Among the Musical

Among the Musical

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The Aretha Series, Part Five: Unfinished Business
"Listen, baby," the Reverend C.L. Franklin told a friend who said she'd be glad when Aretha came back to the church, "If you want to know the truth…
 • Tony Scherman
The Aretha Series, Part 4: Black Music Power
"I began to appreciate myself as a beautiful black woman.”
 • Tony Scherman
The Aretha Series, Part 3: Running on Empty
Aretha was an alcoholic, and had been for years. "I realized," said her booking agent, Ruth Bowen, "that she had been using booze to numb the pain of a…
 • Tony Scherman
The Aretha Series, Part 2: What You Want, Baby I Got It
“My sister was on the brink of letting the world know what I’d always known," said Carolyn Franklin—"that she was hands-down the scariest singer in the…
 • Tony Scherman
The Aretha Series, Part One: Aretha's Arrival
When, where, and how a genius burst through. Date: January 24, 1967. Place: Fame Music in Florence, AL. Supporting cast: the legendary Swampers. Yield…
 • Tony Scherman
Duane Allman: Live in the Studio, Part 2 of 2
Session musicians, even the very best, play for anyone who's ready to ante up the money, including Sam the Sham.
 • Tony Scherman
Duane Allman: Live in the Studio, Part 1 of 2
Known chiefly for his epochal late '60s/early '70s work with the great Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman was also one of the most sought-after…
 • Tony Scherman
Among the Musical
Among the Musical
Thoroughly absorbing explorations of American music from an award-winning journalist. Name the genre—rock, folk, country, blues, jazz, Americana—I’ve been there, and I'm still journeying!

Among the Musical

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