Jim Henson and Muppeteers show kids how to make puppets from simple things like socks. This video aired on Public Television in 1969, prior to Sesame Street, on Iowa Public Television’s “Volume See” kids’ show.
Cardinal Black Release ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ and Announce Sold-Out U.S. Headline Tour
Cardinal Black, the Welsh-formed trio of frontman Tom Hollister, guitarist Chris Buck, and drummer Adam Roberts – have released their sensational new studio album Midnight At The Valencia – out now on Thirty Tigers.
The resplendent Midnight At The Valencia, whose tracks are now fast approaching a million streams, is a testament to the band’s self-carved path, from their humble beginnings in university dive bars to sharing stages with legends like Peter Frampton, at his sold-out Royal Albert Hall show, as well as Joe Bonamassa & Myles Kennedy.
Critically well-received, Midnight At The Valencia has seen fantastic media support over the coming months, with Classic Rock Magazine declaring that the band “really should go global, no problem,” the Daily Mirror predicting that “greatness awaits,” as well as Planet Rock Radio playlist support.
Singles such as “Need More Time” arrived to rousing receptions, as well as “Keep On Running,” – a swampy, menacing blues sound, full of haunting whistles and scuzzy riffs that crackle like lightning. The accompanying video starred BAFTA-winning actor Molly Windsor, a fan of the band who is known to millions as the star of the BBC’s critically acclaimed drama series Three Girls, fleeing her trauma in a sequence of flashbacks – watch here. The band have also now unveiled the video for latest track “Breathe” – watch here.
Produced by Cyrill Camenzind (James Morrison, Alain Clark) at Powerplay Studios in Zurich, the album is a rich tapestry of love, loss, grief, and hope, brought to life by vintage analogue equipment and the band’s undeniable chemistry.
With Midnight At The Valencia, the band set out to create a record that represented their “10,000 hours” of work, having played in just about every backwater dive bar and neon-soaked club they’d come across. “It’s a long, shared history we have,” Hollister says. “We feel like we’ve paid our dues, and this album is the culmination of all that effort.”
The road to success has been anything but conventional. First their story began when they were tipped by Steve Winwood, who invited them to record at his own Wincraft Studios, then Guns N’ Roses manager Alan Niven took interest and a record deal was offered, but instead the band paused and their paths diverged but never truly separated.
Buck’s distinctive guitar playing earned him numerous accolades and praise from some of the most distinguished players in Slash & Jason Isbell and the band remained close, reuniting sporadically to play together until they decided to reform.
The next phase was nearly two years of writing, recording and rehearsing and in 2022, within 24 hours, their debut single, “Tell Me How It Feels,” caused an instant sensation, knocking Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds from their perch at the top of the iTunes and Amazon Rock Charts. Both their first EP and subsequent debut album also reached #1.
Having cemented themselves as a formidable live force, Cardinal Black have toured extensively across Europe and the UK, including a standout 2024 performance at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Their growing reputation also took root in the U.S. with sold-out shows at iconic venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles and Basement East in Nashville—milestones that helped solidify a new partnership with Thirty Tigers for this fiercely independent band.
Now, with their electrifying live presence gaining global attention, the band is preparing for their first-ever U.S. headline tour this August—and momentum is already building fast. Shows in New York, Toronto, Chicago, Minneapolis, Austin, and Atlanta have sold out well in advance, with their initial NYC date at Mercury Lounge moving to the larger Gramercy Theatre after tickets were snapped up in less than 24 hours. Additional dates in Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more are moving quickly as Cardinal Black gear up for their long-awaited inaugural North American tour. Tickets on sale HERE.
Midnight At The Valencia is a heartfelt and ambitious account of their journey so far, one that invites listeners to pull up a pew, laugh, cry… and raise a glass to the past. Cheers to their future.
US HEADLINE TOUR DATES
August 6th – NEW YORK, The Gramercy Theatre (UPGRADED)
August 8th – TORONTO, CA – The Drake Hotel Underground (SOLD OUT)
August 9th – ONTARIO, CA, Kitchener Blues Festival
August 12th – CHICAGO, Schuba’s (SOLD OUT)
August 14th – MINNEAPOLIS, 7th Street Entry (SOLD OUT)
August 16th – OMAHA, Playing with Fire
August 18th – NASHVILLE, Basement East
August 19th – ATLANTA, Vinyl at Center Stage (SOLD OUT)
August 21st – AUSTIN, Antone’s (SOLD OUT)
August 23rd – PHOENIX, Rebel Lounge
August 26th – LOS ANGELES, Troubadour
August 29th – SAN FRANCISCO, The Independent
August 30th – CAMINO, Concert Series @ Delfino Farms
Kermit the Frog Delivers Heartfelt Wisdom and Warmth to University of Maryland Graduates
It’s not easy being green… but it sure is inspiring.
