Posts From Jeff Tamarkin

The Glory of ‘Gloria’: Behind the Resilient Van Morrison Rock ’n’ Roll Anthem

One of the most beloved and oft-covered songs in the garage-rock canon started life as a single’s B-side. We take a look at the wonders of ‘G-L-O-R-I-A.’

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When Motown Went to ‘War’—The Edwin Starr #1 Hit

When Motown’s chief was reluctant to release an antiwar song by the Temptations as a single, another singer stepped in to re-record it. It went to #1.

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Bobbie Gentry ‘Ode to Billie Joe’: Another Sleepy, Dusty Delta Day

Why did he kill himself? What was thrown from the bridge? What became of the singer-songwriter behind it? Here’s what’s known.

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Jefferson Airplane Recall Woodstock: A New Dawn

Grace Slick addressed the sea of humans, “You have seen the heavy groups. Now you will see morning maniac music. Believe me, yeah, it’s a new dawn.”

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Woodstock Performers: Where Are They Now?

Many are still creating brilliant music. Here is a brief guide to the status of most of the artists who performed at the legendary 1969 festival

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Jimmy Webb Interview on Songwriting (and That Cake)

The consummate pop songwriter, whose credits include “MacArthur Park,” “Wichita Lineman” and so many more, in conversation.

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Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’: Behind the Song

The composer of one of the greatest countercultural anthems never made it to the festival that served as the song’s subject.

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Melanie Interview: Playing Woodstock at 22

She was a relative unknown when she walked onto the stage at Yasgur’s Farm and sang for half a million people. By the end of her set, she was a star

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Status Quo: ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ and You

In their homeland, the U.K., they’ve had more than 60 hit singles and 30+ albums. In the U.S., they’re a one-hit wonder. Here’s the story of that one hit.

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BS&T’s David Clayton-Thomas on Woodstock & More

DC-T on Woodstock: “The road manager told us, ‘I don’t think the show tonight’s going to happen. All the traffic is jammed. Nothing is moving.'”

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