American Songwriter

A catalog as robust as Tom Petty’s is bound to contain some songs that are deserving of classic status yet aren’t all that well-known to the average fan. “Straight into Darkness” was no hit when released as a single in 1982, despite brimming with energy and power and sounding as fresh as any of Petty’s big hits.

The Meaning Behind “Straight into Darkness,” a Powerful but Underrated Gem from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

West Virginia State

West Virginia native Bill Withers joined the L.A. music scene in the late 60s after a stint in the Navy. In 1970 he was signed to the Sussex music label and hit the ground running with his first album, Just As I Am, and its instantly classic acoustic ballad, "Ain't No Sunshine." Withers' understated, rootsy style was a perfect contrast to where popular music was going at the time, from pre-disco dance music to glam rock. His second release, 1972's Still Bill, became a career disc, with top hits "Use Me" and "Lean On Me," arguably one of the greatest songs of the past half century.

Happy Birthday to the late great Bill Withers

It is incredible to comprehend that Hot Buttered Soul, one of the most important soul music albums of all time, and the LP that help reinvigorate the Stax label after its gutting by Atlantic Records, is more than a half century old. Until Isaac Hayes released Hot Buttered Soul in...

On This Day 55 years ago: Isaac Hayes releases the iconic album "Hot Buttered Soul"

It was a song written by Paul McCartney, featuring lyrics that used to make John Lennon chuckle. But the songwriting pair were laughing all the way to the top of the charts when Peter & Gordon did a version of “A World Without Love” that ruled the pop music world in 1964.

The Story and Meaning Behind “A World Without Love,” the Peter & Gordon Hit that Paul McCartney Delivered from Next Door

Dance songs are characterized by their infectious beats, energetic rhythms, and catchy melodies, making them perfect for getting people on the dance floor. These songs often feature strong, pulsating basslines, driving percussion, and uplifting lyrics that inspire movement and celebration. Whether it’s pop, electronic, hip-hop, or a mix of genres, dance songs are designed to make you move and feel good. They are a staple of clubs, parties, and celebrations, providing a soundtrack for letting loose and having fun. From classic hits to modern chart-toppers, dance songs continue to be a beloved and essential part of popular music culture.

15 Best Dance Songs of All Time

American vocal group The Temptations is among the most successful acts in the history of popular music. They’ve had over 20 members and are still active today, but the most famous lineup — the quintet known as the “Classic Five” from 1964 until 1968 — was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and David Ruffin.

What happened to David Ruffin from The Temptations?

(July 1, 2024) It should not be surprising that bassist Tedi “Son of Pearl” Robinson was deeply influenced by the funk bands that produced the soundtrack for the parties that went on during the 1970s and early 1980s. Bass players still prove their chops by playing the tunes of Cameo, Slave, Graham Central Station or any of the great bands from that era.

First Listen: Son of Pearl honors Zapp with "Sunspot"

Joe Perry is a guitar hero with a simple philosophy. “Guitar,” he says, “is a means to an end. So many players get hung up on technique, sometimes losing the forest for the trees. You can learn all these scales and tricks, but it only comes together if it’s something you want to hear again.

“I got food poisoning. When I’d stopped throwing up, the first thing we did was the solo for Love In An Elevator”: Joe Perry on the unlikely origins of Aerosmith’s greatest guitar moments – and the big regret of his 600-strong guitar collection

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Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

Have you ever met someone who is wise beyond their age? Such people are often referred to as old souls. They understand life and the world better than many zodiac signs. A soul’s age doesn’t necessarily match a person’s actual age. Instead, it advances based on the life experiences someone has.

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Old Souls

1966 was an incredible year for music, sparking hit after hit that still fills our playlists today. It was a time when rock music was exploring new frontiers, blending sounds, and experimenting with themes that resonated deeply with listeners. The artists from this era were bold and fearless, creating tracks that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at ten classic rock hits from 1966 that continue to sound as vibrant and fresh as ever.

