On the very short list of most important musicians ever. And, as is the case with people who change their field so radically, Sinatra’s influence went far beyond the music itself. All in all, he seemed to have been a pretty good guy, though complicated and dramatic.
Above is a recording session of “It Was a Very Good Year.” This type of video always is interesting. Also check out “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “That’s Life.”
Here are some books to check out.
Duke Ellington brought class, sophistication and style to jazz which, until that point, was proudly unpolished and raucous. His story is profound. The author, Terry Teachout, also wrote "Pops," the acclaimed bio of Louis Armstrong. Click here or on the image.
What else is there to say? Here is the story behind every song written by The Beatles. Click here or on the image.
The Grateful Dead don't get enough credit for the profound nature of its lyrics. Many of the band's songs are driven by a deep and literate Americana ("I'm Uncle Sam/That's who I am/Been hidin' out/In a rock and roll band" and "Majordomo Billy Bojangles/Sit down and have a drink with me/What's this about Alabama/Keeps comin' back to me?").
David Dodd's exhaustive study tells the story, song by song. Click here or on the image.
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