Tag "classic rock"

Elton John’s ‘Madman Across the Water’: A Blue Jean Baby

He was everywhere in 1971 but still hadn’t quite found his way. Then he released the first album that defined his singular gifts.

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Radio Hits in November 1976: More Cowbell!

A novelty hit topped this week’s chart but there were huge rock hits from Frampton, Boston, Kiss, Rod Stewart and Steve Miller. More cowbell, anyone?

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9 Signature Rock Songs That Weren’t U.S. Chart Hits

Many songs associated with classic rockers were never actually hits. Here are the surprising back stories to ones by ELO, Billy Joel, Van Halen, Queen & more.

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1970: The Year in 50 Classic Rock Albums

We looked back at hundreds of albums released that year and whittled the list down to 50 standouts. How many do you own?

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The Number One Singles of 1979: Hot Stuff

The “Queen of Disco” earned three chart-toppers as rock continued to take a back seat on Top 40.

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When a Radio Legend and a Bottle of Jack Saved a Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert

In ’76, the band’s management asked an exec at their label to set up a live radio broadcast. When show time arrived, they refused to go on. Enter Scott Muni.

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Question Mark + the Mysterians’ 96 Tears: The Riff

It starts with one of the most memorable riffs in rock history and the tale that follows: You did me wrong, but you will get yours yet. So who is “?”

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Rocking the Charts: The Top Albums of October 1981

Though Top 40 programmers stubbornly played songs by A/C acts, the top slots on the U.S. sales chart were dominated by rock acts.

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When the J. Geils Band Finally Broke Through

The only #1 hit for this dynamic Boston band was about a schoolboy crush later being crushed for real. We look back at an early MTV favorite.

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Jon Anderson Interview? Yes, Indeed

He opens up about the revolving door of Yes’ lineup, “Roundabout” and the development of their epic LP, Close to the Edge.

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