10 Classic Rock Hits of 1966 That Are Still Fresh Today

(July 2, 2024) Singer and songwriter Acantha Lang has been a virtual whirling dervish for the past several years, regularly performing her brand of classic soul live and in regularly released recordings. And that all came together last year for the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award winner, who released her much anticipated debut album, Beautiful Dreams, to an international audience.

First Look Video: Acantha Lang inspires us on "Beautiful Dreams"

Though she’s been gone for 29 years now, fans continue to remember – and younger folk continue to discover – the late, great sultry songstress Phyllis Hyman, who would have turned 75 on July 6. If you’ve ever seen her, standing 6 feet ½ inches tall and usually wearing a regal cloth crown upon her head, you’re sure to have never forgotten her. And if you’ve ever heard her, you know that hers was a voice that is timeless.

Celebrating the late, great Phyllis Hyman on her 75th birthday

Talented musicians come and go, but their music has been made immortal through vinyl, CD, and the good ol’ internet. And some underrated rock musicians only had the chance to make a single album. Whether you’re a fan of underrated rock music or underground, bizarre works that are misunderstood, you might find interest in these four musicians who only released one album. Let’s dive in, shall we?

4 Underrated Rock Musicians Who Only Released One Album

Emerging in the bustling London music scene of 1963, The Yardbirds quickly distinguished themselves as one of the most influential rock bands of their time. With a lineup that would see the likes of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page wielding the guitar, the group melded blues roots with innovative sounds, paving the way for hard rock and psychedelic music. Despite not reaching the commercial heights of some contemporaries, their impact on music’s evolution is undeniable. Here are ten tracks that showcase the Yardbirds’ vital contribution to the 60s rock landscape.

10 Yardbirds Songs That Defined 60s Hard Rock

Massachusetts State

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Dianna Carney

Meet Doc, a tiny Chihuahua with a big heart, now ready for adoption at Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a nonprofit foster-based rescue in Massachusetts. Weighing only 7 lbs, this 6-year-old sweetie is described as a "lovable and happy boy who will bring endless joy to your life."

Meet The Tiny Chihuahua With A Big Personality Looking For Love

Extroverts and Introverts. We are all one or the other. So what are the three most introverted Zodiac Signs? First, what does it mean to be introverted? Choosing the top 3 introverts was somewhat easier than choosing the top 3 extroverts.

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Introverts

Boston, MA

The Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts recently introduced two special poodles, Delia and Elle, who were found as strays in Boston just two days apart. Despite their initial separation, these poodles were reunited at the animal shelter, and it was immediately clear that they knew each other well. The shelter shared their heartwarming story, stating:

Meet Delia & Elle: The Stray Dogs Who Found Each Other Against All Odds

Bryce Gruber

The color yellow is gorgeous, eye-catching, and downright happy for most people. So much so that it's the main hue in the world-famous happy face—but science says it's not the best color to wear on a date.

You Shouldn't Wear Yellow on First Dates, Here's Why

Norfolk, VA

Cheryl E Preston

Fifty percent of Norfolk church has high blood pressure. 3WTKR reports that Pastor Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Guns of Second Calvery Baptist Church in Norfolk made a startling discovery in March. He asked congregants who had high blood pressure to stand and half of the congregation rose to their feet.

Virginia pastor reveals half of his African American congregation has hypertension

While helping create the hit band the Who, Pete Townshend did more than play the guitar as he wrote more than 100 songs for the group. And that doesn’t include the songs he wrote for his solo career. Having been part of the music industry for over 60 years, Townshend watched the industry change several times. And while a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the musician recently shared how the band didn’t make any money during their early years thanks to greedy managers.

Pete Townshend Recalls the “Criminals” That Stole the Who’s Money and Bought a “Palace in Venice”

NewsBreak

Lost Gem: Roberta Flack was mesmerizing on \"Where I'll Find You\"

In 1977, Roberta Flack was at the top of her game. A half decade into her Imperial Period as one of the most popular singers in...

Lost Gem: Roberta Flack was mesmerizing on "Where I'll Find You"

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