Top Stories
Stories in Beat that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
A Brief History of "Tears of a Clown"
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles It was 1966 when 16 year old Stevie Wonder wrote the music for "Tears of a Clown." He then gave the instrumental to Smokey Robinson during the Motown Christmas party that year. He told Smokey that he had a great instrumental, but he couldn't come up with any lyrics.
By Rick Henry Christopher 3 years ago in Beat
Cardi B Returns to Middle School with a Bag, but How Much is Enough?
While it is beautiful for an artist like Cardi B to go back to her middle school with $100,000 in tow, what is the limit? How much (or how little) should artists and other figures in the spotlight give to their previous institutions of learning whether they be elementary schools or universities and everything in between?
By Skyler Saunders3 years ago in Beat
The Softer Side of Tupac Shakur: Poetry, Life, & Wisdom
When most of us hear the name Tupac Shakur, we think of 90s rap music and a rather tough exterior. But underneath that hard shell lies a much softer side of him that few people realize existed. After his death, some of his most intimate, hand-written poems, including a book of his childhood poetry and illustrations, were uncovered. His poetry, which is quite heartfelt and profound, offers a window into his personal life, allowing us to see far beyond his hip-hop persona. While the lyrics in some of his rap songs were offensive enough to insult most women and anyone he hated, his poetry is quite the contrast with his music and the image he portrayed.
By Jennifer M. Ward3 years ago in Beat
A Playlist Of Places
Introduction I was wondering if I could create a playlist of songs I love about places, because I love the place or have a great friend who lives there or it is just a beautiful song that makes me want to go there. We all love something that gives us a feeling of warmth, comfort and longing.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 years ago in Beat
Why We Need Videos like Dove Cameron's Breakfast
On August 23rd, Dove Cameron released the video for her latest single, Breakfast. On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion. Dove Cameron herself has always been an outspoken advocate for human rights, including the right to choose. She's never been afraid to speak passionately about her convictions and using her platform to raise the voices of the under privileged as well. As a queer woman in the spotlight, she's fighting her own battles against the patriarchy on a far too regular basis.
By Josey Pickering3 years ago in Beat
Beyond The Mainstream: Youtube - Part 2
Four years ago, I got pretty good numbers from a story about my non-Top 40 music tastes, in an article called Beyond The Mainstream, and you can click the link to read it if you'd like. But I figured that it's been years and my tastes have expanded, so what could be better than to make a sequel article to that one, and show off all the new and amazing music channels I've been loving for the past couple of years? We've got a lot here ranging from more synthwave to new favorites like hardwave and metal-electro!
By Delise Fantome3 years ago in Beat
1979
In this article I am looking at 13 random albums released in 1979. 1979 was a great year in music with albums by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, The Cars, Donna Summer, Supertramp, Styx, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and many other favorites.
By Rick Henry Christopher 3 years ago in Beat
Clare Torry and the Great Gig
I have always been fascinated with the stories behind those moments in the arts when one person, event, change, movement or accident created something very new and exciting; something that no one else could have done. This is the story of one woman who does not have the level of fame that is equal with her role in popular music history. There might be some fanatics out there who do know her and even love her, but I have had too many responses over the years when I mention this story gape and feel as though they are learning something new and exciting. I hope that this adds to the story of one of my favourite groups and that you also feel as though you have discovered something new.
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Beat
10 Underrated Music Artist Collaborations
We all know and love some of the most iconic artist collaborations that have come out throughout the years. From Beyonce and Jay Z to Nick Minaj and Ariana Grande to Justin Beiber and The Kid Laroi, we have seen various collaborations hit the charts and go viral. However, with as many music artist collaborations that go viral, there are others that get overlooked. Here are 10 of the most underrated music artist collaborations
By Alisan Keesee3 years ago in Beat
A Playlist for Writers Who Like to Run...or Walk
Before I became sick with COVID last May, I loved to walk and do interval jogging. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I did it all—aerial yoga, Zumba, dance yoga, HIIT, cardio kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, cheerleading, track, aerobics, Pilates, Peloton, personal training, and of course, the treadmill. Unfortunately, I haven't recovered enough yet to do these intense workouts. I am grateful that I seem to be improving and can go for short walks. Who knows? Full recovery might not be too far off in the distance.
By Jennifer M. Ward3 years ago in Beat
'If You're Happy And You Know It...' Where Did This Song Come From?
Watching the Chicago Cubs on TV recently, a visit to the pitcher's mound by the opposing team’s coach brought the opportunity for a little ballpark filler. Visits to the mound are often given musical accompaniment with a host of public domain standards offering a wide array of choices for ballpark organists.
By Sean Patrick3 years ago in Beat