At the University of Maryland’s 2025 commencement, graduates didn’t just get a diploma — they got a once-in-a-lifetime message from a true legend: Kermit the Frog. With his signature charm, gentle wisdom, and a little green heart full of love, Kermit took the podium and delivered a speech that was equal parts joyful, reflective, and, well, classic Muppet magic.
It was a full-circle moment. Kermit’s creator, Jim Henson, and his wife Jane were both proud Maryland alumni and big-time fans of the Maryland Terrapins. So when Kermit took the stage, it felt like a homecoming — a celebration not just of a graduating class, but of a legacy of creativity, friendship, and dreaming big.
Kermit began by reflecting on what it means to find “your people” — a reminder that the journey ahead doesn’t have to be taken alone.
“Now there is no guarantee that the show is always good or that it’ll go off without a hitch or it doesn’t have its hecklers. But the show must go on and if you’re with your people then you won’t have to do it alone. Because life is not a solo act. No it’s not. It’s a big messy delightful ensemble piece especially when you’re with your people. These are friends that you might have for your whole life and there will be many others to collect along the way.”
Cue the waterworks.
But Kermit didn’t stop there. He encouraged the graduates to lead with kindness, with empathy, and most importantly — with each other.
“So as you prepare to take this big leap into real life here’s a little advice if you’re willing to listen to a frog. Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side because life is better when we leap together …Because if I know anything it’s important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends, and most of all stay connected to your dreams. No matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem, the truth is dreams are how we figure out where we want to go.”
Honestly? It’s the kind of speech you want to print out, frame, and put on your wall. Or maybe stitch onto a pillow. Or just replay every time life gets a little too real.
In a world that often feels too busy and too loud, Kermit the Frog reminded us all — with his soft voice and even softer wisdom — that the best thing we can do is leap together, be kind, and never stop dreaming.
To the Class of 2025: Kermit believes in you. And so do we.
Chris Janson Honors America’s Heroes with Powerful New Patriotic Anthem “This Flag”
For Memorial Day, multi-Platinum and award-winning, Chris Janson, has released his patriotic new track, “This Flag,” out now. Written by Janson, Josh Phillips, Mitch Oglesby and Michael Wayne Wilkes, the song was inspired by our nation’s heroes and is a reminder of why we stand for our flag – “all the ones who left their homes and never made it back” and “every small-town kid who ever had a dream.”
“I have had the honor of working with several veteran organizations and love supporting our troops. I wrote this song inspired by the work they have done and do to protect the flag and our freedom. My hope is that this song brings more awareness, pride and patriotism to our youngest generation out there. Respecting and standing for the flag, the National Anthem, and showing the upmost respect for the men and women who serve our great country, America.,” says Chris Janson.
Also released is the track’s official music video which includes real life commentary from United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, highly regarded Navy Seal GBRS Co-Founder, DJ Shipley, and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris.
Recently, Janson released his current radio single, “Me & A Beer,” which was the most added track to Country radio upon release with 69 stations. This summertime anthem perfectly fits into Janson’s musical canon of feel-good tracks such as “Fix A Drink” and “Buy Me A Boat.”
2 Lane Summer Raise a Toast to Small-Town Heroes with New Anthem “Here’s to You”
Quartz Hill Records’ newest signing, soulful country-pop duo 2 Lane Summer, today released “Here’s to You,” a summer-party-time toast to our sometimes-forgotten small-town Americans. The infectious, sing-along track is available now across all digital retail and streaming partners.
Best known for their heartfelt romantic ballads, culminating in the release of debut EP The Love Songs, 2 Lane Summer’s Joe Hanson and Chris Ray pick up the tempo when raising a glass in “Here’s to You.” But while the duo might be pushing pause on their love songs era, “Here’s to You” still tips a cowboy hat To the hometown country girls / Makin’ our world spin around.
