Topic

Music

A collection of 55 issues

More Than a Careless Whisper: The Story of George Michael's Lifelong Gift to Andrew Ridgeley

George Michael, who wrote 'Careless Whisper' at 17, gave Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley a co-writing credit as a gesture of immense friendship. This act ensured Ridgeley would receive royalties for life from a song that became a global #1 hit, cementing a lifelong bond.

Beyond Pulp Fiction: The Ancient, Multicultural Journey of 'Misirlou'

The iconic surf-rock anthem 'Misirlou' from *Pulp Fiction* wasn't born in 1960s California. It's an ancient folk song from the Ottoman Empire, shared by Greek, Arab, and Jewish cultures for centuries. Its name, 'Misirlou,' simply means 'Egyptian Woman.'

How a German 'Sound of Music' Replaced 'Do-Re-Mi' with a Stroke of Genius

A 2005 German production of 'The Sound of Music' cleverly replaced the iconic 'Do-Re-Mi' song. Instead of solfège, it used mnemonics to teach the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, H, making the musical lesson culturally relevant and understandable for a German-speaking audience.

Not an Austrian Folk Song: The Surprising Hollywood Story of 'Edelweiss'

Often mistaken for Austria's national anthem, 'Edelweiss' is not a traditional folk song. It was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1959 for *The Sound of Music* as a poignant farewell from Captain von Trapp to his homeland, becoming a beloved but misunderstood classic.

One Artist, Five Charts, Zero Competition: The Unprecedented Record of Sheena Easton

Scottish singer Sheena Easton holds a unique Billboard record no one else has matched: she is the only artist ever to score a top-5 hit on the five primary singles charts—Pop, R&B, Country, Adult Contemporary, and Dance. This is a testament to her incredible vocal versatility.