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Patrick McEnroe to Host New Tennis Show on SiriusXM

Eric Alper
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Patrick McEnroe to Host New Tennis Show on SiriusXM

SiriusXM announced today that it has signed Patrick McEnroe, who has spent a lifetime in tennis and experienced the sport as a player, team captain, coach, executive and broadcaster – to host a new weekly show dedicated to tennis and the larger world of racquet sports.

“Holding Court” will debut this Saturday, January 4 at 7 am ET, one week prior to the start of tennis’ first Grand Slam event of the season, the Australian Open. The one-hour show will air every Saturday morning throughout the year on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel, which is available to listeners in their cars on channel 82 and on the SiriusXM app.

On the program, McEnroe will cover the latest news and topics from the world of professional tennis, share instructional advice and equipment tips with players of all skill levels, and expand the conversation to other racquet sports including the growing game of pickleball. McEnroe, a big fan of all sports, will also “hold court” from time to time on other topics beyond racquet sports, from pro and college football, to baseball, basketball and more.

“I’m really excited to be working with SiriusXM and to have a platform where I can talk with tennis fans like me across the country,” said McEnroe. “I’ll share my thoughts on the game today on every level, from the Grand Slams to the weekend matches at your town courts, and I’m looking forward to taking calls and hearing our listeners’ views as well. We’ll also have the freedom to expand our weekly conversations to other racquet sports and the big stories in the other pro sports that we’re fans of as well. This will be a fun wide-ranging conversation every week and I can’t wait to get started.”

“Tennis enthusiasts have been underserved when it comes to audio content related to their favorite sport. ‘Holding Court’ is addressing that unmet need for those fans,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Nobody knows more about the game than Patrick. He brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to this new show and we’re thrilled to have him sharing his perspective on racquet sports and more with our listeners every week.”

As a professional player, much of McEnroe’s success came in doubles, where he won 16 titles and reached a career-high ranking of #3 in the world. He won the men’s doubles gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games with Luke Jensen, the French Open men’s doubles title in 1989 with Jim Grabb and the Paris Indoor with his brother John in 1992. In the Davis Cup, McEnroe represented his country as a doubles player in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

As a singles player, McEnroe’s best Grand Slam performance came at the 1991 Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals before being knocked out by eventual champion Boris Becker. In 1995 he reached the quarterfinals of the US Open and attained a career-high ranking of #28 in the world. That same year, he won the men’s singles title at the Sydney Outdoor Championships, along with other notable Grand Slam singles performances – including a victory over Boris Becker in the first round of the Australian Open, and then reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open where he lost to Becker in an epic four-hour and seven-minute four set match.

McEnroe retired from the professional tour in 1998. In 2000 he was named the 38th U.S. Davis Cup captain and led the team to a title in 2007. He resigned from that position in September 2010, having served in the role longer than anyone in history. In April 2008, he was named to the newly created position of General Manager, Player Development for the USTA as part of a new strategic direction for the development of American players. He stepped down from that role in September 2014. He also was coach of the 2004 U.S. Olympic men’s tennis team and now serves as President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

McEnroe has worked as a tennis commentator for ESPN since 1995, and his versatility as a broadcaster has enabled him to work as a play-by-play voice, analyst and studio host.

Throughout the Australian Open (Jan. 11-26), SiriusXM listeners will get access to AO Radio broadcasts of the tournament, courtesy of ESPN. SiriusXM will air daily live coverage of matches from the first round through the quarterfinals, and will air all men’s and women’s matches in their entirety in the semifinal and championship rounds.

Nandi Bushell Pays Tribute To Karen Carpenter With This AWESOME Drum Solo

Eric Alper
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Nandi Bushell Pays Tribute To Karen Carpenter With This AWESOME Drum Solo

Nandi Bushell has done it again! The young drumming sensation paid tribute to Karen Carpenter by recreating her legendary jazz drumming performance of “Dancing in the Street.” With Karen’s iconic solo as her inspiration, Nandi showcased her incredible talent, blending respect and skill in perfect harmony. “I have so much love and respect for Karen Carpenter!” Nandi shared on social media, reminding us why both she and Karen are drumming legends in their own right.

