The No. 1 Song On August 31, 1969 Sounds Even Wilder Today
The Rolling Stones were no strangers making to rowdy, rollicking music, and their No. 1 hit on August 31, 1969 was sounds even more wild today.
Read MoreThe Rolling Stones were no strangers making to rowdy, rollicking music, and their No. 1 hit on August 31, 1969 was sounds even more wild today.
Read MoreOn August 30, 1965, a folk rock legend released an album that did something pretty controversial for its time — it added electric guitars.
Read MoreAfter two major, lamentable events in 1968, the Rascals channeled their emotions into a serious yet uplifting hit song that proclaims freedom for all.
Read MoreWith its breezy lyrics about rainbows, sea turtles, and beach sunsets, this psychedelic smash hit from 1966 will still put you in a summer state of mind.
Read MoreWhile Sonny and Cher would eventually part ways and live separate lives, in the summer of 1965 they sang a charming duet that became a timeless classic.
Read MoreThe summer of 1967 was a historic one, marked by social unrest and a rising counterculture movement. Here are the hits that soundtracked those landmark months.
Read MoreIn August 1964, the Supremes shot to stardom with a breakout song that beautifully expresses the feelings of those left brokenhearted by someone they love.
Read MoreWith an upbeat melody and classic doo-wop vocal harmonies, this '60s hit masks lyrics that speak of someone who's eagerly looking forward to some payback.
Read MoreThis passionate bop reigned supreme at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on August 24, 1960, spending a total of five weeks at No. 1.
Read MoreDel Shannon, Connie Francis, and these other artists have largely faded from memory, but they were astonishingly popular in the 1960s.
Read MoreThis song, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and sung by Little Eva, was at No. 1 on August 21, 1962. It's even more delightful to hear today.
Read MoreIn summer 1969, people tuned into their radios and headed down to the record store to vote for the soundtrack of that remarkable and fondly remembered summer.
Read MoreOne of Creedence Clearwater Revival's most classic covers from 1969 was once recorded by Lead Belly, but he didn't write it. No one knows who did.
Read MoreCovered numerous times since its release in early 1964, this sweet, instantly recognizable song by Smokey Robinson was a No. 1 hit for the Temptations.
Read MoreMeet the forgotten American bands that borrowed from the British Invasion’s sound and style. They successfully transformed imitation into chart-topping success.
Read MoreIn the 1960s, a pioneering rock band teamed up with the era's most celebrated avant-garde artist, producing an album that paved the way for modern rock.
Read MoreJohn Lennon wrote a song for the Beatles in 1967 that was a studio masterwork, requiring George Martin to splice two very different recordings together.
Read MorePatti Smith was at the vanguard of punk rock in the '70s, yet one of her most iconic songs from 1975 was a reinterpreted and since much-covered '60s classic.
Read MoreThese drum solos from Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Ringo Star, Ron Bushy, and Ron Wilson blew audiences away in the 1960s and are classics still today.
Read MoreSixty years ago, John Lennon apologized for the remark that would lead the Beatles to quit touring until their finals show in 1969.
Read MoreThe last track of rock supergroup Cream's debut album was a trailblazer for future rock drummers, with Ginger Baker ripping a virtuoso extended drum solo.
Read MoreIf you're a '60s music buff, these albums by bands like the Beatles, The Band, Leonard Cohen, Otis Redding, and Bob Dylan should already be in your collection.
Read MoreIt took six years and recordings by three different artists to shape this song into the feel-good soundtrack staple we know today.
Read MoreSurf rock is one of rock 'n' roll's earliest popular sub-genres, and listening to any one of these will surely take you back to those 1960s California beaches.
Read MoreFrom the continued rise of the Jackson 5 to the Carpenters' take on a bank commercial, the fall of 1970 was an exciting time to turn on the radio and rock out.
Read MoreIf you're an audiophile and a 1970s enthusiast, your listening room will need an iconic lounge chair and some period-appropriate lighting, among other things.
Read MoreRecording studios like Abbey Road, Electric Lady, and Muscle Shoals delivered albums that became legendary. Here's what fans of '70s music can still see.
Read MoreThe turmoil of the 1970s was fertile ground for musical inspiration, and this punchy hit from August 1970 has a simple message that still rings true today.
Read MoreDolly Parton was thrilled when Elvis Presley asked to cover her 1974 hit "I Will Always Love You," but a late-night call and her savviness scuppered the deal.
