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Soleil Moon Frye, who rose to stardom on the hit ’80s series Punky Brewster, has a twin in her lookalike daughter, Poet.

Frye, 50, grew up in the public eye as everyone’s favorite foster child on the iconic TV series Punky Brewster. If you forgot the basis of the series, the show followed Brewster, a little girl abandoned in a store by her mother, who is taken in with her golden retriever, Brandon, by her foster parent, Henry Warnimont, a grouchy older man in Chicago. Punky soon warms his heart and turns his world around.

While Frye rose to fame in the series, she also developed a successful career behind the camera. A mother of four, she’s frequently sharing photos with her kids. In a sweet new collection of photos, Frye honored Poet as she celebrates her 21st birthday. From her dark hair to her freckles, there’s no doubt Poet is her daughter!

“Happy happy birthday, my beautiful baby girl @poet_siennarose You are officially 21, and I am SO beyond honored and grateful for the treasure of being your mama and watching you grow and flourish into the INCREDIBLE woman and goddess that you are.I love you forever and beyond, throughout every lifetime,” Frye wrote. “May the next 21 years and beyond bring you all the joy, adventure, laughter, and love dreams your beautiful heart can hold.”

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For another shot that makes it clear how much Poet looks like her mother, check out the photo below:

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Frye Recently Turned 50

Frye keeps an active presence on social media. Earlier this month, she turned 50 and celebrated in her “birthday suit” as she soaked up the sun in a captain’s hat on a boat. While it’s been decades since she rose to stardom, it’s quite shocking how much she still resembles her early days as Punky.

View this post on Instagram Soleil Moon Frye and Cherie Johnson Reunited

Cherie Johnson, whose Punky Brewster character bore the same name as her real name, became Punky’s best friend in their Chicago apartment building. But the duo became friends in real life, and they still are tight to this day. As their social media followers found out, they even got together recently for an appearance at a convention.

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Related: ‘Punky Brewster’ Star Soleil Moon Frye Turns 50—and Fans Can’t Get Over How Little She’s Changed

We’ve all walked by someone who applied a little too much perfume or cologne, causing everyone around them to practically choke. But then there are times when you approach someone, breathe in the subtlety of their signature scent and wonder what they’re wearing.

We’ve never been fond of gatekeeping beauty secrets, so when a perfume pro recently told us about the nine perfumes women over 40 get the most compliments on, we knew we couldn’t keep them to ourselves.

We chatted with Octavia Morgan, the founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles, and asked her to dish on a wide range of fragrances that often cause a stir when others catch a whiff of them. Morgan chose from florals musks, budget-friendly picks, luxury finds and other categories to curate a list with options for every personality.

We also spoke with Susan Ankersen, the co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances, and asked her to explain why your skin chemistry changes after 40 and how it affects the way a scent wears. The fragrance expert also weighed in on the fragrance notes and concentrations that last the longest and shared tips for properly applying perfume so it projects (without rubbing your wrists).

Related: The 14 Best Jasmine Perfumes for an Intoxicating Floral Scent, According to Fragrance Experts

The Best Perfumes for Women Over 40, According to a Fragrance Expert

• Best Perfume for Women Over 40 Overall: Portrait of a Lady Parfum Spray
• Best Floral Perfume for Women Over 40: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum
• Best Woody Perfume for Women Over 40: Heretic Perfumes Dirty Hinoki
• Best Musk Perfume for Women over 40: Brown Girl Jane Casablanca
• Best Gourmand Perfume for Women Over 40: Influxious Gold Standard Eau de Parfum
• Best Affordable Perfume for Women Over 40: Lattafa Yara Eau de Perfume Natural Spray
• Best Luxury Perfume for Women Over 40: Victoria Beckham Eau de Parfum Portofino ’97
• Best Long-Lasting Perfume for Women Over 40: House of Bo Infinitoud Parfum
• Best Date Night Perfume for Women Over 40: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles ROOM 33 Eau de Parfum

Why Does Skin Chemistry After 40 Change How a Scent Wears?

