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Frank Sinatra Defended Sammy Davis Jr.'s Civil Rights By Refusing To Play At A Las Vegas Resort

Music legend Frank Sinatra, affectionately known as the Chairman of the Board, was one of the greatest entertainers to emerge from the 20th century. He was also one of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry at the height of his fame. He even helped support President John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.
While there are certainly controversies surrounding Sinatra's personal life and the entertainer was even arrested, perhaps one of Sinatra's greatest accomplishments was using...
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Johnny Cash's Outrageous Addiction Issues Almost Wiped Out An Entire Species Of Bird

Music legend Johnny Cash had a long and successful entertainment career spanning nearly five decades. The famed country singer, known for hit songs such as "I Walk the Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", and "Ring of Fire", became one of the most beloved artists of his generation.
While Cash enjoyed a prolific music career, his personal life was far from perfect. He battled addiction and became notorious for his reliance on substances. In 1965, Cash's behavior became so severe that he almost wiped o...
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Diana Ross And Record Label Founder Berry Gordy Had A Secret Daughter Together

Music legend Diana Ross was one of Motown's most beloved stars. She led the highly successful Supremes and became one of the most famous voices of the 1960s. With Ross at the helm, the Supremes released a staggering twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, according to Billboard. Songs such as "Baby Love", "Where Did Our Love Go", "Stop! In The Name Of Love", and "Come See About Me" have become timeless standards and prime examples of Motown's iconic sound. Ross even headlined t...
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Why Shirley Temple Wasn't Cast As Dorothy In The Wizard Of Oz

In the 1930s, Shirley Temple was America's sweetheart. Her childhood innocence brought smiles and joy to millions of people as they dealt with the hardships of the Great Depression. Films like Curly Top, Bright Eyes, and The Little Colonel made her a household name.
Due to her immense popularity, Temple was considered for what would have been a role of a lifetime. She was given an audition for Dorothy Gale in MGM's The Wizard of Oz. Unfortunately, Temple never got the part for a surprising rea...
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Inside Mick Jagger's Troubled Relationship With Original Rolling Stones Frontman Brian Jones

Music legends The Rolling Stones have had a consistent presence in the industry since the early 1960s. Known for their longevity, the Rolling Stones are rightfully one of the most beloved rock 'n' roll groups in history. From smash hits such as "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Paint It Black", "Gimme Shelter", and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to impressive live performances, the iconic group has stood the test of time.



While lead singer Mick Jagger is often regarded as th...
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The Mafia Played A Critical Role In The Careers Of Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli And These Musicians

In the 20th century, organized crime was more than prevalent in America. From a consistent presence in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia to overseeing the operation of nationwide businesses, the Mafia was an undeniable force in aspects of American culture.
During the height of the Mafia's power, the syndicate became heavily involved in the entertainment industry. This should come as no surprise, as the organization ran some of the nation's most prominent nightclubs. The...
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Billy Joel Refused To Write Another Song Until A Surprising Relationship Changed His Life

On January 22nd, 2024, music icon Billy Joel announced his first new song in seventeen years. Joel infamously prophesized in his 1993 album, "River of Dreams", that he would stop writing music indefinitely. True to his prediction, Joel did not release another original composition until 2007. "All My Life" and "Christmas in Fallujah" were rare treats for fans, and remained Joel's only lyric-based songs released in the 21st century until his surprising 2024 announcement.
"Turn The Lights Back On...
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Controversial Michael Jackson Tracks Were Released After His Passing With Fans Questioning Their Authencity

When music icon Michael Jackson suddenly passed away in June 2009, it shocked the world. Months later, the legendary artist's first posthumous song was released and proved to be a success. "This Is It", which was later revealed to be a song Jackson co-wrote and recorded with Paul Anka in 1980, demonstrated that fans desired posthumous content from Jackson.
As a result, Sony released Jackson's first posthumous album, entitled "Michael", in December 2010. The album boasted ten tracks, including...
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Lisa Marie Presley Had One Final Request For Daughter Riley Keough Before Passing Away

