Rock
Classic rock videos and performances from legendary American artists and bands.
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Smells Like Teen Spirit: Behind Nirvana’s Pep Rally Video
How Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video was made: a first-time director, a Culver City gym, restless extras, and an edit Kurt Cobain did himself.
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Subterranean Homesick Blues: Bob Dylan’s Cue-Card Film
The story behind Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” cue-card film: who wrote the cards, the London alley where it was shot, and its long legacy.
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Hotel California: The Story Behind the Eagles Classic
How the Eagles wrote and recorded “Hotel California,” what the lyrics mean, the 1977 live video, its Grammy win and the best versions to hear today.
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Jailhouse Rock: Elvis Presley’s 1957 Rock & Roll Classic
How Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” was written, filmed and sent to No. 1 in 1957, plus the ’68 Comeback performance and the best ways to listen today.
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Dancing in the Dark: The Story of Springsteen’s Biggest Hit
How Bruce Springsteen wrote “Dancing in the Dark” in one night, how Brian De Palma filmed its famous video, and why the 1984 hit still feels personal.
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On This Day: Chuck Berry at 100 and Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry was born on October 18, 1926. On his 100th birthday, we revisit “Johnny B. Goode,” the song that wrote the rules of rock and roll.
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Walk This Way: How Run-DMC Made Adidas a Uniform
Fedoras, leather and laceless shell-toes: how Run-DMC’s “Walk This Way” video and “My Adidas” turned street style into a historic sneaker deal.
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Just a Girl: Gwen Stefani’s Look That Defined the ’90s
Platinum hair, red lips, a bindi and a crop top: how No Doubt’s 1995 “Just a Girl” video launched Gwen Stefani’s iconic and influential look.
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Buddy Holly and Peggy Sue: The Short, Bright Life of a Star
The story of Buddy Holly told through “Peggy Sue”: his Lubbock roots, the Clovis studio, the real Peggy Sue, Ed Sullivan, and where to start listening.
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Prince and Purple Rain: Portrait of a Minneapolis Genius
A portrait of Prince told through “Purple Rain”: his Minneapolis roots, the live First Avenue recording, the 1984 film, and where to start listening.