We’re used to hearing about hair and skin care changes after 40, but you may be surprised to hear that the way fragrances interact with your skin can also change over time.

“Hormone changes, especially with menopause, can change our temperature, which makes perfumes perform differently,” Ankersen tells Parade. “Our skin often becomes dryer, which makes scent not adhere well. Oily or well-moisturized skin makes fragrance last longer.”

Related: How to Properly Layer Perfume, According to a Fragrance Expert

What Fragrance Notes and Concentrations Actually Last the Longest?

Knowledge is power, and knowing that fragrances might not last as long as they used to when you reach your 40s is incredibly helpful because it helps you select your fragrance notes and concentrations strategically.

“Fragrances that last must have base notes. These are heavier, have lower volatility and need heat from our body to open up,” Ankersen says.

Examples of base notes include woods, vetiver, vanilla, resins and musks. 

As for concentration, aromatic oil content typically lasts longer than other formulations. However, Ankersen says a 25% citrus cologne wouldn’t necessarily last as long as a 12% woody perfume or even a 6% vanillin solution.

Sometimes, fragrances use certain ingredients to lower the volatility of the overall compound. For instance, Ankersen says DPG is often used as a solvent. Solid materials like ambroxan or galaxolide are also common additions to some concentrations.

Related: These Are the 9 Best-Smelling Perfumes for Women, According to a Fragrance Expert

How to Properly Apply Perfume So It Projects (Without Rubbing Your Wrists)

Just because perfumes don’t last as long when you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean you can’t increase their longevity.

“For better projection, spray many areas of your body, not just your neck. Spray places that have warmth to open the scent, such as the back of the knees or any pulse point,” Ankersen says.

The perfume pro also suggests spraying areas where the perfume doesn’t get absorbed, such as your hair and/or clothing.

Lastly, moisturized skin can also make scents project better.

9 Compliment-Getting Perfumes To Try Now 1. Best Perfume for Women Over 40 Overall: Portrait of a Lady Parfum Spray, $90

Nordstrom

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Morgan describes Portrait of a Lady as one of those rare fragrances that feels “both timeless and contemporary.”

“The richness of Turkish rose, patchouli, blackcurrant and incense creates incredible depth while remaining elegant. Women over 40 tend to gravitate toward fragrances with character and sophistication, and this perfume makes a memorable statement without feeling trendy. It’s the kind of scent people stop you to ask about,” she says.

2. Best Floral Perfume for Women Over 40: Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum, $250

Nordstrom

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Morgan says this perfume has become a “modern floral icon” due to the fact that it “balances femininity with confidence.”

“The combination of Turkish rose, peony, lychee and soft woods creates a fragrance that feels luminous, polished and incredibly wearable. It’s bright enough for daytime but elegant enough for evening, making it a consistent compliment getter,” she says.

3. Best Woody Perfume for Women Over 40: Heretic Perfumes Dirty Hinoki, $65

Bluemercury

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Morgan appreciates that this perfume offers a refreshing take on woody fragrances.

“Hinoki wood, cedar and citrus create a calming, refined scent that feels effortless and modern. It’s ideal for women who appreciate understated luxury and want something distinctive without being overpowering,” she says.

Related: 11 Korean Fragrance Brands a Perfume Expert Wishes More People Knew About

4. Best Musk Perfume for Women over 40: Brown Girl Jane Casablanca, $102

Brown Girl Jane

Shop It at Brown Girl Jane

Morgan describes this next perfume as “intimate, elegant and quietly captivating.”

“Casablanca wraps the skin in a beautiful veil of warm musk with creamy woods and soft florals,” she says. “Musk fragrances become incredibly personal because they blend with your own skin chemistry, and this one develops beautifully throughout the day.”

Fragrance notes include marshmallow, cardamom, incense, amber and sandalwood.

