A few weeks ago I published an article arguing that Dick Dale—the surf rock pioneer and guitar hero—belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since then, legions of readers have reached out to ask me who else I think should be a rock hall-of-famer. What other music legends have been snubbed by Cleveland’s notable tourist attraction? Okay, I’m exaggerating. When I say that “legions” have asked me, I mean “nobody.” But if someone did ask me—I would direct them to Rufus Thomas. This article provides a biography of Rufus Thomas and five arguments for his induction to the Hall of Fame.
Music history
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A Brief History of Surf Rock
Memorial Day is rapidly approaching. With summer, I think surf. So let's take this as an opportunity to revisit the ultimate summer genre. That's right, folks, it's surf rock time! Grab a board and a transistor radio and read on!
Dick Dale Belongs in the Rock Hall of Fame
Well, it's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination season again. In this post DIYRockAndRoll.com reflects on one of the most glaring omissions from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame--the King of the Surf Guitar, Mr. Dick Dale. DIYRockAndRoll.com believes that Dale belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame due to his influence, talent, and continued relevance.
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What is The First Rock and Roll Song?
Since the beginning of time, humans have grappled with three existential questions, what: (1) is the meaning of life; (2) happens after death; and (3) was the first rock and roll song. In this post, DIYRockAndRoll.com will answer definitively all three questions. Just kidding. We're not going to answer any of them, but we will shed some light on the third.
Album of 2023: Nat Myers “Yellow Peril”
Dog Hill Music awards its album of the year superlative for 2023 to "Yellow Peril" by Nat Myers. The acoustic blues album demonstrates Myers' thoughtful songwriting, superb fingerpicking, and weathered voice. Myers demonstrates mastery of a variety of pre-war blues idioms, which he reworks in a way that feels personal and fresh.
Eddie Floyd’s “Down to Earth”
In 1971, two of soul music’s most important musicians coproduced one of the genre’s wildest albums. Despite its unassuming title, on Down to Earth singer-songwriter Eddie Floyd and guitarist-songwriter Steve Cropper took soul music to new frontiers.