Ring In The New School Year With Help From Spotify

Eric Alper
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Ring In The New School Year With Help From Spotify

Bells are ringing—school bells, that is—as kids across North America are back for a new semester of their school year. In addition to fresh fits and the right supplies, kids might also need some encouragement for the excitement and challenges ahead. Audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to provide that boost.

Spotify’s team has selected some top back-to-school picks, filled with examples of curiosity, friendship, kindness, and inclusion to help ease those first-day jitters. Here are some highlights:

Audiobooks

Gustavo the Shy Ghost 

Written by Flavia Z. Drago

Narrated by Marisa Blake

Back-to-school season means that Halloween is just ahead. And little ghouls and goblins will love debut author Flavia Z. Drago’s sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship.

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him?

Sheila Rae the Brave 

Written by Kevin Henkesn

Narrated by Laura Hamilton

Kevin Henkes is the beloved author of perennial favorites including Chrysanthemum, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Julius, the Baby of the World, and Owen.

In Sheila Rae the Brave, we meet Sheila, who is not afraid of anything. She steps on cracks, walks backward with her eyes closed, and teases her sister for her fears. But when Sheila Rae gets lost one day, she discovers maybe, just maybe, she isn’t quite as brave as she thought she was.

The Case of the Disgusting School Dinners 

Written by Angie Lake

Narrated by Claudia Campbell

Aren’t school dinners a bit strange? Chicken nuggets? On pizza? Covered in chocolate? Nobody wants to live on lettuce and broccoli, but children are losing teeth over this! This looks like a case for Mina Mistry, the adventure-seeking sleuth at the center of Claudia Campbell’s The Case of the Disgusting School Dinners.

Being at school is boring when you just know you’re going to grow up to be something cool like a private investigator. So until then, Mina’s going to practice for her future, and there’s plenty of detective work to be done at school.

Hattie Harmony 

Written and narrated by Robbie Arnett and Elizabeth Olsen

In this sequel to the New York Times bestseller Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective, the eponymous protagonist shares new tools for managing anxiety, just in time for opening night of the school play.

There are lines to be memorized, costumes to sew, and sets to paint. Will Hattie be able to settle the pre-show jitters before curtain call? Co-authored by actress Elizabeth Olsen and musician and writer Robbie Arnett, this relatable tale introduces the youngest readers to the importance of self-care.

The Good Egg and the Talent Show 

Written by Jory John

Narrated by Dan Bittner

The Good Egg is so excited for the talent show, but there’s just one problem: He doesn’t have an act. When the talent show starts, he accepts that he’ll be just a regular audience member. But when his friends need help onstage, the Good Egg steps up to assist and discovers that being yourself and being kind deserve a standing ovation.

The Good Egg and the Talent Show is a Level 1 I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for kids who are sounding out words and sentences. Audiobooks are also a great companion to physical books for kids discovering the joys of reading on their own.

Podcasts

Short History Of…

History is full of the extraordinary, and each week, Short History Of… transports listeners back in time to witness history’s most incredible moments and remarkable people.

Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!

Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! is a special back-to-school series that explores the most entertaining and enraging stories from mythology every Tuesday and Friday this September. Told in a casual, contemporary, and sarcastic tone, each episode will leave listeners realizing that Greek and Roman gods did some pretty weird (and awful) things.

Dan Snow’s History Hit

Listen along as historian Dan Snow investigates the how and why of history’s defining moments. From the tomb of Tutankhamun to the battlefields of Waterloo, Dan shares the greatest stories from the past to help us understand the present.

The Ten News

The Ten News is a bite-sized podcast for families who are curious about the world around them. Each episode explores topics kids care about most, including events, sports, science, gaming, pop culture, entertainment, and more.

Phil Edwards

From business to tech, french fries to Civil War balloons, podcaster Phil Edwards dives deep into everyday topics and finds the stories that will pique the interest of adults and kids alike.

For even more content, visit Spotify’s Back to School Hub.

