Sure, the title tells you to have a “merry little Christmas.” But it’s a complicated message. The actual, original lyrics of the song make the vaguely depressing song undoubtedly one of the darkest tunes ever, not to mention Christmas carol. The song first gained widespread popularity in 1944 with an appearance in the big-screen musical […]
You hear them on the radio, and you sing along, year after year. Now, you can finally know who “Parson Brown” is supposed to be. Who is Parson Brown? (“Winter Wonderland”) If you grew up in a cold area where it snowed a lot in the winter, you probably made a snowman at some point. […]
The EGOT is the “grand slam” of American entertainment awards. It’s an acronym and unofficial designation to describe someone who has won a competitive (meaning non-honorary) Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Only 12 people have completed the EGOT: composers Richard Rodgers, Marvin Hamlisch, Jonathan Tunick, and Robert Lopez; actresses Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, […]
Starting in the ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll fans (and rock ‘n’ roll haters) became obsessed with playing vinyl records backward, looking for secret messages. One thing is for sure: playing a record backward destroyed the record. Here are some of the most amusing entries in the history of “backmasking.” Pink Floyd Former Pink Floyd bassist […]
Sure, you could vote for one of the major party candidates…or you could vote for Alice Cooper! The 1970s shock rocker has thrown his hat into the ring in the race to be Commander-in-Chief. Running for president this year (but only as a goof) is “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “I’m Eighteen” horror-rocker/radio host/golfer […]
There are a handful of phone numbers made famous by songs, movies, and TV shows. Ever wonder what happens if you actually call them? This article was originally published in our 29th annual edition, Uncle John’s Uncanny Bathroom Reader. 867–5309 According to rock legend, Tommy Tutone lead guitarist Jim Keller wrote “867-5309/Jenny” about a real […]
Norway is the ancestral home of some of the darkest, loudest, and most frightening music in the world: black metal. (It’s way heavier than regular heavy metal.) That contingent of the Norwegian population is finally being represented in the political sphere…even if it doesn’t want to be. The musician known only as “Fenriz” is a […]
Fifty years ago this week, The Monkees debuted on NBC. What started as a way to replicate the music and madcap movies of the Beatles quickly became special in its own right. The Monkees TV show creators Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider took out an ad in Variety in 1965 to recruit “folk & roll […]
If you find this page bad and not a thriller, Uncle John respectfully suggests that you beat it. “You Are Not Alone” Released in 1995, it was the first song ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Scream” Jackson was a devout Jehovah’s Witness and steadfastly refused to use profanity. “Scream,” […]
A concert isn’t complete without a stop at the “merch table” to prove how big of a fan you are by purchasing a T-shirt or a bumper sticker…or one of these even weirder things that have actually been offered for sale. After leaving the dark punk band the Misfits, singer Glenn Danzig started a heavy […]
In one of the most memorable moments of the 1992 presidential campaign, Arkansas governor Bill Clinton appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show and played Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” on the saxophone, along with the show’s house band. Here’s a look at some other presidents (and presidential candidates) who showed off their musical talents. Harry Truman […]
On August 1, 1981—35 years ago today—MTV went on the air in a handful of cable system across the country. You probably know that the first video played was the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” but did you know these behind-the-scenes stories from some iconic early music videos? “Money for Nothing” British band Dire […]
We’ve written before about not-so-cool bands rock stars were in before they became rich, successful (and cool). Here’s another look at early musical attempts of some notable actors, singers, and rappers. Russell Crowe He’s got an Oscar for Gladiator, and he fronts a rock band called 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. But in the early […]
Here’s hoping these facts don’t burn out like a candle in the wind. “Your Song” John’s first album, Empty Sky (1969), flopped in both the U.S. and the U.K. Still, he got a gig as the opening act for Three Dog Night. One of the songs he performed on that tour was “Your Song,” which […]
Warning: These stories are morbid…but fascinating. By looking at their final meals, we catch an eerie glimpse into the everyday lives of these larger-than-life figures…whose worlds were about to end. ELVIS PRESLEY The King stayed up most of the night of August 15, 1977. He was restless. Between midnight and 6:00 a.m., he went to […]
Popular songs are more than just background music—we mark the milestones in our lives by the songs we listened to. Here are the stories behind how some of our favorites were created. Marvin Gaye SONG: “What’s Going On” (1971) STORY: By the end of the 1960s, Gaye had become unhappy with the way Motown was […]
Most all major bands reassemble at least once for a comeback tour. These bands reunited, too—for one concert. Pink Floyd The band—or what was left of it, after the departure of multiple founding members over clashing egos and constant infighting—quietly disbanded after it wrapped up its 1994 tour. It would take a good cause to […]
Rock bands get their name from all kinds of places—even books. (By the way, “Uncle John” is still available, should any of you aspiring musicians need a moniker.) Veruca Salt This ‘90s alternative rock band (best known for “Seether”) is named after the snotty, spoiled girl who wins one of the Golden Tickets to visit […]
