She Loves You — The Beatles’ One and Only Swan Song

Read more about the article She Loves You — The Beatles’ One and Only Swan Song

"Swan song" is a term that refers to a final effort or performance. But, when I think of swan song as it relates to The Beatles, their early hit "She Loves You" comes to mind. By September 1963, the band was fast becoming a phenomenon in England, but couldn't manage to grab the attention of a major record label in the U.S. Beatles' manager Brian Epstein finally turned to the small Philadelphia-based Swan Records to release the single that was flying off the shelves in the U.K.

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The Word of Law — Courtesy of Robert Zimmerman, Esquire

Read more about the article The Word of Law — Courtesy of Robert Zimmerman, Esquire

"Your Honor, the defense is trying to sway the jury with inane references to a counter-culture rock song," said the District Attorney. So, what song could the defense attorney possibly be citing? It's Bob Dylan's word-twister from 1965, "Subterranean Homesick Blues." This iconic '60s rap-anthem contains a line that's been quoted by judges, lawyers and law scholars more than any other lyric from popular music. If you ever get busted, you better hope your lawyer is a Dylan fan.

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Happy Birthday, Julian Lennon: Beautiful Boy #1

Read more about the article Happy Birthday, Julian Lennon: Beautiful Boy #1

The first baby born to a Beatle inspired two of the band's most famous songs before he turned five years old. As the legend goes, his drawing of classmate Lucy (in the sky, with diamonds) Vodden spurred John to write THE defining psychedelic song of the 1960s. He was also the inspiration behind the Beatles' biggest hit of all time, "Hey Jude." Paul McCartney has long maintained that he began writing the song as "Hey Jules," in an effort to comfort young Julian during the divorce of his father and Cynthia Powell in 1968. It's tough being the son of a rock legend, but Julian - with a voice hauntingly like John's - has proven that he has talent and character in his own right.

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Her D.I.V.O.R.C.E. Was Just Begging to be S.P.O.O.F.E.D

Read more about the article Her D.I.V.O.R.C.E. Was Just Begging to be S.P.O.O.F.E.D

Okay, rock fans of the '60s and '70s, it's time to get brutally honest and swallow your hipster pride. Can you please admit you've heard of country singer Tammy Wynette? And, if you know the name, are you self-assured enough to admit you've heard, or even enjoyed, her 1968 chart-topping single, "D.I.V.O.R.C.E."? C'mon, fess up! It tells the syrupy story of a couple on the verge of splitsville, who spell out the "D word" so little J.O.E. won't understand. This tune was just begging to be spoofed! And the first one to do it was Billy Connelly - a wild and woolly guy with a funny accent who lived far across the pond in Scotland.

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The Yardbirds’ Keith Relf: From Electric Blues to Electric Demise

Read more about the article The Yardbirds’ Keith Relf: From Electric Blues to Electric Demise

The 1960s electric blues band The Yardbirds was the premier rock-n-roll incubator, cultivating three of the world's most talented guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. But does anybody recall the name of the man who co-founded the British group and provided lead vocals and harmonica on its killer tracks, among them, "Heart Full of Soul," "For Your Love," and "Shapes of Things"? His name was Keith Relf, born 71 years ago today. He suffered one of the strangest deaths in rock history.

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