Parade

Subscribe to Parade feed Parade
Your daily destination for celebrity news, videos, entertainment, food, recipes, health tips, fitness, and games from America's most popular magazine.
Updated: 27 min 59 sec ago

1962 Rock Song by the 'King of the Surf Guitar' Is Still a Powerful Hit 64 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 6:05pm

By the early 1960s, Dick Dale was turning Southern California dance halls into laboratories for a new kind of guitar music. One of his most important recordings, however, began with a melody that was already decades old.

Dale unleashed his version of “Misirlou” in 1962, transforming the traditional eastern Mediterranean song with rapid-fire picking, pounding drums, and a wall of electric guitar. The recording became a defining example of surf rock and helped earn Dale his enduring nickname, the “King of the Surf Guitar.”

The melody had traveled widely long before Dale encountered it.

“Misirlou,” whose title roughly translates to “Egyptian girl,” circulated through Greek, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean musical traditions and had been recorded by several artists by the middle of the 20th century. Dale had a personal connection to that musical world through his Lebanese father and grew up hearing traditional instruments and melodies.

His rock interpretation reportedly grew out of a challenge.

“When I came to California in 1954, and started playing to people, a young boy about 9 years old, said to me ‘Can you play something fast, on the guitar? You play so well,'” Dale said in an interview years later. “I was singing country songs. I would give him the beat of Gene Krupa, because drums was my first instrument. I had all the rhythm in my hands, especially my left hand, so what I did was, I told the young boy to come back the next night, and I would have something to play for him. I started saying to myself that I could play the Boogie Woogie, but I wanted something more, so I started playing Misirlou.'”

The technique gave the old song an entirely different identity.

Dale released “Misirlou” on his own Deltone label in 1962 and included it on his debut album, Surfers’ Choice. His aggressive playing reflected the sensation he wanted his music to capture: Dale was a surfer himself, and the force and movement of the ocean became central to the sound he developed.

His search for greater volume also proved influential. Dale worked closely with Fender founder Leo Fender, pushing amplifiers and equipment hard enough to expose their limitations and helping drive the development of increasingly powerful gear capable of handling his playing.

“Misirlou” eventually reached an entirely new generation more than 30 years later.

Director Quentin Tarantino used Dale’s recording over the opening credits of his 1994 film Pulp Fiction.

“[Tarantino] came to one of my shows and told me he was my biggest fan and he told me that ‘Misirlou’ was a masterpiece,” Dale recounted in an interview with Cool Culture Magazine. “He said he would love to have my permission to use the song. He said most people look for music to fit their movie but he does it the opposite. He gets the music first. He gets the energy from the song and then creates the movie around the song. I said go for it, pal.”

The prominent placement introduced the track to millions of moviegoers and became one of the film’s most recognizable musical moments.

Sixty-four years after Dale electrified the melody, “Misirlou” still sounds ferocious. By combining music rooted in his heritage with the emerging culture of Southern California surf rock, the “King of the Surf Guitar” turned an old melody into a recording that continues to hit with remarkable force.

Related: 1972 Folk Song, Sung by the Son of Woody Guthrie, Is Still a Generational Hit 54 Years Later

Aldi's Pretty Ceramic Pumpkins Are the Chicest Twist on Classic Fall Decor

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 6:05pm

Not everyone wants their home to look like Halloween exploded in their living room. I love a good skeleton or a spooky little ghost as much as anyone, but when it comes to decorating my own space, I tend to gravitate toward things that feel a little more subtle. Give me rich fall colors, pretty textures and the occasional nod to Halloween that makes you notice it without screaming, “BOO!” from across the room.

That’s why I’m into what I’d call quiet Halloween decorating. Instead of buying a whole new collection of spooky stuff every October, you can work a few festive pieces into the fall decor you already have. Deep burgundy, warm brown, creamy white and earthy green already feel right at home this time of year, so they can carry you from September through Halloween and even into Thanksgiving. That feels a lot more practical than packing up half your house every time the calendar changes. It’s a whole lot more affordable, too.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The Halloween Collection Embossed Ceramic Pumpkin, Short Burgundy, $9.99 at Aldi

Aldi

The Halloween Collection Embossed Ceramic Pumpkin at Aldi is my kind of Halloween decor. It’s embossed with a really pretty leafy, floral design and that gold stem complements the rich burgundy color perfectly. Now this is strictly indoor decor, not meant to be place outside, but it can decorate so many different spots. Put it on an entryway table next to a vase of fall flowers, use it as part of a full autumnal display on a mantel, or add it to a coffee cart to give it a little seasonal flair.

Related: Marshalls’ Pretty Plaid Comforter Set Is the Coziest Way to Make Your Bed

You can get that Halloween feeling without covering every surface in orange and black. Aside from this lovely little pumpkin, try swapping in a few moody fall accents, like burgundy or black candles, dark florals, velvet pumpkins or amber glass, then add tiny Halloween nods with things like a vintage-looking raven, a black cat figurine or a bowl of candy in a pretty dish.

Even a wreath with deep autumn colors can feel festive without being overtly spooky. The trick is to think “fall with a little Halloween” rather than “Halloween everywhere,” so your decor feels purposely thought out and elegantly styled.

Related: Aldi’s $15 Rain Jacket Delivers a Sweet Polka-Dot Twist to Gloomy Days

Country Superstar and 'True Colors' Singer Will Sing at the First-Ever Live 9/11 Light Tribute, 25 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 6:01pm

Two blue beams stand up over Lower Manhattan on Friday night, where the Twin Towers were.

The installation is called the “Tribute in Light” and it happens every year. What has not happened before is a live national broadcast of it. Cyndi Lauper, Lainey Wilson and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting are performing. The September 11 Memorial & Museum named the lineup this week. Lauper closes the hour.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Lauper Is Singing for Her Own City

She was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Queens. In her statement she said it was “hard to believe that it’s been 25 years.” She was outside the city that morning, desperate to get back to her family, and she made a point of naming that as a luxury a lot of people were not given.

Wilson said she was honored to lend her voice to it, and to recognize the first responders, the families and the communities whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire people 25 years later.

Three Anchors, One Hour

David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer are hosting. The special is called 9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan. It runs an hour, it starts at 8 p.m. on ABC, and it carries across Disney’s other platforms.

A second program, Paying Tribute: Live from Lower Manhattan, runs ahead of it, built around stories of people who came through that day and what happened to them after.

The Rest of the City Turns Blue With It

The beams are what people picture, but they are not the only lights. Buildings across the five boroughs, and others around the country, wash their facades and rooftops in blue on the same night to match.

The museum said the broadcast honors the people who died, and the survivors, families, first responders and communities that were changed forever. Friday marks 25 years.

Related: HBO’s 2001 War Drama, Released Two Days Before 9/11, Just Reunited Its Cast 25 Years Later

'All My Children' Legend Shares Rare Beach Photo from Before She Was Famous

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:51pm

Daytime Emmy Winner Cady McClain has taken to social media to share a rare throwback photo from her younger days.

McClain took to her personal Instagram account and posted the vintage photo of herself at 15, taken on Laguna Beach.

