I love discovering the stories behind your favorite songs.
My book should be ready in late 2021.
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Styx was the ‘Second Coming’ in the 1970’s. A trio of talented singer/songwriters blessed the band with multi-platinum albums and sold out arenas. How did “Mr. Roboto” and its resulting tour split up the five-man power rock band from Chicagoland?
Justin Hayward and The Moody Blues received the greenlight to record their groundbreaking concept album – Days Of Future Passed. Why did the record company and album buyers initially balk at the release?
Read “Nights In White Satin” Pt 2
Through a series of happy accidents, The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” and its showcase album Days of Future Passed became not only big hits but also vanguards of progressive rock. So, how did the band’s success hinge on Belgians, backing tapes, and a bong?
Read “Nights In White Satin” Pt 1
In 1981, “In The Air Tonight” didn’t even crack the US Top 40. So why is it so popular today? What did Phil Collins mean when he sang about someone drowning? How was “the sleekest, most melodramatic drum break in history” created? How is it still influencing songs today? What does TV’s Miami Vice and a drumming gorilla for a candy bar commercial have to do with any of this?
Imagine being the opening act for Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix – all before your 21st birthday. Jim Peterik did it and not only had one of the fastest-selling singles from a major label but also went on to co-write some of the biggest rock anthems of the 80s. It all started with a hot girl, an anti-drug pamphlet and a fumbling audio engineer.
Can a one hit wonder be a hit – twice? This is more than a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story. It’s about how one person’s kindness can make all the difference. So why didn’t radio play Benny Mardones’ song?