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Articles by Kaili Bisson
Monterey Pop Festival: Al Kooper
Who Is Al Kooper? Al Kooper is a highly influential musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer who has made significant contributions to the music industry. He is probably best known for his work as a session musician, particularly on keyboards and guitar. He was born on February 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, and made his professional debut at the age of 14 in the Royal Teens, who had a hit with the song "Short Shorts" in 1958.
The Story Behind the Song "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
Who Is Van Morrison? Van Morrison is a renowned Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. Born on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Morrison is known for his distinctive voice, soulful delivery, and blending of various musical genres. Morrison was exposed to music as a lad, due to his father's love of American blues and country greats, including Muddy Waters, Lead Belly and Hank Williams.
The Story Behind the Song "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
Who Is Van Morrison? Van Morrison is a renowned Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. Born George Ivan Morrison on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Morrison is known for his distinctive voice, soulful delivery, and blending of various musical genres. Morrison was exposed to music as a lad, due to his father's love of American blues and country greats, including Muddy Waters, Lead Belly and Hank Williams.
Monterey Pop Festival: Country Joe and the Fish
Country Joe and the Fish Country Joe and the Fish was an American psychedelic rock band formed in the 1960s. The group was known for their politically charged lyrics, energetic performances, and their involvement in the counterculture movement of the era. Formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965, the band's core members were Country Joe McDonald and Barry "The Fish" Melton, who originally performed as a duo in coffeehouses and campus events at Berkeley.
Monterey Pop Festival: Country Joe and the Fish
Country Joe and the Fish Country Joe and the Fish was an American psychedelic rock band formed in the 1960s. The group was known for their politically charged lyrics, energetic performances, and their involvement in the counterculture movement of the era. Formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965, the band's core members were Country Joe McDonald and Barry "The Fish" Melton, who originally performed as a duo in coffeehouses and campus events at Berkeley.
The Story Behind the Song "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night Three Dog Night is an American rock band that achieved significant success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group formed in Los Angeles in 1967 and consisted of three singers—Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells—and four fine musicians—bassist Joe Schermie, keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, Canadian drummer Floyd Sneed and Michael Allsup on guitar.
The Story Behind the Song "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night Three Dog Night is an American rock band that achieved significant success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group formed in Los Angeles in 1967 and consisted of three singers—Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells—and four fine musicians—bassist Joe Schermie, keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, Canadian drummer Floyd Sneed and Michael Allsup on guitar.
The Story Behind the Song "Kick Out the Jams" by MC5
Who Are the Motor City Five? Motor City Five, more commonly known as MC5, is a rock band formed in one of the downriver communities of Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. They are widely regarded as one of the early pioneers of punk rock—protopunk, as it is called—and a highly influential band in the development of garage rock and hard rock. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson.
Monterey Pop Festival: Big Brother and the Holding Company
Big Brother and the Holding Company Big Brother and the Holding Company, along with other notable bands like Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Grateful Dead, contributed to the vibrant and influential music scene that emerged in San Francisco during the 1960s. Their impact on the counterculture movement and the development of psychedelic rock cannot be overstated.
The Story Behind the Song "Kick Out the Jams" by the MC5
Who Are the Motor City Five? The Motor City Five, more commonly known as the MC5, is a rock band formed in one of the downriver communities of Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. They are widely regarded as one of the early pioneers of punk rock—proto-punk, if you will—and they were highly influential in the development of garage rock and hard rock. The MC5's original lineup consisted of vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson.
Monterey Pop Festival: Big Brother and the Holding Company
Big Brother and the Holding Company Big Brother and the Holding Company, along with other notable bands like Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Grateful Dead, contributed to the vibrant and influential music scene that emerged in San Francisco during the 1960s. Their impact on the counterculture movement and the development of psychedelic rock cannot be overstated.
The Story Behind the Song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan
Who Is Bob Dylan? Prior to the release of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" in 1973, Bob Dylan had already established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Dylan's music and lyrics captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement. He became an influential figure, known for his poetic songwriting that addressed political and social issues.
Monterey Pop Festival: Canned Heat
A Band Called Canned Heat In the realm of music's smoldering fires, where the soulful strains of blues intertwine with the fiery spirit of rock, a band emerged that embodied the essence of raw authenticity and exhilarating energy. Canned Heat, a collective of blues enthusiasts and masters of their craft, etched their name into the annals of music history with their scorching performances and dedication to the blues tradition.