Read MoreBass solos are a rare treat, and these five from John Entwistle, Chris Squire, Jaco Pastorius, Bootsy Collins, and Geddy Lee need to be heard by '70s diehards.
Read MoreThe 1970's was a good decade for supergroups, with acts like Crosby, Still, Nash & Young and Derek and the Dominos releasing songs that are even cooler today.
Read MoreFrom the depths of Bob Dylan's vast catalog to the once-ignored artist Nick Drake, we've gathered the essential tracks for any true folk-rock fan's playlist.
Read MoreIn 1970, some of the acts that dominated the '60s were still pushing out quality tunes, while new and emerging artists helped define the following decade.
Read MoreThe '70s were full of one-hit wonders, but Billboard charts put these songs, including "In the Summertime" and "The Lord's Prayer," at the head of the pack.
Read MoreThis is probably the song you think of when you think of Rod Stewart, but it was initially buried on the B-side of the lesser-known "Reason to Believe,"
Read MoreFrom Donna Summer's pioneering disco sounds to Barry Manilow's dulcet tones, these were the chart-busters that brought the heat in the summer of '77.
Read MoreDavid Bowie released several albums before 1972, but his performance of "Starman" on "Top of the Pops" that year defined glam rock and inspired new artists.
Read MoreIf the background harmonies on the lead single from Jackson Browne's debut album sound familiar, there's a really good reason for that.
Read MoreEmotions run deep and heavy in the confessional songs of the '70s, which helped make the decade a notably expressive era and still hold up today.
Read MoreProducers are the unsung heroes of the classic rock world, and these four ushered a stunning number of hits onto the Billboard Hot 100 in the '70s.
Read MoreFrom the timeless opening chords of Led Zeppelin's finest to Heart's menacing guitar chugathon, the '70s gave us an unforgettable riff year after year.
Read MoreRock music enjoyed one of its best years in 1971, and these timeless albums from the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones are the cream of the crop.
Read MoreThe music of the 1970s was basically an ode to dancing and romantic love, with songs by acts like Al Green and Stevie Wonder being great for the dance floor.
Read MoreThe Bee Gees were everywhere in the '70s, but it all started with their 1971 hit "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," which peaked at No. 1 55 years ago.
Read MoreWhile the Doobie Brothers have seen multiple peaks over the course of their career, one year in particular was undoubtedly when they hit their zenith.
Read MoreThe Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, held the No. 1 spot on Billboard with this song on August 3, 1979. Nearly five decades later, the song is even more funky.
Read MoreSession musician Steve Gadd played drums on countless songs in 1977 alone, so he can be forgiven for forgetting an epic solo on one of soft rock's defining LPs.
Read MoreThey're mixtape and wedding reception favorites, but these seemingly romantic '70s songs by the likes of Dolly Parton and Joe Cocker are not what they seem.
Read MoreIn the summer of 1975, the Top 10 hits were mostly an interesting mix of country-tinged rock and disco from acts like the Bee Gees, John Denver, and the Eagles.
Read MoreYears before he broke into the Top 10 himself, Bruce Springsteen wrote a sultry tune that would take the Pointer Sisters to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Read MoreWith a hand from the Bee Gees, this summertime No. 1 hit from 1977 revitalized the sole teen idol, and its desperate appeal to the heart still packs a punch.
Read MoreA Bruce Springsteen song from 1983 finally saw the light of day in 1987 when it was a hit for Joan Jett, who performed it in a film with Michael J. Fox.
Read MoreForeigner has decades of work in their catalog, but if we're being honest, one year clearly stands out as the best for their music: 1981.
Read MoreIn the 1980s, songs like "You Can Call Me Al," "Age of Consent," "Anesthesia," and these others had legendary bass lines that made the tracks stand out.
Read MoreThe 1980s were a formative time for numerous pop and rock subgenres, with songs like New Order's "Blue Monday" and Nirvana's "About a Girl" leading the way.
Read MoreIn the mid-'70s, three country music superstars, including Dolly Parton, decided to collaborate. Ten years later, their album was an award-winning smash hit.
Read MoreIn the mid '80s, Jimmy Page teamed up with Paul Rodgers and others to form a supergroup that, after two albums and a tepid reception, simply fizzled out.
Read MoreFrom the technical brilliance of Neil Peart to Phil Collins' emotional barrage, these '80s songs will be forever recognizable for their iconic drum solos.
Read MoreAfter being separated from their partner for months, this rocker-turned-balladeer poured their heart into a song that would top the charts in August 1989.
Read MoreLife-changing summers are worth writing about, and these rock songs capture the essence of them very well, with hits from Tom Petty to The Go-Go's.
