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If you don't know the history of Deep Purple's first big hit, "Hush," it might surprise you to learn that the classic rock anthem is actually a cover of a country song. Even more surprising: That country song was inspired by a traditional hymn. So how did a bunch of English hard rockers end up turning "Hush" into a timeless Top 5 sensation?

In 1968, Deep Purple consisted of keyboard player Jon Lord, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Nick Simper, singer Rod Evans and drummer Ian Paice (Evans and Simper would later be replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover). As Blackmore explained later, he was introduced to the original "Hush," performed by country singer Billy Joe Royal and based on a time-honored African American spiritual, while spending time in Hamburg.

"I heard 'Hush,' by Billy Joe Royal, when I was living in Germany, and I thought it was a great song," Blackmore told Vintage Guitar. "I also thought it would be a good song to add to our act, if we could come up with a different arrangement."

As Lord recalled in a 2009 interview with Mojo, per Far Out, "Initially we thought it’s a bit too disco, or whatever the word was then. But Ritchie said it would work if we toughened it up a bit.”

At the time, Deep Purple was getting ready to record their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple, and they were inspired by a recent successful cover by another band.

“Vanilla Fudge had covered a Supremes hit ['You Keep Me Hangin’ On'] and turned it into something else,” Glover told Classic Rock. “And that was such an inspiration. That’s what the band tried to do with 'Hush,' put their own spin on it.”

Along with the rest of the songs for Shades of Deep Purple, "Hush" was recorded at London’s Pye studio in the spring of 1968.

Deep Purple

Chris Walter / Getty Images

"We did the whole song in two takes, and we did the whole album in 48 hours," Blackmore said. "We had a total of two tries at everything. Sometimes I like working under pressure like that, because I can really 'flow,' whereas a lot of times I get into a studio situation where I have to go over something too many times, and I get bored stiff, and I lose the spontaneity."

Even after recording "Hush," the band wasn't sure about its potential to be a hit. They wanted to release their cover of The Beatles’ "Help" as a debut single, but the record label insisted on "Hush." Of course, this ended up being the right decision: The song was a big success, peaking at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and establishing Deep Purple as a major rock and roll presence.

Over 50 years later, Deep Purple's first hit remains one of their most beloved songs — and though the cover has inspired many other covers, including versions by Thin Lizzy and Kula Shaker, Deep Purple's "Hush" is still the most famous.

Related: 1971 Rock Ballad, Inspired by a Mysterious Vision, Was Rejected by Lead Singer Before Becoming a Timeless Classic

It turns out Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were not already married — after rumors swirled that the ceremony may have happened earlier this week.

Friday, July 3 was wedding day, with Adam Sandlerserving as the celebrity couple's officiant.

The iconic comedian, 59, wasn't the one big name in attendance, of course. Fans of Kelce's know he's an athlete by trade, and there were plenty of other sports stars gracing Madison Square Garden on the federal holiday.

If you're from Los Angeles, chances are you know of Matthew Stafford, for instance, the Rams' star quarterback. Though he and Kelce, 36, have never played together, USA Today reports that Stafford, 38, was spotted at the grand event with his wife.

Fun fact: In 2024, the Stafford family dressed up as Kelce and Swift, 36, for Halloween. Check out their hilarious getups in Kelly Stafford's Instagram post below, captioned, "Six Swifties & a stubborn stache."

View this post on Instagram

Then there's former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who recently posted a photo of himself all suited up to his Instagram Stories with the caption, "Wedding SZN."

Plus, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield posed in a selfie with former football player Beau Allen, a reported friend of the Kelces who posted the two-shot photo to his X account earlier on Friday.

God forbid a white boy get a little motion @bakermayfield pic.twitter.com/hTxrrpyu95

— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) July 3, 2026

And then there's Sandler, a comedian and actor by trade — but who also has some serious sports skills, if anyone knows about his pickup basketball history. Fans will recall he acted alongside Kelce in Happy Gilmore 2 and has been called a friend of the couple. Not only that, but his family is big fans of Swift. In an interview with Billboard that same year, Sandler admitted that his daughters are huge Swifties.

“Everything [my two daughters] throw on I love, but one of the first ones they threw on when they were young was ‘The Best Day,’” Sandler said. “We connected with that when the kids were young. Every album, we listen the first day it comes out. There’s not a song they don’t know every word to.”

After a stressful week following Casa Amor, our favorite Islanders navigated their relationships in the storm that was Movie Night, but with only a little over a week to go before the Season 8 finale, a recoupling ceremony took place and host Ariana Madix announced that the Islanders would have to decide which couple has the weakest chemistry, and as a result two couples went home and America's fourth vote opened up.

Check out spoilers about tonight’s episode below and find out who was dumped from Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026.

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Who went home on Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026 Last Night?Jen TerryGal TshniederAmora “Amora Cachee” RobinsonJaiden BaccioccoCaleb McDaniel

After a massive recoupling Jen was left single as her Casa Amor pairing with Gal came to an end with Gal choosing to couple up with Amora. Following the initial recoupling, the Islanders had to decide who they felt like were the weakest pairing and as a result, Amora and Gal, and Caleb and Jaiden were sent home.

What are we voting for on Love Island USA Season 8 tonight?

Viewers are voting for who they feel are the most compatible couple of Love Island USA Season 8 as of tonight, with the results of the vote being revealed on Sunday night's episode.

What are the new couples on Love Island USA Season 8 after last night?Aniya Harvey & Carl Schmidt Kenzie Annis & Dylan Wrona Corbin Mimis & Parmida KeshaniKayda Bosse & Zach GeorgiouMelanie Moreno & Sincere RheaTrinity Tatum & Bryce DettloffKC Chandler & Tierra DavisWho is left in the game on Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026?Kenzie AnnisDylan Wrona Corbin MimisParmida KeshaniKayda BosseZach GeorgiouMelanie MorenoSincere RheaTrinity Tatum Bryce DettloffAniya HarveyKC ChandlerTierra DavisCarl Schmidt When is the next episode of Love IslandUSA Season 8 in 2026?

