Music critics and DJs examine the life and enduring career of David Bowie.
The career of Elton John is traced from his days as a budding songwriter to the peak of his popularity in the 1970s and his continued influence 45 years into his career. Highlights include a look at the rocker's flamboyant costumes and many hit songs.
A documentary series that explores the careers and lives of famous rock musicians begins with a profile of Eric Clapton.
The story of Green Day, who first appeared on the California punk scene as the band Sweet Children. Friends Billy Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt formed the group when they were only 15, playing gigs across the state, and they were still going strong in 2016, when this profile was filmed.
The story of Johnny Cash's musical genius, from his family's poverty in the Great Depression to touring with Elvis and becoming a legend in his own right. Also: his reinvention for a whole new generation with Rick Rubin; and how "Hurt" became the epitaph to his amazing life and career.
Leading music critics cast fresh light on the career of Neil Diamond. Rock and roll took American youth by storm in the 1950s and Neil too fell under its spell.
Music critics discuss the career of singer-songwriter Paul Simon.
Examining the origins, music and influence of Pink Floyd.
A profile of Rod Stewart chronicles his early career and his rise to fame. Included: music videos for the songs "Maggie May" and "In the Morning."
Music critics review Tom Petty's career as a celebrated singer and songwriter.
The British band Queen's legacy and influence on the world of rock and roll is examined.
The music of the Velvet Underground is examined, with a look at the solo successes of Nico, John Cale and Lou Reed.
The story of the British rock group Blur.
A profile of Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry.
A profile of Dire Straits looks at how the British rock band formed, became popular and eventually broke up in 1995. Included: the music videos for "Brothers in Arms" and "Calling Elvis."
Music videos by the Eurythmics are featured during this look at the British duo's success.
Examining the career of Fleetwood Mac. Included: the band's music videos for "Dreams" and "Landslide."
The story of the rock band Pulp is recalled during interviews with critics and journalists, plus a look at their music videos for the songs "Disco 2000" and "Do You Remember the First Time?"
Archive material, music videos, and exclusive insights form leading music critics tell the story of Genesis, from the band's beginnings as progressive rock pioneers to their later shift towards a more pop-oriented sound as music video icons.
Our leading music critics give an insightful look into the career of Grammy Award-winning pop icon George Michael. Watch archival material, and clips from classic music videos, including “I Want Your Sex” and “Too Funky.” Join us as we pay tribute to one of the greatest pop stars of all time.
Archive material, music videos, and exclusive insights from music critics and journalists tell the story of Phil Collins from his time as a member of Genesis to his career as one of only three solo artists to sell more than 100 million records.
The story of the British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys is featured, along with music videos for their songs "Vocal" and "Love Etc."
Archive material, music videos, and exclusive insights from music critics and journalists tell the story of Radiohead, one of the most influential bands of the modern rock era.
Sting's success as a solo artist is examined.
Archive material, music videos and exclusive insights from music critics tell the story of the Beastie Boys, the first rap-rock-punk band and one of the most important alternative acts of the last 30 years.
Classic music videos and leading rock critics tell the story of Billy Joel, one of the world's most popular recording artists.
The story of the rock band U2 is told with insights from music critics and classic music videos.
The story of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is told with help from music critics and music videos.
The story of Pearl Jam features insights from music critics and classic music videos.
Classic music videos, news archives and leading rock critics shine a spotlight on the long and storied career of New Jersey's Bon Jovi.
The Swedish act ABBA are remembered for their contributions to pop music. Included: the videos for "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia."
Key moments in the history of the rock band Black Sabbath are recalled.
The rise to fame of Depeche Mode is chronicled as music critics and journalists offer commentary. Plus, the videos "I Feel Loved" and "Wrong" are featured.
A profile of Foo Fighters includes the music videos "Best of You" and "Monkey Wrench."
The story of Guns N' Roses is told through archive material and insights from music critics and journalists. Included: the music videos for "Paradise City" and "Welcome to the Jungle."
The rise of heavy metal band Iron Maiden is chronicled.
The rise of the rock band Muse is chronicled.
The story of the English band New Order includes the music videos for "Crystal" and "Republic."
The band R.E.M. is featured, including their music videos for "Losing My Religion" and "Out of Time."
