Peter Kinney articles

Buddy Holly may have looked cute, but behind those iconic glasses was a fiery rebel who played by his own rules—until that fire went out forever on one of the most tragic days in the history of Rock and Roll.

Tammi Terrell was an instant legend in her recordings with Marvin Gaye, but her life was cut tragically short.

As The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley reigned over the American music scene of the 1950s and 60s with his gyrating hips and smooth voice. But although his legendary music made jaws drop—no one realized that his handsome face hid a twisted mind. Sadly, even though Elvis was a roaring talent, he also harbored some monstrous secrets.

Some songs sound great in the studio, but something completely different happens when they hit the stage. It might be a looser performance, a more intense vocal take, or even the energy of the crowd watching. Whatever the reason, some tracks don’t just improve live, they become the definitive versions.

Nirvana is one of the best-known bands to ever exist—for better or for worse. Whether as the object of genuine affection or the subject of derision for their fame, “selling out,” or their personal problems, the band’s output has spoken for itself, and stands the test of time even three decades later. In their short time together, Nirvana accomplished a lot—despite burning bright and flaming out when their leading man met an untimely end.

Classic rock gave us some of the greatest songs ever recorded, but it also gave us plenty of lyrics that listeners have hilariously misunderstood for decades. Sometimes, it’s the way a singer phrases a line. Other times, the mix buries a word or two under guitars and drums. Either way, these famous misheard lyrics have become part of rock culture.

Streaming might be convenient, but some albums were practically designed for vinyl. Here are some legendary albums that truly shine when heard spinning at 33⅓ RPM.

Anissa Jones charmed audiences across America with her cutesy performance as Buffy Davis on CBS’s Family Affair. But as Hollywood has shown us all too often, the glamourous life of a child star often obscures troubling darkness beneath the surface. Jones, tragically, was no different.