View this post on Instagram

The actress began her professional career in 1982 with the film My Favorite Year. She then got her start in television on the cult classic series St. Elsewhere in 1983. The actress would take on her most recognizable role in 1988 when she joined the ABC soap opera All My Children as Dixie Cooney, a role that had been originated by actress Kari Gibson a few months prior.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

McClain’s on-screen chemistry with her All My Children co-star Michael E. Knight, who played beloved legacy character Tad Martin, catapulted the pairing to the top, with viewers tuning in to see the relationship flourish and the dynamic they shared.

The actress would then go on to play Rosanna Cabot on As The World Turns beginning in 2002, and assumed the role of the beloved legacy character Jennifer Horton in 2020.

McClain currently portrays Pamela Curtis on CBS daytime’s newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates. Pamela is the best friend and business partner of one of the series dynamic leads, Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley).

For her work on All My Children, As The World Turns, and Days of Our Lives, McClain was awarded a Daytime Emmy Award beginning in 1990, with her most recent award in 2021. McClain has been nominated for a total of eight Daytime Emmys, including her work on the webseries Venice: The Series.

In addition to her work in television and film, McClain has a background in theater, with multiple stage appearances in productions such as Wait Until Dark, Dames at Sea, Happy Birthday and Other Humiliations, Much Ado About Nothing, and many more.

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and weeknights on Paramount+. Viewers can catch the series from the beginning on Paramount+, Tubi, and Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.

Related: ‘I Was 16 and Scared’ Cady McClain Reflects on Her Iconic ‘Cheers’ Guest Role With Woody Harrelson

Tamera Mowry-Housley Says She Was Visited by a Ghost While Filming 'Twitches' (Exclusive)

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:47pm

Twenty-one years after former Sister, Sister stars Tamera Mowry-Housley and Tia Mowry reunited onscreen in Twitches, Mowry-Housley has dropped a spine-tingling, behind-the-scenes bombshell from filming.

The 2005 Disney Channel movie about twin witches, who are separated at birth and reunite on their 21st birthday, has become a cult classic and even spawned a sequel in 2019, Twitches Too. But it was during filming of the original movie that Mowry-Housley still remembers, clear as day, being visited by a ghost at night. And it wasn’t the only time the actress, now one of Hallmark Channel‘s biggest stars, has encountered visitors from the Other Side.

Tamera Mowry-Housley Says She Was ‘So Scared’ She Ran to Her Sister Tia’s Room

In Mowry-Housley’s Hallmark Channel franchise, Haunted Harmony Mysteries, she plays music teacher and amateur crime solver Gethsemane Brown, who has always had the gift of seeing and hearing ghosts, including her sleuthing sidekick, Eamon McCarthy, played by Risteard Cooper.

While discussing the September 5 premiere of their fourth movie together, Prelude to a Wedding, Mowry-Housley told Parade she’s has “always believed in ghosts” and has had multiple real-life encounters with them. She did admit that she’s always been too freaked out in the moment to find out if the spirits were as kind and helpful as Eamon.

One experience that Mowry-Housley said she will “never forget” happened when she and her sister were filming Twitches in Toronto, and staying in a hotel. Making sure to note that she was in her “right mind,” Mowry-Housley recalled waking up during a thunderstorm, and suddenly hearing what sounded like slamming doors.

“It was early, early, early in the morning,” she recalled. “I heard so many, like, doors just, slamming, slamming, slamming, slamming — more than usual. And I was like, ‘Okay, this is really weird. This is really weird.”

When Mowry-Housley later went to the front desk, the hotel manager told her there hadn’t been any unusual activity on her floor that night. But it wasn’t just the sound of slamming doors that convinced the actress she wasn’t alone.

“Okay, this is gonna sound really weird,” she cautioned. “That same night, you know how you
have your outlet to your iPhone, you know the cord? The cord literally — it looked like
someone’s finger lifted it up, and then it went back down. And I was, like [mimics a scream]. I was so scared! I ran out of my room. Yeah, my sister was in the room down the hall, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, Tia! Oh my god! This is what happened!'”

Mowry-Housley told Parade that she eventually calmed herself down, explaining, “I remember afterwards, I was like, ‘Okay, Tamera, all you have to do is be confident and let whatever this is know you don’t want to entertain it.’ And that’s how I remember being, like, ‘I don’t want to entertain you. I don’t. I don’t.’ And then that stopped.”

Tamera Mowry-Housley Had Another Hotel Ghost Encounter

That is not the only time Mowry-Housley’s run into a ghost while staying in a hotel, though. She told Parade about another experience, at a different hotel, when she said the lights “kept going on and off, on and off, on and off, on off.”

At the same time, she said, “I felt this cold, kind of like, wind. Like chilly, chilly, chilly, to the point where I went and I looked at my thermostat, and it was like 71, like 70 in my room! And I was like, ‘Okay, we’re not entertaining this. So yeah, I’ve experienced things!”

When Gethsemane is invited to play at a wedding, she and Eamon find themselves involved in the death of a member of the bridal party, in Hallmark Channel’s “Hallmark Harmony Mysteries: Prelude to a Wedding,” featuring Tamera Mowry-Housley and Risteard Cooper.

Photo by Steffan Hill for Hallmark Media

Mowry-Housley pointed out, however, that her real-life ghost encounters felt much scarier than what her Haunted Harmony Mysteries character gets to experience in her day-to-day life, with her otherworldly friend Eamon by her side and working with spirits who are connected to the crimes they’re solving.

“She can see ghosts that need help crossing over,” Mowry-Housley said of Gethsemane, “and that need help by solving unfinished business with their families. So it makes it a little bit more spiritual instead of, like, (scary), you know? And I love that. If we had a chance to be able to say goodbye to the people that we loved when we didn’t get that chance, it would just make the grieving process so much … better and easier. Where you know where they are, you know they’re okay, and they know you love them.”

She added, “So if anything, by doing these (ghost movies), I’ve learned it’s just important to tell the people that you love, you love them, no matter what.”

Mowry-Housley just wrapped filming a new Hallmark Christmas movie with Kristoffer Polaha and all four of her Haunted Harmony Mysteries are available to stream on Hallmark+. The most recent, Prelude to a Wedding, will also make its Hallmark Mystery channel debut on September 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

Psychologist Says Grandparents Should Never Do These 5 Things Without Asking First

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:31pm

The bond between a child and grandparent can be so special. Not only can children benefit immensely from being close with their grandparents, but getting to help take care of their children’s children can give grandparents a renewed purpose in their golden years.

That said, unless a grandparent is a child’s main guardian, it’s vital to respect the rules set by the child’s parents or primary caregiver. When a grandparent violates this trust, it can lead to serious issues and even wind up complicating relationships between the child’s parents and their parents and/or parents-in-law.

To learn more, we turned to Dr. Lisa Strohman, a clinical psychologist who works with adolescents, adults and families. She is also the founder of Digital Citizen Academy, a nonprofit that educates families on healthy use of technology—which is a major factor in common conflicts between parents and grandparents.

Below, she explains why grandparents and parents often butt heads about parenting issues in the modern day, five things grandparents should never do without asking permission and three ways parents can set healthy boundaries with their child’s grandparents. Keep reading for her insight.

