Rock and Roll Memories

Rolling With Jerry: When Garcia Welcomed a College Kid to the Dead’s HQ

In the summer of 1971, the author and a friend decided to go visit the Grateful Dead. What resulted was an afternoon they’ve never forgotten.

Read More

When Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks Shared the Stage For the Last Time

The pair reunited onstage for the final time to perform their 1981 hit “Start Draggin’ My Heart Around” at Hyde Park, during the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

When Suzi Quatro ‘Stumbled Into’ a Pop Hit

The Detroit native had a series of hit U.K. singles in the 1970s. But it wasn’t until her recurring role on a popular sitcom, that she finally had a U.S. hit.

Read More

When Eric Clapton Headlined the Greenwich Town Party

The annual event has had a knack of booking big name talent. Slowhand’s 15-song set featured a favorite he hadn’t played in decades.

Read More

Reflecting on Marmalade: ‘Reflections Of My Life’

From 1968-1976, they scored eight Top 10 hits in the U.K. This song ultimately earned them their worldwide fame. Its singer/writer fell on hard times.

Read More

Tommy Roe: ’60s Pop Star Reached ‘Dizzy’-ing Heights

The singer scored with six top 10 singles including a pair of #1s which he wrote, “Sheila,” and “Dizzy.” The bubblegum star once toured with the Beatles.

Read More

Remember the Maxell ‘Blown-Away Guy’?

The humble cassette had plenty of pluses and minuses but one thing we can all agree on: how cool was the leather-clad guy in their ads?

Read More