The story of Simply Red's success is chronicled through archive material and interviews, plus the music videos for "Blue" and "Fairground" are featured.
Journalists offer insight into the English rock band the Smiths. Included: the music videos for "Hand in Glove" and "This Charming Man."
A brief overview of Aerosmith's remarkable journey includes their music videos for "Janie's Got a Gun" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."
Nine Inch Nails has sold over 20 million albums worldwide by pushing the boundaries of what a rock band is. Take a look at their successful career from music critics and journalists.
Exploring the story of the pop band No Doubt and the influence they have had on popular culture.
Lenny Kravitz is profiled.
A look at how during her short life British singer Amy Winehouse made a big impact on the music industry.
Details about Duran Duran's rise to the top are revealed during a look back that includes past interviews and performances from the iconic band's career, which started in Birmingham, England, in 1978.
Charting the rise to stardom and continued success of the rock band Blondie.
Music journalists and critics examine the rise of the Bee Gees.
A look at the life story of Cher. Included: The superstar's rise to fame is tracked from her dropping out of school and leaving home at age 16 to her 50-plus years of success as a musician and actor.
The British band Coldplay's rise to fame is charted.
Examining the rise and continuing influence of rock titans the Clash.
Tina Turner's personal and professional life is examined by music journalists, who recall her rise to fame in the 1960s, at which time she sang and performed with then-husband Ike Turner, and her later success as a solo artist.
English rock musician, Billy Idol first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X as well as creating a successful name for himself as a solo artist. Using interviews, news archive and performance this episode reveals the unique aspect of this iconic artist.
The history of the iconic rock band KISS is recalled with interviews, archival footage and performances.
Ranked among the top hard rock bands of all time, Van Halen was known as much for the drama surrounding its members as its larger-than-life stage performances. Interviews, news archives and performances reveal the story of this iconic band.
A look at the life and music of the flamboyant singer-songwriter who sold more than 13 million copies of his 1984 album Purple Rain.
The rock singer Meat Loaf is profiled.
British rock star Peter Gabriel's career is traced from his tenure with Genesis to his solo success.
Interviews, news archives and performances tell the story of The Cure from its formation in 1976, through the increasingly dark and tormented music of the early 1980s, to the present.
The story of The Black Eyed Peas is told through interviews, news archives and performances by the best-selling hip-hop act.
The story of Australian rock band INXS.
Music critics reflect on the career of "Godfather of Soul" James Brown.
Music critics reflect on the career of Stevie Wonder.
The career of Neil Young is examined.
Music critics reflect on the history of the Doors.
Rock critics examine the music and the influence of the Beach Boys.
Iggy Pop is the vocalist of influential proto-punk band The Stooges, who reunited in 2003, and has been known for his outrageous and unpredictable stage antics.
The career of the American rock band the Eagles is recalled by music critics.
Music critics discuss the career of progressive-rock band Jethro Tull.
Singer Roy Orbison's career is examined by leading music critics.
Music critics examine The Who.
Leading music critics discuss supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Janis Joplin is remembered.
The Carpenters are discussed by leading music critics who recall the popularity of the brother-and-sister pop duo in the early 1970s.
The Mamas and Papas are remembered by leading music critics who look back at the folk act's importance in the late 1960s.
A look at the formation of the Monkees and the success of the musical acting quartet, beginning with their late 1960s television series.
Music critics discuss the 1960s, psychedelia and the Jimi Hendrix experience.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Elvis Costello
Hailed as Britain's "best ever pop singer" by Rolling Stone, the English-born Dusty Springfield charted several 1960s hits, including "Son of a Preacher Man." Leading music critics cast fresh light on the career of Dusty Springfield.
Leading music critics cast a fresh light on the career of psychedelic pioneers Jefferson Airplane, from helping define the San Francisco Sound to headlining some of the biggest rock festivals of the 1960s.
Leading music critics tell the story of Santana, the San Francisco-based Latin rock band that exploded onto the music scene with their breakthrough performance at 1969's Woodstock music festival.
A look at how Creedence Clearwater Revival were the preeminent American singles band of the late 1960s and '70s, thanks largely to John Fogerty's rough, inimitable voice and seemingly bottomless supply of great melodies.
