Posts From Jeff Tamarkin

Jeff Tamarkin

Jeff Tamarkin

Best Classic Bands Editor Jeff Tamarkin has been a prolific music journalist for nearly five decades. He is formerly the editor of Goldmine, CMJ and Relix magazines, has written for dozens of other publications and has authored liner notes for more than 80 CDs. Jeff has also served on the Nominating Committee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as a consultant to the Grammys. His first book was 'Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane.' He is also the co-author of 'Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, etc.,' with Howard Kaylan, and 'Carlos Santana: Love, Devotion, Surrender: The Illustrated Story of Santana's Musical Journey.'
FEATURES: Interviews

A Vault Interview with Drummer John Barbata of the Turtles, CSN&Y & Jefferson Starship

From “Happy Together” to “Ohio” to “Miracles,” he drummed on them all.

Read More
The Scene: The Classic Rock Legacy

The Summer of Love and That Song About ‘San Francisco’

It was a song of its time, inviting “gentle people” to wear flowers in their hair and migrate to California. Many thousands took Scott McKenzie’s advice

Read More
The Scene: The Classic Rock Legacy

Procol Harum and ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’: That Melody!

To this day, fans still debate the meaning of the song. But more than half a century after its release, it remains one of the most popular of all-time.

Read More
NEWS PLUS: RIP – Rock In Perpetuity

John Barbata, Drummer for Turtles, CSN&Y, Airplane/Starship, Dead at 79

The musician had a long list of credits with some of the biggest acts of the late ’60s and well into the ’70s

Read More
FEATURES: Interviews

The Vaults: An Interview with Twang Guitar Innovator Duane Eddy

“I got tired of hearing those rock ’n’ roll licks on the high strings. It was always the same thing,” said Eddy, and so he invented a new style.

Read More
FEATURES: Interviews

Judy Collins Then, Judy Collins Now: Interview

We spoke with the remarkable singer about her long, amazing career.

Read More
The Scene: The Classic Rock Legacy

First-Generation Rockers: Who’s Still With Us?

With the deaths of Don Everly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, we wonder: Which of the earliest rock ‘n’ rollers are alive? Here are 5 who made the music what it was

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Joan Baez ‘Diamonds & Rust’—Reflections on Her Friend Bob

Dylan asked her who her new song was about. She told him it was about her ex-husband. It wasn’t, of course. It was about Bob Dylan.

Read More
The Scene: The Classic Rock Legacy

13 Times When Glen Campbell Rocked

Think of Glen Campbell and your mind goes first to those big country/pop hits. But the guy could rock like crazy too. Here are some of our favorites.

Read More
FEATURES: Interviews

Ralph J. Gleason Book Explores the Life & Legacy of a Pioneering Music Critic: Author Interview

As the longtime music critic for the San Francisco Chronicle and a co-founder of Rolling Stone, Gleason had a unique perspective.

Read More