The next episode of Love Island USA will air on Sunday at 9 PM ET as the results of America's vote are revealed.

Love Island After Sun airs Saturday at 9 PM ET as viewers see the moment the recently dumped Islanders get their devices back and the first conversations post villa.

Related: 'Married at First Sight' Season 20 Trailer Reveals Brand-New Expert Panel

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kicked off America's 250th birthday weekend by tying the knot — and it's no coincidence the couple chose this special weekend for their star-studded nuptials.

For Taylor and Travis, 36, who married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, July 3, the holiday holds special significance. While the "All Too Well" singer has become known for her love of the Fourth of July, typically marked by a party at her Rhode Island mansion, July is actually a monumental month for the couple.

It was July 7, 2023, when the Grammy winner, who'd split from Matty Healy a month prior, celebrated her single era alongside pals Selena Gomez, Este Haim, Danielle Haim, Alana Haim, and Ashley Avignone.

"Happy belated Independence Day," Swift captioned Instagram photos from her annual coastal bash, "from your local neighborhood independent girlies."

Little did Swift know that the same day would become a turning point in her love story. As she prepared to head to Kansas City for two shows at Arrowhead Stadium, Kelce was getting ready to shoot his shot, friendship bracelet in hand.

And though things didn't go as planned for Kelce that day, the viral moment ended up making it onto Swift's radar, thanks in part to the singer's mom, Andrea Swift, who encouraged her daughter to give the football player a chance. The couple's love story kicked off not long after, unfolding in the public eye before culminating with an epic engagement that nearly broke the internet.

As for the couple's unusual wedding venue, while to some getting married inside Madison Square Garden seemed like an odd choice, for Taylor and Travis, it helped them achieve the level of privacy they sought throughout their high-profile relationship.

In addition to allowing the bride and groom to enter discreetly, MSG provided their A-list attendees access to a private loading area, away from the crowded streets of NYC, where they could be photographed. MSG's roof also protected the couple from any helicopters or drones trying to sneak a peek at their nuptials.

In addition to privacy, the venue can accommodate over 20,000 people, allowing Swift and Kelce to invite a practically unlimited guest list. And they put it to good use, with some of the star-studded attendees including the likes of Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Lena Dunham, Dakota Johnson, Ellie Goulding, Jenny Han, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Grant, Karlie Kloss, Kelsea Ballerini, and more, with friend, Adam Sandler, serving as the couple's officiant.

Still, the affair remained deeply personal, with both Taylor and Travis opting to forgo the traditional wedding party and have just their brothers by their side, with Austin Swift acting as Taylor's "Man of Honor" and Jason Kelce serving as Travis' Best Man.

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There's no better feeling than jumping into a pool on a hot summer day. If you plan on hosting some outdoor pool parties this season, Walmart's latest decor find is an easy way to brighten up your yard, so you can extend the fun well into the evening. The Tanbaby Solar Pool Lights are a smart and practical way to add some ambient lighting to your pool, and they're currently on sale for 50% off.  

For a limited time, you can snag a one-piece set at $20, down from $40, or a two-piece set at $30, down from $60. Each light comes with a solar panel that charges up via sunlight during the day and turns on automatically after dark, giving off a gorgeous soft glow that looks stunning at night. Once fully charged, they'll provide eight to 12 hours of illumination.  

Tanbaby Solar Pool Lights, $20 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Designed to create a warm, cozy atmosphere, these solar lights will help illuminate your outdoor space for all your summer hangouts. Each round light features 16 LED beads, providing ample lighting underwater without flickering or glaring. Choose between 16 different red, green, or blue color options, 10 brightness settings, and four dynamic modes using the included remote. You can also set a timer at two-, four-, and six-hour intervals.    

Featuring an IP68 waterproof rating and an integrated seal design, the Tanbaby solar pool lights are designed to remain fully immersed in water without staining or corrosion. Installation is also super simple. The lights stick securely to all pool walls and surfaces — no drilling or wiring required. You can use them in medium and large inground pools, above-ground pools, ponds, fountains, and more.  

Multiple Walmart shoppers praised these solar pool lights for their overall look. One reviewer said they're " bright" and "easy to set up," while another said they' "look amazing at night." Others highlighted their superior quality, calling them durable and "long-lasting." 

Related: Walmart's $80 Portable Misting Fan Is 'Strong,' Powerful, and 'Fantastic for Hot Summer Days'

Parade commerce writer Ashley Jones, who has been shopping for pool lights for her home for several months, agreed on the value of this solar option, calling them a "viable" and "cost-effective" lighting solution — especially when compared to the thousands of dollars she was quoted for a professional installation of electric lights.  

Shop More Deals

• Egeh Solar Outdoor Lights, $26 (was $100) at Walmart
• Beatineon Outdoor String Lights, $21 (was $25) at Walmart
• Szrsth Outdoor Solar Light, $21 (was $66) at Walmart

If you want a pretty and functional way to brighten up your summer nights that won't break the bank, these highly rated solar pool lights are a great option that require minimal setup. Grab them for 50% off before this flash deal ends at Walmart.  

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.

Down, the heavy metal band fronted by iconic vocalist Phil Anselmo, has further solidified its status in the industry after being recognized among the best supergroups of all time.

One of the defining acts of the '90s music scene, the band helped shape the signature "NOLA" metal sound. It was named by Revolver Magazine as one of the 12 greatest supergroups in heavy music history.

Joining fellow heavy hitters Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, Velvet Revolver, Them Crooked Vultures and others, Down was described as the "masters of Southern-fried riffage and swinging grooves."

Formed in the early '90s, the band featured established musicians from Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar and Eyehategod: Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower, Pat Bruders and Anselmo, the iconic frontman, widely regarded as one of the most recognizable voices in heavy metal, helped create a different kind of music that blends stoner rock, doom metal and sludge metal while retaining the traditional Southern rock sound.

In 1995, the supergroup released its debut album, NOLA, a major nod to its hometown.

The debut album was a commercial success, peaking at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 and remaining on the chart for six consecutive weeks.