At the same time, though, this uptempo pop-rocker with a jangly, electric-guitar-driven chorus is all about celebrating work-hard, play-hard country guys:
Here’s to the boys in trucks
Keepin’ it small town
Ridin’ round them girls
Keepin’ them red dirt roads worn down
Here’s to boys in boots
Sunup to sundown
Keepin’ them gears goin’ them tractors rollin’ around round
I’m raising this cold drink up
Keepin’ them map dots cool
If ya been raised on it gonna stay on it boys
Here’s to you
“We wanted to put out a song for all the hard-working, blue-collar people – to let them know we’re right there with you,” says Ray. “When we’ve played the song live, the response we got from the crowd was incredible. People were raising their drinks up, and singing ‘Here’s to You’ with us, which was really cool to see.”
“It just kind of turned the atmosphere into a party and really unified everybody together to celebrate the country men and women who make the world go ’round,” adds Hanson. “I love that ‘Here’s to You’ honors the people who don’t usually get all the attention and the accolades.”
“Here’s to You” was penned by hit songwriter Ash Bowers (Matt Stell’s multi-Platinum No. 1 “Prayed for You”) alongside Johnny Dailey, and Jaron Boyer (Dierks Bentley’s multi-Platinum smash “Somewhere on a Beach”). Bowers also produced the track.
Metallica’s ‘Black Album’ Hits 20x Platinum as ‘Master of Puppets’ Joins Billion-Stream Club
Metallica’s self-titled fifth album a/k/a The Black Album has been certified 20x platinum for sales in excess of 20 million copies, while the band’s third full length, Master of Puppets, has been certified 8x platinum having crossed the eight million mark.
The Black Album‘s 1991 release not only gave Metallica its first #1 album in no fewer than 10 countries, including a 4-week run at #1 in the U.S., its unrelenting series of singles — “Enter Sandman”, “The Unforgiven”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Wherever I May Roam”, and “Sad But True” — fueled the band’s rise to stadium headlining, radio and MTV dominating household name status. The album’s reception from the press was similarly charged, building over the years from the top 10 of the 1991 Village Voice Pazz & Jop national critics poll to becoming a constant presence in the likes of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. The Black Album’s impact and relevance continue to grow with successive generations—it remains unchallenged as the best-selling album of the Luminate era, outselling every release in every genre over the past 30+ years.
Metallica’s 1986 breakthrough third LP Master of Puppets has attained 8x platinum status, having sold more than eight million albums. The heaviest rock album ever to be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” Master of Puppets has long been regarded as a watershed moment in the history of rock music. The album’s peerless balance of sheer power and complex song craft would earn Metallica its first gold record, elevating the band to new heights of critical acclaim on the strength of enduring favorites including “Battery,” “Orion” and of course the title track, speaking of which…
… “Master of Puppets” recently followed “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters” as the third Metallica song to join the billion streams club, becoming the second longest song to do so. Clocking in at 8:36, “Master…” now sits between former second longest billion streamer “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (8:02) and reigning champion Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”
Metallica is currently in the midst of the third year of its M72 World Tour, which has seen the band play to more than three million fans across the globe. The M72 shows have been breaking attendance records from Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium to the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse NY, while generating some of the most positive critical notes of the band’s career — and in one case, actual seismic activity, thanks to the unbridled enthusiasm of 70,000+ fans attending the first-ever concert at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg VA.
The 7 Live Recordings That Hit #1 on Billboard
Most songs that hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 come straight from the studio—polished, layered, and perfected. But once in a while, a live performance captures something so electric, so undeniable, it climbs to the top of the charts just the way it was heard on stage. Here are seven songs that made it to #1 in their raw, live-recorded glory—and reminded us that sometimes, magic really does happen in the moment.
“Fingertips” – Little Stevie Wonder (1963)
Before he dropped the “Little,” Stevie Wonder was just 13 years old when his live performance of “Fingertips” took over the country. Recorded at the Regal Theater in Chicago, the 1963 single was packed with wild harmonica solos, spontaneous call-and-response with the audience, and even a band that wasn’t ready for the encore. It spent three weeks at #1 and made Stevie the youngest artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100. You can still hear the joy and chaos in every second.
“My Ding-a-Ling” – Chuck Berry (1972)
Chuck Berry, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, finally scored his first and only #1 hit with this cheeky, double-entendre-filled novelty song. Recorded live in England, “My Ding-a-Ling” had the crowd laughing, singing along, and fully participating in the silliness. It may not have been highbrow, but its infectious humor and Berry’s showmanship gave it two weeks on top of the charts in 1972. Proof that sometimes, the audience is half the performance.
