves, trying to sound more like rock stars. McCartney decided to use Paul Ramon as his name for the tour.
Paul McCartney once performed under the name Paul Ramon Paul McCartney | David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns
In the early days of The Beatles, they were known as the Silver Beetles. The band consisted of McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Thomas Moore, and Stu Sutcliffe. Ringo Starr joined the group in 1962 and became their permanent drummer. In 1960, the group went on a tour of Scotland with Johnny Gentle. Inspired by Gentle’s stage name, the band created pseudonyms for themselves, trying to sound more like rock stars. McCartney decided to use Paul Ramon as his name for the tour.
- 1/30/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In an era when rockstars who had exciting and intimidating names began to emerge, The Beatles kept their real names, except Ringo Starr. Before Starr joined the band, The Beatles temporarily went under different names, with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison creating their own “showbiz names.”
Ringo Starr was the only Beatle who used a stage name John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns
Ringo Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, becoming the band’s permanent drummer. Starr, born Richard Starkey, was the only band member who used a stage name. The nickname came from the drummer wearing many rings, and it began to stick. In a 1992 interview with Club Sandwich, McCartney said Ringo had previously established himself with the name at Butlin’s Holiday Camp, where several other stars started out.
“Ringo was the only one who stayed with a stage name,...
Ringo Starr was the only Beatle who used a stage name John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns
Ringo Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, becoming the band’s permanent drummer. Starr, born Richard Starkey, was the only band member who used a stage name. The nickname came from the drummer wearing many rings, and it began to stick. In a 1992 interview with Club Sandwich, McCartney said Ringo had previously established himself with the name at Butlin’s Holiday Camp, where several other stars started out.
“Ringo was the only one who stayed with a stage name,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jerry Lee Lewis, the songwriter and pianist who notoriously married his 13-year-old cousin, has died at the age of 87. His death was incorrectly reported two days earlier on Wednesday, and he had fallen ill with reported flu which caused him to miss his induction ceremony into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Lewis was known for songs like “Great Balls of Fire,” a cover of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Big Maybelle and “Me and Bobby McGee.” He rose to prominence quickly in the late-1950s. His career then stalled after an uproar over the fact that he was marrying his then 13-year-old first cousin once-removed: Myra Lewis Williams (née Gale Brown).
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
They had to remarry after their first marriage in 1957 because he was still married to his second wife and divorced in 1970 on grounds of adultery and abuse. Williams...
Lewis was known for songs like “Great Balls of Fire,” a cover of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Big Maybelle and “Me and Bobby McGee.” He rose to prominence quickly in the late-1950s. His career then stalled after an uproar over the fact that he was marrying his then 13-year-old first cousin once-removed: Myra Lewis Williams (née Gale Brown).
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
They had to remarry after their first marriage in 1957 because he was still married to his second wife and divorced in 1970 on grounds of adultery and abuse. Williams...
- 10/28/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Rock’n’roll trailblazer Jerry Lee Lewis has died aged 87.
Associated Press reports that the influential musician’s representatives have confirmed his death at home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Considered one of the earliest pioneers of rock’n’roll, Lewis was born on 29 September 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He began teaching himself to play piano at the age of 9.
In 1956, Lewis moved to Memphis where he auditioned to become a session musician at Sun Records. Within a year he was recording with the label’s stars Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. Together they were known as the “Million Dollar Quartet”.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On” gave Lewis his first hit as a solo artist in April 1957. The follow-up, “Great Balls of Fire”, was an even bigger success and gave “The Killer” his signature tune.
Released in December 1957, it went on to be used prominently in films such as 1986’s Top Gun...
Associated Press reports that the influential musician’s representatives have confirmed his death at home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Considered one of the earliest pioneers of rock’n’roll, Lewis was born on 29 September 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He began teaching himself to play piano at the age of 9.
