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David Letterman’s Iconic Response to Stephen Colbert’s Question Proves Why He’s the King of Comedy

If you don’t know whether he prefers dogs or cats, or which action movie is his favorite, do you really know comedy legend David Letterman?

My Next Read: “These Foolish Things: A Memoir” by Dylan Jones

Few people can say they have shaped the cultural landscape of the last four decades while crossing paths with some of the most extraordinary personalities on the planet. But then, of course, Dylan Jones isn’t just anyone.

These Foolish Things captivatingly charts Dylan’s life: from his peripatetic childhood and late adolescence in 1970s London – a city then alive with possibility – to his award-winning tenure at what would become one of the most dynamic magazines of its era, GQ. It details how he came to be in that hot seat: a journey through the Swinging London slipstreams of punk and new romanticism, and through i-D, The Face and Arena, which created the platform on which GQ was based, with Dylan as a common denominator.

Littered with a gold-star cast of characters – including a who’s who of celebrity from David Bowie and Bryan Ferry to Alastair Campbell and Prince Charles, via Samuel L. Jackson, Piers Morgan and Rihanna – this memoir reflects on how GQ became an established style and how Dylan sought to stir up music, politics and fashion.

Witty, perceptive and deliciously entertaining, but by turns bravely vulnerable, These Foolish Things is a memoir like no other: a dazzling retelling of the start of the twenty-first century from one of the world’s most fascinating media giants.

Dylan Jones studied at Chelsea School Of Art and then St. Martin’s School of Art. He is the award-winning editor of GQ magazine, a position he has held since 1999, and has won the British Society of Magazine Editors “Editor of the Year” award a record ten times. In 2013 he was also the recipient of the prestigious Mark Boxer Award.

Under his editorship the magazine has won over 50 awards.

A former editor at i-D, The Face, Arena, the Observer and the Sunday Times, he is the author of the New York Times best seller Jim Morrison: Dark Star, the much-translated iPod, Therefore I Am and Mr. Jones’ Rules, as well as the editor of the classic collection of music writing, Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy. He edited a collection of journalism from Arena – Sex, Power & Travel – and collaborated with David Cameron on Cameron on Cameron: Conversations with Dylan Jones (shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year).

He was the Chairman of the Prince’s Trust’s Fashion Rocks Monaco, is a board member of the Norman Mailer Writers Colony and a Trustee of the Hay Festival. He is also the chairman of London Fashion Week: Men’s, London’s first men’s fashion week, launched in 2012 at the behest of the British Fashion Council.

In 2010 he spent a week in Afghanistan with the Armed Forces, collaborating on a book with the photographer David Bailey: British Heroes in Afghanistan.

In 2012 he had three books published: The Biographical Dictionary of Music; When Ziggy Played Guitar: David Bowie and Four Minutes that Shook the World, and the official book of U2’s 360 Tour, published in October. Since then he has published

The Eighties: One Day One Decade, a book about the 1980s told through the prism of Live Aid, Elvis Has Left The Building: The Day The King Died, Mr. Mojo, London Rules, a polemic about the greatest city in the world, Manxiety and London Sartorial.

In June 2013 he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing and the fashion industry. In 2014 he was made an Honorary Professor of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Layne Staley’s Isolated Vocals For Alice In Chain’s “No Excuses”

Alice in Chains’ “No Excuses,” the lead single from their 1994 EP Jar of Flies, marked a turning point for the band with its softer, melodic sound. Written by Jerry Cantrell, the track became the band’s first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and spent 26 weeks on the chart.

Eddie Vedder’s Isolated Vocals For Pearl Jam’s “Black”

Pearl Jam’s “Black,” a haunting ballad from their iconic 1991 debut album Ten, is one of the band’s most beloved tracks. Written by Eddie Vedder and Stone Gossard, the song captures the bittersweet pain of first love and the heartbreak of letting go. Despite not being released as a single, “Black” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and remains a fan favorite.

10 Unknown Facts About Wham!’s “Last Christmas”

Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is more than just a holiday staple—it’s a cultural phenomenon with an intriguing backstory. From its humble beginnings in a childhood bedroom to its record-breaking success decades later, this song has captured hearts worldwide. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this timeless track.

1. Written in a Childhood Bedroom

George Michael wrote “Last Christmas” during a visit to his parents’ house. While relaxing after a meal, George disappeared upstairs for an hour and returned with the melody and chorus. Andrew Ridgeley described the moment as “a wonder,” likening it to discovering musical gold. It all began in George’s old childhood room, where inspiration struck like lightning.

2. A Christmas Song Without Much Christmas

Though it’s synonymous with the holidays, “Last Christmas” is primarily about heartbreak and unrequited love. The lyrics focus on a failed relationship and the emotional aftermath of seeing an ex a year later. The holiday reference is mostly in the title, making it a bittersweet addition to festive playlists.

