Posts From Jeff Tamarkin

March 20, 1971: Janis Joplin Hits #1 With ‘Bobby McGee’

When Janis heard Kris Kristofferson’s song she had to record it. A few days later she was dead, but it went on to become her only #1 single.

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Feb 8, 2021: Mary Wilson, Co-Founder of The Supremes, Dies

Along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, she was an original member of the best-selling group on the Motown roster, scoring a dozen #1 singles

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Dec 23, 2020: Leslie West, Hard Rock Guitar Hero—Obituary

When the history of heavy rock is traced today, it invariably points to him as one of the origin points—it was no accident that he called his band Mountain

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The Beatles Performing at the Cavern Club, 1962

It’s one of the most iconic pieces of Beatles film, the band playing at Liverpool’s Cavern days after Ringo joined. Here is the story behind the clip

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Harvey Keitel and the Song ‘Summertime, Summertime’

In a cringe-inducing scene from the movie Fingers, the use of a 1958 song becomes an indelible moment with Keitel reacting to an insult as only he can

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When Pete Best Was on a U.S. Game Show in 1964

As Beatlemania was in full swing, their former drummer was relegated to appearing on “I’ve Got a Secret.”

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Rolling Stones in Mono – Behind the Box Set

ABKCO Records has gathered together all of the mono mixes of the British legends’ earliest albums into a beautiful new boxed set. We spoke with the label’s Chief Audio Engineer

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Woodstock: Mecca That Gave the Festival Its Name

In Small Town Talk, author Barney Hoskyns examines the upstate NY town, the spiritual – and literal – home to dozens of rock greats

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Joe Cocker Documentary: ‘Mad Dog With Soul’

A fine new film chronicles the remarkable rise and heartbreaking downfall of the British soul-rock legend. Numerous live and interview clips tell the tale.

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Elton John Rocks His Hits in Vegas

Reflecting on a volatile 2016, the classic rock icon, at a stunning Caesars Palace show, takes stock of his career and pays tribute to inspirations.

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