The Story Behind the Song "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan
Who Is Bob Dylan? Prior to the release of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" in 1973, Bob Dylan had already established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Dylan's music and lyrics captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement. He became an influential figure, known for his poetic songwriting that addressed political and social issues.
Monterey Pop Festival: Canned Heat
A Band Called Canned Heat In the realm of music's smoldering fires, where the soulful strains of blues intertwine with the fiery spirit of rock, a band emerged that embodied the essence of raw authenticity and exhilarating energy. Canned Heat, a collective of blues enthusiasts and masters of their craft, etched their name into the annals of music history with their scorching performances and dedication to the blues tradition.
The Story Behind the Song "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells
Who Is Tommy James? Tommy James, born Thomas Gregory Jackson on April 29, 1947, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known as the leader of the rock band Tommy James and the Shondells, which achieved success in the 1960s. "Hanky Panky" It all began in Niles, Michigan in 1959 with a group called "The Echoes," which later transformed into "Tom and the Tornadoes." James, who went by the last name of Jackson in those days, finally settled on the name "The Shondells" in 1964.
The Story Behind the Song "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells
Who Is Tommy James? Tommy James, born Thomas Gregory Jackson on April 29, 1947, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known as the leader of the rock band Tommy James and the Shondells, which achieved success in the 1960s. "Hanky Panky" It all began in Niles, Michigan in 1959 with a group called "The Echoes," which later transformed into "Tom and the Tornadoes." James, who went by the last name of Jackson in those days, finally settled on the name "The Shondells" in 1964.
Monterey Pop Festival: Simon & Garfunkel
Who Were Simon & Garfunkel? Simon & Garfunkel's appearance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 was a significant moment in their career to that point. Already well-known for their folk-rock sound and hits including "The Sound of Silence," "Homeward Bound" and "I Am a Rock," their performance at Monterey Pop further solidified their reputation as songwriters and top-notch performers.
Monterey Pop Festival: Simon & Garfunkel
Who Were Simon & Garfunkel? Simon & Garfunkel's appearance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 was a significant moment in their career to that point. Already well-known for their folk-rock sound and hits including "The Sound of Silence," "Homeward Bound" and "I Am a Rock," their performance at Monterey Pop further solidified their reputation as songwriters and top-notch performers.
Monterey Pop Festival: Eric Burdon and the Animals
Who Were the Animals? From the British Invasion to the Monterey Pop Festival, Eric Burdon and the Animals evolved musically and lyrically, fusing blues with new ideas and flower-power ethos. Their dynamic performance at Monterey left a lasting impression on the era's music scene. The band, formed in 1962, was largely unknown outside of England until 1964, when they burst onto the American music scene during the iconic British Invasion.
Monterey Pop Festival: Johnny Rivers
Who Is Johnny Rivers? The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 was a landmark event in the history of music, and among the esteemed lineup of performers was the dynamic Johnny Rivers. Taking to the stage on opening night, Rivers delivered a captivating performance that left an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience. Johnny Rivers, born as John Henry Ramistella on November 7, 1942, in New York City, embarked on his musical journey in the late 1950s.
Monterey Pop Festival: Eric Burdon and the Animals
Who Were the Animals? From the British Invasion to the Monterey Pop Festival, Eric Burdon and the Animals evolved musically and lyrically, fusing blues with new ideas and flower-power ethos. Their dynamic performance at Monterey left a lasting impression on the era's music scene. The band, formed in 1962, was largely unknown outside of England until 1964, when they burst onto the American music scene during the iconic British Invasion.
Monterey Pop Festival: Johnny Rivers
Who Is Johnny Rivers? The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 was a landmark event in the history of music, and among the esteemed lineup of performers was the dynamic Johnny Rivers. Taking to the stage on opening night, Rivers delivered a captivating performance that left an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience. Johnny Rivers, born as John Henry Ramistella on November 7, 1942, in New York City, embarked on his musical journey in the late 1950s.
Monterey Pop Festival: Beverley
Who Is Beverley? Technically, Beverley shouldn't even have been playing at Monterey, as she didn't have a green card. She was there, wedged in between Lou Rawls and Johnny Rivers, as a guest of Simon & Garfunkel. Born near Coventry in 1947, Beverley Kutner ventured to London at the age of 15, swiftly immersing herself in the vibrant folk scene of the city. Known professionally as "Beverley," she fronted The Levee Breakers, a jug band that played the folk circuit in south east England.
