If John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) had only fronted the Sex Pistols, his place in pop music history would have still been secure. His restless creative spirit, keen intelligence, unique vocal style, and aggressive stage presence made him one of the most recognized faces on the planet as the band rose to prominence in the late ’70s. Though they only released one studio album before imploding, the Sex Pistols were loved and hated for their uncompromising music and political lyrics, both driven by Lydon’s ferocious honesty.

Read the full article here.

GRAMMY-winning artist Colbie Caillat was the featured guest for a recent installment of the GRAMMY Museum’s Spotlight series. Before an intimate audience at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater, Caillat discussed her Top 5 hit “Bubbly,” songwriting and working with her father, GRAMMY-winning producer Ken Caillat, among other topics. Following the discussion, Caillat performed a brief set including “Brighter Than The Sun” from her most recent release, All Of You.

Here’s what you missed!

FORGOTTEN VIDEOS: Rick James “Super Freak” 1981

If there is one thing the video to the 1981 hit “Super Freak” illustrates about the late Rick James, it is that he was hardly in denial about his own superfreakiness.

The song alone does little to distill this: its subject, the girl who’s “very kinky” (and “the kind you don’t take home to moth-ah”) is described in fairly explicit detail — she rides in limousines; she likes the boys in the band; she’s partial to incense, wine and candles. But what about James himself? If it wasn’t for this video, shot well before the public escapades that led to his considerable legal troubles and heightened TV visibility, listeners the world over might never have known they were lending their ears to a bona fide male super freak.

Read the full story here.

“I don’t think anybody can tell you anything,” said the Avett Brothers’ upright bassist Scott Crawford. “Just like your parents trying to tell you something, it’s makes you want to do the opposite. You gotta make your own mistakes or have your own successes.”

Watch our full interview with the Avett Brothers here.

Producer Jonathan Dagan’s side project, J. Viewz, debuts new video for “Rivers And Homes” only on GRAMMY.com. Watch NOW!

GRAMMYs On The Road With Childish Gambino and Valerie June

The Recording Academy Memphis Chapter played host for GRAMMYs On The Road At The Beale Street Music Festival, held May 4–6 as part of the Memphis in May International Festival. The Chapter conducted exclusive backstage interviews with artists performing at the festival, including rapper/actor Childish Gambino and folk singer/songwriter Valerie June.

Go backstage.

FIRST LISTEN: Singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin debuts new song “Promising Promises” only on GRAMMY.com. Listen NOW!

FLASHBACK: Alicia Keys at the 44th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2002 winning Best New Artist, Song Of The Year [Fallin’], Best Female R&B Vocal Performance [Fallin’], Best R&B Song [Fallin’], and Best R&B Album [Songs In A Minor]

“Bubblegoth is about putting things together that don’t necessarily go together…[It’s] mixing ethereal things with really hard beats, and that’s kind of like the overall vibe of [my] new album.”

Watch Kerli’s full interview in our latest installment of 5 Questions With right here. 

Folk-rock group the Lumineers recently performed a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” for an installment of The Recording Academy’s ReImagined series. Linking GRAMMY history with the present, ReImagined is a performance-based series featuring artists interpreting an iconic GRAMMY-winning song, an interview and performances of original music. Watch now! http://grm.my/IoenYF