Read MoreIn August of 1988, Steve Winwood had a hit song that stayed at No. 1 for four weeks. Today, the song sounds even more breezy and positive today.
Read MoreCyndi Lauper's first album, "She's So Unusual," delivered four Top 5 songs, but one was a last-minute addition worked up as a demo. That one went to No. 1.
Read MoreU2's 1987 album "The Joshua Tree" shot them into the stratosphere, and this song, which sat at No. 1 for two weeks, remains an ode to soul-searching today.
Read MoreTackling a perennially controversial topic, this August 1986 chart-topper was sung by a legendary artist who made her career by boldly defying norms.
Read MoreWritten for one of the biggest movie franchises of the '80s, this earworm from August 1984 had everyone sure who to call when things get spooky.
Read MoreNeil Diamond's version was a flop, but early rocksteady artists covered this song. That's where UB40 heard it, and their 1983 version was a huge hit.
Read MoreNot all of the best hits from the '80s have aged well, and this summertime smash from 1983 has lyrics that today's listeners will not mistake as being romantic.
Read MoreYou know it, heard it, and probably danced the routine to the title track of this legendary album by the King of Pop, which was a runaway success in the '80s.
Read MoreOne of the Rolling Stones' best '80s singles never topped the charts, but it stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 24 weeks -- a career best for the Stones.
Read MoreMore than 40 years after its six-week stint at No. 1, Survivor's first smash hit can still make you feel like you're ready to take on the world.
Read MoreCoinciding with the launch of MTV in August 1981 was this lively classic, which became an anthem for those with a crush on someone already spoken for.
Read MoreFrom Genesis' innovative "Land of Confusion" to Alice Cooper's seedy "Poison," these five videos offer a snapshot of rock 'n' roll in the 1980s.
Read MoreOut of the flop film "Xanadu" came a spark of magic in the form of this dreamy hit, which miraculously spent four weeks at No. 1 in the summer of 1980.
Read MoreIn 1991, rock music was permanently snapped in a new direction with the release of these seminal albums, making legends of bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Read MoreOn August 23, 1999, Christina Aguilera had her first No. 1 hit with this wishful song that stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks.
Read MoreIn the summer of 1998, two major R&B stars took false rumors of a feud and turned them into chart-topping rocket fuel, creating a hit for the ages.
Read MoreBack on August 20, 1996, this danceable song by Los del Rio and remixed by the Bayside Boys was No. 1 on the charts. You probably still know the moves today.
Read MoreTLC's longest-running No. 1 hit was at the top of the Billboard chart on August 19, 1995. The cautionary song about beautiful things sounds even more chill now.
Read MoreA surprise hit for an unsigned artist became one of the songs of the summer in 1994, and its searingly honest heartache still carries plenty of punch.
Read MoreOn August 17, 1993, a cover song by UB40 dominated the airwaves, sitting at No. 1 for a whopping seven weeks. Today, it sounds even more charming.
Read MoreWith gorgeous doo-wop harmonies and slick hip-hop production, the No. 1 song from August 16, 1992 is a timeless, nostalgic classic.
Read MoreThe No. 1 song on August 15, 1991 was part of a movie soundtrack, reflecting the relationship between the titular rogue and his love.
Read MoreThis breakthrough hit from one of the most astonishing singer-songwriters to come from the '90s entreats us all to adore ourselves, regardless of our woes.
Read MoreL7, Babes in Toyland, and the Lunachicks are a few of the all-female acts who helped spin hard rock, metal, and punk in new directions in the 1990s.
Read MoreHe had to clean toilets, but he also got to spend time learning at the studio where he worked as a janitor. Here's how that job shaped Trent Reznor's '90s hits.
Read MoreIf you're a classic rock fan looking to branch out, there's an entire world of under-the-radar genres such as acid folk and krautrock, waiting to be explored.
Read MoreVan Morrison is a singular artist who Rolling Stone once called a "visionary." Here's a look at his musical origins and how that's evolved over the decades.
Read MoreDuets from the classic rock era like "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," "Walk This Way," and "Close My Eyes Forever" all cracked Billboard's Top 10.
Read MoreChildren's books can have a lasting impact, including inspiring classic rock songs like CCR's "Lookin' Out My Back Door and the Cure's "Charlotte Sometimes."
Read MoreAutumn has been a source of inspiration for many musicians — it signifies the passage of time and aging and contains a calm but acute feeling of melancholy.