Monterey Pop Festival: Lou Rawls
Who Was Lou Rawls? Lou Rawls was a renowned American singer, celebrated for his unique baritone voice and silky-smooth vocal style that spanned soul, jazz, and blues. Born in Chicago in 1933, he honed his musical skills in his church choir. Rawls' friend from childhood was fellow soul singer Sam Cooke, and they briefly sang together in the Teenage Kings of Harmony. In 1954, Rawls replaced Cooke in the Highway QC's, and they later reunited as members of the Pilgrim Travelers.
Monterey Pop Festival: The Paupers
Who Were The Paupers? What should have been a career-defining appearance turned into a complete shambles for The Paupers, thanks to equipment malfunctions and, according to some sources, a batch of acid from Owsley Stanley's notorious LSD lab. When introducing the band on the opening night of the festival, David Crosby called The Paupers "the best thing I've ever heard." Toronto Roots The Paupers were a Canadian rock band that formed in Toronto in 1964, when they were known as The Spats.
Monterey Pop Festival: The Paupers
Who Were The Paupers? What should have been a career-defining appearance turned into a complete shambles for The Paupers, thanks to equipment malfunctions and, according to some sources, a batch of acid from Owsley Stanley's notorious LSD lab. When introducing the band on the opening night of the festival, David Crosby called The Paupers "the best thing I've ever heard." Toronto Roots The Paupers were a Canadian rock band that formed in Toronto in 1964, when they were known as The Spats.
Monterey Pop Festival: The Association
The Monterey International Pop Festival This series of articles—32 in all—covers each of the artists who performed at the Monterey Pop Festival, June 16–18, 1967. The festival—its full name being the Monterey International Pop Festival— is considered to be a key event in the development of the "Summer of Love" and the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Monterey Pop Festival: The Association
The Monterey International Pop Festival The festival—its full name being the Monterey International Pop Festival—is considered to be a key event in the development of the "Summer of Love" and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. It featured performances by the big names of the day, including Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. The festival also marked the first major U.S. appearances by the Who and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The Story Behind the Song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," as sung by Roberta Flack, is a timeless love ballad that captures the intensity and beauty of falling in love. Sung with haunting vocals and accompanied by a simple yet elegant melody, this song evokes the feelings of wonder and awe that come with the discovery of true love. Who Is Roberta Flack? Roberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
The Story Behind the Song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," as sung by Roberta Flack, is a timeless love ballad that captures the intensity and beauty of falling in love. Sung with haunting vocals and accompanied by a simple yet elegant melody, this song evokes the feelings of wonder and awe that come with the discovery of true love. Who Is Roberta Flack? Roberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
The Story Behind the Song "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart
"Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart is a timeless classic that tells a story of adventure, romance, and self-discovery. The song has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1976, and its popularity continues to this day. Who is Al Stewart? Stewart's music has been praised for both its intricate imagery and historical references.
The Story Behind the Song "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart
Who Is Al Stewart? "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart is a timeless classic that tells a story of adventure, romance, and self-discovery. The song has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1976, and its popularity continues to this day. But who exactly is Al Stewart, the singer and songwriter behind this top 10 hit? Stewart's songwriting has been praised for both its intricate imagery and historical references.
The Story Behind the Song "Hotel California" by the Eagles
Pretty much from the time of its release, the song "Hotel California" became a topic of discussion. What did it mean? Some people have speculated that the song is about a wild, drug-induced dream, kind of a musical version of "Alice in Wonderland," if you like. That it is about depression. That the Eagles had joined the Church of Satan in return for becoming stars. That it is a metaphor for purgatory. The challenge with trying to decipher the meaning of the song is that you can't do it in isolation.
The Story Behind the Song "Hotel California" by the Eagles
Welcome to the Hotel California From the moment it was released in February 1977, the song "Hotel California" has been a topic of discussion. What does it mean? Is it a wild, drug-induced dream, like a musical version of Alice in Wonderland? Is it about depression? Is it a metaphor for purgatory? Some people even speculated the Eagles joined the Church of Satan in return for the superstardom that "Hotel California" provided.
Creedence Clearwater Revival and Vietnam
Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American rock band that was formed in 1967, though the members of the band had been playing together under different band names since 1959. CCR became popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s at a time when the Vietnam War was a highly controversial issue in the United States, and many young people were opposed to it. Why is CCR Associated With Vietnam?