“Coming Up (Live at Glasgow)” – Paul McCartney and Wings (1980)
Paul McCartney originally released “Coming Up” as a quirky studio track, but American audiences couldn’t resist the energetic live version recorded in Glasgow with Wings. The crowd’s energy, the tighter rock arrangement, and the sheer joy of hearing Paul live helped push this version to #1 for three weeks in 1980. Even John Lennon famously preferred the live cut. Sometimes the best version is the one with sweat and applause baked in.
“At This Moment” – Billy Vera and the Beaters (1987)
Originally released in 1981, “At This Moment” went unnoticed until it was featured in a pivotal romantic scene on the TV show Family Ties years later. The version that caught fire was a live recording, filled with raw vulnerability and aching vocals. Fans rushed to buy it, and it hit #1 in early 1987. The audience claps may be faint, but the emotion is as loud as ever.
“Mony Mony” – Billy Idol (1987)
The Tommy James & the Shondells original hit #3 in the ’60s, but Billy Idol’s amped-up live version from 1987 took it all the way. With a pounding rhythm, raucous crowd energy, and Idol’s sneering swagger, this version screamed party anthem. It hit #1 for one week and probably soundtracked a thousand college keggers that fall. And yes, the audience chant added between the lines is now infamous.
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” – George Michael and Elton John (1992)
When two icons share a stage, history tends to happen. George Michael brought Elton John on as a surprise guest during a live concert, and the duet was so powerful it became a single. Their performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” hit #1 in 1992, nearly two decades after Elton’s original. With crowd roars and powerhouse vocals, it’s one of the most emotional live recordings ever to top the charts.
“I’ll Be There” – Mariah Carey (1992)
Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz turned the Jackson 5 classic into a goosebump-inducing moment during MTV Unplugged. Their stripped-down, soul-drenched live rendition hit #1 for three weeks in 1992 and introduced a new generation to a timeless promise of love and support. You can hear the audience gasp, cheer, and fall in love in real time. A live track so flawless, it could have been the studio version.
In an era of pitch-perfect production, these seven tracks proved that raw vocals, real-time reactions, and live chemistry still have the power to move people straight to the top of the charts. Sometimes, all it takes is a mic, a stage, and a crowd to create a moment you’ll never forget.
The ONLY Songs That Hit #1 on Billboard… Twice!
It’s hard enough for a song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 even once. But some tracks are so good, so catchy, and so timeless, they climbed to the top spot twice—by entirely different artists, in entirely different decades. From bubblegum pop to synth-powered reinventions, these nine tracks prove that a great song never goes out of style.
“Go Away Little Girl” – Steve Lawrence (1963) and Donny Osmond (1971)
Steve Lawrence first took “Go Away Little Girl” to #1 in 1963, bringing a smooth and sentimental style to the tune written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Then in 1971, teen heartthrob Donny Osmond revived it with a fresh, youthful energy and took it to the top all over again. At just 13 years old, Osmond became the youngest solo male artist to hit #1 in the U.S. at the time. It’s one of the rare songs to make teenage heartbreak sound timeless across generations.
“The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva (1962) and Grand Funk (1974)
Little Eva made her debut with “The Loco-Motion” in 1962 and turned a dance craze into a #1 smash. More than a decade later, Grand Funk Railroad turned the same song into a full-on rock anthem in 1974, complete with crunchy guitars and arena-ready energy. Two different sounds, same irresistible rhythm. Whether it’s on a jukebox or a gym playlist, “The Loco-Motion” still gets people moving.
“Please Mr. Postman” – The Marvelettes (1961) and The Carpenters (1975)
The Marvelettes delivered Motown’s very first #1 single in 1961 with “Please Mr. Postman,” a heartfelt plea set to a catchy beat. In 1975, The Carpenters brought their soft rock polish and pristine harmonies to the same song and mailed it straight to the top of the charts once more. Different voices, same yearning. It’s a musical reminder that waiting for a letter—or a hit song—can really pay off.
“Venus” – Shocking Blue (1970) and Bananarama (1986)
In 1970, Dutch rock band Shocking Blue brought a mythical flair to the charts with “Venus,” crafting a hypnotic love song that mixed psychedelia with pop hooks. Sixteen years later, Bananarama gave the track a neon-lit makeover, turning it into an irresistible dance floor anthem. Both versions went straight to #1, proving that the goddess of love reigns supreme in any era.