Read MoreDavid Crosby has quite a music career thanks to his work in the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, but he has also landed in hot water for his remarks.
Read MoreKeith Moon described drum solos, in his own words, as "boring," but some of his solos are heralded as some of the most iconic musical moments in rock history.
Read MoreBruce Springsteen is one of the best songwriters in rock history, with plenty of tracks about who he is, where he came from, and what matters most to him.
Read MoreIn the 1960s and '70s, these classic rock stars scored major, contemporary-sounding hits with tunes inspired by older songs from other languages.
Read MoreSome of rock's best songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, have drawn inspiration from Westerns by Sergio Leone, Sam Peckinpah, and more.
Read MoreThis iconic, consensus-building, genre-blending vocalist was born on August 28, 1965, and two of her songs have made it into outer space.
Read MoreDebbie Harry's success was a long time coming and not something the frontwoman — much different than her stage character would suggest — could've predicted.
Read MoreDaryl Hall has had great success both with Hall & Oates and as a solo artist, yet he's faced plenty of scrutiny from the media over his long career.
Read MoreThroughout his career, Neil Young has found time to stand up for what he sees as a huge problem: A decline in the quality and sonic fidelity of recorded music.
Read MoreSome folk rock tunes deal with feelings of aloneness, abandonment, and isolation, so we selected five of the best for when that feeling of loneliness kicks in.
Read MoreThe 1970s was one of the greatest decades for music, so it's no surprise that it also created some of the best music videos of all time.
Read MoreBreak out the eyeliner and Spandex. These five glam metal anthems prove the genre was more than just big hair, with songs worth belting out to this day.
Read MoreHere's the story of the often-tragic life, promising rise, and ultimate downfall of a truly overlooked and wholly unique luminary: singer-songwriter Judee Sill.
Read MoreThese No. 1 rock hits defied radio conventions. They proved that longer songs could still dominate the charts and become beloved radio classics.
Read MoreThis music icon is largely responsible for the richly textured harmonies and heartfelt vocals that characterize Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise".
Read MoreDolly Parton was an undeniable icon who had a long and prolific career, recording many songs that became bigger than country music.
Read MoreAs the Beatles' stature and influence grew throughout the '60s, Paul McCartney's songwriting services were sought out by rising folk rock stars from the U.K.
Read MoreWe're going to highlight a legitimately overlooked branch of music that lived, breathed, and oozed cool — a fusion of funk, jazz, post-hardcore, and more.
Read MoreSongwriters and musicians saw something so special in your favorite cinematic works that they adapted and interpreted them into short pop songs.
Read MoreDavid Bowie left behind nearly 30 studio albums, not to mention assorted rarities and special editions. Here are the cornerstones of any Bowie vinyl collection.
Read MorePicking five John Bonham drum solos is trickier than it sounds because it is largely the same piece ("Moby Dick") performed time and time again.
Read MoreIf any drummer could improvise his way out of a momentary rut, it was Neil Peart, which is exactly what he did in a solo from one of Rush's best-known songs.
Read MoreTo truly understand the history of classic rock, you've got to learn about some of the key guitarists who shaped everything else that came after.
Read MoreRock history is packed with killer guitar solos, many of which are famed for their length, so we found the absolute longest of the longest.
Read MoreWe break down how five classic rock bands surprised their fans by embracing pop. These mainstream hits then became defining moments in their careers.
Read MoreWhile some careers are built off of a steady buildup of successful tunes, others launch into the stratosphere with just a single hit.
Read MoreThere are some rock songs with a harmonica that stand out from the rest, and we're betting you already know — and love — our selections.
Read MoreGuitarists and singers may pull the most attention, and drums and bass may keep the rhythm flowing, but keyboards are fundamental to sound of rock and roll.
Read MoreVinyl covers range from works of art to sparse visuals to the controversial, but these five rock album covers include details you may have never noticed.
Read MoreFrom the howl of Axl Rose to Jim Morrison’s angst-filled wail, we've curated classic rock's most bone-shaking screams that still stun listeners today.
Read MoreWhile many legendary '70s acts have achieved success, there are countless talented musicians from the decade that deserve far greater praise than they received.
Read MoreZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died in August, 2026. Here, we take a look at some of his drum performances that help cement his place in rock history.
Read MoreThis folk musician was revered by his peers, and he wrote the Top 10 song, "Everybody's Talkin.'" He could have been famous, but he left the music industry.
Read MoreIn 2011, Rolling Stone readers voted that Led Zeppelin's legendary frontman, born on August 20, 1948, was the greatest lead singer of all time.
