recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Night Ranger

## Info

Hard rock band best known for their hit ballad *Sister Christian*. The song's name came from someone they knew named Christine. Two platinum albums, one gold. Their greatest hits went gold. Several hit singles throughout the mid eighties. *Sister Christian* appears in the Broadway hit *Rock of Ages*. They were referenced in an episode of adult-oriented cartoon series *American Dad*. *Sister Christian* also appears in the film *Boogie Nights*. It also appears in several video games.

## Gaming

In the Wii video game Baddest of the Bands, from the creators of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner, character Strong Bad calls his brother Strong Sad "Sister Christian", after Night Ranger's most popular song.
Lenny Kravitz

## Info

Retro rocker influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Prince His hit *American Woman* was originally a hit by The Guess Who. He has set Grammy Award records as well as being nominated for other awards many times. Noted for his eclectic style mixing psychedelic rock, funk rock, jazz rock, and blues rock. Most of his albums have gone at least gold. His greatest hits went triple platinum. Numerous hit singles, with *Lady* going gold.

## Genres

Psychedelic Rock

Funk Rock

Jazz Rock

Blues Rock
Nazareth

## Info

Hard rock band best known for their hit *Love Hurts*, a cover of The Everly Brothers. *Hair of the Dog* went platinum. They were named after a line from *The Weight* by The Band, "I pulled into Nazareth [Pennsylvania], must've been about half past dead". Phenomenal in Canada. Numerous hits in their native Britain.

## Parody

The J. Geils Band parodied *Love Hurts* with their hit song *Love Stinks.*

## Influences

The Everly Brothers

The Band
Pat Benatar

## Info

Hard rock musician with four platinum albums, two multi-platinum, and three gold. Numerous hits throughout her career, with *Love is a Battlefield* being her biggest at number one on the rock charts. Four Grammys. Band member Neil Giraldo helped spur the careers of Rick Springfield and Kenny Loggins. Her band is titled The Paradise Brothers. They recorded a tribute album dedicated to Bruce Springsteen.
Max Roach

## Info

Jazz musician who worked with many different artists including Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins. Was involved in social activisim. A park in Brixton is named for him. Multiple halls of fame. Worked with Neal Peart, drummer for Rush.
Krokus

Metal band named for a companion of Hermes in classical mythology. Originally a progressive rock band. Covered *American Woman* by The Guess Who. Rob Halford of Judas Priest provided backing vocals on *Ready to Burn*. *Headhunter* went platinum. *Change of Address* features a cover of *School's Out* by Alice Cooper. They covered *Born to Be Wild* by Steppenwolf as a part of their reunion tour. Performed the theme to the 2009 Ice Hockey World Championships. Drummer Danni Crivelli died in 2013 from falling off a bridge. The band name *Krokus* is German for crocus, a flower common throughout Europe. They also liked that it had "rok" in the middle. The name also reflected Chris von Rohr's connection to the culinary arts. Two gold albums in the US. Phenomenal in their native Switzerland. Several rock hits in the mid eighties.

## Genres

Heavy Metal

Progressive Rock

## Parody

Krokus is referenced in a Strong Bad Email, from the creators of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner.
Quincy Jones

## Info

Jazz musician, composer, film and television producer, entrepreneur, business executive, and humanitarian. Has won numerous awards and honors for his work. Worked with Michael Jackson on *Thriller* and *Bad*. Has been involved in social activism. Has dominated the jazz charts, with many albums also dominating the pop charts and some the urban charts. Composed for numerous other artists including fellow jazz musicians. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a nonperformer.
Parliament-Funkadelic

## Info

Funk band noted for including psychedelia in some of their work. Their style combines that of many past artists including The Who, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, and Jimi Hendrix. They are often refered to as P-Funk, which has been often viewed as an abbreviation for Parliament-Funkadelic. It is also suggested as meaning "Plainfield-Funk", after their hometown of Plainfield, New Jersey.

## Genres

Funk

Disco

Psychedelic Soul
Gerry and the Pacemakers

**Gerry and the Pacemakers** were an English beat group prominent during the 1960s. In common with the Beatles, they came from Liverpool, were managed by Brian Epstein, and were recorded by George Martin.[1] They are most remembered for being the first act to reach number one in the UK Singles Chart with their first three single releases.[2] This record was not equalled for 20 years,[2] until the mid-1980s success of fellow Liverpool band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Consequently, they stand as the second most successful pop group originating in Liverpool.

Phenomenal in Britain, with a small handful of hits in the US.
John Mellencamp

## Info

John Mellencamp is a popular country rocker whose "heartland rock" sound made him very successful. Also went by John Cougar for awhile. His song *Small Town* is about a town in which he spent his childhood, although that town has grown notably since then. He admitted *Jack and Diane* was hard to record. Most of his albums have gone at least gold, including compilations. Numerous hit singles, with *Hurts So Good* and *Jack and Diane* going gold in the US. Numerous other hit albums.

## Genres

Heartland Rock

Country Rock

Hard Rock

## Songs

Jack and Diane

Small Town

Hurts So Good

Pink Houses

Cherry Bomb

R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.

