‘Lovin’ You’: Minnie Riperton Soars, With Stevie Wonder’s Help
The tragedy of Minnie Riperton’s death from cancer at the age of just 31 in 1979 is a story for another day. For now, we’re...
‘Wings Over America’ Tour: Paul McCartney’s Prodigious Wingspan
The tour that produced the triple album Wings Over America, and saw Paul McCartney and his band playing his first US shows since the days...
‘Leon Russell & The Shelter People’: A ‘Driving, Dynamite Rock Package’
History tends to record the commercial breakthrough of Oklahoma singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and session man supreme Leon Russell arriving with 1972’s Carney. Less attention is afforded...
Havin’ Fun: The Wonderful World Of Bing Crosby And Louis Armstrong
Bing Crosby was one of the most successful stars in the history of show business. He was best known as a singer – selling more...
‘Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch’: Frank Zappa’s Unlikely Hit
In September 1982, a curious thing happened. Frank Zappa, a consistent critic of US mainstream culture since he emerged in the 60s with the Mothers...
Blue Note And Hip-Hop: How A Jazz Label Continues To Shape Music
The idea that jazz and hip-hop were two fruits from the same tree was contentious to some people – especially old-school jazz buffs – when,...