What makes a great autobiography? Honesty, great stories, and the willingness of the author to really go deep. The following books have either stood the test of time, or have recently topped the charts and gotten enthusiastic reviews from critics and fans alike.  Sadly, two of our choices feature artists who have passed – David Bowie and … Continue reading 10 Great Classic Rock Autobiographies You Need to Read →

“Never one to think of himself, he puts everyone else first,” wrote Neil Young in a touching tribute to his late manager, Elliot Roberts.  Roberts, who was best known for his five-decade association with Neil Young, passed away on Friday.  He was 76.  His company, Lookout Management, announced his death but has not shared the … Continue reading Elliot Roberts, Manager for Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Dies at 76 →

June 23, 1974 – The first World Series of Rock concert sponsored by WMMS in Cleveland takes place at Cleveland Stadium.  The bill includes The Beach Boys, Joe Walsh & Barnstorm, Lynyrd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon and attracts over 80,000 fans.  The stadium is demolished in 1996, but not before fifteen more festivals occur. June 23, 1975 – Alice Cooper plummets from the stage … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 23 in Classic Rock →

In the fall of 1975, Bob Dylan launched the first leg of Rolling Thunder Revue – an unconventional trek that flouted accepted tour conventions by featuring an eclectic cast of characters who visited small, unusual venues with little advance notice. Dylan’s name rarely appeared on the tickets. In fact, he was simply one of many performers … Continue reading Watch ‘Hard Rain’ from Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story →

June 9, 1978 – The Rolling Stones release Some Girls, the first studio album recorded with Ronnie Wood.  The album goes on to sell over 6 million in the U.S. June 9, 1979 – The 2nd annual Texxas Jam takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The bill includes bands in this order:  TKO, Sammy Hagar, Nazareth, Van Halen, Boston, Heart and … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 9 in Classic Rock →

Netflix has released the first trailer for the highly anticipated Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story. The new documentary from award-winning director Martin Scorsese chronicles Bob Dylan’s famed 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour and features Dylan’s first on-camera interview in more than 10 years. “It wasn’t a success – not if you measure success … Continue reading Watch the First Trailer for ‘Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story’ →

Singer-Songwriter Leon Redbone died Thursday at the age of 69.  A talented musician and performer, Redbone was known for blending jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley-style music with comedy and vaudeville.  The news of his passing was announced in a characteristically whimsical fashion with the official statement putting his age at 127.  “It is with … Continue reading Leon Redbone Dies at 69 →

May 24, 1994 – Bret Michaels of Poison loses control of his Ferrari and crashes into a telephone pole in Burbank, CA.  He breaks his thumb, nose and collarbone, loses four teeth, cracks his sternum, and receives a hairline fracture of his upper jawbone. According to police reports, he passed out behind the wheel while driving. May 24, 1974 – David Bowie releases his 8th studio album Diamond Dogs. … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 24 in Classic Rock →

May 17, 1963 – The first Monterey Folk Festival takes place over three days in Monterey, California. The festival features Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary and Jerry Garcia.  It is the precursor to the infamous 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. May 17, 1987 – Tom Petty and his family barely escape a fire that engulfs their home in Encino, CA and destroys everything.  It is … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 17 in Classic Rock →

A new documentary on Robbie Robertson and The Band is in the works and expected to hit theaters this fall. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson And The Band chronicles the history of the group, from their start as The Hawks, to touring with Bob Dylan, … Continue reading Robbie Robertson and The Band Documentary Due Out This Fall →