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Prioritized—They All Said the Same Thing

The Generational Shift: Why Grandparents and Parents Are Clashing

nicoletaionescu / Getty Images

“Most often, parents are looking to have consistency and control of their parenting, and grandparents want to dote on their grandkids and lean into their own style of parenting as habit,” Dr. Strohman explains to Parade. She adds that this dynamic “can cause some disconnect and issues” between the parents and grandparents.

“The psychology of a new parent is that they are learning and trying to do their best, but they are also still trying to impress their parents,” she states. Plus, new parents often want their parents (the grandparents) to “be proud of them and… approve of what they are doing as parents.”

However, it’s rare that a child’s parents and grandparents will agree on every child-rearing issue. As Dr. Strohman shares, these two generations have raised kids in two worlds that are very different, largely due to technology. Nowadays, with the internet available to answer every parenting question under the sun, working together “becomes harder and less personal,” especially “if the parent overrides the grandparent using AI or Google to prove them wrong.”

Related: 6 Benefits of Living With a Grandparent, According to a Child Psychologist

The 5 Things Grandparents Should Never Do Without Asking the Child’s Parents First 1. Post photos on social media

Oliver Rossi / Getty Images

“Children shouldn’t have their images online, because once it is posted you lose the ability to manage it,” explains Dr. Strohman, who specializes in the intersection of psychology and technology (namely, social media). 

“This becomes their digital footprint and a grandparent should never do that without direct permission,” she adds. “Parents may have reasons for this in terms of custody, stalking risks or online exploitation that grandparents don’t think of.”

2. Share personal information with strangers

“Whether at a store or online, a child’s personal information should be held by the parents and shared under their decisions,” Dr. Strohman states. Personal information may include a child’s full name, age, where they live and where they go to school.

3. Make medical decisions

Drs Producoes / Getty Images

Barring an emergency, grandparents should never make medical decisions for their grandchildren without consulting the parents first—and even in an emergency, grandparents should call the parents as soon as possible.

“Taking the child to an urgent care or [making] decisions that impact health should be with the parent unless it is an emergency,” Dr. Strohman says.

If parents are leaving their children with grandparents or babysitters for the first time, especially if it’s overnight, the parents should go over a plan should any medical issues arise “ahead of time to ensure everyone is on the same page.”

Related: 8 Things Emotionally Intelligent Mothers-in-Law Do Differently, According to a Psychologist

4. Allow unsupervised access to technology

Respecting a parent’s rules surrounding screen time is increasingly important these days.

“Handing [a child] a smartphone, or any access to screens, without knowing the parents’ rules is highly risky and worrisome,” Dr. Strohman shares. “Children can be a handful, and although a screen can make it handy, there are far too many risks.”

5. Allow kids to eat unapproved foods

Oscar Wong / Getty Images

“Often parents are strict or have rules due to personal beliefs, allergies, medical conditions or deliberate developmental choices that shouldn’t be overruled,” states Dr. Strohman.

Though it can be tempting for grandparents to buy sweet treats for their grandchildren on a whim, they should always make sure the treats don’t violate the parents’ wishes.

3 Ways To Set Healthy Boundaries (Without Starting a Family Feud) 1. Set expectations before conflicts arise

Rather than risking saying something hurtful in the heat of the moment, Dr. Strohman recommends “setting expectations proactively.”

This “allows both generations to approach the conversation from a place of partnership rather than defensiveness,” she explains. “It also gives grandparents the dignity of understanding the ‘why’ behind a rule, which tends to increase buy-in and compliance far more than a correction delivered in anger.”

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What Parenting Style Is Best—They All Said the Same Thing

2. Write out non-negotiable rules 

Maria Korneeva / Getty Images

Dr. Strohman suggests writing a list with rules regarding things like allergies, screen time limits and discipline approaches. Then, always leave the list handy for grandparents and babysitters.

“[This] removes ambiguity and reduces the chance of an honest misunderstanding turning into resentment, ” she states. “Clarity also protects the relationship itself—it’s much easier for a grandparent to follow a known rule than to guess at an unspoken one and get it wrong.”

3. Reinforce boundaries

As your children and their grandparents continue to spend time together, you should “reinforce boundaries with consistency and grace,” Dr. Strohman advises.

“A boundary that is enforced once and then quietly abandoned teaches everyone involved that the rule was optional, which invites future testing,” she notes.

It’s also important to keep grandparents updated on rules as your kids grow.

“At the same time, parenting boundaries aren’t static—what matters for a toddler’s safety differs from what matters for a teenager’s autonomy,” she shares. “Periodically revisiting the rules together keeps the relationship collaborative rather than combative, and shows grandparents that the goal is the child’s well-being, not control for its own sake.”

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Would Stop Doing—They All Said the Same Thing

Source:

Wayfair’s ‘Beautiful’ Sunflower Kitchen Mat Adds Farmhouse Charm to Your Space for Less Than $20

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:30pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The area in front of your kitchen sink probably isn’t the first place you think to decorate, but it’s one of the spots you likely use every day. The Rosalind Wheeler Algimanta Sunflower Non-Skid Kitchen Mat gives that little patch of floor more personality, and it’s currently $18 at Wayfair, down from $34. Its bold sunflower print offers plenty of fall color without relying on pumpkins or Halloween motifs, so it can stay out well beyond the first few weeks of the season.

The rectangular mat measures 18 by 30 inches and is made from 100% polyester with a latex backing underneath to help keep it from scooting around. It’s also just 0.2 inches high and weighs 1.5 pounds, so it shouldn’t be difficult to move when you need to clean underneath it. And when the surface needs a refresh, the brand recommends hand-washing and drip-drying.

Rosalind Wheeler Algimanta Sunflower Non-Skid Kitchen Mat, $18 (was $34) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

The mat’s cheerful sunflower print makes this look more like a small accent rug than a standard utility mat, giving you more options in where you use it. It can start in front of the kitchen sink, then move to a bathroom, mudroom, or entryway whenever you want to switch things up. That makes the purchase a little easier to justify since you’re not buying something that only works in one specific room.

Shoppers are putting its versatility to use, too. One reviewer who placed it in the bathroom said it was “so pretty,” while another said it was exactly what they were looking for and added, “It’s beautiful.” A third shopper called it “super cute” and said it “cleans easily,” which is especially helpful for something that’s bound to see its share of spills, splashes, and everyday messes.

Related: Kohl’s ‘Cute and Sunny’ $22 Sunflower Rug Is an Easy Way to Warm Up Your Space for Fall

The sunflower design could also make this a cute little gift for someone who loves farmhouse decor or keeps sunflowers around the house. At just $18, it works well as a housewarming, hostess, or just-because gift without feeling like another random decorative trinket.

Shop More Deals

This mat is proof that you don’t have to spend much to make one of the most-used areas of your home look more pulled together. Between the Rosalind Wheeler Algimanta Sunflower Non-Skid Kitchen Mat’s sunflower print, easy-to-place size, and non-skid design, it’s an inexpensive way to add some effortless charm to your space. Be sure to add it to your cart while it’s still nearly 50% off at Wayfair.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

1972 Folk Song, Sung by the Son of Woody Guthrie, Is Still a Generational Hit 54 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:29pm

In 1970, Steve Goodman boarded a train in Chicago bound for southern Illinois and began taking in the people, towns, and landscapes passing outside his window. By the end of the trip, he had the beginnings of a song that would become an American folk standard.