AI Playlist Is Rolling Out in the US, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand—Get Started With These Pro Tips

Eric Alper
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AI Playlist Is Rolling Out in the US, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand—Get Started With These Pro Tips

In April, Spotify introduced AI Playlist in beta, providing Premium subscribers in the U.K. and Australia with an innovative tool to fuel discovery and music curation. The feature is now being expanded, offering more users the opportunity to express themselves through the music they love. Starting today, AI Playlist in English is rolling out in beta to Premium users on Android and iOS devices in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

AI Playlist combines Spotify’s powerful personalization technology with generative AI, allowing users to transform creative ideas into playlists. Whether someone is new to playlist creation or an experienced curator, this feature offers a fun, intuitive way to craft the perfect musical mix.

Playlists on Spotify have long been hubs for discovery, fostering strong connections between artists and fans. With over 22 billion new artist discoveries each month—two billion of which turn into lasting connections—Spotify continues to play a pivotal role in artist-fan relationships.

Since its launch in the U.K. and Australia, AI Playlist has already made an impact. Users have created millions of playlists they revisit regularly. With AI Playlist, anyone can flex their creative muscles and design the ideal vibe for any mood or moment.

The Magic of AI Playlist
Creating a playlist with AI Playlist is as simple as entering a unique prompt, such as “upbeat pop music for my European summer vacation” or “a romantic playlist for date night at home.” Spotify then provides a personalized selection of songs tailored to the desired vibe, which can be refined by adding further prompts.

Specificity enhances the process. Prompts that combine genres, moods, artists, or decades yield the most successful playlists. Creativity is key—users can even reference places, animals, activities, movie characters, colors, or emojis.

With AI Playlist reaching new markets, several Spotify team members have shared the prompts they’ve used to create their own AI-powered soundtracks:

  • Frankie Shlain, On-Platform Marketing Lead: Frankie asked for a playlist of rom-com soundtracks from the ’90s and ’00s and received tracks from favorite nostalgic movies, proving AI Playlist’s capability.
  • Erick Morales, Product Marketing Lead: Erick created a “Caribbean Dreams” playlist with chilled electronic music for a Tulum trip, blending personal favorites with new discoveries.
  • Annabelle Rolland, Senior Data Scientist: Annabelle’s prompt, “Give me funky and upbeat songs to help me unpack my boxes in my new home,” resulted in two energizing playlists: Energized Unpacking Grooves and Moving Day Melodies.
  • Renato Gamboa, Senior iOS Engineer: Renato relived magical moments from Joshua Tree with a “Desert house music for driving through Joshua Tree” playlist, refining it further to include only tracks released within the past month.

Getting Started with AI Playlist
Users can access the feature through the Spotify mobile app by searching “AI Playlist” or navigating to “Your Library,” tapping the “+” button, and selecting “AI Playlist.” From there:

  • Select a suggested prompt or type a custom one.
  • Spotify curates a playlist with tracks, artists, and genres tailored to the user’s preferences.
  • Manage the playlist by previewing, deleting tracks, or refining it with additional prompts.
  • Tap “Create” to save the playlist to Your Library.

AI Playlist, currently in beta, is designed exclusively for music-related prompts. Measures are in place to ensure responsible usage, especially for offensive prompts.

As AI Playlist expands to new regions, Spotify aims to empower more users to express themselves creatively and explore new music. With continuous innovation and updates on the horizon, the possibilities are endless.

5 Surprising Facts About Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble’s “Texas Flood”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble’s “Texas Flood”

When Texas Flood dropped on June 13, 1983, it was an electrifying jolt to the music world. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble came out swinging with a sound that was raw, real, and revolutionary. With Vaughan’s fiery guitar work and soul-stirring blues, this debut album didn’t just make waves—it created a flood.

1. It Was Recorded in Just Two Days
Talk about efficiency! Texas Flood was recorded in a mere two days at Jackson Browne’s personal studio in Los Angeles. With no overdubs, Vaughan and Double Trouble played as if they were performing live, capturing the raw energy that defined their sound.