Authority Song

Lonely Ol' Night

Paper in Fire

## Parody

Graphic adventure game *Space Quest IV* features a location known as *Radio Shock*, a parody of electronics store Radio Shack (the in-game store is also an electronics store). Radio Shack filed suit, and later releases renamed the store *Hz. So Good*, a parody of Mellencamp's hit *Hurts So Good* as well as the Hertz measurement of frequency.

*Jack and Diane* is referenced in an episode of adult-oriented cartoon series *The Simpsons*, sung by Mellencamp.
Player

## Info

Soft rock band best known for their hit *Baby Come Back*. In live performances, former Steppenwolf drummer Wayne Cook was added. Opened for Boz Scaggs. Also opened for Heart and Kenny Loggins. Ron Moss left for a spot on soap opera *The Bold and the Beautiful* and was replaced by Rusty Buchanan of Sugarloaf. Gabriel Katona of Rare Earth joined them. Member J.C. Crowley wrote for Johnny Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys. Toured with Christopher Cross, Gary Wright, Orleans, Firefall, and John Ford Coley. They once had Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali guest. Toured with Ambrosia. *Prisoner of Your Love* was another big hit at 27th on the charts.
Misfits

**Misfits** are an American punk rock band often recognized as the progenitors of the horror punk subgenre, blending punk rock and other musical influences with horror film themes and imagery.

Founded in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey the original lineup consisted of singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig, guitarist Jimmy Battle, bassist Diane DiPiazza, and drummer Manny Martínez. Following the departure of DiPiazza, Danzig and bassist Jerry Only were the only consistent members throughout the next six years. During this time they released several EPs and singles, and with Only's brother Doyle as guitarist, the albums *Walk Among Us* (1982) and *Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood* (1983), both considered touchstones of the early-1980s hardcore punk movement.

Misfits disbanded in 1983 and Danzig went on to form Samhain and then the eponymous Danzig. Several albums of reissued and previously unreleased material were issued after the group's dissolution, and their music became influential to punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock music of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

After a series of legal battles with Danzig, Only and Doyle regained the rights to record and perform as the Misfits. They formed a new version of the band in 1995 with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. This incarnation of Misfits had a sound much more rooted in heavy metal, and released the albums *American Psycho* (1997) and *Famous Monsters* (1999) before dissolving in 2000. Jerry Only then took over lead vocals and recruited former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a Misfits 25th Anniversary tour.

This lineup released an album of cover songs entitled *Project 1950* and toured for several years. In 2005 Ramone was replaced by Robo, who had played with Black Flag in the early 1980s and had also previously been Misfits' drummer from 1982 to 1983. This lineup released a single titled "Land of the Dead" in 2009. The Misfits' lineup of Only, Cadena, and drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce released a new album titled *The Devil's Rain* in October 2011. In 2015 it was announced that Cadena would be taking a break from music after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and was replaced by Only's son Jerry Caiafa II. That same year Soulfly's Marc Rizzo joined the band, also playing guitar.

## Genres

Punk

Alternative

## Parody

They have been referenced on popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner
Herbie Hancock

## Info

Jazz musician who helped pioneer bebop. One of the first jazz musicians to embrace funk and soul. Album of the Year 2008. Originally had a classical music education. Worked with Coleman Hawkins and Miles Davis. Praised by jazz rap groups. Featured in many film soundtracks. Also featured on television. His work was redone for Quincy Jones. Later tried electronic music. Worked with synthpop band Simple Minds, Wynton Marsalis. Appeared onstage at the Grammys with Stevie Wonder. Also featured on a Duran Duran album. Covered Nirvana, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Prince and the Revolution, Peter Gabriel, and others. Covered George Gershwin and featuring Joni Mitchell. Tributed Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Featured Christina Aguilera, Sting of The Police, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Annie Lennox of Eurythmics, and others. Severeal Grammys. Worked with Tina Turner. Featured Leonard Cohen. Performed for President Obama. His music has been used by rapper Snoop Dog and alternative metal band The Beastie Boys. Album *Head Hunters* went platinum as did *Future Shock*. *Possibilities* went gold. Numerous hits throughout his career.
James Burton

## Info

Guitarist who has worked with Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, and others. He performed the Dale Hawkins song *Suzie Q*, considered one of the songs that shaped rock and roll by *Rolling Stone Magazine*. Also performed with Buffalo Springfield. Musicians Hall of Fame. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

## Genres

Rock and roll

Rockabilly

New wave

Country
Montrose

## Info

Hard rock band whose lead vocalist was Sammy Hagar, who went on to controversially replace David Lee Roth in metal band Van Halen. They are best known for their hit *Rock Candy*. Founder Ronnie Montrose had also worked with The Edgar Winter Group and Herbie Hancock. With Edgar Winter he performed on his instrumetnal hit *Frankenstein*. Influenced Iron Maiden. Called the "American version of Led Zeppelin". Performed with The Rolling Stones, Kiss, Peter Frampton, Yes, Rush, Eagles, Journey, and Aerosmith. Ronnie Montrose suffered a near fatal drug overdose, which led him to become an anti-drug and alcohol activist, which he applied to his band by requiring them to avoid drugs and alcohol while on stage. Band member Denny Carmassi went on to join Night Ranger. James Cotak went on to join Scorpions. Ronnie Montrose featured Mick Brown of Dokken on stage as well as Bobby Blotzer of Ratt. Their music was featured in film and is often covered by Def Leppard. Ronnie Montrose has claimed that any artists he's featured has wanted to play *Rock Candy*. These include Slash from Guns N Roses and Lemmy from Motörhead. He performed the song with Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates.
Johnny Otis

