October 18, 1974 – The Rolling Stones release It’s Only Rock N’ Roll, their 14th studio album. The album goes platinum, and features guest stars Kenney Jones, David Bowie, Billy Preston and Ian Stewart. October 18, 1974 – Al Green’s ex-girlfriend bursts into his bathroom and pours a pot of boiling grits in the tub, burning him badly, before going to the … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 18 in Classic Rock →

George Harrison was often referred to as “the quiet Beatle” — but context is important. When he got that nickname, George was not only the youngest member of the band, he was also — to use his words — “an economy class Beatle,” forever in the shadows of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In fact, … Continue reading George Harrison: 20 Essential Songs →

Jeff Lynne, best known as a founding member of Electric Light Orchestra but whose contributions to music extend far beyond the progressive pop-rock band, has received an O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. Lynne was named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this weekend along with an unusually extensive list … Continue reading ELO’s Jeff Lynne Receives OBE for ‘Services to Music’ →

A guitar played by Tom Petty during the 1987 Bob Dylan True Confessions tour is up for auction with a starting bid of $ 150,000. The 1965 Gibson SG Cherry Electric guitar has been signed “Tom Petty / ’88” by the beloved music legend in silver paint, and includes an 8″ x 10″ black and … Continue reading Tom Petty Touring Guitar, Traveling Wilburys Hat Up For Auction →

I only worked closely with Tom Petty once (yet in an odd way from afar), but it confirmed for me who he really was as a man and as a true musician, and that brought me a big smile. In 1991 Columbia Records released an amazing eclectic blues/rock album by a new gifted artist named … Continue reading Tom Petty — Can’t Believe He’s Gone →

Tom Petty died Monday evening at the age of 66. A statement released by Petty’s manager Tony Dimitriades on behalf of the family confirmed the news. “On behalf of the Tom Petty family we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty.” A report Monday afternoon … Continue reading Tom Petty Dies at 66 →

The life story of the legendary Roy Orbison whose career and personal narrative were fraught with struggle, setbacks, triumph and tragedy is the subject of The Big O: Roy Orbison, now getting underway.  The Big O: Roy Orbison is the first Orbison Estate authorized dramatic musical biopic; the film is being produced by Marty Katz … Continue reading First Ever Roy Orbison Biopic in the Works →

The Beatles may have famously refused to join the world of music streaming for years, but fans of the Fab Four received an early Christmas gift last week when much of the band’s catalog became available on streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music for the first time. And while the Beatles are securing a … Continue reading 5 Great Albums You Still Can’t Stream →