robot ray charles

America’s Shame, Japan’s Gain: An Animatronic Ray Charles

Well, it's happened. Japan has beaten America to the technology punch again, this time with an animatronic Ray Charles singing away outside Osaka Castle Park. But who's that man the box over in the corner?
by David McGee
 

 
 
ebert thumbs up

We Review Roger Ebert

Remembering ROGER EBERT, a three-part tribute, including his Great Movies: The First 100 list & a tribute to Beneath the Valley of the Dolls
by David McGee
 

 

 
tutti annette1

Beautiful Music: Mr. Disney, Annette and ‘Tutti’

Part 2 of a two-part tribute to the late ANNETTE FUNICELLO, who died of multiple sclerosis at age 70 on April 8. This installment focuses on Annette's studio work with producer TUTTI CAMARATA.
by David McGee
 

 
 
annette featured

Remembering Annette: Trailblazer. Dig It.

Part 1 of a two-part tribute to ANNETTE FUNICELLO, who succumbed to multiple sclerosis on April 8,2013, but left behind an admirable catalogue of well-crafted pop songs every bit as cool as she was.
by David McGee
 

 

 
jennie wade2

Voices From Beyond the Glow in the Sunset Skies

An all-star cast of roots songwriters, musicians and vocalists join forces on GOD DIDN'T CHOOSE SIDES: Civil War True Stories about Real People, Volume 1. Ye shall be moved.
by David McGee
 

 
 
bobby rush down

Funk-tion At the Junction

At age 77, BOBBY RUSH is reinvigorated, as he proves in the potent performances he musters on his latest album, DOWN IN LOUISIANA, found at the junction where funk, soul and blues meet.
by David McGee
 

 

 
oldham jagger64

Andrew Oldham: Stone Free At Last

ANDREW OLDHAM, the svelte, shadowy figure who guided the Rolling Stones from London's blues clubs to international infamy, has published the third volume of his memoirs, STONE FREE. MICHAEL SIGMAN tracks him down.
by David McGee
 

 
 
stoker feature

Gordon Stoker Goes Home, and The Jordanaires’ Story Ends

With the death of GORDON STOKER on March 27, THE JORDANAIRES' story has come to an end. We pay tribute to one of the great men of the music world and a group that made a difference when Elvis called them on board.
by David McGee
 

 

 
updike spotlight1

Updike & Easter

JOHN UPDIKE's 1960 poem 'Seven Stanzas at Easter' is easily the best known of all Easter verse. In this Easter special, we trace the poem's origins and offer seven perspectives on the intent and meaning of 'Seven Stanzas'
by David McGee