The Brooklyn Paradox: Why Barry Manilow Conquered the World but Lost New York’s Critics
INTRODUCTION On January 17, 1976, the standard-bearer of American adult contemporary music achieved a monumental...
The Sonic Divide: Why British Cynicism Failed to Subvert America’s Master Showman
INTRODUCTION In the late autumn of 1978, a clean-cut American showman stepped onto the historic...
Conway Twitty – Don’t Cry Joni
Introduction Music has a singular, almost supernatural ability to pinpoint the exact moment our lives...
Billy Fury – Devil or Angel
Introduction The mid-20th century musical landscape was defined by an exceptional breed of balladeers and...
Barry Manilow – Here Comes the Night
Introduction As the vibrant musical tapestry of the 1970s shifted into the sleek, neon-lit landscape...
Barry Manilow – Even Now
Introduction The late 1970s was a fascinating landscape for popular music. While disco dominated the...
Loretta Lynn – God Gave Me a Heart to Forgive
Introduction The golden era of classic country music possesses an uncanny ability to lay bare...
Billy Fury – Don’t Tell Me Lies
Introduction The golden era of mid-century British pop and rock and roll was defined by...
Barry Manilow – Life Will Go On
Introduction The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a golden era for sweeping, emotionally resonant...
Cliff Richard – Living Doll
Introduction To truly understand the magic of popular music, one must occasionally travel back to...