Two years later, Arlo Guthrie, the son of folk icon Woody Guthrie, brought “City of New Orleans” to a much larger audience. His 1972 recording became a Top 20 hit and turned Goodman’s observations from an ordinary train journey into one of the era’s most enduring portraits of a changing America.

The title came from a real train.

The City of New Orleans, operated by the Illinois Central Railroad, traveled between Chicago and New Orleans. Goodman reportedly wrote the song after riding the route with his wife, capturing everything from card games and sleeping passengers to small towns disappearing into the distance.

Getting Guthrie to hear it required a little persistence.

Goodman approached him at a Chicago club and asked if he could play him a song. Guthrie initially agreed on the condition that Goodman buy him a beer and promised to listen for as long as it took him to finish it. By the time Goodman reached the end of “City of New Orleans,” Guthrie wanted to record it.

“He had this energy,” Guthrie told American Songwriter of Goodman. “I was fascinated because of his spirit. He had a spirit about him that came through in his songs, and in his performances, in his sense of humor, in his view of the world, that I just fell in love with. I just thought, ‘This is a guy that is a treasure to call a friend.’ And it started with that. It went on to songs later on, but I would’ve had no interest in the songs themselves if they had come from somebody that I didn’t appreciate. The fact that it came from Goodman himself, personally, is what got to me. That’s what made me take his demo, and put it on my piano with a lead sheet, and work through it. It was because I loved Goodman himself.”

Guthrie’s version appeared on the 1972 album Hobo’s Lullaby.

Rather than centering the song on a dramatic event, Guthrie lets its succession of small details do the work. Passengers, conductors, railroad workers, towns, and fields create a moving snapshot of the country, while the refrain gives the train an almost human voice.

The recording reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Guthrie’s biggest commercial successes. By then, he was already closely associated with the folk tradition established by his father, while also building an identity of his own through songs including the sprawling “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.”

“City of New Orleans” traveled well beyond Guthrie’s recording.

Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, John Denver, and other artists interpreted the song, while Willie Nelson scored a No. 1 country hit with his version in 1984. Nelson’s recording also earned Goodman a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1985. Goodman had died of leukemia the previous year at 36.

Fifty-four years after Guthrie’s version, “City of New Orleans” still evokes the rhythm of a long train ride across America.

“I come from a long tradition of people who made music,” Guthrie shared in a 2023 interview. “Some made it worthwhile — they could do it as a lifestyle, others made music for fun and did it sitting around after a real job. My grandfather or my grandmother on my mother’s side wrote poetry and songs, not because it was commercially viable but because they loved it, and I grew up in that tradition.”

All these decades later, what Goodman noticed outside a railroad window has become something much larger: a generational folk song about movement, memory, and a way of life already beginning to disappear.

Related: 1969 Folk Rock Song, Written on a Boat in Florida, Is Still a Beloved Hit 57 Years Later

1998 Rock Song, Written in 45 Minutes and Reimagined by a Rising Star, Ranked Among Billboard’s ‘Best No. 2 Hits’

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:28pm

If you were listening to music in the late ‘90s, chances are you’ve heard the soft rock ballad “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer. The romantic song became a fixture on commercial radio and remains the band’s highest-charting single in the U.S. “Kiss Me” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 1, 1999, and went on to become the sixth-biggest song on Billboard’s 1999 year-end Hot 100 chart. 

The song’s popularity was so strong that “Kiss Me” made Billboards list of the ‘100 Best Hot 100 No. 2 Hits,’ ranking at No. 73. Beyond the charts, “Kiss Me” received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.  

RELATED: 1987 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time,’ Reimagined by Garth Brooks at Secret Pop-Up Concert

Serviced to rock radio on July 14, 1998, “Kiss Me” served as the lead single from the band’s self-titled third album. The song features a driving acoustic melody, gentle accordion, and a simple drum beat. Lyrically, lead singer Leigh Nash paints a dreamy picture of being caught up in the thrills of first love, asking her lover for a kiss. Highlighting the fairytale-like atmosphere, Nash uses imagery such as the milky twilight, moonlit floor, and dancing fireflies to create a whimsical romantic scene.  

Matt Slocum of the band wrote “Kiss Me,” coming up with the song in a hotel room while the band was in Holland for a festival. According to Songwriter Universe, Slocum penned the song in about 45 minutes. The band ended up performing it at the festival that same night, where it received an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

“We ended up playing it in our set that night at a festival, and it allowed us to grow it on the road a bit,” Slocum told the outlet. “Then when we went into the studio, it was a song that had a marked difference in mood and style from the rest of the album, which was darker and moodier. So the ironic part is, we thought it stuck out like a sore thumb and we didn’t really want it on the album. But the producer was pretty adamant about it, and we owe a lot to him for that decision.”

One major reason for the song’s success was its inclusion in pop culture. “Kiss Me” was prominently featured in the 1999 teen movie, She’s All That, which starred Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr. “Kiss Me.” The song also appeared on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack, further cementing its place in late ‘90s pop culture. 

Even though the track was released in the ‘90s, “Kiss Me” remains a classic that continues to resonate with listeners. More recently, rising country singer-songwriter Alexandra Kay put her own spin on the song, performing it with accompaniment from her guitarist and boyfriend, Rocko. Kay shared her version of the song on TikTok, giving the beloved pop hit a country-leaning feel.  

@alexandrakaymusic

Kisss meeeeee 😘

♬ original sound – Alexandra Kay

Over the years, “Kiss Me” has also been covered by a range of artists, including Avril Lavigne, New Found Glory, and Sabrina Carpenter. Additionally, as reported by People, “Kiss Me” was the first song Taylor Swift ever learned how to play on guitar.

Related: 1984 Country Classic, Recorded by Garth Brooks, Reimagined by Lainey Wilson at College GameDay

Which Classic Cartoon Show Matches You, Based on Your Birth Month

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:28pm

Are you more mischievous, sweet, sassy, or totally chaotic? According to birth month astrology, you can potentially discover which classic cartoon matches your personality best, based on when you were born.

Saturday mornings of childhood used to be pure magic. Picture your favorite bowl of cereal, pajamas, and a few uninterrupted hours in front of the TV. Those classic cartoons weren’t just shows. Often, they became part of how we grew up. Even today, hearing one of those familiar theme songs can bring back nostalgic memories in an instant.

If your birth month matches a classic cartoon, here’s the one that fits you best.

Each Birth Month as a Timeless Classic Cartoon

Check for your birth month below.

January – Jonny Quest

January-born people usually enjoy having a purpose. Whether you’re a disciplined Capricorn or an imaginative Aquarius, you enjoy tackling life’s challenges with confidence. Like Jonny Quest, they’re drawn to challenges and don’t mind working toward a goal. They stay steady when others are ready to give up.

February – The Jetsons

Always looking ahead, dreamy February is a match to The Jetsons. They enjoy fresh ideas, creative thinking, and imagining what tomorrow might bring. Embodying either inventive Aquarius or compassionate Pisces energy, you’re happiest when you’re free to think outside the box, much like this futuristic family.

March – Winnie The Pooh

March has a gentle, comforting nature, making Winnie the Pooh a perfect fit. Born under compassionate Pisces or fearless Aries, you combine warmth with quiet confidence. They appreciate close friendships, simple pleasures, and bringing a little warmth and kindness wherever they go.