## Info

Johnny Otis was a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, bandleader, disc jockey, producer, TV show host, artist, author, journalist, minister, and impresario. Known as the original "King of Rock and Roll" before that title was bestown upon Elvis Presley. Dominated the R&B charts in the early fifties. Helped several artists achieve stardom. *Willie and the Hand Jive* was his biggest hit at number nine. The song was covered by Eric Clapton and the original features Earl Palmer. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as a nonperformer. Other artists who covered *Hand Jive* include New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Grateful Dead. The song features the clave sound popularized by Bo Diddley.
Hall and Oates

## Info

Blue eyed soul duo and a part of the blue eyed soul revival of the eighties. Six number one hits and 34 top forty hits total. Seven platinum albums, six gold. According to *Billboard* they surpassed The Everly Brothers as the most successful duo of the rock era. They are also fifteenth on *Billboard*'s hundred greatest artiss of all time. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Covered The Righteous Brothers. Their biggest hit is 1982's *Maneater*, done in a more synthpop style. Their *Say it Isn't So* rivaled *Say Say Say* by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson for the number one spot, done at the peak of *Triller*'s popularity. The H&O song *Dance on Your Knees* is an homage to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. As a part of Pontiac's sponsorship of their 1985 tour, John Oates was allowed to drive an IMSA GTU Fiero. Oates himself was already a skilled amateur racer. Performed at the Apollo. Participated in the USA for Africa song *We are the World*. Performed on *The Daily Show* and *Dancing with the Stars* as well as *The Voice*. Hall hosted a show which featured Smokey Robinson and Robby Krieger from The Doors, among others. Although often refered to as *Hall and Oates*, their act is officially *Daryl Hall and John Oates*. The two claimed they never liked the name *Hall and Oates*. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the first representative of the blue eyed soul revival.
Moby

**Richard Melville Hall** (born September 11, 1965),[1] better known by his stage name **Moby**, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, DJ and photographer. He is well known for hiselectronic music, vegan lifestyle, and support of animal rights. Moby has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.[2] AllMusic considers him "one of the most important dance music figures of the early 1990s, helping bring the music to a mainstream audience both in the UK and in America".[3]

Moby gained attention in the early 1990s with his electronic dance music work, which experimented in the techno and breakbeat hardcore genres. With his fifth studio album, the electronicaand house music-influenced *Play*, he gained international success. Originally released in mid-1999, the album sold 6,000 copies in its first week, and it re-entered the charts in early 2000 and became an unexpected hit, producing eight singles and selling over 10 million copies worldwide.[4] Moby followed the album in 2002 with *18*, which was also successful, selling over 5 million copies worldwide and receiving mostly positive reviews, though some criticized it for being too similar to *Play*.

His next major release, 2005's mostly upbeat *Hotel* was a stylistic departure, incorporating more alternative rock elements than previous albums,[*citation needed*] and received mixed reviews. It sold around 2 million copies worldwide. After 2008's dance-influenced[*citation needed*] *Last Night* (2008), he returned to the downtempo electronica of *Play* and *18* with 2009's mostly-ambient *Wait for Me*,[*citation needed*] finding higher critical acclaim and moderate sales, as well as 2011's *Destroyed*. Moby's latest album, *Innocents*, was released on October 1, 2013.

Moby has also co-written, produced, and remixed music for Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Daft Punk, Mylène Farmer, Brian Eno, Pet Shop Boys, Britney Spears, New Order, Public Enemy,Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Soundgarden, and others.[5]
Hüsker Dü

## Info

American alternative rock band whose name means "Do you remember?" in Danish and Norwegian, although the band themselves is American. They chose to use the heavy metal umlaut to make themselves look Nordic or German. Name is pronounced "hoosker doo". Name was also inspired by a Talking Heads song. Influenced by Ramones. Had an influence on Black Flag and Dead Kennedys. Described as a "thrash Quadrophenia", in reference to the album by The Who. Known for their speed and intensity. Influenced by Dead Kennedys. Covered *Sunshine Superman* by Donovan and *Eight Miles High* by The Byrds. Member Kim Deal joined Pixies. Influenced Nirvana. Very successful in Britain.

## Genres

Post punk

punk
George Harrison

## Info

Member of The Beatles. Responsible for bringing Oriental flavor to their work. Was very much into East Indian culture and Hinduism. Wrote *Something* for Judy Collins, with whom he was in love at the time. Also wrote the song *Bangladesh* for the Concert for Bangladesh and supported the country's independence from Pakistan. A tribute concert was held, named Concert for George, after he passed away. Harrison had several solo hits. His *Got My Life Set On You* was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as *This Song is Just Six Words Long,* criticizing the lack of lyrics to the song.

## Genres

Rock

World Music
R.E.O. Speedwagon

## Info

Hard rock band named for a horseless carriage built by the founder of Oldsmobile. Numerous hits throughout the seventies and eighties. Best known for their ballads *Can't Fight This Feeling* and *Keep on Loving You*.