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers (1972) and Club Nouveau (1987)
Bill Withers made “Lean on Me” a soul classic in 1972, offering warmth, community, and comfort in every verse. In 1987, Club Nouveau reimagined it with a funky, upbeat New Jack Swing style that gave the timeless lyrics a fresh sound. Both versions reached #1, each delivering the same message in different musical languages: everyone needs someone to lean on.
“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – The Supremes (1966) and Kim Wilde (1987)
The Supremes powered through heartbreak in 1966 with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” fusing urgency and emotion with Motown’s signature groove. Kim Wilde turned it into a synth-driven power anthem in 1987, giving it a sleek, modern edge that struck a chord with a new generation. It’s the same plea for freedom, told through two equally passionate voices nearly 20 years apart.
“When a Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge (1966) and Michael Bolton (1991)
Percy Sledge’s 1966 version of “When a Man Loves a Woman” is a soul masterpiece, filled with raw emotion and aching vulnerability. In 1991, Michael Bolton’s powerful vocals brought a new intensity to the song, earning him a Grammy and another #1 hit for the ages. Two powerhouse performances of the same timeless theme—love, in all its messy, beautiful glory.
“I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5 (1970) and Mariah Carey (1992)
The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” was a soulful, heartfelt promise from a young Michael Jackson in 1970, capturing devotion and warmth in every note. In 1992, Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz breathed new life into it with a stripped-down, live MTV Unplugged performance that soared to the top. Two different eras, two different stages, one unforgettable message: I’ll be there.
“Lady Marmalade” – Labelle (1975) and Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, Pink (2001)
Labelle made “Lady Marmalade” a funky, fearless anthem in 1975 with unforgettable vocals and unapologetic sass. In 2001, it exploded again when Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink teamed up for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, adding glamour, grit, and a whole lot of fire. Both versions hit #1 and made “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi” one of the most iconic hooks in pop history.
Some songs are destined to be hits. Others? They’re destined to be hits again. Different artists, different decades—but the same #1 magic.
20 Amazing Music Nicknames That Hit All the Right Notes
Nicknames in music are earned. They come from audiences, peers, and moments that stick. They reflect greatness, influence, and style—all in just a few words. Here are 20 musicians whose nicknames say exactly who they are.
1. The Boss – Bruce Springsteen
A name born on the Jersey stages, where he handed out the pay and commanded every spotlight.
2. Queen of Soul – Aretha Franklin
Her voice carried generations, lifting gospel, R&B, and respect all at once.
3. The King – Elvis Presley
A swivel, a sneer, and a song turned him into American royalty.
4. The Godfather of Soul – James Brown
He brought rhythm, power, and nonstop motion to the center of the stage.
5. Prince of Motown – Marvin Gaye
He gave love, loss, and protest a smooth and unforgettable voice.
6. Queen of Pop – Madonna
She ruled MTV, arenas, and dance floors with bold vision and hit after hit.
7. The Piano Man – Billy Joel
He played barroom ballads and New York stories with melody and heart.
8. The Man in Black – Johnny Cash
He wore black for the forgotten and sang with deep conviction.
9. The First Lady of Song – Ella Fitzgerald
Her voice swung, soared, and never missed a note.
10. Slowhand – Eric Clapton
Fans waited as he tuned up, then he played like nobody else could.
11. Queen Bey – Beyoncé
She rose with grace and strength, setting the gold standard in performance.
12. The Thin White Duke – David Bowie
A cool, sharp character in a long line of transformations and brilliance.
13. The Voice – Whitney Houston
Every note she sang carried clarity, range, and raw emotion.
14. The Genius – Ray Charles
He saw music in every sound and shaped it into something timeless.
15. King of Pop – Michael Jackson
He danced, sang, and redefined spectacle in music across the world.
16. The Empress of Soul – Gladys Knight
She delivered feeling and depth with every verse and chorus.
17. The High Priestess of Soul – Nina Simone
She blended music and message with unmatched force and beauty.
18.The Godmother of Punk – Patti Smith
She gave punk its poetry, voice, and soul with fearless lyrics and raw power.
19. The Architect of Rock and Roll – Little Richard
His piano shook, his voice screamed, and rock was born.
20. The Queen of Country – Dolly Parton
She wrote songs that stayed forever and made every stage feel like home.