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
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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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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