The Scene:
The Scene features a variety of articles that explore a wide range of subjects, all of then delving into the many aspects of rock ‘n’ roll music, its artists and players, the music business and classic rock culture
Bob Dylan Bassist Harvey Brooks on Making ‘Highway 61’
“A thin, frizzy-haired guy dressed in jeans and boots was standing in the front of the mixing console. I assumed it was Bob Dylan.”
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The Grand Funk ‘We’re An American Band’ Backstory
The song’s author, GFR drummer Don Brewer, explains how the 1973 all-time classic rock hit came about while the band was on tour. Sweet, sweet Connie…
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When REO Speedwagon Had Their Breakthrough
Talk about perseverance! It took seven studio albums before the midwestern band achieved real success. Two years later, they were at the top of the music world.
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10 Songs That Defined New Wave Music
New wave music wasn’t easily defined, but most fans knew it when they heard it. We chose 10 songs that, to us, were the best of the genre.
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The Beatles at Budokan in 1966: Tokyo Rocks
The Fab Four catalog could add another great concert album to convey their live energy and brilliance: a show from their stand in Japan.
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Record Label Exec on the Early Days and Evolution of Rock Radio
Our interview with Columbia Records exec Paul Rappaport about his 2025 book, Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay and The Art of Rock Promotion.
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Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen: The Tale of the Typewriter Tape
Before they became rock icons, Janis and the Jefferson Airplane guitarist played acoustic blues. Here’s the tale of their fascinating 1964 duets.
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Friend & Lover ‘Reach Out of the Darkness’: So Groovy Now
The peace-and-love message of the song resonated in 1968, a relic of its time.
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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.
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Queen’s Homage to Space Exploration, “’39”
The band’s guitarist, Brian May, can do many things well, one of which is to write songs. This one, about time travel, presaged his PhD in astrophysics
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