During his decades-long career, Afro-Mexican drummer and band leader Foreststorn “Chico” Hamilton would become incredibly influential in the ever changing and growing genre of jazz music. A subtle, yet creative drummer, he is best remembered for the series of quintents he led throughout 1955-1965. During that time, he and his jazz bands would play such […]

Starting out as the Dreamers, The Blossoms were probably one of the first girl groups ever to form, coming together in the 1950s before the “girl group sound” would explode later in the 1960s with bands such as The Chiffons, the Dixie Cups, the Ronettes and more. Formed when original band members Fanita James, sisters […]

With a career that spans over half a century, musician and singer/songwriter Labi Siffre remains relatively unknown to many music fans despite his vast influences in the music industry. Born in London, Siffre’s talent as a musician led him to play in prominent New York City Jazz clubs in the 60s and 70s (both on […]

Among the many iconic music moments on the documentary It Might Get Loud, Jack White’s favorite song stands out. He wordlessly pulls a twelve inch record out of a dusty sleeve and places the needle onto the wax. He doesn’t look at anything as he listens, unless you count a blank stare at the art […]

At the height of their rise in the mid-1960s The Supremes had risen to become—and still remain—America’s most successful vocal group, even rivaling The Beatles in terms of international popularity. Although the lineup changed dramatically throughout their run the core group of Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross are often recognized as the definitive lineup responsible for […]

Known best for fuzing Jazz and Hip Hop in a revolutionary, yet copacetic way, Keith Elam AKA Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) had a knack for combining different styles of music as well as mastering socially conscious songwriting. Guru, who passed away in 2010, left a discography spanning decades that continues to inspire and entertain […]

When people generally think about the origins of rock ‘n’ roll, immediate thoughts go to Elvis’s shaky legs, Chuck Berry’s tumbling and electrifying riffs, or Little Richard’s clunky piano backbeats. However, none of this would have been possible without the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Elvis studied her instrumentation carefully. She was the first to […]

Exploding into the late 70s rock scene with a penchant for 60s garage rock and girl group glam, The Rezillos have always stood out with their unique form of punk, heavy on the female-led vocals. While the Sex Pistols and The Ramones were setting the common footprint of punk with their leather jackets and catchy […]

Back when Patti Smith and her group were recording their third studio album, Easter, with producer Jimmy Iovine, her paths crossed with Bruce Springsteen who was in the same studio recording his highly regarded album Darkness on the Edge of Town. From this happenstance was born a little ditty called “Because The Night” which is […]

British post-punk rockers Gang of Four have been sharing their spirited sound and influencing the likes of Flea, Kurt Cobain and others since they formed in 1977. The group is currently scheduled to release their new album, What Happens Next, in February 2015, followed by a North American Tour.  The current lineup is fronted by sole original […]

Political, philosophical, intellectual and punk as fuck only begins to crack the realms of thought and attitude that Southern California punk staple, Bad Religion have shaped through their lyrically potent, heavy, guitar-fueled sound over the years. From their humble beginnings in a garage in the Valley back in 1980 to the present day, Bad Religion have […]

Vintage Gold: Small Faces – “Tin Soldier” – Classic Video Spearheaded by vivacious singer/guitarist Steve Marriott and bassist Ronnie Lane, along with keyboardist Ian McLagan and drummer Kenney Jones — Small Faces were a brilliant rock and roll band from London, England.  Their mod, r&b sound was fully fueled by Steve Marriott’s bluesy, soulful vocals and […]

Formed in L.A.’s golden years of hip-hop, J.J. Fad originally began as a six-piece female rap group. They slimmed down to three members after being plagued by management and financial issues, leaving MC J.B., Baby-D, and Sassy C with support by DJ Train. Discovered by Eazy-E, they released their 1987 hit single, “Supersonic” via Ruthless […]