Phil Anselmo and guitarist and Pepper Keenan of Down perform on stage during the Hellfest Open Air Festival in 2022.

Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns

The 13-track album includes the breakthrough single "Stone the Crow" and songs the band wrote when it was starting out as a supergroup.

“We all got together in 1991 in our friends’ garage, and the first day we wrote ‘Temptation’s Wings,’ ‘Losing All’ and Bury Me In Smoke,’” drummer Jimmy Bower shared, as cited by Louder Sound.

Behind the huge success of the album, it appears that not everyone was happy about it, especially the band's management.

“I actually got a lot of flak from our management,” Anselmo mentioned, adding, “Like, ‘Why are you saving all these good songs for Down when you could save them for Pantera?’ Because Pantera didn’t write those songs! I didn’t even come up with the title Bury Me In Smoke! And if I’d written those songs for Pantera, they’d have been laughed out of the room! I never even presented them to Pantera.”

Despite this, the album was met with a mostly positive response, with many fans pleasantly surprised by the band's first project.

With a total of four full-length studio albums, Down is now gearing up for its Strap It Down North American Tour with Helmet and Spirit In The Room.

The upcoming tour will run from August to September, featuring 14 shows.

Related: '60s Rock Band, Disbanded After One Year, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler may have survived Yellowstone, but Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser know the real challenge is just beginning.

During a press conference ahead of the Dutton Ranch season finale, the longtime co-stars reflected on carrying the weight of the franchise, why Beth and Rip's relationship continues to resonate with fans, and what excites them most about Season 2.

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What does it mean for you now to carry the weight of the Duttonverse, which has become such a force in television popular culture? 
Cole Hauser: I know the characters so well. I feel very confident in his skin. But there were challenges. You know, not having Taylor [Sheridan] there. For us to really kind of be able to work with these new writers, these new directors, these people. You know, everything had changed. The only kind of normality that we had whatsoever was Carter, Christina Voros, Kelly, and myself. So I enjoy a challenge. It certainly was a challenge. We worked our asses off this year. 

Kelly Reilly: I do feel the weight of it. I feel so proud of what we've accomplished on Yellowstone. And because there are so many fans of the show who really are invested over all these years, there is a responsibility to, you know, you don't want to get it this far and then mess it up. I didn't want to drop the ball. I really wanted to honor the world. I wanted to honor the soul of it and I feel it's a responsibility. Which I don't mind, as long as I'm shouldering it with Cole. We're such a team, him and I. We lean on each other. We ask each other advice. We're not doing this on our own. 

I think the first season will probably, I mean, touch wood, was the hardest one to get us out the gate. Then the second season, I know we already have ideas about where we want to take this, and know what we've got in our hands. But truly, the real word that came into my mind when you asked that question was, it's an honor. It's an honor to be working. It's an honor to be an actor in a show that people have such true love and investment in. I'm very proud of it. 

What's the secret to the Beth and Rip relationship?
Reilly: They're each other's only love. They loved each other when they were 15. They've never loved another person. They are each other's other half and so, in a strange way, it almost feels like it's a love story, like, out of another time and there's a romance about them. He is one side of the coin and she is the other.

Cole and I love one another, you know. We were given six years, seasons, of Yellowstone written by Taylor Sheridan, and he loved writing for Beth and Rip.  And he created such a love story from these fierce characters. But when they're with one another, you get to see their heart. So, that was the gift, and we're just trying to protect it now and expand on it. We know what they're capable of together and individually, and we've just got to remember that sweetness. She's so vulnerable with him and he's vulnerable with her. I think people love to see that.

Hauser: I can't put it any better, to be honest. The only thing I would say is that there's this really beautiful thing that I always tell myself. It's just love, honor and friendship. If you can have those three things, and I think that they have always done that for each other. They've always been there for each other in that way, and it's such a beautiful simplicity with a lot of complex things going on around them.

Related: Taylor Sheridan Reveals How Kevin Costner’s Character Was Originally Meant to Exit ‘Yellowstone’

Would either of you like to have a ranch of your own?  If so, where and what type of ranch would it be?
Reilly: I have a little bit of land in England and one day in my future when I'm not busy leaving it all the time and I can be there to really look after it, I want to have a place with animals where I'm not handing it over to somebody else to look after. I want to do it myself.  So, my dream in a little while is to fill that with some horses and a little vineyard. But it's certainly not a ranch. It's a field with some horses and donkeys in it and maybe some goats. The idea of taking on a huge amount of land and that being alive is a full commitment. I don't have that desire for it, and I don't have that capacity for it. But, yes, we'll cut my field and mate my horses and sit in the stables with them and, yeah, grow my wine. That sounds perfect.

Hauser: It's Montana. I've had family there since the 1880s. I think it feels like home. I was fortunate enough, obviously, to work there and have an office in the most beautiful place in the Bitterroot Valley. I won't say exactly where in Montana but I got my eye on a place up there and I'm just an animal freak too, and my daughter is. We talk about having all kinds of different animals, you know, and 10 dogs. It just becomes about feeding them every day and walking around and just having a simple life. I think, as far as America's concerned, the most beautiful, heavenly place is Montana.

How did you welcome Annette Bening to the Dutton universe? Is there an initiation tradition?
Reilly: God no. I mean, it's Annette Bening. She is the initiation. She's a powerhouse, a force. One of the most beautiful actresses I've ever gotten to work with. Such a kind, fun, warm person. I think Cole and I really lucked out with having some heavyweights come join us in our little spin-off show. They made it legit, quite honestly and her and Ed Harris, especially going into Season 2, it's the four of us. We share our show with them and we're in their world.

Annette Bening is so playful. She is constantly just coming up with new things.  She's an acting animal in the best way possible and you gotta be on your toes. You gotta be prepared and ready, and it's exciting and thrilling. In my very first scene with her, I was nervous and I fluffed my lines and my first take. And I was like, aw, man, I've dropped the ball. You know, I need to hold my own. But she was nervous too. So, once we'd gotten the first few takes out of the way, we went at it and it was like, ugh, I can't wait to work with her again.

