How the Song Came to Be
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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?

Read More
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.

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Desmond Dekker’s ‘Israelites’—Admit It, You Don’t Know the Lyrics

Even as it found its way to the top 10 in the U.S. and several other countries, many listeners had no idea what this proto-reggae song was about.

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

Those Soul-Tastic James Brown Song Titles

Over 4 decades between his first and last chart entries, the “Godfather of Soul” helped define the times during the ’60s and ’70s.

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

‘Love Me Do’: The Beatles’ 1st Single Was the Sound of Identity

We don’t talk about it as one of the great debut singles, but perhaps that’s because it transcends the normal categories.

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

The Mamas & the Papas’ ‘Creeque Alley’: Behind the Song

The lyrics are stocked with names and places, some of which may have been (and still are) unfamiliar to fans of the group. We break it down

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

How Dr. Hook Got on the ‘Cover of the Rolling Stone’

A band records a song about its burning desire to make it to the cover of the leading music magazine. We’ve got the backstory. Do you know who wrote it?

Read More
The Scene: How the Song Came to Be

The Jaggerz’ ‘The Rapper’: You Know What He’s After

“The song was something that I wrote watching people in nightclubs. You’d see these dudes go over and start rapping to chicks,” said the band’s Donnie Iris.

Read More