New Jersey State

Columbus, OH

American Songwriter

Considering their peerless reputation among rock aficionados, The Band released a relatively small amount of original music in their prime era together. Considering one of their albums was given over completely to cover songs only makes that catalog seem even narrower. But when you hear that covers record, it’s hard...

Behind the Album: ‘Moondog Matinee,’ an Ace Covers Album from The Band

Disco, the glittering genre that dominated the dance floors of the 1970s and early 1980s, remains a timeless celebration of rhythm and glamour. Originating from a fusion of funk, soul, and pop, disco music captured the spirit of liberation and joy with its infectious beats and dazzling melodies. As we dive into the top 15 best disco songs of all time, we journey through the vibrant era that brought us iconic dance anthems and unforgettable grooves. From the groundbreaking hits that shaped the genre to the tracks that continue to make us move, these selections represent the pinnacle of disco’s influence on music and culture. Each song on this list is a testament to the genre’s ability to evoke joy and encourage self-expression, whether through the classic sound of Donna Summer’s empowering anthems or the irresistible rhythm of the Bee Gees. Join us as we celebrate the quintessential disco tracks that not only defined a generation but also continue to resonate across the decades, proving that the spirit of disco is as alive today as it ever was.

15 Best Disco Songs of All Time

There were several recording stars in the 1890s and early 1900s who were known for performing ragtime songs, but one of the most famous of these was Len Spencer. His history as a ragtime singer is rather unusual, and actually includes some unexpected approval from black listeners of his recordings. While he wasn’t technically the best of these ragtime singers, his energy and style in the genre are notable.

Len Spencer: Ragtime and the Dawn of Recording

Ginger Baker made his mark on the London music scene in the 1960s, starting in jazz clubs. However, his powerful drumming style didn’t quite fit the subtlety of jazz, leading him to explore blues and rock. This experimentation brought him together with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton, and in 1966, they formed the legendary band Cream. Throughout his career, Baker also played with bands like Blind Faith and Hawkwind, and collaborated with Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.

10 Songs That Cemented Ginger Baker’s Legendary Reputation

Philadelphia, MS

Marty Stuart is more than a country music star. He’s also a passionate historian of the genre. Over the years, he has amassed one of the world’s largest collections of country music instruments, memorabilia, and other items. Recently, he added his massive collection to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Marty Stuart’s Massive Collection of Country Music Artifacts Joins the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Covering a classic rock song is a bold move. The original tracks have left such strong marks on music history, they’re almost sacred. Despite the risk, many modern artists have taken on the challenge, hoping to pay homage to these legendary tunes. Yet not all succeed in capturing the essence of the originals, and some end up creating versions that stray too far from what made the classics so beloved in the first place. Here, we delve into eight cover songs that unfortunately fell short of their ambitious goals.

8 Worst Classic Rock Cover Songs by Modern Artists

Welcome to a blues guitar extravaganza. The aim of this feature is to study and apply some of the technical and musical concepts employed by 30 top blues guitar icons from the 1950s right up to the 2000s. To provide a full overview of 50 years of blues guitar innovation,...

What do the finest blues guitarists of the past 60 years have in common? From B.B. King to Eric Gales, these are the technique secrets behind 30 of the most iconic players

Los Angeles County, CA

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

Herbie J Pilato

It's been 33 years since actress Nancy Kulp died of cancer in 1991 at 69. Best known as Miss Jane Hathaway on TV's classic country comedy, The Beverly Hillbillies(CBS, 1962-1971, Kulp was a trailblazing political advocate. She was a Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district. She later worked as an artist-in-residence at Juniata College and taught acting. And she was also gay. Long divorced, she came out of the closet at the age of 67 and acknowledged she was a lesbian. This is her story.

The Secret Gay Life of Nancy Kulp ('The Beverly Hillbillies'): 33 Years After Her Tragic Death

Barneveld, NY

Beloved teacher, clarinetist, and bandleader Don Cantwell celebrated his 100th birthday with 100 friends, family, and past and current students at Unity Hall in Barneveld, New York. His jazz band, the Clef Dwellers (a group including his alumni students and other prominent local musicians), accompanied Don on the clarinet as they performed traditional jazz tunes and other old favorites. Don was featured soloist on “Memories of You” and “When You’re Smiling.” He introduced “Memories of You” with a personal story about hearing Benny Goodman play the tune in New York in 1942. It was a life changing experience for him. Ever the teacher, Don couldn’t help giving those assembled a lesson in “Diaphragmatic Breathing,” his key to being a top musician and performer.

Musician Don Cantwell Plays Hot at his 100th Birthday Bash

Thank you for featuring Arbors Records above the fold (“Rachel Domber and Arbors: A Great Jazz Legacy Continues,” TST, August 2024). During my 2007 interview with Mat Domber he offered two memorable quotes. “I’m not a musician. I decided I would leave the music to the musicians. Occasionally I might have an opinion, but I don’t know as much about music as Ruby Braff or Kenny Davern or any of these people. But a strange thing started to happen, they would ask me for my opinion. I was always very flattered when Kenny Davern would say, ‘Well which take did you prefer?’ And I’d think to myself, My God, you’re asking me?” And this gem: “Good music is good music. If you label something as Dixieland, people think of Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, of sleeve garters and striped shirts. They forget the musical importance of that style and the difficulty of creating it. It’s a kind of music that’s so easy to play poorly and so difficult to play well.” Mat and Rachel Domber = Jazz Heroes.