April – Speed Racer

With an adventurous Aries or a dependable Taurus personality, you’re energized by new experiences. Fast-paced and full of excitement, Speed Racer feels right at home with this fiery personality. Sitting still has never been their favorite pastime, and they’re always ready for the next grea adventure.

May – Yogi Bear

May-born people know how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, much like Yogi Bear, sillily searching for another picnic basket. They have an easygoing charm that makes people feel comfortable. Resonating with either a grounded Taurus or a curious Gemini, you combine loyalty with a playful spirit.

June – Scooby-Doo

June is a perfect match with Scooby-Doo. Solving mysteries is always more fun with friends, and social June-born people enjoy sharing life’s adventures with the people they care about. Attuned as a lively Gemini or a caring Cancer, you have a gift for bringing people together.

July – The Smurfs

The Smurfs built their world around helping one another, and July-born people often do the same. As a nurturing Cancer or a confident Leo, you naturally make people feel at home. For you, family, friendship, and loyalty always come first.

NEXT: 3 Birth Months Attracting Life-Changing Luck This Autumn

August – He-Man And The Masters of the Universe

Guided by either a bold Leo or a hardworking Virgo, you combine leadership with determination. Those born in August are a natural match for He-Man. Confident and courageous, they rarely back away from a challenge and often inspire others to believe in themselves.

September – Inspector Gadget

Those with birthdays landing in September rarely rush into anything. Instead, they’d rather take a closer look, ask a few questions, and figure things out before making a decision. Similarly, in Inspector Gadget, Curiosity keeps the story moving. September-borns have plenty of that! Attuned as an analytical Virgo or a balanced Libra, you enjoy learning something new and making sense of the world around you.

October – The Pink Panther

Either a graceful Libra or a passionate Scorpio, you appreciate creativity, charm, and doing things your own way. Like October, The Pink Panther is cool, clever, and unforgettable.  There’s an effortless style about both that never goes unnoticed. Like this cool cat, you draw others in with your magnetism.

NEXT: Your Birth Date’s Tarot Card Reveals Your Past Life

November – Batman: The Animated Series

Having an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius personality, you’re drawn to stories with depth and purpose. November-borns carry a thoughtful side that makes this classic an easy fit. Patience, strategy, and determination usually win them over more than shortcuts, much like clever Batman.

December – Garfield and Friends

December knows there’s always room for a laugh, making Garfield and Friends a perfect match. Incarnated as an adventurous Sagittarius or a determined Capricorn, you know how to balance responsibility with a good sense of dry humor.  It’s funny, familiar, and the kind of cartoon that never seems to get old.

UP NEXT:

'Judge Judy' Sheindlin Announces Major Career News Marking End of an Era

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:10pm

“Judge Judy” Sheindlin is stepping away from her TV show Judy Justice—as well as television in general—and she’s passing the gavel to her son, Adam Levy, who will star in his own series.

In an interview with People published on Wednesday, Sept. 9, the former Judge Judy star, 83, opened up about her decision to wrap up the on-camera part of her career.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Sheindlin’s Prime Video show Judy Justice will end in October, marking the end of an era.

“I have a lot of other things of interest,” she told People, including naps, quality time with family, and developing her adult animated series Baby Judge Judy. “I don’t want to do hair and makeup anymore, but I still want my message to get out there.”

Additionally, Sheindlin will keep busy behind the camera producing a show starring her son, 58, called Adam’s Law.

“There aren’t a lot of people who can carry a half hour on their own unscripted,” she declared. “He has what it takes.” 

Judge Judy Sheindlin, her son Adam Levy, 38, and her husband, Gerald Sheindlin. (Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Judge Judy aired for 25 Seasons from 1996 to 2021; it followed Sheindlin’s witty (and often intimidating) small claims court rulings. In November 2021, Judy Justice premiered on Prime Video. However, it will end with Season 4 on Oct. 22.

 “I don’t think that I’ve ever been this content before,” Sheindlin told People. “I don’t have to prove anything else. I did it.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, a special titled Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable will air from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Next: Megyn Kelly Eviscerates ‘GMA’s George Stephanopoulos for Lindsay Clancy Attorney Interview

Home Depot's 3-Tier Bookshelf Is Utter Boho Perfection

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:10pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Did you know that Home Depot sells furniture, too? Well, if you didn’t, you are welcome. The beloved hardware store has a ton of beautiful furniture pieces on its website, including this truly stunning bohemian bookcase from Nathan James.

Nathan James’ Beacon Light Brown 3-Shelf Bohemian Wood Bookcase Storage Cabinet with Seagrass Doors is utter boho perfection. Featuring three shelves and a storage cabinet, this bookcase offers ample storage while providing space for decorative elements. This bookshelf measures 72 inches in height, 32 inches in width and 14 inches in depth.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Nathan James Beacon Light Brown 3-Shelf Bohemian Wood Bookcase Storage Cabinet With Seagrass Doors, $348.90 at Home Depot

Home Depot

Shop It!

The seagrass door fronts, coupled with the light brown wood finish, give this piece an artisanal feel that is bound to earn you tons of compliments. Your friends and family will be surprised to learn you scored this at Home Depot!

Related: Aldi’s Charming New 6-Piece Comforter Set Is a Pretty Autumn Refresh for Your Bedroom

Shoppers love this bookshelf, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars on HomeDepot.com, with 96 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend the piece to others.

“Perfection,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Home Depot’s website. “This was EXACTLY what I hoped it would be and SO MUCH more for the design I had in mind for my Travel Room (guest room with our travels displayed). Instructions were clear and concise. I didn’t have any trouble at all putting it together. The color is perfect, the seagrass gives it that extra cozy vibe. I ABSOLUTELY love everything about this bookshelf.”

“Compact if you have a small room. Very nice. Seems sturdy. I ordered another piece from the collection,” said another happy shopper in a five-star review on HomeDepot.com.

You can find this boho-chic bookshelf on Home Depot’s website now. It retails for $348.90. And if you’re not into the boho look, this bookshelf also comes in various other styles you might find a better fit for your home.

Related: Costco’s Sleek Pickleball Bag Is Versatile, Stylish and Roomy

’90s Metal Band Drops Surprise Single ‘Arsenal’ Amid Major Lineup Shakeup: 'It's Like 3 Songs in One'

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:07pm

Despite a reshuffled lineup, the retirement questions can be put to rest—at least for now.

One day after guitarist Jim Root confirmed his mega-popular metal band Slipknot were “tracking” their next album with new drummer Eloy Casagrande, and weeks after handing 28-year bandmate Sid Wilson the pink slip, Slipknot is back with a vengeance.

Fans may not know exactly who the usual nine-man ensemble is behind the masks since Wilson has yet to officially be replaced, but the masked hellraisers shocked fans out of the blue with their latest single “Arsenal”.

A far cry from their last album The End, So Far‘s opener “Adderall,” the band’s experimental phase appears to have taken a back seat as vocalist Corey Taylor is back in full-throated scream mode before ending with a “Psychosocial”-esque pummeling finish.

Slipknot have long teased their future may look different as many members are now in their 50s.