Leading music critics tell the story of the Grateful Dead and how their blend of psychedelia, blues, rock and roll, country, folk, and jazz came together to create their own unique sound.
Leading music critics cast fresh light on the Police, the band who became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s and are regarded as one of the first new-wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz.
This is going to be a fun one! Talking Heads are featured on a new episode of Rock Legends. Headed by the extremely talented David Byrne, Talking Heads provided the world with some of the funkiest dance beats of the 70s and 80s. Will Hodgkinson of The Times describes them perfectly, “It’s party music but it’s intelligent party music.”
The Pretenders, originally three Englishmen and an American woman, emerged at the end of the 1970s as one of new wave's most commercially-successful groups. Leading music critics cast fresh light on the career of the Pretenders.
Get an inside look into the career of Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the most critically acclaimed funk bands ever! Beginning with their formation in Chicago in the early seventies, leading music critics examine the band’s success throughout the decades. Having sold over 100 million records, they are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.
Soul singer Otis Redding is profiled.
Hailed as Britain's 'best ever pop singer' by Rolling Stone, the English-born Dusty Springfield charted several 1960s hits, including 'Son of a Preacher Man.' Leading music critics cast fresh light on the career of Dusty Springfield.
Historical study of the star-crossed southern rock band The Allman Brothers.
Documentary account of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The Kinks were a key part of the 1960s British Invasion, and their early hits such as "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night" paved the way for the next decade's hard rock.
The history of the influential punk band Ramones and the bittersweet biographies of the Ramone 'brothers'.
The Byrds pioneer folk rock, combining traditional acoustic music with early Sixties pop; the group's signature sunny melodies, lush harmonies and ringing 12-string guitars make for some of the decade's best singles.
Pioneering blues-based combo the Yardbirds introduce three of the most famous guitarists of the rock era: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page; the band's innovations pave the way for psychedelic rock, heavy metal, Southern boogie and even punk.
Fronted by Eric Clapton, power trio Cream plays a mix of blues, rock and psychedelia while focusing on chunky riffs and fiery guitar solos; in a mere three years, the band sells 15 million records and redefines the instrumentalist's role in rock.
The life and musical career of Joni Mitchell is profiled.
Piano-playing rock 'n' roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis becomes famous for his high-energy stage presence and controversial life.
With its rock-ribbed, austerely precise arrangements and a catalog of songs that linked American folklore to primal myths, the Band -- four Canadians and a Southerner -- makes music that is both earthy and mystical.
Grammy-winning contemporary jazz and rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears took a hiatus from 1981-1984, but has otherwise been active since their founding in 1967.
Singer-songwriter James Taylor creates music that combines folk, rock and pop sensibilities, including such hit songs as "Fire and Rain" and "Shower the People."
Influential rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry is known for songs including "Maybellene" and "Johnny B. Goode."
With his signature vocal hiccup and hits like "That'll Be the Day," "Rave On," "Peggy Sue" and "Not Fade Away," Buddy Holly was a rock 'n' roll pioneer, as well as one of the genre's first great singer-songwriters.
Blind musician Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, integrating rhythm and blues, gospel, pop and country to create hits like "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia on My Mind."
Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin is known for hits such as "Respect," "Freeway of Love" and "I Say a Little Prayer."
Founded in 1981 in Queens, N.Y., Grammy-nominated hip-hop trio Run-DMC help usher in the genre's increasing popularity in the 1980s.
A look at the long career of the versatile rock/jazz/pop band Chicago, starting with Chicago Transit Authority in the late 1960s.
A look at the legendary music career of Texas blues rock band ZZ Top.
A look at the life and career of Glen Campbell, from his very poor Arkansas roots to a country-pop crossover superstar of the 1960s and 1970s.
American rock group the Steve Miller Band forms in San Francisco in 1966 and becomes best known for a string of 1970s hit singles that became staples of classic rock radio, as well as several earlier psychedelic rock albums.
The evolution of Journey, formed by members of Santana, Frumious Bandersnatch, The Tubes and Zappa's Mothers of Invention. From backup-guns-for-hire to local jazz-fusion to one of the most successful pop-rock bands of the 1980s.