In 1956, Lewis moved to Memphis where he auditioned to become a session musician at Sun Records. Within a year he was recording with the label’s stars Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. Together they were known as the “Million Dollar Quartet”.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On” gave Lewis his first hit as a solo artist in April 1957. The follow-up, “Great Balls of Fire”, was an even bigger success and gave “The Killer” his signature tune.
Released in December 1957, it went on to be used prominently in films such as 1986’s Top Gun...
- 10/28/2022
- by Kevin E G Perry
- The Independent - Music
Jerry Lee Lewis, the world-famous rock and roll and country musician died at 87. On Friday, Lewis’ publicist, Zach Farnum, confirmed the Hall of Famer’s passing. Lee leaves behind a rocky legacy some musicians can only dream of achieving.
As a singer, songwriter, and pianist, Lewis dazzled crowds with infectious energy and theatrical piano playing technique. On stage, Lewis appeared to merge with his instrument, becoming one with the music he loved to share with the world. Watching Lewis on stage, you’d think he was performing an exorcism on stage, as each note caused his bones to gyrate with rhythm. Famously known for his hit song “Great Balls of Fire,” Lewis dabbled in rockabilly, gospel, country, blues, and jazz. There was scarcely a genre Lewis wouldn’t explore, and he shined while creating unique soundscapes in all categories.
Lewis came onto the music scene in 1956 with a hit called “Crazy Arms.
As a singer, songwriter, and pianist, Lewis dazzled crowds with infectious energy and theatrical piano playing technique. On stage, Lewis appeared to merge with his instrument, becoming one with the music he loved to share with the world. Watching Lewis on stage, you’d think he was performing an exorcism on stage, as each note caused his bones to gyrate with rhythm. Famously known for his hit song “Great Balls of Fire,” Lewis dabbled in rockabilly, gospel, country, blues, and jazz. There was scarcely a genre Lewis wouldn’t explore, and he shined while creating unique soundscapes in all categories.
Lewis came onto the music scene in 1956 with a hit called “Crazy Arms.
- 10/28/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll, has died at age 87.
Lewis was known for such iconic rock hits as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On”.
Born in Ferriday, Louisiana in 1935, Lewis melded the various musical influences — including gospel, blues and country — into a unique piano-driven sound, with his incendiary stage performances earning him the nickname “The Killer”.
In 1956, Lewis entered a Memphis recording studio with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins to form the very first supergroup, dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet.
Read More: Jerry Lee Lewis Is ‘Recuperating’ After Suffering Minor Stroke
According to a release issued by the late rocker’s talent agency, Lewis had been in poor health for the past few years, having “abused his body so thoroughly as a young man he was given little chance of lasting through middle age, let alone old age.
Lewis was known for such iconic rock hits as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On”.
Born in Ferriday, Louisiana in 1935, Lewis melded the various musical influences — including gospel, blues and country — into a unique piano-driven sound, with his incendiary stage performances earning him the nickname “The Killer”.
In 1956, Lewis entered a Memphis recording studio with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins to form the very first supergroup, dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet.
Read More: Jerry Lee Lewis Is ‘Recuperating’ After Suffering Minor Stroke
According to a release issued by the late rocker’s talent agency, Lewis had been in poor health for the past few years, having “abused his body so thoroughly as a young man he was given little chance of lasting through middle age, let alone old age.
- 10/28/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Rock music pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis has died at the age of 87. The “Great Balls of Fire” singer’s death was misreported by some news outlets on Wednesday, October 26. Lewis’ representative, Zach Farnum, confirmed his death on Friday, October 28. A cause of death has not been shared. “Judith, his seventh wife, was by his side when he passed away at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, south of Memphis,” Farnum said in a statement. “He told her, in his final days, that he welcomed the hereafter, and that he was not afraid.” Born in East Louisiana on September 19, 1935, Lewis taught himself how to play piano when he was 8 years old. He moved to Memphis in 1956 to audition for the owner of Sun Records, Sam Phillips. Phillips was the first person to record Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. After recording his debut single, a cover of Ray Price’s “Crazy Arms,...