## Songs

Take it on the Run

Keep on Loving You

Can't Fight This Feeling

Time for Me to Fly

Roll With the Changes

In Your Letter

Ridin' the Storm Out

157 Riverside Avenue
New Order

## Info

Post punk band formed by former members of Joy Division. They combine electronic music with post punk to form a unique sound. The band has stated that its name derives from a band formed by a member of The Stooges and does not in any way whatsoever relate to the New Order of Nazism.

## Genres

Post punk

Synthpop

## Parody

In a 2015 Halloween episode of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner, character Strong Sad sings part of New Order song *Age of Consent*
Miami Sound Machine

**Miami Sound Machine** was an American band of Latin-influenced music featuring the vocals of Cuban-born Gloria María Fajardo García (later Gloria Estefan). The band was established in 1975 originally as **Miami Latin Boys** by Emilio Estefan Jr. and became very successful after joining Gloria García (Estefan) in 1977.

The band had a number of albums and a string of hit singles until 1989. The band's 1985 album *Primitive Love* credited the band whereas their follow-up album *Let It Loose* in 1987 adopted the name Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. The latter was also repackaged as *Anything For You* with new cover art in the international release in Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, starting in October 1988 through early 1989. In 1989, the group's name was dropped altogether, and Estefan continued as a solo artist. None of the original members of Miami Sound Machine currently perform with Estefan.

## Parody

MSM has been referenced on popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner
Neil Diamond

## Info

Folk rock musician with most of his albums having gone at least gold, three going double platinum. Four live albums have gone double platinum with *Hot August Night II* going platinum and *Live in America* going gold. Countless hits throughout his career. Third most successful musician on the adult contemporary charts. 75 million records sold, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time. His *Cracklin' Rosie* is actually about a drink. Referenced in pop culture. Performed with The Band during their farewell concert, *The Last Waltz*. Covered The Monkees. Multiple halls of fame.
Isaac Hayes

## Info

Soul musician noted for being one of the most successful working for Stax records. Wrote the Sam and Dave hit *Soul Man*, honored by *Rolling Stone Magazine* and by the Grammy Hall of Fame. Performed the theme to *Shaft*. Influenced by Big Joe Turner, James Brown and the Famous Flames, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sly and the Family Stone among others. Also wrote *Hold On I'm Comin'*, also a hit for Sam and Dave. Worked with The Jackson Five. Work has been used in other media. Was involved in religious activism and charity work. Died of a stroke in 2006. The state of Tennessee dedicated a part of Interstate 40 to him. Many awards and honors. Numerous hit singles throughout his career.

## Genres

Disco

Funk

Soul
Poco

## Info

Folk rock band created by former Buffalo Springfield member Jim Messina. Best known for their hit *Pickin' Up the Pieces*. Originally named *Pogo*, after the comic strip, the band name was altered after the author of the strip threatened suit. Album *Legend* went gold. *Crazy Eyes* made the top forty. *Legacy* peaked at forty and ultimately went gold. Live album *Deliverin'* made it to number 26. Numerous hit singles during their career, including adult contemporary chart topper *Crazy Love*. The song was also their biggest hit at number seventeen.
Lou Reed

## Info

Lou Reed was a member of The Velvet Underground. Noted for his psychedelic and experimental style. His best known hit is *Walk on the Wild Side*, which is often censored due to its inclusion of a sexual lyric (although the transvestite references are retained). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shortly after his death, despite already being in as a member of the Velvet Underground. This has been labeled a "sympathy vote" by some people.

## Genres

Art Rock

Psychedelic Rock
M.C. Hammer

**Stanley Kirk Burrell** (born March 30, 1962), known professionally as **M.C. Hammer** or "Ham Time" (and later, for a time, simply **Hammer**), is an American hip-hop recording artist, dancer, entrepreneur, spokesman and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the late 1990s. Remembered for his rapid rise to fame, Hammer is known for hit records (such as "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit"), flashy dance movements, choreography and eponymous Hammer pants. Hammer's superstar-status andentertaining showmanship made him a household name and hip hop icon.[1] He has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.[2]

A multi-award winner, M.C. Hammer is considered a "forefather/pioneer" and innovator[3] of pop rap (incorporating elements of freestyle music), and is the first hip hop artist to achievediamond status for an album.[4][5][6][7] Hammer was later considered a sellout due in part to overexposure as an entertainer (having live instrumentation/bands, choreographed dance routines and an impact on popular culture being regularly referenced on television and in music)[8] and as a result of being too "commercial" when rap was "hardcore" at one point, then his image later becoming increasingly "gritty" to once again adapt to the ever-changing landscape of rap.[9][10] Regardless, BET ranked Hammer as the #7 "Best Dancer Of All Time".[11]*Vibe*'s "The Best Rapper Ever Tournament" declared him the 17th favorite of all-time during the first round.[12]

Burrell became a preacher during the late 1990s with a Christian ministry program on TBN called *M.C. Hammer and Friends*. Additionally, he starred in a Saturday morning cartoon called*Hammerman* in 1991 and was executive producer of his own reality show called *Hammertime* which aired on the A&E Network during the summer of 2009.[13][14] Hammer was also a television show host and dance judge on *Dance Fever* in 2003, was co-creator of a dance website called DanceJam.com,[15][16] and is a record label CEO while still performing concerts at music venues and assisting with other social media, ministry and outreach functions. Prior to becoming ordained, Hammer signed with Suge Knight's Death Row Records by 1995.