Related: Legendary ’90s Metal Band Has ‘At Least 50’ New Songs After Finding Creative Spark

However, age doesn’t appear to be a factor in the rage-fueled new single, something founding member Clown has said the band may never put together a full-length album again, while Root’s studio update also appears to put to rest the suggestion that the band may never put together another album.

Time will tell.

Unfortunately for Slipknot, fans have offered largely negative reactions after being surprised with new music.

One fan on X appears to be out on the Slipknot overhaul, stating “That song sucks. They are a tribute band to themselves now.”

Others say “They need to call it quits.”

Diehard fans flooded Slipknot’s official YouTube page, where they released a video for “Arsenal” too, but many seemed to be offended by the new track and direction of the band in general:

“I’ve been here for over 15y now. Somehow I expected better.”

“Fan of 20 years , I want my 4 minutes back.”

“When Corey said “Stop the music”, I felt that in my soul.”

“This song doesn’t know what direction it wants to take. It’s like 3 songs in one.”

“Slipknot really is over”.

Related: 2000s Rock Hit, Written While ‘Naked’ and Sick, Remains a Classic 20 Years Later

Some fans highlighted the overload of turntable-scratching for this particular song, pointing toward the odd timing of the release after letting go of their DJ: “Kicked out Sid and then released a song with more scratching than any other Slipknot song.”

Any way you slice it, Slipknot is back, fitting somewhere between its ferocious days of Iowa and the brooding experimentation of The End, So Far.

Billy Joel Reveals He Underwent Brain Surgery and Shares Major Health Update

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:03pm

Billy Joel is opening up about undergoing brain surgery.

The legendary “Piano Man,” 77, won the hearts of music fans over the years with hits ranging from “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Only the Good Die Young” to “She’s Always a Woman” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” But the beloved musician has faced health issues in recent years, and he just shared an update on his health on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel that he underwent brain surgery and a shunt was placed. That follows his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which he revealed last year.

Joel said in the interview that he was initially resistant to the idea of brain surgery.

“I said, ‘Well, what does that entail?’ ‘Well, we drill a hole through your skull and we stick a shunt inside your brain.’ I said, ‘Nah, I think I’ll pass on that.’ I didn’t want to do that, but then I read up on it and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory. You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles,” Joel shared, Entertainment Weekly reported. “It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt. I had a surgery and they implanted a shunt in my brain — and it actually improved things.”

Joel is now on the mend and feeling good. To hear him speak about the procedure himself, watch below:

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

When Did Billy Joel Announce His Illness?

Last May, Joel canceled his upcoming concerts, including a major tour. He revealed he was living with a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH. As a result, he was struggling with “problems with hearing, vision and balance,” he said in a statement.

The star shared that he knew something was wrong because “my balance was not good.”

“I had this sense of being on a boat, like this rocking motion. I wasn’t steady on my feet. I didn’t know why that was and I went to meet with the neurologist, and I was diagnosed with having something called normal pressure hydrocephalus, which they used to call water on the brain,” Joel noted in the interview.

View this post on Instagram

Related: Christie Brinkley, 72, and Her 28-Year-Old Daughter Looked More Like Sisters in Matching Red-Carpet Denim

Nick Bosa's Net Worth in 2026 and How Much He Makes Playing for the San Francisco 49ers

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 5:00pm

Nick Bosa was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers second overall in 2019 and his net worth has been growing ever since—not to mention his accolades. He’s been to the Pro Bowl five times (2019, 2021–2024), was the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and won the 2022 Deacon Jones Award for leading the NFL in sacks. While he’s yet to claim a Super Bowl win, he’s made it to the Super Bowl twice with his team, first in 2020 and again in 2024, both times facing the Kansas City Chiefs.

Take a look at how Bosa got his start and what kind of money he has made as one of the NFL’s best defensive backs.

Related: Aaron Rodgers’ Net Worth and How Much He’s Making With the Steelers

How did Nick Bosa get his start? Nick Bosa

Photo by Icon Sportswire on Getty Images

With older brother Joey Bosa playing originally for the Los Angeles Chargers and now the Buffalo Bills, it makes sense that Bosa would have a family history of professional sports. His grandfather, Palmer Pyle, played for three NFL teams in the 1960s, and Pyle’s brother played for the Chicago Bears (and won a Super Bowl).

Bosa’s dad was also a star athlete, playing defensive end for Boston College and getting picked by the Miami Dolphins in the 1987 NFL Draft. His uncle, Eric Kumerow, also played for Miami in the ‘80s and his cousin, Jake Kumerow, played for several teams from 2015 to 2022.

Long story short, it couldn’t have been a surprise when Nick and his brother Joey started playing football at ages 7 and 9. They later moved from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., so they could attend a high school known for producing top athletes.

“Ultimately, they’re just really good,” Bosa’s dad, John, told Sports Illustrated. “When you have the genetic gifts they had…they just loved it. It’s a lot of fun to knock the crap out of people.”

Where did Nick Bosa go to college?

Bosa played football at Ohio State University from 2016 to 2018, helping the Buckeyes go 36-5 over that time and winning the Big Ten championship in 2018.

What is Nick Bosa’s net worth in 2026?

Nick Bosa has a net worth of $50 million in 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His high net worth backs up his status as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL—and is particularly impressive given that he’s only 28 years old in 2026.

How much is Nick Bosa getting paid?

Nick Bosa’s average salary in the NFL is $34 million. His contract is structured to pay him mostly via bonuses, which makes his base salary look pretty low. But make no mistake, the defensive end is signed to a five-year, $170 million contract and is one of the highest-paid non-quarterback players in the league.

Related: Christian McCaffrey’s Net Worth Could Motivate Anyone To Make a Comeback

What is Nick Bosa’s salary?

On his current five-year contract with the 49ers, Nick Bosa’s average salary is $34 million. His base salary each year looks low, but he makes tens of millions more through various bonuses worked into his contract.

Is Nick Bosa the highest-paid player on the 49ers?

In terms of contract value, Bosa ($170 million) is the second-highest-paid player on the 49ers, behind Brock Purdy ($265 million), with Brandon Aiyuk ($120 million) third.

Who makes more money, Joey Bosa or Nick Bosa?

Joey and Nick Bosa are brothers who managed to make it into the highest level of football: the NFL. While Nick plays defensive end for the 49ers, Joey—older by two years—plays defensive end for the Buffalo Bills.

“It’s hard to explain, but everything we do looks the same,” Nick said to the San Francisco Chronicle in 2019. “The moves we use, the way we run, the way we walk, the way we stand. Everything just looks similar.”

While both are highly regarded and well-paid, even among other NFL players, Nick makes more than Joey. He’s signed to an impressive five-year, $170 million contract with an average annual value of $34 million. Joey originally signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension (average annual value of $27 million) with the Chargers in 2020. When he became a free agent in 2025, he signed a one-year, $12.6 million contract with the Bills. He is a free agent as of this writing.

Related: Everything To Know About Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Brittany Mahomes

How much is Nick Bosa making this year?

In 2026, Bosa carries a cap hit of $22,990,989.

How much did Nick Bosa make last year?

In 2025, Bosa carried a cap hit of $20,438,430.

Who is Nick Bosa sponsored by?

Bosa’s sponsors include Bath and Body Works, Panini, Skins and Celsius Holdings, according to Forbes.

