music-history

The band performed their first concert on 4 December 1965. In 1981, their leader Jerry Garcia talked to the BBC about how they became superstars but "never sold out".

When the single was released in 1955, it was a big hit – but only after the original lyrics were changed. In 1972, the singer told the BBC that "there's nothing bad" about his music.

As fans honour the loss of R&B legend D’Angelo and recall his sensual, slow-burn video for Untitled (How Does It Feel), it’s time to consider if the artistry wasn’t skin-deep.

Brian Epstein guided the Fab Four from the Cavern Club to global fame. When he died 58 years ago this week, the band was left suddenly adrift.

From FKA Twigs to Addison Rae, many of today's hottest pop stars are taking inspiration from Madonna's swirling 1998 masterpiece. What is it that has made the album such a touchstone?

The most iconic stars of the 1970s flocked to Record Plant Studios. A new book offers a glimpse inside – and argues that The Eagles' time there inspired the US band's most famous song.

Cited as one of the first representations of black queer popular culture, Ma Rainey's sensational Prove It on Me Blues is a landmark song that had a profound and lasting effect.

Almost 55 years ago, Michael Eavis hosted the first of his legendary music festivals. In 1970, the BBC visited his Somerset dairy farm to find out what made it unique.