On January 12th, 2023, music icon Lisa Marie Presley shockingly passed away, days after appearing at the Golden Globes in support of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic. Her death, which was uncomfortably reminiscent of her beloved father's, shook fans around the world. Even their funerals had eery similarities.
Presley had four children, including actress Riley Keough. According to Nicki Swift, Presley and Keough were reportedly "very close." At the time of her passing, Presley was working on her mos...
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Paul Anka Demanded That Michael Jackson's Estate Pay Him When His Lost Track Was Released Months After The Singer Passed

In the early 1980s, music legends Michael Jackson and Paul Anka came together to work on some material. Anka, once a teen idol in the 1950s, was not only a talented performer but a prolific songwriter. Songs such as Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and Tom Jones's "She's A Lady" were his creations. Jackson had not yet experienced his career-defining "Thriller" era when he requested to work with the seasoned Anka.
During their collaboration period, Jackson and Anka wrote and recorded a couple of demos...
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Gene Roddenberry Begged Nichelle Nichols Not To Leave Star Trek After She Threatened To Quit

Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazing actress in the 1960s, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. She played Lieutenant Uhura on the cult classic, Star Trek, and became a role model to multiple generations of women.
Her legacy extended far beyond from portraying the iconic character, however. She used her Star Trek notoriety to encourage young women to pursue science and even collaborated with NASA to help the agency become more diverse and inclusive, according to CNN.
Nichols's role of...
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Jim Morrison Allegedly Predicted That He Would Die And Join The 27 Club

The Doors, one of rock 'n' roll music's greatest bands, was fronted by the eccentric Jim Morrison. Morrison, who was affectionately known as the Lizard King, was a showman, poet, artist, and rebel. The legendary performer exuberated youthfulness and defined the era in which he became famous.
Morrison passed away in July 1971. Similar to other rock legends of his time, the singer died at only 27 years old. Morrison reportedly thought about death a lot and was spiritual in nature. Eerily, he eve...
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Jim Morrison Was Arrested During Multiple Doors Concerts For These Controversial Reasons

Music icon Jim Morrison was undoubtedly one of the most eccentric and beloved rock 'n' roll singers of the 1960s. He was the face of The Doors, and became the voice of a generation. A free spirit, Morrison's charisma allowed him to become one of the greatest stage performers in music history. He was wild, vibrant, youthful, and energetic.
Morrison's personality extended well beyond the concert stage. He lived an unapologetically rebellious life, which ultimately became self-destructive. Morris...
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Frank Sinatra Was Arrested For A Surprising Reason Before His Career Blew Up

Music legend Frank Sinatra is one of the most recognizable entertainers of the 20th century. More than twenty years after his passing, Sinatra's legacy is unwavering. The cultural icon first achieved success in the early 1940s and remained popular until his passing at 82 in 1998.
Sinatra, who grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, had a loving, but rough upbringing. Street smart, a young Sinatra found a passion for music and knew it could take him out of the neighborhood. Before Sinatra's career took...
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Jimi Hendrix Eerily Predicted His Own Death In An Underrated Song

Music legend, Jimi Hendrix, left an indelible mark on rock 'n' roll before his tragic passing in September 1970. His influence is still felt by fans and fellow musicians more than fifty years since his death. His string of hits, including "Purple Haze", "Hey Joe", and "The Wind Cries Mary", have become rock staples.
Hendrix's iconic performance of the American national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", at Woodstock is still making a statement in the modern day. Even AR technology was used to...
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The Real Reason Paul Simon And Art Garfunkel's Relationship Spiraled Into An All-Out Feud

Simon & Garfunkel, the beloved 1960s music duo, were one of the most popular acts of their era. Comprised of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, the duo achieved monumental success with songs such as "The Sound of Silence", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Mrs. Robinson", and "The Boxer."
With their folk-inspired, poetic songs, Simon & Garfunkel became the voices of a generation. Their work touched millions of lives and became a comfort during the Vietnam era. While they enjoyed fame and fortune toget...
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Why Did Elvis Presley Never Perform "If I Can Dream" Live Despite Being A Hit Among Fans?