5. Best Gourmand Perfume for Women Over 40: Influxious Gold Standard Eau de Parfum, $150

Sephora

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Morgan says Gold Standard is the perfect example of a gourmand fragrance that can be “luxurious rather than overly sweet.”

“Rich vanilla, warm amber and decadent gourmand notes create a sophisticated fragrance that feels comforting and elevated. It’s indulgent without becoming overwhelming,” she says.

6. Best Affordable Perfume for Women Over 40: Lattafa Yara Eau de Perfume Natural Spray, $40

Ulta

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If you’re looking for an approachable, feminine, affordable fragrance, Morgan suggests picking up this budget-friendly find.

“Yara consistently surprises people with how luxurious it smells for its price point. Tropical fruits, creamy vanilla and soft musk create a fragrance that performs far above its cost,” she says.

Related: 9 Most-Requested Discontinued Fragrances, According to a Perfume Expert

7. Best Luxury Perfume for Women Over 40: Victoria Beckham Eau de Parfum Portofino ’97, $200

Nordstrom

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When it comes to perfumes that capture effortless luxury, Morgan says Portofino ’97 is leading the pack.

“Bright citrus, incense, amber and vetiver evoke the feeling of an Italian summer while maintaining incredible sophistication. It’s polished, refined and perfect for someone who appreciates quiet luxury over bold statements,” the perfume pro says.

8. Best Long-Lasting Perfume for Women Over 40: House of Bo Infinitoud Parfum, $370

Neiman Marcus

Shop It at Neiman Marcus

Morgan says Infinitoud is “beautifully composed and remarkably long-lasting.”

“Oud, warm woods, amber and resins create exceptional depth and longevity while remaining smooth and wearable,” she continues. “It evolves throughout the day and leaves an unforgettable trail that continues to receive compliments hours after application.”

9. Best Date Night Perfume for Women Over 40: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles ROOM 33 Eau de Parfum, $165

Ulta

Shop It at Ulta

“Room 33 was designed to create presence without overpowering the room. Luminous pear, pink pepper and violet leaf open into elegant jasmine and tuberose before settling into warm blond woods, sandalwood, amber and vanilla,” Morgan tells Parade.

The end result is an intimate and sensual fragrance that the perfume pro says “invites people closer rather than announcing itself from across the room.”

Up Next:

Related: 17 Best Colognes for Your Man, According to Fragrance Experts

Sources:

• Susan Ankersen is the co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances.
• Octavia Morgan is the founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles.

Days of Our Lives fans were given good news as former General Hospital and The Young and the Restless star Brytni Sarpy will be joining the Peacock streaming soap opera next year!

The soap opera released a new ‘Love Island’-themed video on social media, during which point Sarpy can clearly be seen as a “new bombshell” entering the ‘villa’.

@peacockdays

Love Island may be over, but the bombshells, messy recouplings, secret marriages, and questionable intentions never stop in Salem. 👀 And don’t blink otherwise you may miss a big surprise… Trade the island for Salem and stream Days of our Lives exclusively on Peacock. #LoveIslandUSA #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUSA8 #Peacock #RealityTV @DanFeuerriegel @Rob Scott Wilson @Peacock @Abigail Klein @cheriealexandraJimenez @Lins G @Sal Stowers @Love Island USA

♬ original sound – Days of our Lives

In a separate post, the show shared a picture outside her dressing room on Instagram, captioning the post, “Someone new is checking into Salem… Welcome Brytni Sarpy to the Days of our Lives family! Stay tuned.”

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TV Insider reports that, due to Days of Our ‘Lives’ advance shooting schedule, Sarpy will not make her on-screen debut until sometime in the middle of 2027.

Fans React:

The show has yet to confirm who Sarpy will be playing. Still, fans are speculating that the actress may be taking over the role of Jada Hunter, following Elia Cantu’s upcoming exit. However, the show has not yet confirmed anything about the identity of Sarpy’s character.

