Latest Stories

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  The Sweet Soul (and Rock...and Gospel...) of Memphis

  October 9 at 4 a.m.

  Memphis Mayhem: A Story of the Music That Shook the World By David A. Less 232 pp. $16.95 ECW Press While the first part of its title is more reminiscent of a true crime book, it’s actually a lightning-quick, fast-paced, tour through a city that at one time in the...

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  Was 1978 the Most Diverse Year in Music History?

  April 7 at 4 a.m.

  On Record – Vol. 1: 1978 – Images, Interviews, and Insights from the Year in Music By G. Brown 340 pp. $40 Colorado Music Experience Even the most causal music listener would find it hard to argue that 1978 was not one of – if not the – most diverse...

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  Stone Crush Revives "Lost" era of Memphis Soul & Funk

  April 3 at 4 a.m.

  When most people think of Memphis Soul, it’s the era from the mid-‘60s to mid-‘70s where labels like Stax and Hi put out the massively popular – then and now – music by artists like Otis Redding, Al Green, Booker T. and the MG’s, Sam and Dave, Carla Thomas, and...

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  The Road of Southern Avenue Leads to Blues, Soul, and Funk

  February 25 at 4 a.m.

  When he landed in Memphis, Tennessee in 2013 to compete in the annual International Blues Challenge and represent his native Israel, it was a dream come true for guitarist Ori Naftaly. And while victory in his category eluded him, he quickly made some contacts, formed a band, and went on...

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  New Bio is the Last Word on Wailing Texas Siren Janis Joplin

  Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 5 a.m.

  Janis: Her Life and Music By Holly George-Warren 400 pp. Simon & Schuster $28.99 Rock’s first female superstar has already been the subject of a numerous biographies, memoirs by those who loved and worked with her, documentaries, and even a musical play. But nearly 50 years after Janis Joplin died...

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  Tedeschi Trucks Band Play Powerful Fall Tour Opener in Houston

  Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 6:24 a.m.

  Tedeschi Trucks Band November 6, 2019 The Hobby Center In music journalism, terms like “spiritual” and “soulful” get thrown around quite a bit. A good chunk of bands have neither evident in their music. Some of have one. Fewer have both. And still less have both in abundance. Count the...