Read MoreIn 1969, between his stints in Cream and Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton briefly joined forces with Steve Winwood and two other rock heavyweights.
Read MoreWe've been treated over the years to music that invites us all to listen to a story — whether inspired by real events or sprung from the imagination.
Read MoreBorn in 1943, Barry Manilow was in his 30s by the time his career as a piano-playing, songwriting, melancholy balladeer of love songs took him to superstardom.
Read MoreSome classic rock songs hit wax and record stores bearing the name of a band that didn't have much to do with the song listed on the label.
Read MoreFrom Queen to Trent Reznor, these five electric David Bowie collaborations brought music legends together to create some unforgettable songs.
Read MoreSongs like Elton John's "Rocket Man," Rush's "2112," and Nirvana's "Scentless Apprentice" come with literary pedigrees that might surprise you.
Read MoreAwards and critical acclaim followed Chris Cornell, but it was obvious that none of that mattered to him. For him, it was all about the music.
Read MoreDespite being released in the '60s, a song performed by Jefferson Airplane drew attention once more after being used in this film over 50 years later.
Read MoreBrian Wilson was very impressed by this sensational singer, who left a lasting legacy and a hall of fame career that leaves her in the GOAT conversation.
Read MoreIf you've heard this ZZ Top song and felt it sounded like something out of The Rolling Stones' mind, it's because it was heavily inspired by the English band.
Read MoreFrom chart-topping ballads to dance hall hits, we're rounding up five unforgettable male duets that unite legendary singers with distinctive voices.
Read MoreDavid Bowie was so inspired by George Orwell's "1984" that he hoped to write a TV musical based on it. Instead, he recorded these songs on "Diamond Dogs."
Read MoreOne of the biggest bands of the '70s got its start as Linda Ronstadt's backing band when she played Disneyland's Grad-Nite in 1971. Here's how it happened.
Read MoreTake two classic rock giants, such as David Bowie and Mick Jagger, put them together, and what do you get? Magic, that's what, and these are the best examples.
Read MoreThe 1960s were incredibly fertile years for musical experimentation, where drummers like these really pushed the boundaries of what rock and roll sounded like.
Read MoreOver Cher's career, she has keenly picked up on musical and cultural trends and run with them while also pioneering many of her own.
Read MoreThere's no doubt Elton John is a musical genius, but his words can be a tad hard to understand sometimes. Here are some of his famous lyrics fans often mishear.
Read MoreThe technical term for a misheard lyric or phrase is "mondegreen," and you can find plenty folk rock songs that you've probably been singing wrong.
Read MoreFrom alternating hand-foot triplets to even hand-drumming to expanded live versions, this 1969 drum solo changed rock history forever.
Read MoreIn 1986, the Bearded Ones (and Frank) took a break from signature bawdy hits like "Legs" and "Tush" to deliver a slowed-down power ballad.
Read MoreCombining the soaring complexity of orchestral arrangements with rock music has produced must-have magical albums by the likes of Wings and David Bowie.
Read MoreSome of the best and most iconic bands in classic rock were British. Groups like the Beatles had major chart success, and their influence still reverberates.
Read MoreThe 1970s were great years for rock and roll, but with the floodgates well and truly open, plenty of great songs got lost in the rush of new material.
Read MoreCat Stevens stormed the folk rock and pop world in the early '70s before converting to islam in 1977 and taking a break from music for almost 30 years.
Read MoreIn 1968, Iron Butterfly drummer Ron Bushy unleashed a masterful solo that has influenced scores of drummers ever since, including the Beatles' Ringo Starr.
Read MoreThere's something so nostalgic about summer love. Learn the stories behind five classic love songs that capture fleeting end-of-summer romance.
Read MoreNo one agrees on what constitutes "good" music. And even legendary musicians have produced work that falls flat with their most dedicated fans.
Read MorePhil Collins' drum performances in songs like "Supper's Ready," "Watcher of the Skies," and "Nuclear Burn" prove he deserves his spot in rock drummers' history.
Read MoreShakespeare's plays and poems were all written more than 400 years ago, but their influence has reverberated through the centuries.
Read MoreRush's Neil Peart is a legendary drummer known for his awe-inspiring drum kit and incredible technical-yet-musical chops. Here are five of his best solos.
Read MoreIn August 1985, one particular band scored their second No. 1 hit that year, and it's a song about the cathartic release of emotional pain.
Read MoreSome songs in the rock genre are actually deeper than you think. These five tracks in particular were inspired by stories told in classic literature.