Throughout his career, Hammer has managed his own recording business. As a result, he has created and produced his own acts including Oaktown's 3.5.7, Common Unity, Special Generation, Analise, One Cause One Effect, Teabag, Dom Kimberley, Geeman, DRS, Pleasure Ellis, B Angie B, Stooge Playaz, Ho Frat Hoo![17] and Wee Wee, among others. A part of additional record labels, he has associated/collaborated/recorded with VMF, Tupac Shakur, Teddy Riley, Felton Pilate, Tha Dogg Pound, The Whole 9,[18] Deion Sanders, Big Daddy Kane,BeBe & CeCe Winans and Jon Gibson, as well as others. In 1992, Doug E. Fresh was signed to M.C. Hammer's Bust It Records label. In late 2012, Hammer appeared with Psy at the 40th American Music Awards and during *Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest* performing a mashup of "Gangnam Style" and "2 Legit 2 Quit" together which was released oniTunes.[19]
Jerry Lee Lewis

## Info

Jerry Lee Lewis was a rockabilly musician noted for rivaling Elvis Presley and for his often controversial, wild style. Nicknamed "The Killer". Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Has received great praise from *Rolling Stone Magazine*. Performed in a band which also included Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley. Influenced by Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. Performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Covered The Big Bopper. Toured with Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Worked with Richard, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Page of The Black Crowes, and Rod Stewart. Numerous awards, honors, and tributes. Elvis considered Lewis more of a player than a vocalist. Numerous hit singles and albums.

## Songs

Great Balls of Fire

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

Breathless

Real Wild Child (Wild One)
R.E.M.

## Info

Named for "rapid eye movement", or the neurological process which causes dreaming. Despite *Shiny Happy People* being a major hit, the band has expressed extreme dislike of the song. Thus it is not on their greatest hits. The song *Orange Crush* is about a football player going off to Vietnam. *The One I Love,* despite popular belief, is not a love song. Weird Al Yankovic parodied their hit *Stand* with *Spam*, a song about the processed meat product. *Shiny Happy People* would be reworked into a *Sesame Street Sketch* called *Furry Happy Monsters* where R.E.M. helps teach about happy and sad. Almost all of their albums have gone at least gold, with compilation *In Time* also going platinum. Video albums *Pop Screen, Tourfilm,* and *The Film is On* went gold. Numerous hit singles. Covered The Everly Brothers. Performed a song about the infamous Munich Olympics.

## Songs

Losing My Religion

Man on the Moon

Orange Crush

Stand

It's the End of the World as We Know It

Shiny Happy People

The One I Love

## Parody

REM has been referenced twice in popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner
Journey

## Info

Journey is an eighties hard rock band whose "Lights" was initially going to be about Los Angeles, but was changed to be a song about their native San Francisco. Their albums are known for featuring a scarab. Their song *Separate Ways* features the lyric "You'll Never Walk Alone", motto of the Liverpool soccer club. Album *Infinity* went triple platinum. *Evolution* went triple platinum. *Departure* went triple platinum. *Escape* went nine times platinum. *Frontiers* went six times platinum. *Raised on Radio* went double platinum. *Trial by Fire* went platinum. *Revelation* went platinum. Live album *Captured* went double platinum. *Greatest Hits Live* went gold. Their greatest hits went diamond. *Time3* went gold. *The Essential* went platinum. *Greatest Hits 2* went gold. Numerous hit singles throughout their career. Video album *Journey 2001* went platinum. *Greatest Hits* went quadruple platinum. *Live in Houston* went platinum.

## Genres

Hard Rock

Progressive Rock

Pop Rock

Soft Rock

## Songs

* Wheel in the Sky
* Separate Ways
* Don't Stop Believin'
* Any Way You Want It
* I'll Be Alright Without You
* Lights
* Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
* Who's Crying Now
* Stone in Love
* Open Arms
* Faithfully
* Send Her My Love
* Ask the Lonely

## Parody

Journey has been referenced twice in popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner.
Rainbow

## Info

Rainbow is a metal band founded by former Deep Purple member Ritchie Blackmore whose members included Ronnie James Dio. Member Cozy Powell had previously worked for The Jeff Beck Group. Auditioned former members of Vanilla Fudge, Procol Harum, and Roxy Music. Member Mark Clarke had previously played for Uriah Heep. The band asked Deep Purple member Ian Gillian to join them, but were turned down. The group dissolved in 1997. Phenomenal in their native Britain. Also popular across Europe. Their debut album was a top forty hit in the US. *Straight Between the Eyes* and *Bent Out of Shape* were also top forty hits. A few other albums were minor hits, including live albums and an extended play. Several rock hits, with *Stone Cold* being their sole top forty pop hit.
Ma Rainey

