Courtney E. Smith
35 Years Ago: Los Lobos’ ‘La Bamba’ Returns Ritchie Valens to Spotlight
They weren’t an obvious choice to turn this cover into one of the songs of the summer in 1987.
When Steve Miller Found ’80s Pop-Rock Success With ‘Abracadabra’
Album's title track led the way, even though his record label hated it.
40 Years Ago: Why Did Cher’s ‘I Paralyze’ Flop?
Album featured some notable contributors, yet was a major commercial failure.
How Carly Simon’s ‘Coming Around Again’ Sparked New Success
Her career hit a rut in the '80s, but not for long.
When Def Leppard Drew on Bart Simpson for ‘Let’s Get Rocked’
Hit single and fun video provided respite for a band still working to overcome Steve Clark's death.
Meet Pattie Boyd, the Muse Who Inspired Rock’s Best Love Songs
"I became a reflection for them."
40 Years Ago: Stevie Nicks Conquers Her Fears at First Solo Shows
Nervous about how Fleetwood Mac fans might feel, Nicks embarked on her first-ever run of solo shows.
Why R.E.M. Wanted to End on a High Note
"We needed to not drive it into mundaneness, and that's where it was going to go."
How Elvis Costello Ended Several Eras With ‘Blood and Chocolate’
It would be the last album co-credited to backing band the Attractions for a decade.
How the Go-Go’s Became MTV Darlings With ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’
Song's cheaply made video helped put the band "on the map."