Author: Larry Howard
From Underground to Prime Time: How 1990s Music Conquered Mass Media
Discover how 1990s music shifted from underground scenes to prime-time dominance. Learn how MTV's late-night shows and corporate strategies propelled grunge and hip-hop into the mainstream.
Payola Explained: Radio Ethics, Legal Boundaries, and Modern Streaming
Explore the history and current state of payola, from 1950s radio scandals to modern streaming playlists. Learn how FCC rules and FTC guidelines enforce transparency in music promotion.
1980s Albums: Why Critics and Fans Disagree
Explore the rift between critics and fans regarding 1980s albums. Discover why public nostalgia clashes with critical canons and how biases shape musical legacy.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s Evolution: How Funk Became 1980s Pop
Explore how Earth, Wind & Fire transformed from a Chicago jazz-fusion band into 1980s pop icons. Learn about Maurice White's strategy, key albums, and the impact of genre blending on mainstream music.
1980s Charity Singles: How Pop Stars Reshaped Culture & Fundraising
Discover how 1980s charity singles like 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' and 'We Are the World' raised millions and reshaped celebrity activism, despite ongoing debates about cultural representation.
1970s Artists on Modern Festival Bills: Why They Still Headline
Discover why 1970s artists continue to headline modern music festivals. Explore the economic drivers, programming strategies, and audience dynamics behind booking legacy acts in the growing live entertainment market.
Week-by-Week 1980s No. 1s: A Complete Decade Timeline of Billboard and UK Hits
Explore the complete week-by-week timeline of 1980s number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Discover data-driven insights into chart turnover, regional differences, and the legacy of iconic 80s music.
Synth Education in the 1970s: Manuals, Clinics, and Workshops
Explore how musicians learned analog synthesis in the 1970s through manuals, clinics, and workshops. Discover key resources like ARP's study books and Moog's training programs.
Soul vs. Funk in the 1970s: A Deep Dive into Musical and Cultural Overlaps
Explore the deep musical and cultural connections between soul and funk in the 1970s. Learn how these genres evolved, overlapped, and shaped Black American culture.
Political Reggae of the 1980s: Lyrics, Activism, and Awareness
Explore how 1980s political reggae fueled anti-apartheid movements and social change. Discover key songs, artists, and the lasting impact of this powerful genre.
Mixing Disco on Analog Consoles: 1970s Studio Workflows and Techniques
Explore the 1970s studio workflows for mixing disco on analog consoles. Learn how engineers used Neve, Harrison, and SSL desks to manage low-end, tape saturation, and dynamics for vinyl.
The Go-Go’s: How This All-Female Band Revolutionized the Music Industry
Discover how The Go-Go’s became the first all-female band to top the Billboard charts with self-written songs, reshaping the music industry and inspiring generations of women in rock.