The Pulitzer board said the award was given to Franklin for “her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.” ... read more »

RIAA’s platinum status was once equivalent to selling one million albums or songs, but in 2013 the company began incorporating streaming from YouTube, Spotify and other digital music services to determine certification for albums and songs. ... read more »

In 1949, a fight broke out at a dance in Twist, Kansas. During the melee, a barrel filled with kerosene, that had been lit earlier to warm the party, was knocked over. As flames licked the dance floor, B.B. King, a twenty-something musician, escaped into the cool Kansas night with the rest of the party goers. But King had forgotten his guitar inside. On that fateful night, risking his life, he ran back into the building to rescue his prized instrument. ... read more »

Grand Performances will kick-off its Free Summer Concert Series with a tribute to Sly Stone this Friday, June 1 at 8 pm with Higher! The Psychedelic Soul & Genius of Sly and The Family Stone (1966-1983) at the California Plaza. ... read more »