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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Do It Yourself Country Rock
Hang on to the back of your flatbed Ford, because it's country-rock time on DIYRockAndRoll.com! In this article I review the history of country rock (and the long, murky relationship between country music and rock and roll). I also discuss the process of writing, arranging, and recording my own country-rock song, entitled "Do No Wrong." And for the gear heads in our readership, I also talk about the equipment I used to do so. Spoiler alert: this is country rock so there is a Telecaster! Just in time for that guitar's 75th birthday.
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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.
Do It Yourself Rockabilly
Buckle up do-it-yourself rockers, because it's rockabilly tow truck time! Yes, that's right! DIYRockandRoll.com is proud to release its most requested project to date: an article on how to make an original rockabilly rave-up about a tow truck driver in Vermont. If you're one of the legions of readers who requested that, read on, because the time has come!
1966 Fender Coronado II Review
Why review a current production guitar when you can give the people what they really want? That is, a review of a relatively-obscure electric guitar that has been largely out-of-production for over a half-century. Here DIYRockAndRoll.com fulfills that important duty with a historical profile and review of the infamous Fender Coronado.