Related: Jason Kelce’s Net Worth in 2026: Retirement Is Good for Business!

’80s Rock Legend, Nicknamed ‘Captain’ by Bob Dylan, Turns 74

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 4:41pm

In 1952, future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Stewart was born on Sept. 9 in Sunderland, England. Now 74, the Eurythmics co-founder has a career that stretches far beyond the duo’s string of ’80s hits, including an enduring friendship with Bob Dylan that earned Stewart an unusual nickname: “Captain Dave.”

Stewart and Annie Lennox formed Eurythmics after their previous band The Tourists split in 1980. The pair went on to become one of the defining acts of the decade, with Stewart co-writing the vast majority of Eurythmics’ songs and producing or co-producing all of their albums.

Stewart’s accomplishments eventually earned him three Brit Awards for British Producer of the Year, while he and Lennox were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. Eurythmics followed with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

But one of Stewart’s most fascinating musical relationships began in the middle of Eurythmics’ remarkable ’80s run.

Stewart told Billboard in 2025 that he first connected with Dylan around 1985 while producing former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey. A receptionist told Stewart that Dylan was on the phone, and Stewart initially assumed Sharkey was playing a joke on him because he knew what a huge Dylan fan Stewart was.

It really was Dylan.

The two met for dinner that night, and Dylan soon suggested that they make a music video together. Stewart recalled scrambling to organize a shoot at a Los Angeles church for Dylan’s “Emotionally Yours.” The pair became friends, with Stewart later directing other Dylan videos and playing on Dylan’s 1986 album Knocked Out Loaded.

Related: 1965 Song, Written by Bob Dylan for a 25-Year-Old Rising Star, Was Never Performed Live by Dylan

Their friendship also produced moments the public never heard. Stewart told Billboard that he has recordings of himself and Dylan having late-night jam sessions around the kitchen table at his London home, making up words, playing acoustic guitars and drinking together.

Decades later, Dylan’s admiration for Stewart was still apparent. When Stewart released Dave Does Dylan in 2025, Dylan offered a colorful endorsement of his longtime friend in promotion of the album.

“Captain Dave is a dreamer and a fearless innovator, a visionary of high order, very delicately tractable on the surface but beneath that, he’s a slamming, thumping, battering ram, very mystical but rational and sensitive when it comes to the hot irons of art forms,” said Dylan.

He continued, “An explosive musician, deft guitar player, innately recognises the genius in other people and puts it into play without being manipulative. With him, there’s mercifully no reality to yesterday. He is incredibly gracious and soulful, can command the ship and steer the course, dragger, trawler or man of war, Captain Dave.”

The 14-song Dave Does Dylan grew from informal acoustic performances Stewart had recorded on his iPhone in hotel rooms, backstage and during breaks in the studio. The collection included his interpretations of Dylan songs such as “Simple Twist of Fate,” “Forever Young,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and “Visions of Johanna.”

Of course, Dylan is only one famous name in Stewart’s sprawling career. He co-produced Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Southern Accents and co-wrote “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” He has also written or produced for artists including Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger and Ringo Starr.

At 74, “Captain Dave” has spent more than four decades steering a remarkably unpredictable course through rock and pop music, with Dylan among the many legends he’s encountered along the way.

Related: 1967 Hit, Written by Bob Dylan, Became a No. 1 Song 24 Years Later

1976 NFL Draft Pick Made History as the First Player Ever Chosen by the Seahawks

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 4:20pm

The Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, kicking off the Hawks’ 50th season as an NFL franchise. Long before the Seahawks had Super Bowl wins, legendary players like Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, or the famously loud 12s filling the stands, the brand-new NFL team had to figure out where to start. In 1976, the team made history by selecting Notre Dame defensive tackle Steve Niehaus with the No. 2 overall pick, making him the first player ever drafted by the Seattle Seahawks.

Fifty years later, the Seahawks are entering the season as reigning Super Bowl champions. But before the Lombardi Trophies, the Legion of Boom, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, there was Steve Niehaus. And for a player selected No. 2 overall to become the first face of a brand-new NFL franchise, his story took a surprising turn.

Steve Niehaus Was the Seahawks’ First-Ever Draft Pick

George Gojkovich / Getty Images

When the Seahawks entered the NFL in 1976, they needed a player who could help establish the identity of the expansion franchise. They found that player in Niehaus, a defensive tackle from Notre Dame who was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft.

Niehaus immediately showed why the Seahawks had such high expectations for him. During his rookie season, he recorded 8.5 sacks and earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

For a brand-new franchise, it was an impressive beginning.

Related: 1979 NFL Star Captured Houston’s Super Bowl Dreams With an Unexpected Disco Song

Whatever Happened to Steve Niehaus?

The story of the Seahawks’ first-ever draft pick, however, didn’t unfold quite as fans might have expected.

Niehaus played just three seasons with Seattle, appearing in 36 games and making 20 starts. Shoulder injuries became a major problem and ultimately changed the course of his NFL career.

After his time with the Seahawks, Niehaus went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 1979. He appeared in just three games that season before his NFL career came to an end.

It’s a remarkable turn for a player who had entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick and had such a promising rookie season.

From the First Seahawks Draft Pick to Super Bowl Champions

The Seahawks’ history looks very different 50 years later.

As the Khosla family takes over ownership from Paul Allen’s estate, Seattle enters the 2026 NFL season with the pressure and excitement that comes with being the reigning Super Bowl champions. The team is also one of the stars of the current season of Hard Knocks, putting the Seahawks and their championship expectations in the spotlight once again.

But the franchise’s story began long before all of that.

In 1976, there was no Seahawks dynasty, no Super Bowl championship and no famously loud 12s filling the stands. There was an expansion team trying to establish itself in the NFL, and Steve Niehaus was the first player it chose to help build that future.

The Seahawks’ First Pick Wasn’t the End of the Story @badchoicemilk

On this day in NFL history (September 12, 1976), Jim Zorn’s heroics are not enough to over come the two headed RB duo of Jim Otis & Terry Metcalf. The @Seattle Seahawks would fall to the now @Arizona Cardinals (formerly St Louis) in their first regular season game as an expansion team at the Seattle Kingdome #seahawks #retrofootball #vintagefootball #1970s #NFL

♬ original sound – Mr Smith

Niehaus may not be one of the most recognizable names in Seahawks history today, but his place in the franchise’s story is permanent.

He was the first.

Before Seattle became a Super Bowl champion, before the team built a reputation for legendary defenses and before generations of fans filled Lumen Field, Steve Niehaus became the first player drafted by the Seahawks.

His NFL career didn’t unfold the way anyone might have imagined when he was selected No. 2 overall. Injuries shortened his time on the field, and his story eventually faded from the national spotlight. But 50 years later, his name is still part of the beginning of the Seattle Seahawks.

And sometimes, in sports, being first is a legacy all its own.

Related: 1986 Super Bowl Champions Filmed a Rap Video Inspired by ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’ an Hour Before Leaving For the Game

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

This Chic Marble Salt Cellar Set From T.J. Maxx Is a $15 Kitchen Must-Have

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 4:15pm

If you’ve ever wandered through the home section at T.J. Maxx, you know it’s practically a treasure hunt for those little finds that fill a kitchen with personality. From pretty serveware to clever cooking accessories, there’s always something unexpected hiding among the shelves—and sometimes, the smallest pieces can make the biggest difference.