Related: ‘Dutton Ranch’ Season 1 Finale Ending Explained: That Brutal Death and Shocking Kidnapping

Given the events of the first season, what do you hope to see for your characters in Season 2?
Hauser: Well, we have some work to do, you know and I think we all know what that is: getting our child back is key in the beginning. I'm really excited about this new kind of adventure with Ben (Cavell, Dutton Ranch's new showrunner). I love what Chad (Feehan, Season 1 showrunner) did and he brought a different kind of game to this year. With Ben, I'm looking forward to getting to know him. For him getting to know me, the character. To spend some time with him and really just pick his brain, you know and not come in with any ideas of what I want. I want to hear what he thinks, you know.

We've had an amazing conversation, Kelly and I, with him, and he's a lovely human being. I have friends that have worked with him for six, seven years at a time for S.E.A.L Team. So, I got to know a little bit of how he communicates, how he works. It's just gonna be refreshing for Kelly and I, I hope. I look forward to it, and I don't want to put any preconceived notions of what I want. I want him to be able to speak his truth, his mind, and go from there.

Reilly: I think Cole and I both have a competitive spirit. We want to deliver real high-quality entertainment. I think Season 2, it's almost like right now, let's go.  Now we've done the hard job of Season 1 of beginning it and getting through that, sort of, birth moment of the show. Now, we can really get in there and get into some character work. That's what I'm interested in, is like, getting back to the characters and exploring something and blowing it up even more. And let's make it even better.

I think we've all got some ideas about how we want to do that, because the passion we have for the show and what it could be and what it means to us. This is not just a job. We really have cared about it, and why would we stop now? So, it's a privilege and it's exciting.  So, yeah, Season 2, can't wait.

Related: 'Dutton Ranch' Season 2 Is Officially Happening: What's Next for Beth and Rip on Paramount+

An Atlantis cruise sailing across the Mediterranean was denied entry to Turkey by the Erdogan regime on the grounds that the majority of the passengers are LGBTQIA+. Broadway icon Pattie LuPone, one of the star performers booked for the cruise, broke the news in an enraged Instagram post on July 2, a few days ahead of the ship’s departure. 

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“The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week has been banned from entering Turkey. A ship—a magnificent ship full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board. I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call.”

The cruise, which departs from Athens on July 5, originally promised stops in Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Kuşadası and Istanbul in Turkey, Dubrovnik and Zadar in Croatia, and finally Venice, Italy. Rich Campbell, the long-time president and CEO of Atlantis Events, told CNN that the cruise will replace the Turkish ports with stops in Cairo, Egypt and Crete, Greece.

Campbell also told CNN that this is the first time in the company’s history that it was “actively told we may not berth here because of who we are.” Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 as a charter company that contracts the use of ships and resorts owned by other operators for cruises and other vacation offerings catering to the LGBTQIA+ community.

BASIN AÇIKLAMASI

Basın yayın organları ve sosyal medya platformlarında gündeme gelen, toplumumuzun yapısıyla ve ahlaki değerlerimizle örtüşmeyen davranışlarıyla bilinen gruplarca kiralanan bir kruvaziyer gemisinin 7 Temmuz 2026 tarihinde Aydın Kuşadası Limanınına planlamış… pic.twitter.com/MHqN0NoXHI

— T.C. Aydın Valiliği (@AydinValiligi) June 28, 2026

The Governorship Of Aydın, Turkey posted to its X account that “The planned cruise ship event scheduled for July 7, 2026, at the Aydın Kuşadası Port, organized by groups known for their behavior that is incompatible with the structure and moral values ​​of our society and which has caused great unease among various segments of our society, has been cancelled.”

One passenger sailing with Virgin on a similar itinerary through the Greek isles with stops in Kuşadası and Istanbul posted on Reddit to share CNN’s coverage of the incident, writing, “The irony is that I’m currently on Scarlet Lady now and we just visited these [cities in Turkey]. And there’s a sizable gay contingent on this boat (including me). I guess we slipped under the radar. This, my friends, is why we still need a Pride month.”

Related: Everything You Need To Know About Pride 2026 To Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Communities

Indeed, President Errdogan’s government has recently cracked down on the queer community through digital bans and possible renewal of criminal and civil penalties. In June, a Turkish court banned nine queer dating apps in the country. That same month, dozens of X accounts belonging to LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations were blocked by the Turkish government. In October, 2025 legislation was introduced that would recriminalize not only homosexuality and gender-affirming health care, but also LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations and even the coverage of queer and trans stories by journalists.

Turkish officials were careful to stay cordial with the broader cruise industry in their press release on X, writing, “Cruise tourism, which holds a significant place in our city's tourism and in which Kuşadası district holds a leading position in our country, continues as the residents and tourism businesses of our city have been accustomed to for years.”

Related: Your Dream Cruise Vacation, Based on Your Birth Month

That may not be enough to keep tourists flowing into Turkish ports of call, however. Although Kuşadası was one of the country’s busiest destinations for cruise ships in 2025. That was before the Iran war disrupted global travel, particularly in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region and the Mediterranean. In May, Princess Cruises announced it would remove Istanbul from its Mediterranean itineraries for 2027, swapping Turkey for Trieste. 

The U.S. State Department currently has a Level 2 travel advisory posted for Turkey, recommending travelers “exercise increased caution,” indicating the country “contains areas with higher security risk”—namely Turkey’s shared borders with Syria and Iraq.

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Patti LuPone isn’t the only one who’s outraged by Turkey’s refusal to welcome the Scarlet Lady and her passengers, of course. The Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (KaosGL), active since 1994, posted a statement to Instagram, “We've been here for centuries. And we are the citizens of this country. You can stop a ship. You can ban an event. You can block a walk. But you can't ban people from existing.”

Related: MSC Cruises Just Banned a Major Hidden Travel Surcharge for Summer 2026

It was around 76℉ the afternoon of July 4, 1776, after the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. 250 years later, the temperature was hovering around 98.1℉ when the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.paused its celebration of the country’s semiquincentennial anniversary mid-afternoon due to record-breaking, life-threatening heat indexes.