Music icon Elvis Presley is not only one of the most legendary singers of his generation but remains a cultural icon nearly fifty years after his untimely passing. His estate and legacy has only grown since. Perhaps one of Presley's crowning achievements was when he rejuvenated his career with the '68 Comeback Special.
Tired from appearing in a string of B movies, Presley wanted to focus on his music career again. As soon as he hit the stage and performed in front of a live audience again, Pre...
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George Harrison Tried To Stop The Beatles From Releasing Their Final Song "Now And Then" Before He Died

Music legends The Beatles released their final song, "Now and Then", in November 2023 to critical and commercial success. Marketed as the last project that all four Beatles contributed to, "Now and Then" evoked a range of emotions among fans both young and old.
Originally a demo John Lennon recorded in the late 1970s, surviving Beatles members first came together to work on the track in 1995 for their Anthology series of albums. During the sessions, George Harrison took a particular dislike to...
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Why Led Zeppelin Refused To Perform A Few Of Their Best Songs Live

Music legends Led Zeppelin, rightfully, has earned a stellar reputation as one of the most prolific rock 'n' roll groups of the 20th century. With the charisma and talents of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin was a force to be reckoned with.
The band built an impressive catalog of hits over eight studio albums. However, they have refused to perform some of their hits live despite being fan favorites. Well known for their eccentric personalities and belief...
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Jerry Mathers Refused To Film This Scene In An Episode Of Leave It To Beaver

Leave It To Beaver was one of the most popular family sitcoms of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Starring a young Jerry Mathers, the show revolved around the everyday adventures of a little boy and his older brother. Mathers became a household name and has become globally recognized as "The Beaver."
Mathers, who was a dedicated child actor, was usually always obedient on set and did what he was told to do. However, there was one episode where Mathers refused to do a scene, forcing Leave It To...
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How Jerry Lee Lewis's Marriage To His 13 Year Old Cousin Impacted His Career

Rock 'n' roll music icon Jerry Lee Lewis was a pioneer of his art form in the mid to late 1950s. In his heyday, he released some of the most iconic early rock songs such as "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On." Lewis was signed to Sam Phillips' Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside legends such as Elvis Presley and country music superstar Johnny Cash.
The young Southern singer was in the right place at the right time. Talented and vibrant, Lewis was ready to make his mark on the music world....
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A Visit To Graceland Got Jerry Lee Lewis Arrested In The 1970s

Music icon Jerry Lee Lewis, affectionately known as 'The Killer', was among rock 'n' roll's most significant pioneers. He got his start at Sun Records, alongside Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and other legends, and was responsible for timeless rock staples such as "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Of Shakin' Going On."
Lewis was not only a popular recording artist of his era, but a complex figure who had run-ins with the law. A true rebel by nature, Lewis was not a stereotypica...
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Michael Jackson Knew 'Thriller' Was Essential For His Career, Here's Why

Music icon Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic and beloved performers of the 20th century. While Jackson has made many musical contributions, perhaps he is universally known for being responsible for one of the highest-selling albums in history. In 1982, Jackson solidified his solo career by releasing the critically acclaimed "Thriller" album.
Jackson, who was no stranger to the entertainment industry, understood the importance of this record. Thriller, to Jackson's delight, was a massiv...
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Was Karen Carpenter's Husband Aware Of The Secret Health Issues That Led To Her Death?

Music legend Karen Carpenter tragically passed away in February 1983 due to a battle with anorexia nervosa. She was only 32 years old. While Carpenter enjoyed a great career as a singer and drummer alongside her brother and creative partner, Richard Carpenter, she always longed to be a wife and mother.
Carpenter desired to experience romance and struggled to find it, despite her fame. After dating a who's who of celebrities including Tony Danza and Steve Martin, she finally married businessman...
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