The Made in India White Marble Salt Cellars, selling for $14.99, are the perfect example. Salt cellars may not be the first kitchen accessory that comes to mind when you’re organizing your space, but once you start using one, it’s hard to go back.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔

Made in India Set of 2 White Marble Salt Cellars, $14.99 at T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx

Shop It!

As a chef, I love having salt within easy reach while I’m cooking. Instead of fumbling with a shaker or reaching into the pantry, I can simply grab a pinch when a dish needs that final bit of seasoning. It’s one of those little habits that make cooking feel more intuitive—and a whole lot smoother.

And this set happened to look good while doing it. Made from marble, it features two lidded salt cellars with gold metallic handles and a spoon. Each cellar measures about five inches high by three inches in diameter, making it compact enough to sit conveniently near your prep area without taking over your counter.

Related: Costco Just Dropped the Prettiest Jewel-Toned Dutch Oven Set

The white marble has that timeless, polished look that can instantly make a kitchen feel a little more elevated. Whether your style leans modern, traditional, minimalist or somewhere in between, marble tends to play nicely with just about everything. Add the metallic detailing, and these little seasoning vessels bring a hint of luxurious charm without spending much.

Of course, these aren’t limited to a single seasoning or type of salt. Keep one filled with kosher salt and use the other for flaky sea salt, freshly ground pepper or a favorite seasoning blend. Having your go-to spices right beside the stove means you can taste, adjust and season as you cook—exactly the way I prefer to work in the kitchen.

At under $15 for the pair, this find is an easy way to give your cooking setup a practical upgrade while adding a decorative touch to your countertop. Consider them proof that even the humblest yet most important kitchen staple can have a stylish place to store it.

Related: This New Apple Cinnamon ‘Social Tonic’ Is Giving Fans a Whole New Reason to Skip the Booze

Apple Just Revealed a First-of-Its-Kind Foldable iPhone

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 4:12pm

Apple revealed a foldable iPhone today.

It is called the iPhone Duo, it starts at $1,999, and it does not reach stores until Oct. 23. That last date is the one that matters. The rest of the lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,199 and the 18 Pro Max at $1,299, opens for preorder Sept. 12 and lands in stores Sept. 18. The foldable makes you wait five more weeks after that.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

What the Duo Actually Does

It opens to a 7.6-inch screen, which Apple puts at 80% larger than the one on the 18 Pro. New CEO John Ternus called it the “largest display ever on an iPhone, yet fits into your pocket.” The extra glass is there to run two things at once, either two apps or two windows, for something like shopping one against the other. You can also write on it with an Apple Pencil, a feature Apple had reserved for the iPad. Apple’s own listing sells it as foldable, posable and durable, in two colors called Star White and Night Sky.

Apple is not first here. Samsung, Motorola and Google have already brought out folding phones. Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee told the AP that “foldables still represent a minuscule share of the smartphone market,” and that the test is whether Apple grows that market rather than just enters it.

View this post on Instagram A Global Chip Shortage Is in the Price

A shortage of memory chips is part of why the iPhone 18 costs about $100 more than earlier generations. For comparison, last year’s iPhone 17 lineup runs from $799 to $1,999 depending on the model.

What the extra money buys on the Pro Max is 45 hours of video playback, manual camera controls, and focus tracking that holds on one moving subject, the kind of thing that matters at a kid’s soccer game. Siri gets the AI work, and Apple sold it on privacy and security, which is the argument it keeps making against rivals who are further along on AI. Apple has separately warned iPhone owners about a FaceTime scam that drains bank accounts.

He Closed With a Line That Was Not His

Ternus took the job from Tim Cook on Sept. 1, eight days ago. He gave this keynote at the Steve Jobs Theater.

He worked through the watches, the AirPods and the Siri updates, then stopped and said “actually, there is one more thing.” That is Jobs’ line. Jobs took it from Columbo.

1969 Folk Rock Song, Written on a Boat in Florida, Is Still a Beloved Hit 57 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 4:11pm

Before Crosby, Stills & Nash released its landmark debut album in 1969, two of its members found inspiration far from a conventional recording studio.

David Crosby and Stephen Stills developed “Wooden Ships” with Jefferson Airplane guitarist Paul Kantner aboard Crosby’s schooner, Mayan, in Florida. The collaboration produced a sprawling folk rock song that both groups would record, giving the counterculture era one of its more unsettling visions of an uncertain future.

The song took shape around the time of the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

“Stephen and I had just started CSN with Graham [Nash],” Crosby told Guitar Player. “We weren’t intentionally writing material for what became our first record. But that’s what happened. I already had some pieces of a song, and before you knew it, we took what I had and blew it up into ‘Wooden Ships.’ It was a significant moment for me, because I realized, Wow, you don’t have to write this s*** all by yourself; you can collaborate with other people. I found out that I really liked it.”

Crosby and Stills were aboard the Mayan near Fort Lauderdale when they began working with Kantner. Stills developed the music, while the three musicians collaborated on lyrics that imagined survivors meeting after a devastating nuclear war.

Rather than explaining every detail, “Wooden Ships” drops directly into that encounter.

Two people from opposing sides realize they can communicate and share food before considering an escape by sea. References to “silver people” dying on the shoreline add to the song’s ominous atmosphere, while the wooden ships of the title represent a possible route away from what remains of civilization.

“It’s a post-apocalyptic story,” Crosby said in a 2012 interview. “The world has gone to hell … The idea was that we were sort of sailing away from that madness. It’s the song that Jackson [Browne] wrote For Everyman in response to. It’s him saying, ‘Hey, we don’t all have a sailboat to sail away in. We have to stay here and fix it for everybody. That’s a fantasy that you’re writing.'”

The unusual collaboration also created a complication.

Kantner wasn’t initially listed as a songwriter on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s version because of contractual issues involving Jefferson Airplane’s publishing arrangements. He was eventually formally credited alongside Crosby and Stills.

Both bands brought dramatically different interpretations to the song in 1969.

Crosby, Stills & Nash included “Wooden Ships” on their self-titled debut, which arrived in May and introduced the trio’s distinctive harmonies to a massive audience. Running more than five minutes, the recording contrasted those vocals with Stills’ electric guitar and a shifting arrangement that gradually gathers intensity.

Jefferson Airplane released its own version later that year on Volunteers. The connection was especially fitting: Crosby had already contributed to Jefferson Airplane’s music, including contributing to the 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow.

For Crosby, Stills & Nash, “Wooden Ships” became part of an album that also included “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” and “Guinnevere.” Their debut reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and helped establish the trio almost immediately.

Fifty-seven years later, “Wooden Ships” remains one of the album’s most ambitious recordings. Born during a turbulent period and written aboard a boat off Florida, its imagined escape from a shattered world still gives the song an eerie power decades later.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, Written by Paul McCartney, Is Still a Powerful Hit 56 Years Later

Pages

Sullivan Independent News

Sullivan Independent News
411 Scottsdale
Sullivan, MO 63080

Phone: 573-468-6511
Fax: 573-468-4046

 

general@sullivannews.net
sports@sullivannews.net
advertising@sullivannews.net
billing@sullivannews.net