2. A Legendary Studio with Humble Beginnings
The recording space wasn’t a high-tech marvel—it was a converted warehouse with concrete floors and rugs scattered around. Vaughan and the band set up in a circle, facing each other to create a live atmosphere. The simplicity of the setup became a defining feature of the album’s intimate sound.

3. A Loan That Changed History
To achieve their signature tone, Vaughan and the band took out a loan to purchase their equipment, including a rare Movement Systems Drum Computer and a Dumbleland Special amplifier. The investment paid off, with Vaughan’s guitar tone becoming one of the most iconic in blues history.

4. “Texas Flood” Has Roots in a Blues Standard
The title track, “Texas Flood,” wasn’t an original composition but a reimagined version of a blues song first recorded by Larry Davis in 1958. Vaughan’s version nearly doubled the original’s length, giving him ample space to unleash his dazzling guitar solos.

5. A Surprise Comeback for the Blues
At a time when mainstream rock dominated the charts, Texas Flood brought traditional blues roaring back into the spotlight. Critics praised Vaughan’s fresh yet faithful approach, making him a hero for a new generation of blues fans.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s debut was a raw, soulful declaration of love for the blues, proving that even in a world dominated by synths and pop, pure talent and passion can create a lasting legacy.

5 Surprising Facts About Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”

When Eurythmics released Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) on January 4, 1983, they unleashed a revolution. Packed with electronic ingenuity, emotional depth, and a groundbreaking visual aesthetic, this record didn’t just climb charts; it redefined the boundaries of pop music. Whether you’ve danced to the synth-pop anthem or admired Annie Lennox’s androgynous power in the music video, this album holds secrets that only make it more fascinating.

1. The Studio Was a Makeshift Musical Haven
Eurythmics didn’t record Sweet Dreams in a state-of-the-art studio. Instead, the album was born in the attic of a warehouse in Chalk Farm, London, equipped with just a handful of second-hand gear and a single microphone. The duo’s DIY ethic wasn’t just a necessity—it became a defining part of the album’s raw and innovative sound.

2. “Sweet Dreams” Wasn’t an Obvious Hit
Believe it or not, RCA Records initially doubted the potential of the now-iconic title track. The song’s lack of a traditional chorus made them hesitate. However, after a Cleveland radio DJ put it on repeat, its undeniable allure skyrocketed, forcing RCA to release it—and the rest is history.

3. Annie Lennox’s Suit Broke Barriers
The music video for “Sweet Dreams” didn’t just promote the song; it became a cultural landmark. Annie Lennox’s orange buzz cut and business suit challenged traditional gender norms, earning her a reputation as a pioneer of androgynous style and inspiring countless artists who came after her.

4. “Sweet Dreams” Almost Didn’t Exist
The song’s iconic riff came together almost by accident. Dave Stewart was experimenting with his new synthesizer when Lennox, depressed at the time, was suddenly energized by the sounds. She jumped in, adding her creative input, and the duo turned a spontaneous jam session into an unforgettable anthem.

5. A “Sweet” Connection to Other Hits
Here’s a fun twist: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” both became breakout hits in 1983. Both songs not only defined the sound of the year but also symbolized the power of reinvention, with their artists flipping traditional expectations of pop music on its head.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) continues to hold a place in music history as a masterpiece of ingenuity, resilience, and cultural impact. Whether it’s the unforgettable synth line, Lennox’s groundbreaking image, or its unorthodox production process, every detail about this record reminds us to hold your head up, keep moving on.

5 Surprising Facts About Cyndi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Cyndi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual”

Let’s take a step back to 1983, a time when music was transforming and artists were using their platforms to make bold statements. Cyndi Lauper’s debut album She’s So Unusual was a game-changer. With its blend of fun, empowerment, and individuality, Lauper gave us more than songs; she gave us a lesson in how to embrace who we are and stand out in a crowd.

1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” Was Almost a Completely Different Song
Written by Robert Hazard, the original demo of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was from a male perspective. Lauper, ever the creative visionary, flipped the lyrics to make it a feminist anthem. With a playful yet powerful twist, she transformed it into one of the most iconic songs of the ’80s—a true celebration of female empowerment.

