Every iconic song or act has a starting point, but the journey to the top is rarely a straight line. In Music Origins, we go behind the scenes to uncover the roots of the music you love. From the unexpected early recordings of legendary artists to the bizarre historical accidents that turned forgotten tracks into global hits, we explore the foundations, evolutions, and hidden legacies that shaped music history
Song: La Grange (1973) Artist: ZZ Top Album: Tres Hombres What’s the most covered ZZ Top song? La Grange. What ZZ Top Song is most often played on the radio? La Grange. Released in 1973 on the album, Tres Hombres, the song also has the most interesting history, although it was not originally a big hit, … Read more
Song: Soulshine (1994) Artist: Allman Brothers Band Album: Where It All Begins Soulshine is actually the song I think about when I think of the Allman Brothers Band. But, not even the songwriter himself, Warren Haynes, who joined the band in 1989 after they reunited, originally thought of it as an Allman Brothers song. When … Read more
“Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind, On the road to Shambala…” Since its release in 1973, Three Dog Night’s ‘Road To Shambala’ has stood as one of the most uplifting anthems in rock history. But while the melody is unforgettable, the lyrics leave many listeners wondering: What is a Shambala? From ancient Tibetan legends to … Read more
Song: Imaginary Lover (1978) Artist: Atlanta Rhythm Section Atlanta Rhythm Section, active from 1972 to 1981, was a Southern Rock influenced band often compared to Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Brothers, albeit more radio-friendly. Imaginary Lover was one of two top ten hits, written by Bobby Buie, Robert Nix, and Dean Daughtry: Imaginary Lovers Never turn you … Read more
Song: Born to Be Wild (1968) Artist: Steppenwolf Album: Steppenwolf/ Music from the Easy Rider Soundtrack Writer: Mars Bonfire (a.k.a Dennis Edmonton, a.k.a. Dennis Eugene McCrohan) Born to Be Wild is an anthem to motorcycle clubs and, for that matter, many heavy metal fans. It is one of the songs by Steppenwolf to appear in the … Read more
Song: Hot Child in the City (1978) Artist: Nick Gilder Album: City Nights (Chrysalis) At around the same time that Billy Joel was winning a Grammy for Just the Way You Are and disco, punk, and New Wave were simultaneously selling records, a pop/rock song about a runaway teenage girl who may or may not be a … Read more
Song: Kiss You All Over (1978) Artist: Exile Album: Mixed Emotions Casual country fans might be shocked to know that the 80’s country hitmakers, Exile, toured with acts such as Aerosmith, Heart, Dave Mason, Boston, and Seals & Crofts in 1978. Although their first no. 1 country hit was Woke Up in Love in 1983, … Read more