In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi considers the crossroads as a spiritual and cultural symbol, and how it became inseparable from the legend of Robert Johnson.
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In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi steps into the world of the cutting contest, drawing on pianist Dr. John’s memories of the late-night jam sessions and rivalries that pushed musicians to their limits.
In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi contextualizes cross-note and Bentonia tuning within the evolution of country blues and Mississippi’s musical heritage.
In Cross-Spanish tuning, the guitar is tuned to E major (E B E G# B…
Celebrating the melodies and moments that made the 1960s a decade of unforgettable love songs.
In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi maps the cross from hoodoo ritual to the mystical crossroads of the blues.
Celebrating how Aretha Franklin’s vocals, King and Goffin’s songwriting, and the song’s timeless emotion make “A Natural Woman” a ’60s love classic this Valentine’s week.
As part of our Valentine’s week focus on ’60s love songs, Bill Graham examines how Dusty Springfield’s poise and sensual delivery, Burt Bacharach’s melody, Hal David’s lyrics, and Herb Alpert’s trumpet turn “The Look of Love” into an intimate portrait of desire lived in the moment.
In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, a look at Chad & Jeremy’s “A Summer Song” and the sweet ache of love already slipping into memory.
A look at Paul McCartney’s overlooked Beatles gem and the emotional depth that gives ’60s love songs their staying power.