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How the Song Came to Be

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

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.’

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

The Beatles’ Forgotten Top 20 Hit: A ‘Sweet’ Story

A top 20 hit in the U.S., yet it has received virtually no radio airplay in decades and is almost never mentioned in accounts of the band’s early days.

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!

It was bizarre but an instant smash hit. Then there was a backlash. Read the strange tale of Napoleon XIV and hear the song that drove people mad.

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

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.

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Mark Lindsay, Hal Blaine and the Raiders’ #1 Hit, ‘Indian Reservation’

Our interview with the star about the legendary drummer who made magic happen at the recording session and the single’s unusual path to success.

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

‘Dirty Water,’ The Standells’ Garage Rock Classic

Since Opening Day in 1998, moments after the final out is recorded in a Boston Red Sox win at Fenway Park, the loudspeakers blare the 1966 hit single, the only one, in fact, from the band.

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Creedence: ‘Green River’—Admit It, You Don’t Know the Lyrics

John Fogerty’s lyrics have a creative imagery and he has a unique way of pronouncing them. You’ve sung along dozens of times but do you know the words?

The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Medley Mania of 1981-82: ‘Stars on 45,’ The Beatles & More

A Dutch novelty act released a single that was a medley of songs, backed by a disco beat. The worldwide #1 hit spawned other singles from actual superstars.