Recent TalkFuse coverage from American Songwriter. Open a story to read its summary, compare its sources and join the discussion.
Bruce Springsteen released *Nebraska* on 30 September 1982, an album that differed sharply from his earlier work through its spare arrangements, often featuring only his voice and guitar. Recorded at home as demos for a planned E Street Band album, the songs were ultimately released in their original…
The article highlights three rock songs from the 1980s that have demonstrated remarkable longevity and continue to sound contemporary despite being over four decades old. These tracks—from Asia, The Rolling Stones, and The Police—exemplify how certain songs transcend the production trends of their era and maintain their appeal…
The article revisits four popular songs released in 1970 whose lyrics remain familiar to many listeners who grew up in the decade. It links the songs’ lasting appeal to their memorable words and, in some cases, to significant moments in the artists’ careers. The songs are Simon &…
Josh Graves, a pioneering bluegrass musician and member of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs' Foggy Mountain Boys band, died on 30 September 2006 at the age of 79. Graves transformed bluegrass music by establishing the Dobro (resonator guitar) as a central instrument to the genre's sound. His innovative…
Eddie Vedder and Stephen Wilson Jr. performed Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike” together at Ohana Festival 2026. The performance brought together artists with links to the song and was praised by Vicky Cornell, who said it honoured her late husband’s voice, artistry and legacy. Chris Cornell formed…
Deborah Allen, born 73 years ago today in Memphis, Tennessee, is a country-pop singer-songwriter whose contributions to the industry have been somewhat overshadowed by her commercial success as a performer. Though she is often remembered as a one-hit wonder for her 1983 crossover smash "Baby I Lied", this…
Jessie Jo Dillon, one of Nashville's most sought-after songwriters, has shared insights into her songwriting approach and philosophy in an exclusive podcast interview. Her success lies in prioritising the artist's vision and emotional needs over her own creative preferences, establishing a collaborative dynamic based on genuine care and…
Wynonna Judd is releasing her first solo album in a decade, titled "The Hard Truth," on 2 October, following the death of her mother and collaborator Naomi Judd four years ago. The album addresses painful family truths that the country singer has long kept private, marking a significant…
Patsy Cline helped shape country music in the late 1950s and early 1960s, becoming a leading voice of the “Nashville Sound”. The article argues that her familiar songs can make listeners overlook the emotional power and vocal skill that made her an enduring figure. It highlights “Crazy” as…
Stevie Nicks says she began writing “Stand Back” on her wedding day in 1983, after hearing Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” on the drive to Santa Barbara. The story links a brief personal moment with the creation of one of her best-known solo hits, shaped by Prince’s music. Nicks…
After the demanding recording and tour for 1979’s *Tusk*, Fleetwood Mac took a break, with several members pursuing solo projects. When they reunited for *Mirage*, released in 1982, founder Mick Fleetwood pushed for a change of setting and asked Lindsey Buckingham to rein in the elaborate production style…
An American Songwriter article argues that three rock songs released around 1990 still sound fresh decades later. It highlights Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing”, Faith No More’s “Epic” and Pearl Jam’s “Alive”, praising their distinctive sounds and lasting appeal. “Been Caught Stealing” stood out for its percussion-led funk-rock…
Three soft rock songs from 1985 remain iconic amongst those who grew up in the 1980s, each representing a different facet of the era's enduring musical legacy. - "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie became one of his most successful early hits, earning him an Academy Award…
Mac Davis, a versatile country and pop songwriter and performer, passed away on 29 September 2020 at the age of 78 from complications following heart surgery. Though not a household name, Davis's influence on popular music was substantial, having penned multiple hit songs for Elvis Presley and enjoyed…
In 1976, the Bellamy Brothers recorded “Let Your Love Flow”, a song that became their first No. 1 hit and launched their career. Its path to the duo began through Neil Diamond’s drummer, who told David Bellamy that Diamond’s roadie Larry E. Williams had written a song that…
Merle Haggard released “Okie From Muskogee” in 1969. The song became a controversial answer to the era’s anti-war protest music: it satirised the protesters and expressed support for American servicemen serving in Vietnam. Haggard said the song began as satire, inspired by his band’s reflections on Muskogee, Oklahoma,…
Three rock songs from the 1970s defied industry expectations to become lasting hits despite substantial obstacles during their development and release. All three faced either repeated label rejections, reluctant artists, or conflicts with misguided marketing strategies, yet their quality ultimately prevailed. These stories demonstrate how artistic persistence and…
A 31-year-old surgical technologist named Chari earned a four-chair turn on The Voice during her blind audition, impressing all four coaches—Kelly Clarkson, Riley Green, Queen Latifah and Adam Levine—with her rendition of Oleta Adams' "Get Here." The performance held deep personal significance, as the song was introduced to…
On 28 September 1991, Garth Brooks' third studio album Ropin' the Wind made chart history by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the first country album to top both the main and country charts in over a decade. The album's success reflected a significant shift…
Kelly Clarkson secured a surprising victory during The Voice's Blind Auditions when she successfully recruited Anna McElroy, a 26-year-old country singer from Alabama, to her team. Though Riley Green—also from Alabama—appeared to have the advantage given their shared background, Clarkson's persuasive pitch and confident assertion of her track…