⚠️ Due to the heat, and in coordination with public safety officials, the Great American State Fair will be temporarily closed until 5:00 p.m. today.

The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are… pic.twitter.com/HV12RiMbu9

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 3, 2026

“Due to the heat, and in coordination with public safety officials, the Great American State Fair will be temporarily closed until 5:00 p.m. today,” read an announcement posted to the official organizer Freedom 250’s X account. “The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities.”

Related: This Powerful $15 Portable Fan Is My Top Must-Have for Surviving Summer Heat Waves

An intense, persistent heat dome broke numerous records on the East Coast this week, with new highs set in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. Temperatures fell to just 84℉ overnight in the District, offering little relief ahead of the festivities on the National Mall. 

Members of a CNN news crew told viewers it was too hot for some of their equipment to operate correctly. Meteorologists measured a 20-degree difference between sun and shade and ground temperatures equivalent to the internal heat of a medium-rare steak. Over two dozen fairgoers were treated for heat-related ailments by D.C. Fire and EMS, including several reports of people passing out due to heat stroke. By 5 p.m., when the Fair was due to reopen, temperatures still hovered over 100℉.

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The crowd-dampening conditions are just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Great American State Fair. Private sponsors were criticized for including images of the Confederate flag in the official North Carolina state booth. Numerous musicians originally billed for the event declined to perform. Dancers were nearly hit by a falling piece of scenery on one of the stages during a rehearsal. One man was arrested and charged with “lewd, indecent, or obscene acts” after making female acrobats feel unsafe and uncomfortable during a performance. 

Related: Why Did Young MC, Morris Day, and C+C Music Factory Back Out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair?

All those incidents are on top of reportedly big upcharges for concessions and small crowds that were just a fraction of the attendance President Trump claimed– and a far cry from the millions who attended Bicentennial events in New York and D.C. in 1976.

Tonight, President Trump is scheduled to speak in Keystone, South Dakotaat Mount Rushmore before returning to Washington D.C. on July 4. He will deliver a speech ahead of a multi-million-dollar fireworks show featuring 850,000 sparklers launched from the Lincoln Memorial, where the flawed renovation of the reflecting pool has been causing its own problems. The record-breaking fireworks display is so large that some experts say it could impact air quality in the District. 

Programming at the Great American State Fair continues beyond the Fourth of July, continuing through Friday, July 10. It remains to be seen how many spectators will brave the predicted evening temperatures in the upper 90’s for the Presidential address and festivities, or ongoing heat indices that will push near triple digits for the next 10 days at least. 

It’s official! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have officially tied the knot, and a special friend officiated their wedding.

‘90s Saturday Night Live and Happy Gilmore star Adam Sandler was the one who helped the couple say “I do” at the Madison Square Garden wedding.

Although pictures haven’t been released yet, Swift’s representatives confirmed that the comedian officiated the wedding. Sandler has often gushed over the couple, especially in an episode on Kelce’s New Heights podcast in 2024.

“When you guys first started dating, my God was my family like, ‘Yes! Look how good they are together! He’s a gentleman and she’s having so much fun!’” Sandler said in the podcast.

Sandler acted alongside Kelce in the sports comedy Happy Gilmore 2, and has been called a friend of the couple. Not only that, but his family is big fans of Swift. In an interview with Billboard that same year, Sandler admitted that his daughters are huge Swifties.

“Everything [my two daughters] throw on I love, but one of the first ones they threw on when they were young was 'The Best Day,’” Sandler said to Billboard. “We connected with that when the kids were young. Every album, we listen the first day it comes out. There’s not a song they don’t know every word to.”

However, Sandler did admit to Conan O’Brien in 2024 that Swift is a star who makes him nervous.

"You know what, Taylor Swift, because what she means to my kids, I get a little jumpy. Just 'cause I don't wanna blow it for my kids," Sandler said. "So I'm a little like, 'Taylor, Taylor,' like I talk a little too loud or something. I don't stay as cool as I can."

While most details about the wedding haven’t been confirmed yet, a press release from Swift’s team reported that both Swift and Kelce are wearing Christian Dior Haute Couture designed by Jonathan Anderson. Their shoes were custom-made by Christian Louboutin, and Swift wore Cartier jewelry.

Swift arrived at the venue a little after 6:30 p.m., and they married an hour later. Find our coverage here.

It’s a love story, and Taylor Swift just said: “I do.” She and Travis Kelce officially tied the knot in Christian Dior Haute Couture style.

The couple tied the knot in a style designed by Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s women’s, men’s, and haute couture collections creative director. It’s the first couture wedding dress Anderson has created for such a major celebrity.

The designer gear didn’t just stop with the dress, as the groom also wore a tuxedo from the label. On top of that, Swift’s shoes were custom-designed by Christian Louboutin, and she completed her look with her favorite jewelry, Cartier.

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There had been a lot of chatter about who would get the privilege of designing the dress. She’d stepped out in Givenchy during the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony and then wore Oscar de la Renta at the Toy Story 5 LA premiere. She’s also worn Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Louis Vouton, among many other designers in the past.

There are no official images of the dress so far. While there are a few sneaky shots, they look to be from the rehearsal dinner the night before. The July 3 wedding was shrouded in mystery and secrecy, with tents put up so that guests could arrive with as little fanfare as possible.

There was a strict no-phone policy for all guests invited to the wedding. According to reports, it has been filmed, with the possibility of a special being released at a later date.

Exclusive: I'm told by two industry sources that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding is being professionally filmed by her and her production team to possibly be released as a Special sometime later this year on a streaming platform, or in a leadup to her next album release…

— Gunz (@TheGunzShow) July 3, 2026

As for the guests, they were all rumored to have a black tie dress code, and when celebrities started showing up, that certainly seemed to be the case.

For now, fans wait to see the look of the dress. After all, with how the dresses of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Kate Middleton (now the Princess of Wales) have become style icons and inspirations for future brides, Swift’s dress is sure to have a similar effect.

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If you love spending time outside on a porch, balcony, or patio, comfortable seating is what makes the space usable and inviting. But outfitting an outdoor area can get expensive fast, which is why budget-friendly finds like this Walmart deal stand out. 

