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These are the most influential bands and solo artists in rock music from 1960 to today.
Paul McCartney has trophies, honors and accolades to fill a large warehouse. And they are deserved. His combination of raw talent, a stunning work ethic and a creative drive are the stuff of legend. But geniuses can be hard to work with and be incredibly demanding. In the waning years of The Beatles, McCartney’s drive…
Ghost made an immediate impression. Papa Emeritus wore a skull mask and dressed like a “demonic anti-Pope. He was backed by the Nameless Ghouls who were hidden behind silver masks with horns, satanic symbols and full-length hooded robes. It was a visual borne from a “love of horror films and the traditions of Scandinavian Metal.”…
The Beach Boys featured three talented brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, a cousin, Mike Love and a friend, Al Jardine. Of them all, the most talented and sensitive was Brian. Their first hit was “Surfin’ U.S.A.” which put new lyrics to a Chuck Berry riff. The Beach Boys were soon on a roll with…
Countless bands are remembered for one thing: a song, an album or even involvement in a notorious event. It’s unfair since bands are often more accomplished than they are given credit for and find that their catalog of accomplishments goes unrecognized. What’s really crazy is when they are remembered for is something that is not…
Navy towns are great places for Rock bands. You get on-the-job-training working clubs where the only real requirement is to play loud. Hailing from San Diego, in the mid ’60s, the Iron Butterfly were a five-man group with organist/vocalist/leader Doug Ingle, vocalist Darryl DeLoach, guitarist Danny Weiss, bassist Jerry Penrod and drummer Ron Bushy. They…
Warren Zevon always had a unique perspective. He earned it. After his first album bombed, Zevon found work writing commercial jingles. If that doesn’t alter your point of view, nothing will. His return was marked by a self-titled album which contained several classic songs including “Hasten Down The Wind” and “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” (both…
Countless groups have covered Chuck Berry. Nearly all stayed relatively close to the source. One notable exception was Electric Light Orchestra’s rendition of “Roll Over Beethoven.” Aside from the inescapable guitar riff, the song had definite “classical” overtones (figures, given the song’s title) with a creative arrangement. What made it work was the violins and…