Posts From Greg Brodsky

Gordon Lightfoot’s Tale of a Ship’s Crew and Its Captain

The singer-songwriter had a string of big hits including 1976’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” based on a true story of a doomed freighter

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11 Surprising 1970s Radio Hits (Part 4)

Our series continues with novelty songs, a German driving song, and one from a movie that scared the daylights out of us. Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting…

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‘Field of Dreams’: ‘Hey, Dad, You Wanna Have a Catch?’

Kevin Costner’s character, Ray Kinsella, hears a voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” His journey ultimately brings him back home

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The Zombies’ Unusual Path of Their ‘Odessey & Oracle’ LP

Our interview with the band’s Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, and musician Al Kooper, who knew a hit when he heard one in “Time of the Season”

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The #1 Singles of 1971: Maggie May, Shaft and Jeremiah

Only 3 songs stayed at the top of the U.S. charts for 4+ weeks. Thus, no less than 31 reached #1, including a unique feat by the members of the Beatles

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When Tom Petty Presaged the #MeToo Movement

One of the great American rock songwriters of his generation wrote and recorded a song with lyrics that seem to have anticipated #MeToo by decades

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A Love Letter to Willie Nelson: 14 Collaborations to Celebrate a Legend at 90

Performing at a high level at 90 puts you in rarified air. Here are some favorite performances with fellow greats from a variety of genres

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Abba’s U.S. Success: The Inside Story

After winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with “Waterloo,” Atlantic Records president Jerry Greenberg signed them for the US. Then “Dancing Queen” happened

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Bob Dylan ‘Nashville Skyline’ Cover: The Inside Story

Elliott Landy talks about the magic hour of light and serendipity of his photo. “[Bob] stopped at the coat rack and grabbed a hat. ‘Do you think we could use this?’”

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10 Re-Released Songs That Became Hits

Sometimes the timing just wasn’t right. When these classic rock songs first went to radio they flopped. The stars were aligned the second time

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