In a quirky and unexpected television appearance in 1984, the Beastie Boys and the Butthole Surfers shared the stage on the Scott and Gary TV Show, creating a chaotic yet unforgettable moment in alternative music history.
Stevie Wonder Joins Progressive Rock Band Formula 3 On Drums In 1970 On Italian TV
In a mesmerizing display of musical collaboration, Stevie Wonder took to the drums alongside the progressive rock band Formula 3 during a live performance on Italian television in 1970. Known for his mastery of various instruments, Wonder seamlessly integrated into the band’s intricate rhythms, showcasing not only his versatility but also his infectious energy on stage. The audience was captivated as Wonder’s drumming prowess added a new dimension to Formula 3’s progressive sound, creating a memorable and electrifying moment in music history.
Ray Charles Performs One Of The Greatest Renditions Of ‘America The Beautiful’ In 1972
In a 1972 episode of “The Dick Cavett Show,” Ray Charles marked as an iconic patriotic anthem captivated audiences. This electrifying rendition not only showcased the artist’s undeniable talent but also resonated deeply with the American spirit. Decades later, it remains a powerful reminder of the unifying power of music, cementing its place in the annals of television history as an all-time great patriotic performance.
Bruce Springsteen Delivers Iconic Rendition of ‘This Land Is Your Land’ at 1985 L.A. Coliseum Concert
In a memorable 1985 performance at the L.A. Coliseum, Bruce Springsteen passionately delivered Woody Guthrie’s classic, “This Land Is Your Land.” Known for his dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals, Springsteen’s rendition captured the essence of American spirit and unity, proving his timeless appeal. Decades later, this performance still resonates, showcasing Springsteen’s enduring influence and the universal message of the song. The concert stands as a testament to Springsteen’s ability to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact through his music.
Photo Gallery: Orville Peck with The War and Treaty and Goldie Boutiller at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.
Bif Naked Returns with ‘Champion’: Her First Studio Album In 15 Years
When it comes to can’t-live-without Canadian rockers — let alone a woman — you’d be hard pressed to find a list that doesn’t include Bif Naked.
Released 25 years ago this year, I Bificus gained huge attention in Canada and included several successful singles such as “Moment of Weakness” and “Spaceman,” and showcased her edgy and energetic style, blending punk influences with catchy melodies. And to celebrate, she’s released an expanded edition of the album plus her first new album in 15 years, Champion.
Bif Naked is also going before the cameras in a new documentary on her life and career from the co-director of “The Corporation,” for “Bif Naked: One of a Kind,” which will air on Super Channel as part of its original selections in early 2024.
Bif Naked embodies the phrase “lived to tell the tale” and makes for a fascinating interview: orphaned, empowered, and inspired are just some of the reasons… Read below to see why Bif Naked transcended adversity to become one of the world’s most unique, creative and adored icons.
And of course, she is one of the nicest, kindest people you’ll ever meet, and the author of the best-selling memoir about life, love, loss and triumph, I, Bificus. Bif Naked was born in secret to a teenager living in India, the product of a Canadian girl and a British boy. She was rejected by both families, hidden away in a mental hospital and adopted by missionaries and then moved to North America. She began what she recalls with ironic humour as a “charmed life.” Targeted by girl gangs and facing other abusive situations, she escaped this early life by joining a punk rock band and leaving on tour, where she married the drummer and hit a downward spiral that found her on the floor of a Vancouver drug den.
Through it all, her creative personality and unstoppable humour were her weapons of self-defence. Bif showcased her life’s journey in tattoo ink across her body and, with her unique ability to transform her true-life stories into song lyrics, she found her voice as a solo artist, started her own record company and at twenty-three years of age became an international recording artist. Throughout her remarkable career, armed with her singular talent and instantly identifiable look, Bif would captivate the imagination of audiences and media alike, releasing nine albums and twenty-one videos. She embarked on seemingly endless international tours, several feature films and multiple television roles, only to be struck down with breast cancer at the age of 37. Bif would discover her passion for advocacy, as a triumphant survivor and someone who helps others first. This is Bif Naked’s story so far.
“Sharing CHAMPION serves as a reminder that we can all emerge as champions and rise to our own personal greatness no matter our circumstances and overcome any obstacle, defying all odds. You are all Champions.
We have previously released three songs from this album (Jim, Broke into Your Car, and Rollerdome) and the album in its entirety is an incredibly special body of work for me.” – Bif Naked
Jake Clemons Releases ‘Born Like Me’ Video ft. Allison Russell & Tom Morello, Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts Students
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake Clemons has released both the single and music video for “Born Like Me,” (featuring Allison Russell and Tom Morello). The video was shot at Jake’s alma mater, The Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA and was directed by GSA alumnus Daniel Russell (Missy Elliot, SZA, Cardi B, Khalid and Jason Derulo/Meghan Trainor). The “Born Like Me” video features Jake’s original song with an additional intro composed by Chace Moss, an outro by Courtney Jay Connor, a performance by 25¢ String Quartet and visual performances by members of the school’s theatre, film, dance visual arts and music departments.
Explains Jake Clemons: “’Born Like Me’ as both a song and a music video is one of my most deep reaching artistic efforts to date. The song was written at a time when the turmoil of the unjust executions of our American brothers and sisters were being captured on camera and highlighted amongst a wide media backdrop. A time when the realities of such painful discrepancies in our justice system were being brought into focus as voices crying for a stronger sense of humanity were ringing in the streets.
The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s last moments among the living drew me in to recount the harshness of their earthly departures. This was happening to the folks ‘born like me.’
I firmly believe that each of us are connected. All of humanity is ultimately made up of one single beautiful family and it requires us to love and protect every part of it to make us whole.”