Right now, Walmart is offering $80 off the Costway Wicker Hanging Porch Swing, dropping the price to $89 from $169. It has a water-resistant wicker design with a sturdy metal frame for a relaxed, timeless look that works in most outdoor spaces. It holds up to 880 pounds and seats two, so it's an easy way to add a cozy spot for relaxing and people-watching.

Costway Wicker Hanging Porch Swing, $89 (was $169) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Built as a two-person hanging loveseat, the Costway Wicker Outdoor Porch Swing measures 45 inches long, 23 inches wide and 21 inches high. It has a curved, supportive backrest and smooth armrests, plus a seat cushion and two throw pillows for you to kick back and relax comfortably. The cushion covers are removable and zippered, so you can pop them off and wash them whenever they need cleaning. 

The hand-woven wicker is designed for outdoor use. It’s durable, breathable and  weather-resistant, so it won't be ruined by a sudden downpour. It also comes with 4.5-foot and 5-foot hemp ropes and two S-shaped hooks for hanging on ceiling or a stand. (If you don't have a spot to hang it, Walmart has a swing stand for a patio or backyard that you can purchase  separately.) 

Once it’s set up, it gives you a nice place to relax outside, whether you’re reading, talking with a friend, or just enjoying some quiet time. It works well on a porch, balcony, or in the backyard. One shopper called it a “super sweet little swing,” saying it was “affordable” and “perfect for two” to relax on. 

Shop More Deals

• Lazzo 3-Seat Convertible Porch Swing, From $130 (was $220) at Walmart
• Costway Hanging Porch Swing with Canopy, $110 (was $199) at Walmart
• Costway 3-Person Patio Swing with Canopy, $140 (was $229) at Walmart

Related: Walmart Has a 'Very Nice' 3-Seat Porch Swing for Over 50% Off, and It Doubles as a Daybed

For an easy, affordable way to add a relaxing spot outside, the Costway Wicker Hanging Porch Swing is hard to beat at $89. Deals like this don't last long, so it's worth grabbing while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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Whether you crushed a work deadline, made it through a Monday, or just want to add a little sparkle to your day, the right accessory can feel like a tiny celebration. If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to treat yourself, the Swarovski Stilla Attract Trilogy Drop Earrings, now on sale for 41% off at Amazon. 

That's right — these "stunning" little luxuries could be yours for as low as $70, down from their original price of $119. Shoppers said they're perfect for gifting, too, so if you're looking to indulge yourself or a loved one, it's a great time to pick them up while they're on sale. 

Swarovski Stilla Attract Trilogy Drop Earrings, $70 (were $119) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

With their trio of clear white Swarovski crystals, these drop earrings are both elegant and versatile. Each earring is just 1.13 inches long, and the crystals are set in rhodium-plated silver for a classic, luminous look. The hinged leverback closure keeps them secure and comfortable, whether you're running errands or heading out for a dinner date.

Life is made up of small moments, and sometimes the sweetest joy is slipping on something beautiful just because you can. These earrings are the perfect example, and according to shopper reviews, it’s dainty, dazzling, and designed to make every day feel a little more special.

"Stunning. Totally worth the money," one shopper said. "Got them for my daughter and loved them so much that I got them for myself. Elegant and dainty."

Swarovski's craftsmanship shines in every detail. The pavé embellishment adds extra sparkle, while the quality materials mean these earrings are designed to last. When you open the signature Swarovski box, you'll feel like you're unwrapping a present from yourself to yourself. Just remember to remove them before swimming, showering, or applying lotions to keep them looking their best.

Best of all, these earrings can go from everyday casual to formal elegance with ease. Pair them with jeans and a tee for coffee with friends, or let them be the finishing touch to an evening look. If you're searching for a thoughtful, charming gift, they come ready for gifting in that iconic blue box, and there's even a matching necklace. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Light' and 'Airy' $17 Cotton-Linen Shorts Are 'Easy to Throw On in the Summer'

You deserve small luxuries, especially when they're as stunning (and affordable!) as these Swarovski drop earrings. So don't miss your change to say yes to a little sparkle, and snag these Amazon Swarovski earrings while they're 41% off.

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Leave it to Taylor Swiftand Travis Kelceto do the unexpected on their big day.

Rather than sticking with a traditional bridal party for their Friday, July 3 wedding, the newlyweds reportedly opted for something more personal during their star-studded wedding celebration at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Instead of choosing a maid of honor, Page Six reports that Swift honored her younger brother, Austin Swift, by asking him to serve as her "man of honor." Kelce, meanwhile, turned to his older brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, to stand beside him as best man.

But perhaps the most unexpected wedding role of all belonged to actor Adam Sandler, who the outlet states officiated the ceremony.

Madison Square Garden officially confirmed the marriage during the festivities, lighting up digital signs around the iconic venue with the message, "JUST&T MARRIED!" around 7:30 pm Eastern Time as guests celebrated inside.

The lavish reception transformed the arena into an ethereal garden and welcomed an A-list guest list that included Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Miranda Lambert,Dakota Johnson, and many more.

READ MORE: Taylor Swift Fans Turn Their Frustration Toward the Singer Over White House Posts

The festivities came one day after the couple reportedly hosted an intimate rehearsal celebration at the venue. Multiple reports also claimed Swift and Kelce had quietly exchanged vows in a private ceremony before Friday's larger celebration.

The pair announced their engagement 10 months ago with a joint Instagram post that quickly became one of the biggest celebrity moments of the year. "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨," they captioned photos from Kelce's romantic proposal in August 2025.

The over-the-top celebration reportedly came with an equally eye-popping price tag. According to TMZ, Swift and Kelce paid full price to host their wedding festivities at Madison Square Garden, with costs reportedly reaching well into the millions. The outlet reported that the couple secured the iconic venue for at least three days surrounding the celebration—one day for setup, one for the ceremony itself, and another for breakdown.

History has a way of keeping receipts. But when it comes to The Animals’ iconic 1964 track, “House of the Rising Sun,” there are only question marks.