- 10/28/2022
- TV Insider
Click here to read the full article.
Jerry Lee Lewis, the flamboyant rock ‘n’ roll founding father, swaggering country shouter and 2005 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, died Friday. He was 87.
Lewis died of natural causes at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi, south of Memphis, his publicist, Zach Farnum of 117 Group, told The Hollywood Reporter. TMZ prematurely reported his death earlier this week.
Nicknamed “The Killer,” Lewis was an electric performer who was still performing into his late 80s. Known for such rock standards as “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Baby Baby Bye Bye,” “Breathless” and “High School Confidential,” he accumulated 10 gold records during his career, with his biggest, the 2006 all-star duets release Last Man Standing, selling more than a half-million units worldwide.
As a piano player — and unabashed rock star — Lewis blended rockabilly, gospel, blues and country as he feverishly pounded the higher keys with his right hand.
Jerry Lee Lewis, the flamboyant rock ‘n’ roll founding father, swaggering country shouter and 2005 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, died Friday. He was 87.
Lewis died of natural causes at his home in DeSoto County, Mississippi, south of Memphis, his publicist, Zach Farnum of 117 Group, told The Hollywood Reporter. TMZ prematurely reported his death earlier this week.
Nicknamed “The Killer,” Lewis was an electric performer who was still performing into his late 80s. Known for such rock standards as “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Baby Baby Bye Bye,” “Breathless” and “High School Confidential,” he accumulated 10 gold records during his career, with his biggest, the 2006 all-star duets release Last Man Standing, selling more than a half-million units worldwide.
As a piano player — and unabashed rock star — Lewis blended rockabilly, gospel, blues and country as he feverishly pounded the higher keys with his right hand.
- 10/28/2022
- by Jennifer Frederick
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the pioneers of rock ‘n roll and a Hall of Fame member in several genres, died Friday morning at age 87. Lewis died at a home in Memphis, Tn, his publicist Zach Farnum said in a release.
Nicknamed “The Killer,” Lewis’s work as a singer, songwriter, and pianist was marked by a frenetic energy that often saw him standing on his keyboard or bending over as if trying to inhale its essence. He stands in the pantheon of rock ‘n roll’s greatest artists, but also crossed over to rockabilly, gospel, country, blues and even jazz. Although he rarely wrote his own songs, his interpretation was his strength, as his keyboard dexterity and barely controlled passion transformed each work into something special.
Related: Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Lewis made his first recordings in 1956 at the legendary Sun Records in Memphis. That first...
Nicknamed “The Killer,” Lewis’s work as a singer, songwriter, and pianist was marked by a frenetic energy that often saw him standing on his keyboard or bending over as if trying to inhale its essence. He stands in the pantheon of rock ‘n roll’s greatest artists, but also crossed over to rockabilly, gospel, country, blues and even jazz. Although he rarely wrote his own songs, his interpretation was his strength, as his keyboard dexterity and barely controlled passion transformed each work into something special.
Related: Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Lewis made his first recordings in 1956 at the legendary Sun Records in Memphis. That first...
- 10/28/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Rock ‘n’ roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis has died, aged 87.
Considered one of the pioneers of the genre, the piano player was best known for his hit 1957 singles “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Great Balls of Fire”.
TMZ reported that Lewis died on Wednesday (26 October) at his home in Memphis.
Lewis was born on 29 September, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He began teaching himself to play piano from the age of 9.
In November 1956, Lewis travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to audition for Sun Records. He was soon employed as a session musician, and the next month was playing with singer Carl Perkins when Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash visited the studio. The four musicians recorded a jam session, and were later dubbed the “Million Dollar Quartet”.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On”, released in April 1957, gave Lewis his first hit as a solo artist. Follow-up “Great Balls of Fire” became his signature tune.
Considered one of the pioneers of the genre, the piano player was best known for his hit 1957 singles “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Great Balls of Fire”.