Read MoreClassic rock bands pioneered the epically long song. These lengthy tracks from bands like the Allman Brothers, Genesis, and Pink Floyd sound even cooler today.
Read MoreStevie Nicks is no stranger to heartache, and she's dropped a collection of fiery songs tailor-made for listeners in need of support while navigating break-ups.
Read MoreStephen Stills is best known for being in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash, but also he formed a largely forgotten super group in the early '70s.
Read MoreDrum solos require skill and stamina, and drummers like John Bonham, Neil Peart, Ian Paice, and Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzman play some of the longest ones.
Read MoreIn addition to soaring vocals, searing guitar licks, and heavy drums, the biggest stars of rock occasionally turn things over to a sax player and let them rip.
Read MoreSteely Dan's perfectionism brough out career defining performances from elite session musicians, from Jeff "Skunk" Baxter to Larry Carlton.
Read MoreIn the decade since David Bowie died of liver cancer, his star may have dimmed, which is a shame since he is required listening for younger generations.
Read MorePatti Smith's body of work is full of classics that deserve to be remembered, embraced, and studied by a new generation of listeners
Read MoreFrom Roger Daltrey's stutter on "My Generation" to the indecipherable lyrics of "Louie Louie," accidents made these legendary rock songs even better.
Read MoreThe Rolling Stones are some of the architects of rock 'n' roll, but they dipped their toes into disco to create this sultry song that hit No. 1 in August 1978.
Read MoreThe 1960s were one of the most explosively creative decades in music history, but the albums that kicked off the decade that followed were hardly slouches.
Read MoreThere's a timeless, pan-rock quality to Sheryl Crow's music, one that crosses genres, generations, and listeners' backgrounds to lift her into rock's pantheon.
Read MoreThere are a few well-known classic rock hits whose origins will probably forever be unclear — they have no definitively known songwriter.
Read MoreRingo Starr has continued to prove his legendary status even after the Beatles broke up, and his former bandmates have a lot to say about him.
Read MoreThe 1970s were the heyday of classic rock, when many bands released their most iconic albums. None achieved the chart success that these ones did though.
Read MoreBruce Springsteen is one of the foremost poets of classic rock, crafting songs that speak to his complicated love for his country and its people.
Read MoreBruce Springsteen's body of work has masterfully crossed many genres for decades and counting, so it's no surprise that so many have covered him.
Read MoreFrom the intimidating-looking Gibson EDS-1275 to the storied 1957 Fender Stratocaster, these guitars are just as iconic as the rock legends who've played them.
Read MorePaul Simon's song output is vast, including folk-rock, lots of '70s hits, and world music. For the uninitiated, we recommend these five nearly perfect songs.
Read MoreBruce Springsteen's 1987 album "Tunnel of Love" included songs like "Brilliant Disguise," and "One Step Up," which were about his marriage struggles.
Read MoreVinyl lovers should already own these five greatest hits compilations by Queen, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Read MoreNeil Young's output over six decades ranges from folk-country to raw rock to more experimental pursuits, but diehard fans should own these five albums.
Read MoreFrom a curious credit in a Ray Manzarek album to her childhood literary inspiration, there are plenty of hidden gems in punk rock pioneer Patti Smith's life.
Read MoreSeptember has become the subject of so many heart-wrenching — and epic — rock songs, from Daughtry to Green Day to a couple bands you're sure to love.
Read MoreWhitney Houston's extraordinary success came at the heavy price of withering media coverage of her personal life, which she discussed at length in 2009.
Read MoreLife-changing injuries and grave illnesses didn't stop these rockers from belting out hits, and some even delivered the best performances of their careers.
Read MoreMusic history is dotted with supergroups, but how many of these were formed and led almost exclusively by women? Never fear: We've found some of the best.
Read MoreFrom Carly Simon's famous veiled excoriation to Joni Mitchell's lamentation of urban blight, these female-penned folk rock hits still shine decades later.
Read MoreFrom oil-themed wit to the theme song for a Hollywood rom-com, Dolly Parton has never been satisfied to rest on her traditional country music laurels.
Read MoreFrom forming cult bands to producing numerous hits with legends such as Patti Smith, Todd Rundgren's self-determination has been the key to his success.
Read MoreFrom humble roots in rural Tennessee, Dolly Parton rose to become a country music legend and household name, and she never let a bad joke get her down.
Read MoreFor most people, breakups are a fact of life. So if you're getting cold feet, enduring a split, or in need of some healing vibes, Dolly Parton's got your back.
