Music & Entertainment Blog

A little known legend died on 28 June 2016. Well, not as well known as he should have been, considering his place in the birth of rock guitar as we know and love it. We were honoured back in 2006 to have Scotty Moore (b. 1931) write the foreword to our labour of love, The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock – an apt beginning to a book that told the complex and many-faceted story of rock.

Topics: Rock Icons, Rock and Roll History, Rock Guitar, Scotty Moore

The original rock’n’roll lead guitarist, and Elvis's main man, Scotty Moore (b. 1931) was born near Gadsden, Tennessee. Moore began playing guitar at the age of eight, largely self-taught. Although he aspired to playing jazz like Barney Kessel and Tal Farlow, he was also influenced by country guitarists like Merle Travis and, in particular, Chet Atkins.

Topics: 60s music, Rock and Roll History, Elvis Presley

Last month saw ITV1 countdown the 20 best-loved Elvis songs, as voted for by viewers in a 90-minute feature length show. With some of Elvis’s best loved songs from the hip-shaking ‘Hound Dog’ to the slower, more soulful ‘Always On My Mind’, the show also featured interviews from friends and loved ones, including ex-wife Priscilla Presley and British icon Sir Cliff Richard. We thought we would take a look at Elvis’s early influences that contributed to the countless hits he released. But what did ITV viewers vote as their number one Elvis song of all time? Read on to find out...

Topics: 60s music, Rock and Roll History, 50s music, Elvis Presley

Nothing sums up British rock better than the 60s and 70s music legends Pink Floyd. Known for their progressive psychedelic sound, and reinforced by their deeply philosophical lyrics and great live performance style, Pink Floyd went on to be an influential force on many other rock ensembles, both nationally and internationally. With hit albums such as Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1967), Atom Heart Mother (1970) and of course Dark Side Of The Moon (1973) Pink Floyd leave little room for manoeuvre when competing for the greatest British rock band of all time!

Topics: 60s music, Rock and Roll History, Pink Floyd

Singer songwriter, composer and instrumentalist. Beatle, 'Sir', and animal rights activist. The numerous occupations and titles of Sir James Paul McCartney leave fans with few reasons to question why Guinness World Records describes the superstar as the 'most successful composer and recording artist of all time'.

Topics: 60s music, The Beatles, Rock and Roll History

70s music legend Pete Townshend has never shied away from the rock and roll limelight. His rough and ready rock attitude coupled with his killer guitar riffs and smashing stage presence, surely make him a contender for the best rock guitarist ever!

Topics: The Who, Rock and Roll History

Last Saturday, September 7th, saw the anniversary of Buddy Holly’s birthday. The legendary rock’n’roll artist would have celebrated his 77th birthday, had his life not been cut tragically short by a fatal plane crash in February 1959. He was just 22 years old. Thinking about how much he achieved in this short time reminds me that Buddy Holly truly was one of the most important influences, if not the most, on early rock’n’roll.

Topics: Chuck Berry, Rock and Roll History, 50s music