## Info

Blues musician considered one of the greatest of all time. Inducted into multiple halls of fame. Influenced countless artists. Bob Dylan references her in his song *Tombstone Blues*. A book and a poem have been written about her. Commemorative postage stamp in 1994. *See See Rider* was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. It had been covered by many artists. The film *Bessie* features singer Mo'Nique portraying Rainey.
John Denver

## Info

Country and folk musician who became America's best-selling performer by 1974. One of the best selling artists of the seventies alone. 33 million records sold. Real name Henry Deutschendorf. He chose the Denver name because of his love of Colorado, which he sang about often. His *Rocky Mountain High* is a state song of Colorado. Denver died in 1997 in a personal aircraft accident. Producer Milt Okun had also worked with Peter, Paul, and Mary, for whom Denver authored *Leaving on a Jet Plane*. Guest starred on *The Muppet Show.* Engaged in political activism and humanitarianism. Performed with Donna Summer. Multiple halls of fame. Hollywood Walk of Fame. *Take Me Home Country Roads* was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Numerous other awards, honors, and tributes. Album *Poems, Prayers, and Promises* went platinum. *Aerie* went gold. *Rocky Mountain High* went double platinum. *Farewell Andromeda* went gold. *Back Home Again* went triple platinum. *Windsong* went double platinum. *Spirit* went platinum. *I Want to Live* went platinum. *John Denver* went gold. *Some Days are Diamonds* went gold. *Seasons of the Heart* went gold. Live album *An Evening With John Denver* went triple platinum. *The Wildlife Concert* went gold. *Rocky Mountain Christmas* went double platinum. *A Christmas Together* went platinum. His Greatest Hits went nine times platinum. Volume 2 went double platinum. Volume 3 went gold. *The Very Best of* went platinum. *The Rocky Mountain Collection* went platinum. *The Best of*  went platinum. *Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits* went gold. Among his numerous hit singles are six gold records.

## Genres

Country

Folk

## Parody

In the commentary for the Strong Bad Email *haircut*, from the creators of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner, it is discussed whether Denver's real last name is Dusseldorf.
Peter, Paul, and Mary

## Info

Popular folk trio from the sixties and the definitive folk group of the era. Several of their hits have become children's songs. Their song *Rock and Roll Music* has them imitating popular musicians at the time. Performed the most popular version of *Where Have All the Flowers Gone*. Also performed a popular cover of Bob Dylan song *Blowin' in the Wind*.
Junior Walker and the All-Stars

**Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr.** (June 14, 1931 – November 23, 1995),[1] known by the stage name **Junior Walker**, styled as **Jr. Walker**, was an American musician. His group, **Jr. Walker & the All Stars**, were signed to Motown's Soul label in the 1960s, and became one of the company's signature acts.
Nat King Cole

## Info

Jazz musician considered one of the greatest of all time. Inducted into multiple halls of fame. Received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 1990. Received an honorary postage stamp in 1994. Provided the Christmas standard *Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire*. Performed with his daughter Natalie sometimes. Natalie passed away New Year's Eve 2015.

## Genres

Swing

Traditional Pop
Jeff Beck

## Info

Blues rock musician who also had success playing jazz fusion and other genres. Rod Stewart was a member of his group at one point. Beck had previously been a member of The Yardbirds. The group was noted for their innovative style. Member Ronnie Wood would go on to join The Rolling Stones in 1975. Rolling Stone considers Beck to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He has been greatly praised and been awarded six times for his instrumentals.

## Hall of Fame

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame first as a member of the Yardbirds, then as a solo artist. His group has not been inducted, however.

## Genres

Jazz Fusion

Blues Rock
Mother Love Bone

**Mother Love Bone** was an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1988. The band was active from 1988 to 1990. Frontman Andrew Wood's personality and compositions helped to catapult the group to the top of the burgeoning late 1980s/early 1990s Seattle music scene. Wood died only days before the scheduled release of the band's debut album, *Apple*, thus ending the group's hopes of success. The album was finally released a few months later.
Martha and the Vandellas

## Info

Motown girl group who had numerous hits in the sixties and even into the seventies. Their *Heat Wave* and *Dancing in the Street* have both been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and are considered by Rolling Stone to be one of the 500 songs that shaped rock. Reeves performed at the Super Bowl with other soul musicians as a part of a special ceremony.

## Hall of Fame

Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. However, the Hall chose not to use the name Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and instead omitted her last name.
Prince

## Info

Popular musician who combines rock with funk, jazz, and other styles. Noted for his strange image, including going by an unpronounceable symbol (and subsequently being refered to as "The artist formerly known as Prince") for many years. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without his backing group, The Revolution. Also noted for his innovative and eclectic sound. His later backing group would be called The New Power Generation.

He is noted for not allowing his work to be shared freely on sites such as YouTube, filing suit several times against such sites.

His songs are noted for using what would many years later become known as "internet spelling". He would replace the word "you" with just the letter "U" and had a single titled "letitgo", as one word.

Funk Rock

Jazz Rock

Psychedelic Rock

## Songs

Little Red Corvette

1999

Controversy

When Doves Cry

## Parody

In his single *Amish Paradise*, Weird Al Yankovic featured the lyric "tonight we're gonna party like it's 1699". This is both a reference to the backwards culture of the Amish (the point of the song) and Prince's hit song *1999*.