Read MoreCountry star Emmylou Harris broke out in 1975 with a series of acclaimed covers, including one duet that was originally written by the Louvin Brothers.
Read MoreFrom the foot-stomping music of Mumford & Sons to the honest, timeless power of Tracy Chapman, folk rock can excite a crowd even when it doesn't go electric.
Read MoreCyndi Lauper has never let anyone put her in a box, and her classic hits such as "Time After Time" are a result of her refusal to bend to anyone else's will.
Read MoreIf you can turn down Elvis Presley covering your music, you've got something special, and Dolly Parton's songs have found their way into multiple genres.
Read MoreIn 1993, Paul McCartney teamed up with Martin Glover, aka Youth, to produce one of his lesser-known projects, a synth-heavy yet impressive studio band.
Read MoreFrom birth to marriage, divorce, and the many, many birthdays we will all hopefully celebrate, folk rock icons such as Joan Baez have our soundtrack covered.
Read MoreAs co-founder of Sonic Youth and a highly influential figure in the art community, Kim Gordon has some wise words about persevering in pursuit of your dreams.
Read MoreFrom a tribute to Amy Winehouse to a heartfelt ode to her absent partner, Patti Smith's poetic genius shone through in just about any genre she chose.
Read MoreCombining wistful reminiscing and hope, these duets from classic icons such as Nat King and Natalie Cole hit the mark for an emotional father-daughter dance.
Read MoreWith a career that spans well over half a century, Dolly Parton's catalog has a few lesser-known gems that were inspired by some key moments in her life.
Read MoreSometimes, if you want a job done right, you've got to do it yourself. Such was the drive behind such producer-performers as Dave Grohl and Jimmy Page.
Read MoreThe supremely gifted Jim Morrison didn't think he'd become a singer, at least not consciously. But his encouragement to follow our dreams is worth heeding.
Read MorePrince fought a fierce battle to regain ownership and control of his music, even resorting to adopting a new identity to confound his old record label.
Read MoreCarly Simon rose to stardom in the '70s and, despite some of the toughest life challenges, has kept her music as her strength and muse through it all.
Read MoreFamed for his distinctive shimmering, effects-laden sound, this acclaimed Irish guitarist may have reached his mid-60s, but his music is just as fresh as ever.
Read MoreAfter a series of polarizing albums, Metallica's front man James Hetfield had some hard-earned words of wisdom about getting out of your comfort zone.
Read MoreWith over 400 awards to her name and the longest streak of No. 1 hits to date, this legendary singer came a long way from her humble roots over 60 years ago.
Read MoreBefore Beach Boy and musical genius Brian Wilson's brainwave, musicians had to record complete takes, but his now-ubiquitous technique would end all that.
Read MoreAfter facing years of resistance from a notoriously sexist music industry, Joan Jett has shrugged off labels in favor of a firm belief in self-determination.
Read MoreFrom lead singer of Iron Maiden to airline pilot, beer brewer, and fencing champion, Bruce Dickinson's advice for doing it all is to take it step by step.
Read MorePlaying to the home crowd isn't always a winner. From Jennifer Rush to Ozzy Osbourne, the best audiences for their power ballads were to be found abroad.
Read MoreStevie Wonder was a young musical prodigy who, after building an extraordinary legacy, has used his global influence to promote accessibility for all.
Read MoreThink Bee Gees and you likely think disco, but from their early days as Beatles wannabes through their pre-disco experimentation, they had far more to offer.
Read MoreBeing the lead guitarist of Queen made Brian May a legend, but he didn't rest on his laurels, finishing his doctorate and making plenty more great music.
Read MoreKeyboardists are often the unsung heroes of rock, but these iconic songs from the Doors to the Beatles were lifted to greatness by expert work on the keys.
Read MoreBuddy Guy overcame poverty and discrimination to become a blues legend, but he has long maintained that his music is a joyful salve to his listeners' woes.
Read MorePJ Harvey gives us our quote of the day. She talks about how the world and its conflicts affect humanity internally and how she processes that in her music.
Read MoreAs expected, Rockstar Games didn't skimp on the music selection for "Grand Theft Auto 6" — so far, there's a lot to look forward to.
Read MoreTom Jones made a living out of doing what he loved, but he says he's grateful for his "real world experience" prior to his dreams coming true.
Read MoreIn the spring of 1966, Paul McCartney and William S. Burroughs sat together chatting at a luxury apartment in London. Here's the story of their relationship.