Creedence Clearwater Revival and Vietnam
Why is Creedence Associated With Vietnam? Creedence Clearwater Revival (aka Creedence and CCR) was an American rock 'n' roll band formed in 1967, though the members of the band had been playing together under different band names since 1959. Creedence became popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s at a time when the Vietnam War was highly controversial in the United States, and many young people were opposed to it.
The Story Behind the Song "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones
"Paint it Black" is a song that captures the dark, brooding spirit of the 1960s. Its haunting melody, unforgettable guitar riff, and enigmatic lyrics have made it a classic of the rock and roll canon. Whether you interpret it as a commentary on war, a reflection of personal struggles, or simply a great piece of music, "Paint it Black" remains one of the most iconic songs of all time. The Rolling Stones This is a band that needs no introduction.
The Story Behind the Song "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones
Your Whole World Is Black The Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black" is a song that captures the dark, brooding spirit of the 1960s. Released in May 1966, its haunting melody, unforgettable sitar riff, and enigmatic lyrics have made it a classic of the rock 'n' roll canon. Whether you interpret it as a commentary on the Vietnam War, a reflection of personal struggles, or simply a great piece of experimental pop music, "Paint it Black" also remains one of the most iconic songs in the Stones' catalog.
The Emergency Broadcast False Alarm That Rocked America
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. Saturday, February 20, 1971 Depending on where you were in the U.S., the day was actually shaping up to be a pretty good one, at least for late February. The forecast for New York City called for a high of 43 degrees, with some patchy rain. In Los Angeles, the temperature would reach a comfortable 61 degrees that day.
The Story Behind the Song "Kiss You All Over" by Exile
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. To see these guys perform live in the '70s was to witness the very definition of a hard working rock and roll band. Even some of the big name bands they toured with paled in comparison to the show these guys put on, especially their frontman Jimmy Stokley. In terms of style, this song was a huge departure for them, but it spent four weeks in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Story Behind the Song "Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. There are many songs identified with Fats Domino, but perhaps none more than "Blueberry Hill." His version of the song entered the Billboard pop charts on September 26, 1956, ultimately reaching #2. It went to #1 on the R&B charts, where it stayed for eight non-consecutive weeks.
The Story Behind the Song "I Believe In Father Christmas" by Greg Lake
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. This song came over the sound system in a store I was in late last week—not even three weeks after Halloween—and my immediate reaction was that it was far to early to be hearing Christmas music. Then, I kind of smiled to myself when I realized that this was exactly the kind of scenario that Greg Lake had in mind when he co-wrote this song about the commercialization of Christmas.
"The Midnight Special" Pilot Episode
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. Adults had long had their own television musical variety shows, "The Lawrence Welk Show" being chief among those. "American Bandstand" had certainly proven that a show aimed at a younger audience could be a huge success. Up until the debut of "The Midnight Special" though, no network had targeted a younger audience with a late night time slot.
The Story Behind the Song "Kiss You All Over" by Exile
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. To see these guys perform live in the '70s was to witness the very definition of a hard working rock and roll band. Even some of the big name bands they toured with paled in comparison to the show these guys put on, esprcially their frontman Jimmy Stokley. In terms of style, this song was a huge departure for them, but it spent four weeks in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Story Behind the Song "Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. Fats Domino was quite simply a trailblazer. The shy boy from New Orleans became a fixture on the scene in the early days of rock and roll, a musical genre he once said "wasn't anything but the same rhythm and blues I'd been playing down in New Orleans." Who Wrote "Blueberry Hill"? Three writers were behind this great song.
The Story Behind the Song "(Oh), Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. Roy Orbison began his professional career singing rockabilly and country tunes in the 1950s. His vocal range spanned almost four octaves, and his powerful delivery and falsetto became a musical signature for him and made his songs instantly recognizable. Who Is Roy Orbison?
The Story Behind the Song "(Oh) Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. Roy Orbison began his professional career singing rockabilly and country tunes in the 1950s. His vocal range spanned almost four octaves, and his powerful delivery and falsetto became a musical signature for him and made his songs instantly recognizable.
The Story Behind the Song "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson
Rockin’ before she could walk, Kaili is a vinyl hound who knows the words to every post-1960 song. "Always On My Mind" is a beautifully written apology for love gone wrong. A cross-over song, it achieved success on both country and adult contemporary music charts. And when it came to the countrified version, nobody did it better than Willie Nelson. "Maybe I didn't love you Quite as often as I could have And maybe I didn't treat you Quite as good as I should have..." Who Wrote "Always on My Mind"?
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