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According to Grunge magazine, the song—one of folk rock’s most covered gems and a cross-generational anthem written with themes of rebellion, vice, and youth embedded into its lyrics—has absolutely no known songwriter.

“Ominous and brooding yet playful and eccentric, the track sounds something like a demented cowboy carnival,” the outlet wrote. “It's perfect for acoustic guitar, which may be why it's been covered again and again. They can't credit anyone with the original song, though, as it has no known author.”

The mystery stretches back much farther than most rock fans might realize. The earliest known recording dates back to 1933, when Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster got after it with little more than a banjo and an acoustic guitar. According to the outlet, the song was handed down to Ashley by his grandfather, suggesting it dates back to at least the Civil War era.

“But that’s where the trail grows cold,” the mag wrote, adding, “We at least know the song dates to a period following the founding of New Orleans in 1718, as the earliest version references the city.”

There are a house in New Orleans,
They call the Rising Sun,
Where many a poor boy to destruction has gone,
And me, oh God, for one.

There’s no manuscript, no songwriter, no definitive beginning. Yet unanswered questions and muddy origin stories have never stopped a great song from becoming legendary before. If anything, the unknown only adds to the mystique.

“House of the Rising Sun” reached its widest audience in 1964, when The Animals plugged the centuries-old folk ballad about hard times in New Orleans into electric amplifiers and turned it into a rock phenomenon.

Released by the British rockers in the summer of 1964, the track landed at No. 1 in the U.K. on July 9, before repeating the feat in the U.S. After debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 60, the song quickly climbed into the Top 10 and hit No. 1 in September, where it camped out for three consecutive weeks.

For lead singer Eric Burdon, the connection to the song was inevitable.

“‘House of the Rising Sun’ is a song that I was just fated to,” Burdon told Songfacts in 2010. “It was made for me, and I was made for it. It was a great song for the Chuck Berry tour because it was a way of reaching the audience without copying Chuck Berry. It was a great trick, and it worked. It actually wasn't only a great trick; it was a great recording.”

Burdon’s instincts were right on. While folk legends like Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, and BobDylan popularized the song and kept it alive, The Animals permanently altered its DNA, with their electric rendition turning the working-class folk ballad into a landmark rock recording that provided a blueprint for countless covers.

Artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Frijid Pink, DollyParton, Five Finger Death Punch, and Muse each reimagined the song for new audiences, proving its anonymous origins were never limiting.

Though The Animals’ rendition might be the most famous, the song remains in the public domain, allowing each and every new generation to make it their own.

Related: 1966 Smash Hit, Finished in a Taxi on the Way to a Disco, Became a Cross-Generational Anthem

Success didn't come overnight for Robert John.

By the time he released "Sad Eyes" in 1979, the New York singer had already spent more than two decades trying to establish himself in the music industry. That persistence finally paid off when the tender ballad became his signature hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a permanent place on soft rock and adult contemporary radio.

The breakthrough came after years of perseverance.

John began recording as a teenager in the late 1950s, scoring an early hit with "White Bucks and Saddle Shoes" before spending years searching for another major success. Although he continued releasing music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, it wasn't until "Sad Eyes" that he found the song that would define his career.

Written by John himself, the ballad showcased his smooth vocal delivery and understated songwriting. Built around gentle piano, lush harmonies and a heartfelt message of reassurance, "Sad Eyes" connected with listeners looking for emotionally honest love songs during the peak of the soft rock era.

For John, "Sad Eyes" quickly became his favorite of his own repertoire.

"I've always collaborated with writers in the past and it's the first time I've ever written a song and recorded a song by myself and I'm very proud of it," John said during a 1979 interview for American Bandstand.

The song's commercial success was remarkable.

Released as the lead single from Robert John, "Sad Eyes" climbed steadily before spending a week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a major Adult Contemporary hit, helping introduce John to millions of new listeners and turning the long-awaited breakthrough into the biggest achievement of his recording career.

"I look at the charts and see my name, but I still have trouble believing it's really me,” John told Rolling Stonein 1979. "I didn’t think the song would be the first single from the album. It's a ballad and I thought the company was crazy to release it."

Although Robert John never again matched the chart success of "Sad Eyes," the song continued to build its legacy through radio. Its timeless melody and sincere lyrics made it a fixture on adult contemporary and classic hits stations, while its enduring popularity helped preserve John's place in pop music history.

Over the decades, "Sad Eyes" has remained a favorite among fans of late-1970s soft rock, standing alongside many of the era’s most memorable ballads. Its universal message of comfort and compassion has allowed it to resonate with generations of listeners long after its original chart run ended.

More than 45 years after topping the Billboard Hot 100, "Sad Eyes" continues to shine as Robert John's defining achievement. What began as the breakthrough hit of a determined singer ultimately became one of the most enduring radio anthems of the soft rock era.

Related: 1977 Classic Ballad, Named No. 1 Hit for Three Weeks, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Adele is spending more time on the race track these days than in the recording booth.

In a new video shared by McLaren Racing on Friday, July 3, the "Easy On Me" singer was seen visiting the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team in England, where she discussed bonding over the sport with her son, Angelo.

In the video, McLaren CEO Zak Brown gives the Grammy winner, 38, a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre and asks Adele how she got into the sport.

"My son is really into karting and things like that," Adele said of the teen, whom she shares with ex-husband Simon Konecki. It wasn't long after that her son's "obsession" became a shared passion for the pair.

"He just sort of asked about it a couple of years ago and I was like, 'Alright,'" she continued after Brown, 54, asked how Angelo got into the sport. "I don't know many teenagers now that have an actual passion. So I'm really trying to encourage it."

She continued, "When your kid has an interest, you have to get into it. And more importantly, I think you have to be interested in it."

While Adele, who also got the chance to meet F1 driver Lando Norris on the tour, said she didn't expect to bond with the soon-to-be 14-year-old "about something so passionate where we argue about drivers," she called their newfound hobby "fun."

"But it's fun to have that interaction with a teenage boy in 2026," Adele added. "I wasn't expecting it."