A look at the history and music of the Motown group The Supremes, including the solo and acting career of lead singer Diana Ross.
A look at the influential soul, pop and gospel career of Al Green.
A look at the life and career of the trailblazing R&B musical artist Marvin Gaye, producing classic songs like 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine', 'Let's Get it On', 'What's Going On' and 'Sexual Healing.'
A look at the dual career of Smokey Robinson, lead singer-songwriter of the seminal Motown group The Miracles while also Vice President of Motown Records under Berry Gordy.
A look at the history and music of the British-American rock band Foreigner.
Born in 1953 in Brooklyn, N.Y., singer Pat Benatar works the club scene and finds her guitarist and future husband Neil Giraldo.
A look at the history and music of Patti Smith.
A look at the life and career of rock and roll trailblazer Little Richard, and a discussion of his influence on generations of musicians to follow.
A look at the history and music of the band Primal Scream.
A look at the history and music of the band Simple Minds.
America was fighting the Vietnam War and protests across the country were widespread and it was during this period of unrest that the driving force behind many artists such as Boston, REO Speedwagon, Styx and many others were formed.
During the '60s flower power movement, peace and love in music no longer reflected the lives of a generation; at the same time, de-industrialization was beginning; a look at artists such as Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Nazareth.
A look at how British metal was born; featuring Judas Priest, Saxon and Iron Maiden.
By the dawn of the 1970s, progressive rock allowed musicians to evolve a single track over a whole side of vinyl, draw on classical sources, and create music in more complex time signatures.
Jazz rock grows out of the artistically ambitious rock subgenres of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and includes extensive improvisation; exploring the music of artists Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and Boz Scaggs.
The US heavy metal sound has big hooks, melodic choruses, and monster ballads, with nearly every song featuring one guitar solo. Vocals are melodic, and high-pitched. They also include extensive use of harmonies, particularly in the ballads - slow, emotional songs that gradually build to a strong finale. Lyrics tended to deal with love and lust. This episode features Mötley Crüe, Poison & Ratt.
Songwriters have their roots in the folk-acoustic traditions of Celtic European Troubadours from the Middle East and blues and country in the USA. This genre emerged in the 1960's again against the backdrop of political change, and would forge the careers of great artists such as Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, and James Taylor.
The origins of the British Rhythm & Blues were in the jazz, skiffle and folk movements of the 1950s. Chris Barber was one its early figures helping establish the Marquee Club, the key venue for British R&B bands. The 1958 visit of Muddy Waters influenced Blues Incorporated, with other bands emerging including the Animals from Newcastle, the Spencer Davies Group and the Yardbirds from London. British R&B had a harder edge born of black American blues with a gritty, syncopated sound and guitar-heavy mix.
Women have sung on jazz, pop and soul tracks since the 1930s, but when it came to rock, however, there were few women in the 1950s who wrote and performed their own songs. In the 60s, artists such as Grace Slick and Janis Joplin were fronting A-list bands. All-female garage bands, such as The Runaways and Fanny, achieved limited success. As rock developed in the late 60s and 70s alongside the women's liberation movement, women refused to be just the pretty singer or the manufactured glam groups. This episode features bands such as Heart, Suzie Quatro and The Bangles.
During the 1960s, rock n roll splintered into a rainbow of genres - musicians were experimenting. Soft rock began as a blend of the progressive rock quest for musicianship and the songwriter's love of pop. It originated in the late 1960s in Southern California and the United Kingdom. The style relied on simple, melodic songs with big, lush productions. This new genre established bands such as Supertramp, ELO & Barclay James Harvest.
The sound of psychedelic rock involved electronic instruments, guitar effects, oriental instruments, unconventional song structures, lyrics that referenced drugs or fantasy books, with extended instrumental sections. The genre bridged the transition from early blues and folk-based rock to progressive rock and hard rock. This episode features The Moody Blues, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Traffic.
For many music fans, the Motown Sound is the defining sound of 1960s pop, R&B, and soul music; with The Temptations, The Miracles, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
With Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and Big Daddy Kane; New York Hip Hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City during the 1970s.
New Wave is a form of rock music encompassing numerous pop-oriented music styles rooted in mid-1970s punk rock, with engendered sub-genres and fusions, and characteristics common to pop music.