TMZ reported that Lewis died on Wednesday (26 October) at his home in Memphis.
Lewis was born on 29 September, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. He began teaching himself to play piano from the age of 9.
In November 1956, Lewis travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to audition for Sun Records. He was soon employed as a session musician, and the next month was playing with singer Carl Perkins when Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash visited the studio. The four musicians recorded a jam session, and were later dubbed the “Million Dollar Quartet”.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On”, released in April 1957, gave Lewis his first hit as a solo artist. Follow-up “Great Balls of Fire” became his signature tune.
- 10/26/2022
- by Kevin E G Perry
- The Independent - Music
Art Laboe, the pioneering Los Angeles DJ who championed the Oldies but Goodies format and was revered for sharing on-air dedications with listeners, died Oct. 7 in Palm Springs, Calif.
Laboe was the founder of the Original Sound record label and the host of the long-running “Art Laboe Connection” syndicated radio program. He was one of the first DJs to play rock ‘n’ roll and R&b on West Coast radio stations.
Just last month, Laboe, who was born Aug. 7, 1925, celebrated his 79-year anniversary as an active radio personality. His “Art Laboe Connection” aired in Los Angeles on Kday-fm on Sunday nights, as well as many other stations throughout the Southwest. What turned out to be his final broadcast aired Sunday night, after being recorded last week.
“My favorite place to be is behind that microphone,” Laboe said at the time of the 79-year anniversary in September. “I have one of...
Laboe was the founder of the Original Sound record label and the host of the long-running “Art Laboe Connection” syndicated radio program. He was one of the first DJs to play rock ‘n’ roll and R&b on West Coast radio stations.
Just last month, Laboe, who was born Aug. 7, 1925, celebrated his 79-year anniversary as an active radio personality. His “Art Laboe Connection” aired in Los Angeles on Kday-fm on Sunday nights, as well as many other stations throughout the Southwest. What turned out to be his final broadcast aired Sunday night, after being recorded last week.
“My favorite place to be is behind that microphone,” Laboe said at the time of the 79-year anniversary in September. “I have one of...
- 10/11/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
There is not a greater celebrity raconteur than Michael Caine. The 89-year-old movie star has lived the fullest of lives, appeared in a number of great films, and snatched up two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor -- and he loves to talk about it. The son of blue-collar parents seems perpetually tickled by his success. Ask him about a critically acclaimed classic like "The Man Who Would Be King" or a universally reviled bomb like "Jaws: The Revenge" and you'll get a good-humored story out of it. He is the platonic ideal of "affable."
If you were to pick an actor who resided on the opposite end of the "affable" scale, you couldn't find a more ornery cuss than John Wayne. Wayne was aloof. It took a cagey journalist like Joan Didion to humanize him, and, in retrospect, she seemed a little starstruck. Wayne seemed to have made all...
If you were to pick an actor who resided on the opposite end of the "affable" scale, you couldn't find a more ornery cuss than John Wayne. Wayne was aloof. It took a cagey journalist like Joan Didion to humanize him, and, in retrospect, she seemed a little starstruck. Wayne seemed to have made all...
- 8/16/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
“You don’t do the business, the business will do you,” B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) tells the rising Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. He says this after a late-night jam session which includes Little Richard (Alton Mason), and while the blues guitarist is admiring the shiny new ride owned by the white rock and roll sensation. King advises Elvis to start his own label.
In reality, B.B. King did just that in 1956. At the time, he was coming off his best year, according to King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, by Daniel de Visé. King had just packed the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and Harlem’s Apollo, as well as 340 other venues. Born Riley B. King on a Mississippi plantation in 1925, B.B. “Blues Boy” King had risen to the height of his musical popularity by the mid-1950s.
In reality, B.B. King did just that in 1956. At the time, he was coming off his best year, according to King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, by Daniel de Visé. King had just packed the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and Harlem’s Apollo, as well as 340 other venues. Born Riley B. King on a Mississippi plantation in 1925, B.B. “Blues Boy” King had risen to the height of his musical popularity by the mid-1950s.