2. The Album Cover Has a Story of Its Own
The vibrant album cover, shot by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, captures Lauper in a vintage red prom dress she purchased from the boutique where she used to work. The location? Henderson Walk in Coney Island. The whimsical and rebellious energy of the cover perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the album.

3. A Banned Song Made Headlines
The track “She Bop” wasn’t just a chart success—it was a controversial one. Its cheeky themes earned it a spot on the PMRC’s infamous “Filthy Fifteen” list in 1985. Far from a setback, the controversy only added to the album’s mystique and Lauper’s reputation as a fearless artist.

4. A Summer of Transformation Led to Magic
The album was recorded during the summer of 1983 in studios across New York City. Lauper, who had been performing in clubs after declaring bankruptcy following the breakup of her band Blue Angel, poured her personal trials and triumphs into the record. That resilience and spirit are evident in every note.

5. The Tracklist Includes Hidden Gems
While hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” stole the spotlight, deeper cuts like “Witness” and “I’ll Kiss You” showcase Lauper’s range and knack for storytelling. These tracks cement her as more than a pop icon—they reveal her as an artist with depth and versatility.

Whether you’re blasting “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” on repeat or rediscovering its hidden gems, there’s always something new to uncover. And as Lauper herself proved, sometimes being unusual is exactly what the world needs.

 

5 Surprising Facts About R.E.M.’s “Murmur”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About R.E.M.’s “Murmur”

Some albums – like, once a generation, don’t just define a moment in time; they create a whole new language for music. Murmur, R.E.M.’s debut studio album, released on April 12, 1983, did just that. The mysterious lyrics, jangly guitars, and haunting melodies set a benchmark for alternative rock that still resonates today. Critics lauded its originality, Rolling Stone named it the Best Album of 1983, and even 40 years later, it remains a blueprint for indie music success.

But beyond its acclaim, Murmur has a treasure trove of stories, quirks, and hidden gems that make it even more fascinating. Here are five lesser-known facts about this iconic album:

1. “Talk About the Passion” Speaks to Hunger
Michael Stipe revealed that “Talk About the Passion” is a song about hunger, though its lyrics are deliberately ambiguous. The haunting line “empty mouths” is the closest the song comes to a direct reference. A later music video in 1988 made this theme explicit, juxtaposing images of homelessness with the staggering costs of military spending. Interestingly, the cello part in the song was played by an uncredited member of the Charlotte Symphony.

2. The Origin of “Radio Free Europe”
Before Murmur, “Radio Free Europe” was released as a single on Hib-Tone Records in 1981. The initial recording was raw and lo-fi, but it gained traction on college radio, earning R.E.M. a deal with I.R.S. Records. For Murmur, the band re-recorded it with producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, resulting in a cleaner, more polished version that became their first Billboard-charting single, peaking at #78.

3. The Kudzu Mystery
The album cover of Murmur features a dense tangle of kudzu, a fast-growing vine notorious in the South for overtaking landscapes. While it’s often interpreted as a metaphor for growth and decay, the image was chosen primarily for its aesthetic appeal. The train trestle on the back cover, now a local landmark in Athens, Georgia, has its own tale—it was saved from demolition after public outcry and is now part of the Firefly Trail.

4. A Reluctant Collaboration
R.E.M. initially clashed with their label’s choice of producer, Stephen Hague, whose polished style didn’t align with their vision. After a difficult trial session, the band pushed to work with Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, who took a hands-off approach, capturing the band’s live energy. This decision was pivotal in preserving the raw, timeless quality that defines Murmur.

5. The Ghost of Neil Bogan
In one of the rare instances of R.E.M. co-writing, Michael Stipe asked his friend Neil Bogan to contribute lyrics to “West of the Fields.” This collaboration is an anomaly in the band’s discography, adding a layer of mystique to the album’s already enigmatic lyrics.

5 Surprising Facts About The Police’s “Synchronicity”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Police’s “Synchronicity”

Few albums capture the essence of an era like Synchronicity, the fifth and final studio masterpiece by The Police. Released in 1983, it defined a generation with hits like “Every Breath You Take” and “King of Pain.” While the album is widely celebrated, here are five lesser-known facts that add depth to its legacy.