3. George Did It All

George Michael not only wrote and produced “Last Christmas,” but he also played every instrument and recorded all the vocals. He used a LinnDrum machine, a Roland Juno-60 synthesizer, and sleigh bells to create the song’s iconic sound. George even decorated the studio with Christmas ornaments in August to get into the holiday spirit.

4. A Summer Recording Session

The song was recorded in the heat of August 1984 at Advision Studios in London. To create a festive atmosphere, George Michael covered the studio in Christmas decorations. The juxtaposition of summer sunshine and sleigh bells adds a unique touch to the track’s backstory.

5. The Video’s Alpine Adventure

The “Last Christmas” music video was filmed in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, and features a cozy ski resort holiday. The storyline includes love triangles and subtle drama, with Andrew Ridgeley wearing a brooch originally gifted by George Michael’s character to his ex. The snowy setting and real wine at the dinner table added authenticity to the shoot.

6. It Took 36 Years to Hit Number One

Despite its initial success, “Last Christmas” didn’t top the UK Singles Chart until January 2021. For decades, it held the record for the best-selling UK single never to reach number one. Thanks to streaming and fan campaigns, the song finally achieved the top spot 36 years after its release.

7. Royalties Went to Charity

Wham! donated all royalties from “Last Christmas” and its double A-side, “Everything She Wants,” to Ethiopian famine relief. The donation, amounting to over £250,000 in 1984, reflected George Michael’s commitment to using his success for philanthropic efforts.

8. A German Record-Breaker

In Germany, “Last Christmas” is the most successful Christmas song of all time. It has spent more than 150 weeks on the German Singles Chart and has charted every year since 1997. This enduring success highlights its universal appeal and status as a global holiday anthem.

9. A Cover Magnet

“Last Christmas” has been covered by countless artists across genres, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, and Gwen Stefani. Some renditions are heartfelt tributes, while others, like Crazy Frog’s version, are divisive at best. Each cover adds a new dimension to the song’s enduring legacy.

10. Inspired a Romantic Comedy

The 2019 film Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, was inspired by the song. Co-written by Emma Thompson, the movie features George Michael’s music, including unreleased tracks. George himself had collaborated on the concept before his untimely passing in 2016, adding a heartfelt connection to the project.

“Last Christmas” isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with fans new and old. Whether you’re drawn to its wistful lyrics, iconic video, or festive charm, it’s a track that makes the holiday season just a little brighter. So the next time you hear those opening notes, remember the magic behind this timeless classic. 🎄

4o

Kendrick Lamar And SZA To Hit Stadiums On The 2025 North American ‘Grand National’ Tour

Kendrick Lamar and SZA will take over 19 stadiums across North America for the Grand National Tour, presented by Live Nation, pgLang and Top Dawg Entertainment. Full routing below.

TICKETS: Exclusive Cash App Visa Card pre-sale Wednesday, December 4th at 10am local time. General on sale starts Friday, December 6th at 10am local time on grandnationaltour.com 

CASH APP VISA CARD PRESALE:

The first tickets for US dates to the Grand National Tour will be available for Cash App Card customers via an exclusive ticket presale presented by Cash App.

  • Beginning Wednesday, December 4th starting at 10am local time through Thursday, December 5th at 10pm local time, Cash App Card cardholders can unlock the earliest access to tickets by using the first 9 digits of their Cash App Card to access the presale and then completing the purchase using their Cash App Card.
  • In addition to the Cash App Card Presale, Cash App Card holders will receive a 20% instant discount on all official Grand National Tour  merch purchased on-site with Cash App Card.
  • For more information on the Cash App Card presale, please visit cash.app/exclusives/kendrickandsza

TOUR DATES: 
Apr 19 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium
Apr 23 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
Apr 26 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium
Apr 29 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
May 03 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
May 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
May 08 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 09 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 12 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
May 17 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 23 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 27 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium
May 29 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
May 31 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
Jun 04 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center
Jun 06 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
Jun 10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field
Jun 12 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
Jun 16 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Jun 18 – Washington, DC – Northwest Stadium

Must-Add Christmas Songs To Your Spotify Playlist

WHAM! – “Last Christmas”

Released in 1984, “Last Christmas” has become a holiday staple, re-entering music charts worldwide each December. In 2020, it finally reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, 36 years after its release. The song has sold over 1.8 million copies in the UK alone. Interestingly, the music video was filmed in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, a location chosen due to unexpected snowfall that disrupted the original plan to shoot in Gstaad.

Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Since its release in 1994, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a defining holiday anthem. It has topped the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, including a record-breaking run in recent years. The song has sold over 16 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. A lesser-known fact: the song was co-written in just 15 minutes and was originally conceived as a rock song before evolving into its current pop form.

Brenda Lee – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

Recorded in 1958 when Brenda Lee was just 13 years old, this classic has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. It continues to chart annually, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart. An interesting tidbit: the song’s distinctive guitar riff was played by Hank Garland, a renowned session musician of the era.

Ariana Grande – “Santa Tell Me”

Released in 2014, “Santa Tell Me” has become a modern Christmas favorite, frequently re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 during the holiday season, peaking at No. 17. The song has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. Fun fact: Grande co-wrote the song during the summer months, aiming to create a timeless holiday track.

Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bell Rock”

First released in 1957, “Jingle Bell Rock” has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. It reappears on the Billboard Hot 100 each holiday season, peaking at No. 3 in recent years. Interestingly, despite its enduring popularity, Helms recorded the song in a single take.

Ed Sheeran & Elton John – “Merry Christmas”

Released in December 2021, this collaboration debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was a charity single, with proceeds going to the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A fun fact: the song’s music video pays homage to various classic Christmas videos, including scenes reminiscent of Wham!’s “Last Christmas.”

Kelly Clarkson – “Underneath the Tree”

Released in 2013, “Underneath the Tree” has become a contemporary holiday classic, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song has been streamed over 200 million times on Spotify. Interestingly, Clarkson co-wrote the song and recorded it in just one day.

The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl – “Fairytale of New York”

Released in 1987, this song has become a holiday staple in the UK and Ireland, re-entering the charts annually and peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK. An interesting fact: the song was written over two years and was initially intended to be a duet between Shane MacGowan and bassist Cait O’Riordan before Kirsty MacColl was brought in.

Andy Williams – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Released in 1963, this song has become synonymous with the holiday season, reaching No. 5 on Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart. It has been featured in numerous films and commercials, contributing to its lasting popularity. Interestingly, despite its association with Christmas, the song never explicitly mentions the holiday.

These songs continue to bring joy during the holiday season, each with its unique history and charm.

5 Surprising Facts About Liz Phair’s ‘Exile in Guyville’

Liz Phair’s Exile in Guyville didn’t just put her on the map; it reshaped indie rock as we know it. Released in 1993, the album has become a cultural milestone, but there’s a treasure trove of fascinating details behind its creation. Here are five unknown facts about this groundbreaking record that’ll make you appreciate it even more.

  1. Girly-Sound Beginnings
    Before Exile in Guyville, Liz Phair made waves with her Girly-Sound cassette demos—raw, lo-fi recordings filled with unfiltered emotion. These tapes were passed around Chicago’s indie scene, capturing the attention of Matador Records and paving the way for her iconic debut. Without these tapes, the world might never have known Guyville.
  2. An Unlikely Inspiration
    Phair designed Exile in Guyville as a song-for-song response to The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St., flipping the rock classic’s themes with her own sharp, feminist lens. While the parallels aren’t always obvious, the sequencing and pacing were deliberate, making it an album-length conversation with rock’s male-dominated canon.
  3. The Cover That Almost Was
    The original idea for the album’s cover featured Barbie dolls floating in a pool—a surreal concept that Matador Records rejected for being too unconventional. Instead, the final cover shows a topless Phair in a photo booth, captured and cropped by Nash Kato of Urge Overkill, adding an iconic edge to the album’s mystique.
  4. The Myth of Guyville
    “Guyville” wasn’t just a place; it was a cultural critique. Phair described it as a mix of small-town vibes, Chicago’s indie music scene, and personal isolation. It was where comic books, flannel shirts, and unpretentious grunge ruled the day, and women had to fight for a voice in a male-dominated world of art and music.
  5. Gold Status Took Time
    Although critically acclaimed upon release, Exile in Guyville didn’t achieve gold certification until 1998. Its legendary status grew slowly, fueled by its influence on a new generation of artists. By the time it hit that milestone, it was already cemented as one of indie rock’s greatest achievements.

Liz Phair’s Exile in Guyville remains a cool indie rock classic, with its raw honesty making it still a must-listen. Put this on, and then Exile On Main St. You’ll want to go back to Exile in Guyville.

Leon Waves Reveals the Biggest Chord in Music—And It’s Mind-Blowing

Leon Waves breaks down the largest chord possible in music theory, and it’s more than your hands (or feet) can handle. Even with extra limbs, you’d still need a musical miracle to pull it off.

DJ Cummerbund Serves Up One Of The Best Mashup Feasts of the Year

DJ Cummerbund combines “Uptown Funk,” “Feed My Frankenstein,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” into a genre-blending masterpiece. It’s funky, spooky, and impossibly danceable.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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