Read MoreLooking to buy a record player but don't know where to start? These are the best vinyl record players available out there for your time and money.
Read MoreShe was a standout voice in the Mamas and the Papas, but Elliot Cass never felt the group reflected her as an artist. Here are her thoughts on that.
Read MoreStarring in movies, TV, and commercials, these fictional bands may not have been real, but they featured very real, and very well-known, musicians.
Read MoreThe most profitable aspect of modern celebrity musicianship is touring, which provides an opportunity for performers to gain incredible wealth.
Read MoreSinger-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot used his music to pour careful, keen, and kind insight into the human condition and was willing to explore his own feelings.
Read MoreWhether playing with ska-punkers No Doubt or in her solo career, Gwen Stefani is an artist who has always found success by marching to the beat of her own drum.
Read MoreMusicians and fashion have always been entwined, and performers are often at the edge of fashion boundaries. But sometimes, they really turn up the shock dial.
Read MoreThe amount of time your vinyl record player lasts depends on a number of factors. Here's what they are, as well as some tips to further increase its lifespan.
Read MoreGuitar picks offer finer control and prevent calluses, but their lifespan depends heavily on the material used, as well as how hard and often you shred.
Read MoreToday's quote from Pink Floyd's legendary guitarist reminds us about the fleeting nature of even of our greatest accomplishments.
Read MoreThe shelf-life of a one-hit wonder can vary dramatically, based on a variety of circumstances, and sometimes that means it can become a hit all over again.
Read MoreOn August 12, 1991, one of the most famous heavy metal bands in history released an album that would eventually go double-diamond, and it's all-American.
Read MoreZakk Wylde played with Ozzy Osbourne for years, along with fronting bands Pride & Glory and Black Label Society, and he says it's still important to practice.
Read MoreEveryone knows the trope of starting a band in a garage. Well, these legendary bands are the reason that trope exists. Remember that when your neighbor is loud.
Read MoreOut of the many rock songs that are centered around eclipses, here are the ones everyone should listen to if they're interested in the cultural phenomenon.
Read MoreCountry legend Dolly Parton also embraced rock music, and after her death, tributes poured forth from icons of the rock 'n' roll community such as Mick Jagger.
Read MoreDays before her death, music legend Dolly Parton posted a video one of her biggest hits of all time on Instagram and celebrated its anniversary.
Read MoreThe microphone fell silent for one of the world's most universally beloved musicians and all-around, authentically down-to-earth people — Dolly Parton.
Read MoreIn 2011, Mick Jagger released an experimental album with artists from various genres. SuperHeavy was nothing like the Rolling Stones, but it was a cool project.
Read MoreWhile the late actor Tim Curry is arguably best known for his role in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," he also had a minor hit song in 1979.
Read MoreWhen established rock artists have mentored emerging musicians, those relationships have meant a lot to both parties. These were some of the greatest mentors.
Read MoreThe Bee Gees are largely remembered for their contribution to the disco era, and some of those songs are still among the best in their catalog to dance to.
Read MoreSome of the greatest self-taught guitarists in rock history are not household names; however, they're the musicians even famous artists revere. Here's a look.
Read MoreSiouxsie Sioux was the rare frontwoman in punk when the genre was emerging, so her unique perspective about what drove her is our quote of the day.
Read MoreMany of The Bee Gees' songs, including "Alone" and "How Deep Is Your Love," are full of hard-to-understand lyrics that fans have been singing wrong for years.
Read MoreFrom scorching saxophones to uplifting guitar riffs, yacht rock has its fair share of astounding and technically impressive solos on some high-charting songs.
Read MoreSoft rock duets are mostly a thing of the past, but classic pair-ups like Elton John and Kiki Dee's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" live on.
Read MoreKate Bush is the original artist of this well-known, trendy song, but it was thanks to a British rock band that it became popular again many years later.
Read MorePlenty of rock acts have drawn from country for their work, with the results ranging from near-satires to wild reimaginings to straightforward rerecordings.
Read MoreShe may be the Godmother of Punk, but Patti Smith is a diehard Bob Dylan fan and often covers his songs in her live shows and special events.
Read MoreLeonard Cohen's lyrics were often poetic and cerebral. Introspection seemed to be his default state, and this quote of the day speaks to his perspective.
Read MoreThe Bee Gees are known for getting people on the dance floor, so their music translates well for working out. Here are five bangers to get you moving.
Read MoreNo matter how many times prog rock is left for dead and then brought back to life, it always manages to score some hits along the way.
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