Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” Record Review
The Eagles’ first reunion tour was a full-on shock to music fans who never thought they would play together again. After they parted in 1980, Don Henley was categorical all along, stating that the band would get back together “when hell freezes over.” Apparently, everyone was wrong. On Nov. 8, 1994, they released “Hell Freezes Over.” After appearing …
Gram Parsons: A Life Cut Short
Gram Parsons’ star blazed bright, but sadly, burned out far too soon. Born Ingram Cecil Connor III in Winter Haven, FL, his early life was badly shaken when his biological father committed suicide when he was 12. His mother quickly remarried, and young Gram took the surname of his step-father, Robert Parsons. For a time, …
The Iconic Early Days of MTV: An Interview with Neal Mirsky, Early MTV Producer
“I Want My MTV!” Who remembers the first time you heard that phrase? Did you ever realize the impact those 4 words would make? Today, we interview a true insider on the early days of MTV. In the beginning: “On Saturday, August 1, 1981, at 12:01 AM Eastern Time, MTV launched with the words “Ladies and …
The Police: “Outlandos d’Amour”
For a band that almost didn’t happen, the Police were truly outlaws, instead of “Outlaws of Love” by the end of their somewhat rocky road. Formed in London in 1977,the line-up consisted of primary songwriter Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums). Initially considered a “new wave band,” their style …
The Story Behind the Song: “Layla” by Eric Clapton
From the very first driving notes of the intro to the song “Layla,” written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, you know this tune’s gonna rock. Originally released by their group, Derek and the Dominos, in November 1970, the song initially wasn’t very popular. Two versions later it achieved chart success, the first in 1972 …
Where Are They Now? A Selection of 60’s Bands
One question we often hear from fans at Pop Daze is “Whatever happened to XYZ band or artist?” Sometimes seemingly successful bands suddenly disappear or fade quietly away. Often members of a band go on to very successful solo careers, while others move forward to have success with other bands. In our quest for knowledge …
Women of Soul: Breaking Barriers
When I started working on this article, “Women of Soul,” I was initially doing research on another article, “Women of Motown”. To my surprise, I discovered that many of the women who were on our most popular soul music singers list were not signed to this top-selling funk and soul music label. In order to …
Bernie Taupin: The Other Half of Elton John
Elton John (“EJ”) is an artist that almost everyone recognizes. But there’s another side to the singer’s success, and that’s his long-time lyricist partner, Bernie Taupin, or the other half of Elton John. Taupin has been writing the lyrics for one of music’s greatest showmen for over half a century. Yet, to many, he is …
John Lennon: We Can Only Imagine
What can I say about the late, great John Lennon that hasn’t already been said numerous times? He was a brilliant musician, an Avant Garde poet, an outspoken, and sometimes, rebellious visionary, and most certainly, an icon. He was a husband, a father, a lover, and an idol. He was a million different things to …
Neil Peart: The Drummer’s Drummer
Ask any drummer for their top 5 favorite drummers, and Neil Peart’s name will pop up on a larger percentage of those lists for a variety of reasons. Peart was a “drummer’s drummer,” so technically spectacular that he was nicknamed “The Professor” for his pure mastery of the craft. Peart elevated expectations for proficiency of …