Music & Technology
The Music Channel teaches us about the industry, the instruments and the genres. These articles explain why music is such an important fabric of our collective soul.
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17 Notable Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Millions of Americans tune in to watch the Super Bowl halftime performance each year. Check out our list of 17 notable Super Bowl halftime shows, featuring performances by New Kids on the Block and Prince.
12 One-Hit Wonders
Some artists will always be known for their one successful song. See our list of 12 one-hit wonders, including Debby Boone and Lipps Inc.
19 of the Rolling Stones Greatest Hits
The Rolling Stones have been making and performing music for 45 years, for wide generations of fans. See our list of 19 of Rolling Stones' greatest hits, such as 'Start Me Up' and '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'.
The Stories Behind 29 U2 Songs
U2 songs are famous for having powerful messages that can take on many different meanings. See our list of the stories behind 29 U2 songs including 'Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own' and 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.'
August 16, 1977: Elvis Presley Dies
Elvis Presley's death on August 16, 1977, saddened the world. After a long battle with health problems, the king of rock 'n' roll had fallen.
Elvis Presley Collectibles
There have been a number Elvis Presley collectibles produced throughout his life that reflected the stages of his career. Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, used collectibles as a way to market his client. Learn about Elvis collectibles.
Elvis Presley Quotes
Meet the man behind the mystique -- read our collection of honest and down-to-earth quotes from Elvis Presley. Learn about his life, opinions and experiences in this article.
Elvis Presley Albums
Elvis Presley's albums and musical innovation defined a generation and set the stage for future performers. These albums helped Elvis build his reputation as the King of Rock and Roll. Explore the best albums of Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley Biography
In this Elvis Presley biography you can follow the King from his birth to his untimely death. Elvis's humble beginnings allowed him to gain acceptance with his fans as "one of them." Learn about the life and times of Elvis Presley.
John Lennon
John Lennon is best known as a member of the Beatles, but his life was defined by much more than that. He grew to become one of the most influential musical artists the world has ever known. Learn about the life of John Lennon.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley revolutionized the way we thought about music, movies, and the price of celebrity. Three decades after his death, Elvis continues to influence American pop culture. Learn about the life, songs, and films of Elvis.
Elvis Presley Songs
From 'Love Me Tender' to 'Jailhouse Rock,' Elvis Presley's recordings have become an integral part of American culture. You can hear his songs everywhere from parties and weddings to your local grocery store. Read the stories behind the songs.
Elvis Presley Movies
Elvis Presley starred in over 31 movies. There has been no other actor that is less appreciated than Elvis. Learn about his early, serious acting attempts and how his film career evolved to focus on musical comedies.
How Making It Works: Antigone Rising
The road to music stardom is paved with the souls of those who never "made it." HowStuffWorks talked to Kristen Henderson guitarist for the breakout band Antigone Rising. Find out what it takes to succeed in the music biz.
How Music Licensing Works
Music licensing is something that happens constantly. The music you hear on the radio in a restaurant or in a department store is all licensed. Find out when and why we have to pay to play.
How Top 40 Radio Works
If you grew up listening to Casey Kasem’s Top 40, you probably waited with bated breath to find out which song made it to No. 1 that week. Well, the Top 40 is still around. Learn how a song makes it into that elite list.
How Record Labels Work
Your band's hitting it big in the clubs, you've got a demo and you're ready to shop for a record label. Find out what record labels can do for you and learn about the differences between the big guys and the indies.
How Music Royalties Work
The last time you bought a CD did you wonder how much of the sticker price was actually going to the artist who performed? How does a Platinum-selling musician end up broke? Find out what musicians are actually being paid.
How Band Equipment Works
Ready to kick out the jams? To make your songs resonate like you know they can, you’ll need the right equipment. Instruments and amps are just the beginning -- public venues require special audio equipment to make sure things sound the way they should. Read this before you rock.
How Recording Contracts Work
We've all heard the stories - artist "x" suing label "y" over some unfair clause in a contract and label "y" suing artist "x" over some contract breach... How complicated can this stuff be? Find out.
How the Club Circuit Works
If you want to make money as a musician and you're not signed to a record contract yet, you need to be playing clubs. But club gigs are not so easy to come by. Find out how to get started in the club circuit.
How Cutting Your Own CD Works
Looking to create a demo CD of your work? If you don't have the money to pay for time at a pro recording studio, there are other avenues. Find out what you'll need to cut your own music CD at home.
How Electric Guitars Work
There aren't too many inventions that have had as much cultural impact as the electric guitar. Its distinctive sound winds its way through most popular music from the past 50 years -- the electric guitar IS rock and roll.
How is an electric guitar different from an acoustic guitar?
If you pluck a string on an electric guitar that is not plugged in, you'll notice that you can barely hear the sound. Why is that?
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