- 7/1/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
For his directing debut after brother Joel’s first solo outing with The Tragedy of Macbeth, Ethan Coen has chosen a similar saga of ruthless ambition and soul-devouring guilt, telling the rise and fall — and rise again — of Jerry Lee Lewis, from farmer’s son to rock’n’roll idol.
Coen’s Special Screenings Cannes Film Festival entry Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind enters a very crowded music-doc field with an approach that may confound those expecting a linear narrative and the traditional talking-head format. What they’ll get is a largely first-person recollection, using snippets culled from many years of the singer’s TV interviews, interspersed with amazing live footage that highlights his incredible versatility, moving effortlessly between rock’n’roll, rockabilly, blues, blues-soul, country-rock and country-blues; acing subgenre after subgenre.
A better title for the film comes from a conversation Lewis had back in the early days...
Coen’s Special Screenings Cannes Film Festival entry Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind enters a very crowded music-doc field with an approach that may confound those expecting a linear narrative and the traditional talking-head format. What they’ll get is a largely first-person recollection, using snippets culled from many years of the singer’s TV interviews, interspersed with amazing live footage that highlights his incredible versatility, moving effortlessly between rock’n’roll, rockabilly, blues, blues-soul, country-rock and country-blues; acing subgenre after subgenre.
A better title for the film comes from a conversation Lewis had back in the early days...
- 5/22/2022
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Dallas Good, singer, guitarist, and founding member of the Canadian garage-country-rock band the Sadies, died Thursday at the age of 48. His death was confirmed by Andrew Colvin, the Sadies’ longtime agent; no cause of death was given. As one of the lead singers of the Sadies, alongside his brother Travis Good, Dallas Good spent roughly 25 years releasing influential, critically revered records and touring as a member of the band.
“It’s with unfathomable sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dallas on Thursday, February 17th,” the band wrote in a statement.
“It’s with unfathomable sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dallas on Thursday, February 17th,” the band wrote in a statement.
- 2/18/2022
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Shout! Studios, the film and entertainment production and distribution arm of Shout! Factory, along with producers Sean Fernald and Cass Paley, TwentyOne 14 Media and Doc McGhee’s McGhee Entertainment, have obtained exclusive film rights to the story of Johnny Bragg, the prisoner and doo-wap singer from the 1950s.
Bragg rose to fame within the Tennessee State Penitentiary while serving six consecutive 99-year sentences at 17 for crimes he did not commit.
As part of Shout!’s deal with the Bragg estate, the film will follow Bragg in prison and how his unique singing style catches the attention of the prison staff, specifically the warden, who came up with the idea to have Bragg and his singing group tour the prison circuit under armed guard. This eventually led to the group recording demos with Sam Philips’ Sun Records, the iconic Memphis label that launched Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.
Bragg rose to fame within the Tennessee State Penitentiary while serving six consecutive 99-year sentences at 17 for crimes he did not commit.
As part of Shout!’s deal with the Bragg estate, the film will follow Bragg in prison and how his unique singing style catches the attention of the prison staff, specifically the warden, who came up with the idea to have Bragg and his singing group tour the prison circuit under armed guard. This eventually led to the group recording demos with Sam Philips’ Sun Records, the iconic Memphis label that launched Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.
- 9/23/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
A historic heatwave is pulverizing much of America right now, making it the perfect time for the previously unreleased Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s song “105 Degrees” to be shared with the public. The song appears on Angel Dream, a reimagined version of the 1996 She’s the One soundtrack that arrives in stores Friday. Check out a lyric video right here.
“It’s 105 degrees,” Petty sings. “Yeah, I’m out in my swimming pool/Yeah she had me down on my knees/For a minute I thought I was cool/What do you want?...
“It’s 105 degrees,” Petty sings. “Yeah, I’m out in my swimming pool/Yeah she had me down on my knees/For a minute I thought I was cool/What do you want?...
