“Rocket 88”: One of The Pioneering Songs of Rock
There are a handful of songs that can be credited for moving the needle on rock music. The 1951 single, “Rocket 88,” is one of ’em as Kit O’Toole explains.
Little Richard: Long Live the Architect of Rock
The loss of Little Richard has ginned up lots of memories. This one, from a Grammy ceremony, perfectly sums up how he set the tone for rock.
Link Wray and the Impact of “Rumble”
May 2 marks guitarist Link Wray’s birthday. We honor it with a look at his signature song — one that influenced a generation of rock stars.
“Sixty Minute Man” – He’ll Rock You and Roll You
“Sixty Minute Man” is one of those early rock hits that presaged some of the sexier songs to come. But few would outrank its nascent raunchiness.
Alan Freed & Dick Clark: Two Stories, One Scandal
Disc jockey Alan Freed has long been the “face” of the 50s Payola Scandal. But it nearly engulfed another icon, too. How did their two stories differ?