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

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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Monterey International Pop Festival: Behind the Scenes

More than a half century after it took place, the first major rock festival still proves the power of music and the way it is presented.

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AT40: When Casey Kasem Delivered the Hits

Fans tuned in each week for the popular syndicated program “heard in the fifty states and around the world,” and for great stories from its legendary host

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Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground on ’72 Stones Tour

In music, careers can turn on a dime. In 1972, his career turned when he was asked to join the Stones’ fifth American tour.

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Moving To the Grooving: The Wild Cherry Smash, ‘Play That Funky Music’

The 1976 song’s fresh sound, with its recurring horn riff and outrageous lyrics, came from a midwestern rock band.

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When Blind Faith Made Their Live Debut For 100,000 People

The British supergroup chose to make its live debut at a free concert in London’s Hyde Park. Watch several clips from their performance.

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The Rolling Stones’ Summer of ‘Satisfaction’

In 1965, the Stones hit #1 for a 4-week run. Can later generations even comprehend what it felt like for those of us growing up back then?

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The Cars’ Debut: Just What We Needed

When they first emerged in 1978, some critics were perplexed but rock fans loved this Boston quintet. The song made them a band to watch.

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