- 7/2/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
The 1970 Bob Dylan/George Harrison sessions have circulated in bootleg form for decades, but they were finally released on Sunday as an extremely limited-edition package created solely to preserve the music’s copyright in Europe. The set was available for about four seconds via the website of the U.K. retailer Badlands. For the 99.999 percent of Dylan fans who didn’t manage to snag one, prepare to either shell out about $1,000 on the resale market or dive into the legal grey area of file sharing.
The recording sessions took place May 1st,...
The recording sessions took place May 1st,...
- 12/3/2020
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
W.S. “Fluke” Holland, longtime drummer for Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins and the original drummer in Cash’s famed Tennessee Three backing band, died Wednesday at the age of 85.
Dubbed the “Father of the Drums” by Cash, Holland died at his home in Jackson, Tennessee, following a short illness, the Commercial Appeal reported.
Despite his presence on some of Sun Records’ most essential recordings and his decades-long tenure alongside Perkins and Cash, Holland was not a drummer by trade: As he told the Jackson Sun in 2016, he would happen...
Dubbed the “Father of the Drums” by Cash, Holland died at his home in Jackson, Tennessee, following a short illness, the Commercial Appeal reported.
Despite his presence on some of Sun Records’ most essential recordings and his decades-long tenure alongside Perkins and Cash, Holland was not a drummer by trade: As he told the Jackson Sun in 2016, he would happen...
- 9/24/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Third Man Records is operating a little differently these days. The Nashville headquarters of Jack White’s record label, which features a record shop and small venue on-site, has stopped booking shows. Fans can come inside the record store, which is full of White Stripes artifacts plus a vinyl recording booth, by appointment, with capacity limited to four or five.
But still, Ben Blackwell, who founded the label alongside White and Ben Swank, says the company is staying afloat thanks to its mail-order business. “April and May were almost like two months of holiday lead-up,...
But still, Ben Blackwell, who founded the label alongside White and Ben Swank, says the company is staying afloat thanks to its mail-order business. “April and May were almost like two months of holiday lead-up,...
- 7/15/2020
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
Charlie Daniels, who died Monday of a stroke at 83, was best known for his manic fiddle playing, his kinship with Seventies Southern rockers, and hits like “Uneasy Rider” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” But over the course of his five-plus-decades career, Daniels also intersected with many non-Southern rockers, especially early on; he contributed to the Bob Dylan albums New Morning and Self-Portrait, was a member of Leonard Cohen’s touring band, and produced Elephant Mountain by the Youngbloods (home to two of their best songs, “Sunlight” and “Darkness,...
- 7/7/2020
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Jack White’s Nashville-based Third Man Records continues its quarterly series of unique, collectible recordings with the upcoming release of Vault Package 45, A Night to Remember, by Johnny Cash. Memorializing a previously unavailable 1973 concert at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, the vinyl package includes a double vintage-white LP and gold-foil LP jacket, a gold 7” single featuring an A-side with “Dark and Bloody Ground,” a previously unavailable track from Ruston Kelly, and a super-secret “mystery artist” featured on the single’s B-side. Both cuts were recorded for the Forever Words compilation,...
- 6/29/2020
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
Russell Crowe may have never won a Grammy of his own, but the Unhinged star revealed that friend Ed Sheeran helped him party like an award-winning rock star one night on his farm.
On Thursday's episode of The Late Late Show, host James Corden asked his Oscar-winning guest to share a prized possession that audiences wouldn't typically get to see. Saying that he had prepared a list of items specifically for this segment, Crowe slowly raised a special trinket he purchased at a public art auction: the Grammy Award given to Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy ...
On Thursday's episode of The Late Late Show, host James Corden asked his Oscar-winning guest to share a prized possession that audiences wouldn't typically get to see. Saying that he had prepared a list of items specifically for this segment, Crowe slowly raised a special trinket he purchased at a public art auction: the Grammy Award given to Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy ...
- 6/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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