In a Halloween episode of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner, character Marzipan dresses up like Prince.
Marvin Gaye

## Info

Soul musician who had numerous hits throughout the sixties and seventies. His psychedelic soul hit *I Heard it Through the Grapevine* was the jingle for California Raisins commercials for years. Gladys Knight and the Pips did a disco version, while Creedence Clearwater Revival did a roots rock jam version. His *What's Goin' On?* and *Mercy Mercy Me* are both political songs. Had a few hits with Tammi Terrell. Also a member of The Moonglows, but the group was inducted without him.

## Genres

Soul

Disco

Psychedelic Soul

## Songs

Let's Get it On

What's Going On

Ain't No Mountain High Enough (with Tammi Terrell)

Sexual Healing

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Got to Give it Up

Mercy Mercy Me

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing (with Tammi Terrell)

How Sweet it Is (to Be Loved by You)

You're All I Need to Get By (with Tammi Terrell)
Grace Jones

**Grace Jones** (born 19 May 1948) is a Jamaican singer, lyricist, supermodel, record producer, and actress. She was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica and raised by her grandparents. At 13 she moved with her siblings to their parents' home in Syracuse, New York. Jones started out as a model, initially in New York state, then in Paris, working for Yves St. Laurent, Claude Montana, and Kenzo Takada, and appearing on the covers of *Elle*, *Vogue*, and *Stern* working with Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer.

In 1977 Jones secured a record deal with Island Records; she moved into dance and new wave music, often collaborating with the Compass Point All Stars. She scored Top 40 entries on theUK Singles Chart with "Pull Up to the Bumper", "I've Seen That Face Before", "Private Life", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "I'm Not Perfect". Her most popular albums include *Warm Leatherette* (1980), *Nightclubbing* (1981), and *Slave to the Rhythm* (1985).

She appeared in some low-budget films in the U.S. during the 1970s and early 1980s. In 1984 she made her first mainstream appearance as Zula in the fantasy-action film *Conan the Destroyer* alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sarah Douglas, and subsequently appeared in the 1985 James Bond movie *A View to a Kill* as May Day. In 1986 she played a vampire in*Vamp*, and acted in and contributed a song to the 1992 Eddie Murphy film *Boomerang*. She appeared alongside Tim Curry in the 2001 film *Wolf Girl*.

In 1983, Jones' *One Man Show* was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Long-Form Music Video. For her work in *Conan the Destroyer*, *A View to a Kill*, and *Vamp*, she was nominated for Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress. In 1999, Jones ranked 82nd on VH1's *100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll*, and in 2008, she was honored with a Q Idol Award. Jones influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s and has been an inspiration for artists including Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Lorde, Róisín Murphy, Brazilian Girls, Nile Rodgers, Santigold, and Basement Jaxx.
Iron Maiden

## Info

Iron Maiden is a metal band considered to be one of the first power metal bands. Their album artwork and thematics led people to believe the band was Satanic, but the band has continuously denied these claims. Phenomenal in their native Britain. Seven albums have gone at least gold in the US. *Live After Death* also went platinum. Numerous hit singles and other hit albums. Several video albums went at least gold in the US.

## Parody

Popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner has referenced Iron Maiden several times
Motörhead

## Info

Speed metal band whose name uses a heavy metal umlaut to make themselves look German or Nordic while actually being British. Their original drummer just passed away. They are considered to be the definitive speed metal band. Supported Blue Öyster Cult. Refer to their music as simply "rock and roll". Supported by Saxon. Performed with Blizzard of Ozz, an early incarnation of Ozzy Osbourne's band. Parodied The Beatles film *A Hard Day's Night*. Pete Gill had previously played for Saxon. Toured with W.A.S.P. Performed at the Whisky A-Go-Go with Metallica accompanying them as The Lemmys, after the Motorhead member. Covered Sex Pistols. Toured with Iron Maiden. Covered Metallica. Toured with Judas Priest. Supported by The Damned. Performed with Anthrax and Exodus. Also performed with Guns N Roses and Metallica. Toured with Black Sabbath and Ramones. Performed with Sepultura. Performed with Testament. Supported Saxon. Phenomenal in their native Britain. Lemmy just died of cancer at age seventy.

## Gaming

The Koopaling Lemmy, first seen in Super Mario Bros. 3, was named for the late founder of Motorhead.

## Parody

In a Strong Bad Email, from the makers of popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner, Lemmy from Motorhead is mentioned.
Judy Collins

**Judith Marjorie Collins** (born May 1, 1939) is an American singer and songwriter known for her eclectic tastes in the material she records (which has included folk, show tunes, pop, rock and roll and standards) and for her social activism.

Collins' debut album *A Maid of Constant Sorrow* was released in 1961, but it was her cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides, Now", the lead single from her 1967 album *Wildflowers,* that gave Collins international prominence. The single hit the Top 10 on the *Billboard* Pop Singles chart[1] and won Collins her first Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance.[2] She enjoyed further success with her covers of "Someday Soon", "Chelsea Morning", "Amazing Grace", and "Cook with Honey".