Letters September 2024

The world of music has been shaped by countless extraordinary talents, but few have left as indelible a mark as the guitar legends who have defined genres, inspired generations, and pushed the boundaries of what the instrument can do. From the electrifying riffs that get your heart racing to the soulful solos that speak directly to your soul, these guitarists have done it all. Whether you’re a fan of rock, blues, metal, or jazz, these virtuosos have set the standard for excellence, creativity, and sheer passion.

15 Best Guitar Players of All Time

Singers are individuals who use their voices to perform music, conveying emotions, stories, and artistic expressions. They come in various styles and genres, from classical and opera to pop, rock, and jazz. Singers may perform solo or as part of a group, such as a band or choir. Their vocal techniques involve control over pitch, tone, and rhythm, and they often undergo training to refine their skills. Beyond technical proficiency, effective singers connect with audiences through their interpretive abilities and emotional delivery. Singers play a crucial role in the music industry, influencing trends, shaping popular culture, and creating memorable experiences for listeners.

15 Best Singers of All Time

Guitar Player

One can certainly be forgiven for hearing the name Derek Trucks and immediately jumping to thoughts of slide guitar.He's indisputably one of the world's best blues slide players – those skeptical need only watch the ever-viral clip of him leaving both B.B. King and John Mayer slack-jawed during a live slide workout. But to put the Tedeschi Trucks Band co-leader and latter-day Allman Brothers Band co-six-string-anchor in a blues box, so to speak, would be a grave mistake.Though the blues is and always has been a huge part of his guitar vocabulary, Trucks has also often been vocal about more...

Derek Trucks on channeling the intensity and free spirit of jazz into his guitar work, and recording with the genre's giants

This is in all ways an astoundingly good album of timeless jazz. I am primarily impressed by the pure musicianship, but also the stylistic vision, arrangements, and a choice selection of titles that gives the album a broad appeal. Ricky Alexander knew what he was going for and brought it together.

Ricky Alexander • Just Found Joy

Instrumental music possesses a unique charm, transcending language and verbal expression to evoke emotions and tell stories purely through sound. This genre, free from lyrics, allows listeners to immerse themselves in the nuances of melody, harmony, and rhythm. From the stirring orchestral pieces of classical music to the innovative arrangements of modern genres, instrumental songs have captivated audiences across generations. In this article, we explore the Top 15 Best Instrumental Music Songs of All Time, showcasing a diverse array of tracks that have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Beethoven’s compositions, the cinematic grandeur of movie scores, or the groundbreaking experiments of contemporary artists, each song on this list represents a milestone in the evolution of instrumental music. These selections highlight the artistry and creativity of musicians who have mastered the art of expressing profound emotions and ideas without uttering a single word. Join us as we journey through these unforgettable pieces that continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

15 Best Instrumental Music Songs of All Time

My professional baseball career happened entirely inside my head. What went on in there may or may not interest you, but for me it—both the career and the brain-picture of it—was marked by an unforgettable encounter with a retired pro and a great pianist. This will take some...

A Headful of Baseball and Keys: Encounters with Joe Robichaux

It's been eight years since former TV child star Sawyer Sweeten, best known from Everybody Loves Raymond, died tragically by suicide at only 19 years old. Sawyer Sweeten, his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten, and their older sister Madylin, played Ray Romano's TV children on Everybody Loves Raymond, the Emmy-winning sitcom that originally aired on CBS 1996 to 2005.

The Tragic Suicide of Former TV Child Star Sawyer Sweeten ('Everybody Loves Raymond'): 9 Years Later

Arizona State

Scottsdale, AZ

Citing a diminishing population of traditional jazz fans and declining attendance, Society president and Festival director Helen Daley released a statement that the upcoming Arizona Classic Jazz Festival (Oct. 31-Nov. 3) would be the last festival in a 35-year run, and that the Arizona Classic Jazz Society, which was organized in 1984, would hold its final concert-meeting on December 1, 2024.

This year’s Arizona Classic Jazz Festival will be the last

Kentucky State

Kentucky Headhunters co-founder Greg Martin was a senior in high school when he first heard the Allman Brothers Band “At Fillmore East.” Like so many guitarists, for Martin, the moment was a revelation. “Dickey [Betts] had the sweetest tone and phasing,” Martin said in VG’s memorial to the late legend. “There was no mistaking it whenever his guitar came on the radio.” In further tribute, Greg grabbed his ’58 Gibson Les Paul to demonstrate a few licks that carry Dickey’s weighty influence. Read the memorial in the July issue. Read Now!

Greg Martin honors Dickey Betts

Who are the greatest guitarists of all time? This question sparks endless debates among music lovers. From rock legends to blues icons, guitarists have shaped the soundtracks of our lives. Imagine the electrifying solos, the soulful riffs, and the unforgettable melodies that have left audiences in awe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, this list will take you on a journey through the careers of the top 20 guitarists who have left an indelible mark on music history. Ready to dive into the world of six-string virtuosos? Let’s get started!

Top 20 Guitarists of All Time

NewsBreak

Erskine Hawkins: Profiles in Jazz

He was billed as “the 20th Century Gabriel” because of his high-note work and flamboyant solos. Very popular during his heyday and the leader of one...

Erskine Hawkins: Profiles in Jazz

Comments / 0