Though Adele's love for the sport is fairly new, the singer has been seen at several F1 races, including the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, where she visited the pit of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and posed for a photo with drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Following the suicide of bandmate Kurt Cobain, Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl found himself contemplating quitting music entirely. He was invited to drum for several bands, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Danzig, but even after joining a few live performances, Grohl felt strongly he should work on his own project instead. He saw the opportunity as something of "cathartic therapy."

Grohl booked six days at the Robert Lang Studios in Seattle and brought along producer Barrett Jones to work with him. Previously, in 1992, Grohl had recorded a series of demos called Pocketwatch, which he had done very little with. He intended to create something similar with his week at Robert Lang, recording new music, playing every instrument, and releasing it under a name that would make listeners believe it was a full band, not just a solo project.

Over a period of one week in October 1994, Grohl and Jones produced the new record, typically getting through four songs per day. Grohl quadrupled up his vocals on certain tracks due to his insecurity as a singer and accomplished every song in roughly 45 minutes.

In an effort to preserve his anonymity with the project, Grohl released the album under the "band" name, the Foo Fighters.

The record was released to acclaim from critics, with publications praising Grohl's voice and finding the similarities to Cobain and Nirvana. Billboardsaid it was filled with "inspired songwriting and passionate performances" and Entertainment Weeklysaid, "[Grohl's] songs pack the riffy wallop of unpolished Nirvana demos, and his voice has Kurt Cobain's lunging, over-the-top passion."

Grohl intended to use the pseudonym "Foo Fighters" to work on solo projects post-Nirvana; however, when labels began to show interest after his recorded the "self-titled" debut, he recruited bassist Nate Mendel, drummer William Goldsmith, and guitarist Pat Smear to make up an actual band. Grohl himself became the lead vocalist and guitarist as opposed to his role as drummer in Nirvana. Grohl ended up licensing the record to Columbia, and the band made their first public performance in February 1995, five months before the album's full release.

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Related: 1992 Grunge Rock Anthem Was Inspired By the Tragic True Story of a Hollywood Actress

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are giving fans another reason to believe in love.

Five years after tying the knot, the couple celebrated their anniversary with emotional social media tributes that quickly had fans in their feels.

On Thursday, July 3, both Shelton, 50, and Stefani, 56, shared posts celebrating one another on Instagram. Shelton kicked things off with a carousel of photos from their wedding day, including a close-up of Stefani wearing her bridal veil and several other moments from the celebration. "5 years and every day is better than the last... I love you @gwenstefani SHELTON!!!! Happy anniversary my pretty girl!!!!" he wrote.

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Stefani celebrated the milestone with a Reel featuring highlights from throughout their relationship, from sweet behind-the-scenes moments to clips from their July 2021 wedding. "5 years married to my forever 💐🤍 still making me laugh every day @blakeshelton gx," she captioned the post.

READ MORE: How Blake Shelton ‘Finally’ Supported Wife Gwen Stefani

“Why I believe in true love 😭 happy anniversary to my favorite couple ever !!!!” one fan wrote in the comments of Shelton’s post.

“MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY,” another gushed.

“wow the same day as taylor swift hahaha. thats cute,” one shared on Stefani’s post, referring to Taylor Swift’s reported wedding to Travis Kelcethat same day.

Another replied, “Y'all made a July 3 wedding cool 😎.”

The anniversary posts arrive after the couple spent the end of last year battling persistent online rumors that their marriage was in trouble. 

Speaking with Country Countdown USA in January, Shelton admitted he was stunned by how quickly false stories about their relationship spread online. "Starting in October, I think, or maybe November, I started noticing these articles popping up about 'Blake and Gwen, they're split up, they're not even seeing each other anymore, they're going through a divorce,'" he recalled. "A week later a picture comes out of us walking out of the grocery store, 'Oh, they're back together again,'" he added with a laugh.

Shelton and Stefani first met while serving as coaches on The Voice in 2014 and married in July 2021 at Shelton's Oklahoma ranch. Together, they also help raise Stefani's three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo—from her previous marriage to Gavin Rossdale.

Related: Blake Shelton Reveals How He and Gwen Stefani Are 'Stepping it Up' Months After Divorce Rumors Swirled

Some musicians spend their careers behind the biggest names in music, helping shape the sound without always standing at the front of the stage.

Sandy Gennaro, the drummer, speaker and author known as "The Rock and Roll Thought Leader," turns 75 on July 3 after a career that has taken him through several major eras of rock and pop music.

Born in New York City, Gennaro built a reputation as a reliable and hard-hitting drummer whose work carried him from studio sessions to major tours. Over the years, he has recorded and performed with artists including Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter, The Monkees, Michael Bolton, Benny Mardones and more.

Gennaro later reflected on the lasting power of the songs he helped bring to audiences. "Great songs will always be played and always hold up years later, and they become our classical music," he said in an interview with Classic Bands. He added that he felt "very lucky" to have been involved with songs including The Monkees' classics, Cyndi Lauper's hits and Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll."

His career also included work with the Pat Travers Band and Blackjack, the group that featured a young Michael Bolton before his later rise as a solo star. Across those projects, Gennaro became the kind of musician whose impact could be felt across genres, from classic rock and pop to old-school rock and roll.

Beyond the stage, Gennaro has also turned his music industry experience into a second chapter as a speaker and mentor. His official website describes him as a world-class speaker and drummer whose career spans more than five decades, and his work now focuses on using lessons from the music business to inspire audiences outside of music as well.

Gennaro is also the author of Beat the Odds, a book built around the personal and professional lessons he learned during his long career in music. That role has helped make his "Rock and Roll Thought Leader" title more than just a nickname, connecting his time behind the drum kit with his work helping others apply those lessons in life and business.

As he turns 75, Gennaro's career reflects the reach of a drummer whose name is connected to several major artists and unforgettable eras of popular music. Whether on stage, in the studio or speaking to audiences, his decades of work continue to show how much influence can come from the rhythm behind the spotlight.

Related: '80s Glam Metal Icon and Lead Singer of Beloved Supergroup Turns 70