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
Wooly Bully: The Meaning of a Pop Culture Landmark
It’s short. It’s simple… even if deciphering the lyrics is a bit of a challenge. And it continues to resonate around the globe since becoming 1965’s record of the year.
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‘One Toke Over the Line’ on ‘Lawrence Welk’—Huh?
In what has to be one of the most surreal moments on TV, the song was interpreted for viewers of a show that had no idea what a toke was.
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Remembering Hal Blaine, Wrecking Crew Drummer on 100s of Hits
The inventive member of the Los Angeles-based studio musicians performed on hits by the Beach Boys, Mamas and Papas, Sonny & Cher, and many more
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Harry Chapin Inspiration for ‘Taxi’
‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ may have been his biggest hit, but this one resonated with listeners, perhaps due to its real-life connection.
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Eric Clapton, Cat Stevens, Gary Brooker Play Benefit Concert Just Before 2020 Lockdown
It was the 3rd major all-star benefit concert in London in less than a month. Other performers included Tom Jones and Rick Wakeman.
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Smith’s Soulful 1969 Cover of ‘Baby It’s You’
They took a song that had already been a hit for the Shirelles and the Beatles, and made it their own. Whatever happened to Gayle McCormick & Smith?
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The Important Half: John Lennon, ‘Julia’ and Singing to Reach
The song, inspired by his late mother, “is brave, because in the delivery we hear a singer willing to be transported.”
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 100 Crucial Omissions
Every year, when the new inductees are announced, there is lots of grumbling from rock fans about omissions. Here’s our updated list…
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Pete Townshend’s ‘Teenage Wasteland’
For years, he worked on an ambitious project called Lifehouse. It was intended to be another rock opera and a logical follow-up to Tommy. This song evolved into “Baba O’Riley.”
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‘Dancing in the Moonlight’—The Circuitous Path of the One and Only King Harvest Hit
Everybody was “Dancing in the Moonlight” in the early ’70s, but who was the band that recorded this catchy one-hit wonder? We decided to find out.
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