1. “Every Breath You Take” Almost Tore the Band Apart

While recording their biggest hit, tensions between Sting and Stewart Copeland reached an all-time high, with verbal and physical altercations threatening to derail the project. The song ultimately had to be pieced together from overdubs after multiple failed takes, proving that behind the polished final product lay a stormy creative process.

2. The Symbolism of “King of Pain”

Written by Sting after his separation from his first wife, “King of Pain” is filled with poetic imagery symbolizing heartbreak and existential dread. The song underwent significant reworking during the mixing process, stripping back layers to highlight its emotional depth.

3. A Record-Breaking Number of Album Covers

Synchronicity was released with 36 different album covers, each featuring a unique arrangement of color stripes and band member photos. This creative marketing move turned the vinyl into a collector’s dream and added to the album’s mystique.

4. Carl Jung and Arthur Koestler’s Influence

The album’s title and many themes were inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity and Arthur Koestler’s book The Roots of Coincidence. Sting, an avid reader, infused the record with philosophical depth, making it as much a literary exploration as a musical one.

5. Innovative Recording Techniques

To achieve the best sound, the band recorded their parts in separate rooms at AIR Studios in Montserrat, connected by video links. This unconventional setup helped maintain sonic clarity while also reflecting the personal tensions within the group.

10 Hit Songs That Were Originally Meant for Someone Else

Eric Alper
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10 Hit Songs That Were Originally Meant for Someone Else

Music history is filled with incredible stories of songs that almost went to a completely different artist. Imagine a world where Elvis didn’t sing “Hound Dog” or Whitney Houston didn’t belt out “I Will Always Love You.” From last-minute swaps to surprising handoffs, here are 10 iconic songs that were originally written for or given to someone else.

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor

Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U” in the mid-‘80s for his side project, The Family. While their version went largely unnoticed, Sinead O’Connor’s haunting rendition in 1990 became a global hit, turning the song into a modern classic.

2. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston

Dolly Parton wrote this heartfelt ballad in 1973, but it became Whitney Houston’s signature song in 1992. Parton originally intended it as a farewell to her business partner, Porter Wagoner, before it was reimagined for The Bodyguard soundtrack.

3. “Umbrella” – Rihanna

“Umbrella” was originally written for Britney Spears, but her team passed on it. Rihanna’s powerhouse delivery turned it into a career-defining smash in 2007, cementing her status as a global pop icon.

4. “Yesterday” – The Beatles

Paul McCartney famously wrote “Yesterday” in a dream, but he initially considered giving it to another artist. At one point, it was almost recorded by Marianne Faithfull before The Beatles decided to keep it.

5. “Manic Monday” – The Bangles

Prince strikes again! He wrote “Manic Monday” under the pseudonym Christopher and originally intended it for his side project Apollonia 6. Instead, he gifted it to The Bangles, and it became one of their biggest hits.

6. “We Found Love” – Rihanna

Calvin Harris wrote this EDM anthem and initially planned to release it with Leona Lewis. However, Rihanna got her hands on it, and the song became a global phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide in 2011.

7. “You’re My Best Friend” – Queen

John Deacon wrote this heartfelt track for his wife, but Freddie Mercury’s emotional delivery brought it to life. While not technically intended for another artist, the song’s personal roots make it feel like a gift given to listeners.

8. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds

Written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff, this iconic Breakfast Club anthem was originally offered to Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry, who both turned it down. Simple Minds reluctantly agreed to record it, and it became their biggest hit.

9. “Rock Your Body” – Justin Timberlake

Before Justified launched Justin Timberlake’s solo career, “Rock Your Body” was intended for Michael Jackson’s Invincible album. Timberlake’s slick vocals made it a standout track, proving it was a perfect fit for him.

10. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams

Pharrell originally wrote “Happy” for CeeLo Green, but it ended up being his own signature hit. While CeeLo recorded a version, his team passed on releasing it, leaving Pharrell to turn it into a worldwide sensation.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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