Collins experienced the biggest success of her career with her cover of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" from her best-selling 1975 album *Judith*. The single charted on the*Billboard* Pop Singles chart in 1975 and then again in 1977, spending 27 nonconsecutive weeks on the chart and earning Collins a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, as well as a Grammy Award for Sondheim for Song of the Year.
Jefferson Starship

## Info

Jefferson Starship is a psychedelic rock band created as an update of Jefferson Airplane. Phenomenal from 1974 to 1984, with every album going at least gold, two platinum, and *Red Octopus* going multi-platinum. Due to legal disputes the band was renamed Starship in the eighties. Nine top forty hits, with *Miracles* being their top charting single at number three. Four additional rock hits. David Freiberg had previously played for Quicksilver Messenger Service. David Crosby of The Byrds also performed for them. Other members include Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead, Graham Nash of The Hollies, and Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead. Pete Sears also played for Rod Stewart and Hot Tuna.

Paul Kantner, who co-composed *Jane*, passed away in January 2016.

## Genres

Psychedelic Rock

Progressive Rock

Hard Rock

## Songs

Jane

Find Your Way Back

Ride the Tiger

Miracles
Janet Jackson

## Info

Janet Jackson is a pop superstar who has been nominated for the Hall of Fame several times with no luck. Most of her albums have gone at least gold. These include remix and compilation albums. Numerous hit singles, most of them going at least gold. Has performed with Herb Alpert. Most of her video albums have gone at least gold. She is related to the members of The Jackson Five and has performed with her brother Michael Jackson. Her music has been used in film. An infamous moment in her career came when she performed at the Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake. At the end of the performance, Timberlake ripped off a part of her costume covering part of her breast. This controversy came to be known as the "wardrobe malfunction".
Jelly Roll Morton

## Info

Popular New Orleans Jazz musician considered one of the most important early jazz musicians. Brought a "Spanish tinge" style to his work. His nickname has sexual origins. Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. His music has been used in numerous media. He is mentioned in Van Morrison song *And it Stoned Me*.
IQ

IQ is a progressive rock band from England. Despite their lack of mainstream success they have maintained a loyal cult following over the years. They were a part of the neo-progressive rock movement that also included Marillion among other bands. Influenced by Genesis and Yes. Drummer Paul Cook is not to be confused for the Sex Pistols member of the same name. Lead vocalist Peter Nicholls left the band in 1986, returning four years later. Member Martin Orford also worked for King Crimson bassist John Wetton. IQ often supported Marillion.
Little Willie John

## Info

Soul musician whose hit *Fever* has been covered by many artists, most notably Peggy Lee. Numerous hits throughout the fifties and sixties.

Little Willie John, born William Edward John, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder on January 17, 1996 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw9r6Q\_Nt4A

“Little Willie John is the soul singer’s soul singer.” – Marvin Gaye

“My mother told me, if you call yourself 'Little' Stevie Wonder, you'd better be as good as Little Willie John." – Stevie Wonder

Little Willie John lived for a fleeting 30 years, but his dynamic and daring sound left an indelible mark on the history of music. His deep blues, rollicking rock ‘n’ roll, and swinging ballads inspired a generation of musicians, forming the basis for what we now know as soul music.

Born in Arkansas in 1937, William Edward John found his voice in the church halls, rec centers and nightclubs of Detroit, a fertile proving ground that produced the likes of Levi Stubbs and the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, and Hank Ballard and the Midnighters. One voice rose above the rest in those formative years of the 1950s, and Little Willie John went on to have 15 hit singles in the American rhythm & blues chart, with considerable cross-over success in pop. Some of his songs might be best known by their cover versions (“Fever” by Peggy Lee, “Need Your Love So Bad” by Fleetwood Mac and “Leave My Kitten Alone” by The Beatles) but Little Willie John’s original recording of these and other songs are widely considered to be definitive. It is this sound that is credited with ushering in a new age in American music as the 1950s turned into the 60s and rock ‘n’ roll took its place in popular culture.

The soaring heights of Little Willie John’s career are matched only by the tragic events of his death, cutting short a life so full of promise. Charged with a violent crime in the late 1960s, an abbreviated trial saw Willie convicted and incarcerated in Walla Walla Washington, where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1968.

In this, the first official biography of one of the most important figures in rhythm & blues history, author Susan Whitall, with the help of Little Willie John’s eldest son Kevin John, has interviewed some of the biggest names in the music industry and delved into the personal archive of the John family to produce an unprecedented account of the man who invented soul music.
The Five Stairsteps

The Five Stairsteps were a soul group from Chicago best known for their hit *Ooh Child*. The song was rated as one of the greatest songs of all time by *Rolling Stone Magazine*. Associated acts include Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions, and George Harrison. Featured in a film about an Isley Brothers performance at Yankee Stadium. Signed to Harrison's *Dark Horse* label after being introduced to The Beatles by Billy Preston. After their breakup, member Keni Burke went on to work for Sly and the Family Stone, The Emotions, children's musician Raffi, Four Tops, Mayfield, Bill Withers, Ramsey Lewis of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight. He also worked with Steve Ferrone of Average White Band and with The O'Jays. *Ooh Child* went gold in the US. It has been used in film soundtracks. Clarence Burke died in 2013. Cubie Burke died the following year. Numerous hit singles. Covered the Beatles.