In the 1930s, orally transmitted music was the heritage of many; the genre enjoyed a resurgence during the Great Depression.
With Featuring Motörhead, Testament, and AC/DC. Metal combines overdriven guitars with heavy drums, often double bass drums, bass lines working with and against guitar lines and vocals from voices at the limit of their power. In blues, the raw voice might sing over the gentle acoustic guitar or the mellow church organ. In hard rock, the overdriven guitar might howl against the slower groove of bass and drums. In metal, everything is at "10."
Punk music from The New York Dolls, The Ramones, and The Dead Kennedys is played cheap; with a stripped back fast and loud sound.
Throughout the 1980s, alternative rock increases in prominence and diversity.
Protest songs are written using traditional folk, hillbilly and bluegrass traditions; music artists overthrow 1950s attitudes, bringing civil rights, poverty and other issues into focus; with Joan Baez, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
The pop rock sound of the 1970s and 1980s was a blend of punk minimalism, art rock synthesizer and pop melodies.
With Lionel Ritchie; Michael Bolton; Billy Ocean. Soul began essentially as uplifting black gospel music. Otis Redding took the genre to its next stage with Mr. Pitiful.
Featuring musicians like Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and King Crimson, this music was grounded in the acid rock and psychedelic rock movements of the 1960s.
The relatively non-threatening teen idol predominately appeals to the pre-teen and young teen female audience.
Rock 'n' Roll draws upon New Orleans' many musical sources, including black funeral bands, Mardi Gras parades, country blues from Mississippi delta and various forms of jazz.
Music that blends U.S. country with classic rock and roll.
Gladys Knight & the Pips; The Four Tops; Jimmy Ruffin
With The Righteous Brothers, The Ronettes, and The Shirelles, Phil Spector wrote, co-wrote, or produced records for many major artists, often collaborating with arranger Jack Nitzsche, engineer Larry Levine, and various Brill Building songwriters.
T-Rex; Mott the Hoople; the backlash against the mainstream rock of the 1960's.
Bo Diddley, Howlin Wolf, and Muddy Waters; Chicago Blues reaches beyond the standard six-note blues scale to incorporate major scale notes.
With the Drifters, The Cleftones, and the Ink Spots. A genre of rhythm and blues music originated in the 1940s by African American youth, in the large cities of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit and Washington D.C.
Funk emerged in the late 1960's, but it's roots go back much further. Funk is about the groove and the beat, without the drums and bass, there is no funk.
Americana is American music that's unpolished and has a reverence for tradition.
Stories of the biggest names in rock music
Surf, Sun & Beach - a very magical time in California music scene.
Music of unparalleled spirituality, music of hope, music of light and music of better times ahead.
Post-punk emerged from the punk scene. It had the same DIY ethos, but it was more experimental, more intellectual & more artistic in it's approach to music.
Festivals are all about the feeling of seeing live music… Imagine ...giving the stage to a mixture of eclectic genres, really opening up music to audiences.
Scandi pop music is meant to be sung along to but it also has a certain sense of gloominess underneath the cheer.
Bluegrass music developed in the 1940s in the US Appalachian region. The genre derives its name from the band Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
Get ready for all things British as we dive into the British Invasion that took over the music world with the Beatles, the Animals, the Dave Clark Five, Herman's Hermits and more!
Sun Records was the home of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Sam Phillips and more!
A collision of all sorts of music. It's one of the major commercial hubs of American popular music. In the 1920's, as people start to migrate across the country, Jimmie Rogers, the father of country music, leads the radio as it reminds people of the music of their home.
The '60s was a time of war and protest, and musicians used their influence to make their voices heard.
Southern Rock was a marriage of historical, cultural, and musical forces. It was a reflection of the values and culture of the American South. It was mix of Rock and Roll, with Blues, Country, Boogie-woogie, fast-paced guitars. Lyrics really talk about a celebration of maybe a slower way of living, and family values, but also, the excesses of young adults in the Southern States.
Grunge is loud and rebellious with lots of heavy guitar and fuzz effects, but it's quite lo-fi in terms of its recording techniques because everything is stripped back and really taken back to just the instruments.