The video for “Born Like Me” was written by Director Daniel Russel and Producer Matt Friedman and was executive produced by Deborah Thorpe and Michelle Cihak, produced by Lachlan McClellan and Matt Friedman, with Ethan Wen as the director of photography.
Speaking about the video Jake Clemons shares: “While envisioning a vehicle to communicate the sentiment of this song visually, I chose to reach out to my high school alma mater, the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA. I felt strongly about the importance of a powerful youthful representation coupled with a sincere level of artistic excellence to help tell the story and there is no better resource for this than GSA. We teamed up with a fellow alumnus, award winning director Daniel Russell and featured the incredible talents of each artistic department of GSA: Film, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts and the Music.
I am extremely proud of the profound efforts put forth by these amazing high school students as well as the incredible leadership of the amazing staff. The goal was to connect every viewer to these stories, for them to feel a deeper sense of humanity as a part of a family to fuel a conviction that as they look at their neighbors and broader communities. I wanted for each viewer to feel compelled to declare for themselves that these terrible atrocities are not happening to ‘those people’ but, in order to make the statement true in their own voice, that all of this is happening to those ‘Born Like Me’”.
Jake Clemons’ vast array of musical endeavors over the past decade have made him a globally familiar figure. He has toured the world performing his own music with The Jake Clemons Band and has spent the last 12 years as tenor and baritone sax player with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, also appearing on Springsteen’s album “Letter To You” and the companion Apple TV documentary.
Jake Clemons has recorded and performed with The Killers, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Tom Morello, Prophets of Rage, Roger Waters, US Girls, Arkells and Grouplove (among others). He can be seen on the Disney/ABC presentation of the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, performing as part of the George Michael induction before playing the U.S. National Anthem in front of 65,000 for the international broadcast of the NHL Stadium Series Live from Met Life Stadium New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers game last February.
His previous releases include the Embracing Light EP, Fear and Love (which reached #25 on the Billboard Americana charts) and his most recent release Eyes on The Horizon, where he once again created a new chapter, this time taking it a step further by adding his voice to those seeking to find clarity in a complicated world and expanding both his musical vision and philosophical perspective. Referring to Eyes on the Horizon, Jake says: “We always have to carry that hope with us, we have to use it to look towards the horizon.”
Ice-T Unveils Unconventional Treasures Like Woken Prisons, GWAR And Anime in ‘Icetv: The Cult S**t’ VH-1 Special From The 2000s
“Icetv: The Cult S**t” is a unique VH-1 special from the 2000s hosted by Ice-T, delving into a fascinating array of niche interests close to his heart. From the outrageous theatricality of GWAR to the gritty allure of the women-in-prison classic “Caged Heat,” Ice-T passionately explores these cultural touchstones with his signature charisma and insight. The special also delves into the notorious anime “Legend of the Overfiend,” known for its boundary-pushing content. Through his engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes, Ice-T invites viewers into a world where unconventional artistry and underground phenomena collide, offering a glimpse into his eclectic tastes and cultural influences.
Pavement’s “Summer Babe” Unearthed Video from 1992
“The story line for the video is the same as Grease’s but without a happy ending. Two people from different backgrounds — an indie rocker and a club kid — separately waxing nostalgic about their time together. Back then, it was unlikely a club kid would be caught dead with an indie rocker.
It was filmed on 16mm and Super 8 film and edited on video. I was a teenager when I made this — into Stan Brakhage and Beatles films. It took less than 2 hours to film. All the footage was lost except for a VHS tape with this edit with its enduring timecode. The version of Summer Babe was from an unmastered cassette. The club kid outift was borrowed from Love Saves the Day.
It was filmed on a pier in Greenpoint and in Central Park.
Spiral and Gary were in Stockton which is why it was put on the shelf until now.” – Director, Tanya Small
Elvis Presley’s “In The Ghetto” Gets Remixed By Matt Ross-Spang Without Overdubs For ‘MEMPHIS’ Set
Earlier this month, RCA Records and Legacy Recordings announced a new 111-track Elvis Presley set titled ‘MEMPHIS’ – marking the first fully-comprehensive collection of his hometown recordings; available August 9 on 5CD, 2LP and digital configurations. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Elvis’ first Sun Studio releases from the summer of 1954, the collection spans 22 years of music made in his eternal home – at legendary studios like American Sound and Stax, as well as from the stage of his ’74 arena tour and in the Jungle Room at Graceland.
Much of the music has been remixed by four-time GRAMMY winner and Memphis native Matt Ross-Spang (John Prine, Al Green, Margo Price, Jason Isbell) including removing overdubs from each of the 60s/70s studio recordings – leaving the listener with only what Elvis heard live in the room at the time…as if they were standing next to him. Today, we’re sharing Ross-Spang’s new mix of “In The Ghetto,” the chart-topping single that helped spearhead Elvis’ comeback on 1969’s From Elvis In Memphis.
From Elvis In Memphis marked Elvis’ return to his hometown after nearly 15 years, teaming up with legendary producer Chips Moman at American Sound Studio. Far from the glitz of Hollywood or the gloss of Nashville, Elvis sought out songs that reflected a more gimlet-eyed worldview, and put down some of the greatest performances of his career.
“I was especially excited and nervous to work on the famed Elvis ‘American Sessions.’ The producer of these sessions, Chips Moman, was a definite hero of mine. He pulled something out of Elvis that few others have. I felt like Indiana Jones holding the holy grail! We removed all the overdubbed instruments on the sessions. For example on ‘In the Ghetto,’ we removed the strings, orchestral brass and backing vocals. This new mix would be the closest to being a fly on the wall in the studio and hearing the recording as it was recorded live. Chips knew what he wanted out of each instrument and Elvis, and he committed all those decisions to tape. Chips did the hard work already, I just needed to put on the white gloves and not screw it up!” – Matt Ross-Spang