On Instagram, many fans took to the comments to support Sarpy and her arrival. One fan wrote, “This is great news!!! Brytni will be a lovely addition to Salem. 😊. Hope she and Sal will share a storyline! I bet that will make them so happy.”

A second fan added, “So exciting for her to join! Such an under-appreciated actor in American daytime,” and a third adding, “Welcome 🙏 love 💕 that you are goi g to be on Days. I remember when you were on G H and The Young and the Restless 😬 good luck 👍 🥰🥰”

Who is Brytni Sarpy?

Sarpy made her daytime debut in 2015 as Valerie Spencer on General Hospital. She would remain with the soap until 2019, when she would take on the role of Elena Dawson on The Young and the Restless.

In 2020, she joined the cast of The Haves and the Have Nots as Rianna.

In addition to her roles in television, Sarpy has appeared on multiple productions on the stage, including Plumfield, Iraq, Much Ado About Nothing, and Time and the Conways.

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.

Crossroads, Jonathan Franzen’s sixth and most recent novel, is getting another moment in the spotlight as Collider has just ranked it the greatest American book of the last 15 years.

“Jonathan Franzen’s 2001 book The Corrections was hailed by many as a new Great American Novel, though, in some ways, his 2021 effort Crossroads is better,” Collider wrote.

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Published in 2021, Crossroads, which the author calls his “most purely invented book,” per The Guardian, follows the moral and personal crises of the Hildebrandt family who live in a suburban Midwestern town. Set during the winter of 1971 against a backdrop of the Vietnam War, civil rights, and a rapidly changing culture, the novel shifts among family members as they grapple with faith, marriage, drugs, and their ideas of right and wrong.

“Once again, it’s a family saga, this time looking at the Hildebrandts, each of whom is standing at a personal crossroads,” Collider wrote. “Russ, a pastor questioning both his faith and his marriage; Marion, his deeply complicated wife; and their children, each wrestling with ambitions and failures. … Crucially, Franzen allows every character to emerge as a fully realized individual rather than simply serving the larger narrative.”

But Franzen’s novel also contains an unexpected musical thread that involves one of the greatest rock supergroups of all time, Cream, and one of the most famous blues songs in music history. The homage is first seen right there in the title.

A multi-layered metaphor, “Crossroads” is the name of the church youth group in Franzen’s story. It’s led by a charismatic young assistant pastor, who harnesses the emotional intensity of the era’s counterculture and modern rock-infused spirituality to gain influence over his members.

Ultimately, he “thought kids could relate to the name of a rock song,” Franzen writes in the book.

“Crossroads” also evokes blues pioneer Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues,” recorded in 1936 and later enveloped in the enduring legend that Johnson met the Devil at a crossroads and traded his soul for killer guitar-playing skills. Cream, the masterful supergroup composed of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, famously reworked the song as “Crossroads” in 1968.

Taking the metaphor further, patriarch Russ owns a prized record of the original Johnson blues recording. Meanwhile, his children and the members of the youth group prefer Cream’s louder, more electrified version of the song. That contrast becomes part of the novel’s generational divide.

“I was interested in [a] radical form of Christianity,” Franzen said in an interview with El Tiempo, discussing the origins of his story. “I knew that Russ came from a Mennonite family. At some point, Marion meets the Devil and makes a decision. That was accidental. I also needed a name for the youth social work group, and ‘Crossroads’ came up. Then Cream’s version appeared, and everything fit together.”

Collider‘s ranking puts Crossroads above nine other acclaimed American books, including Colson Whitehead‘s The Underground Railroad, Donna Tartt‘s The Goldfinch and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.

“On top of being a great ensemble character study, Crossroads is also a brilliant time capsule of the 1970s in all its shifting, disillusioned glory,” Collider wrote. “While the prose style might not be as ambitious as some of Franzen’s other books, the conversations sparkle, and the plot is loaded with charming twists and turns.”

It’s like the deep cut from your favorite band that hits differently after years of hindsight.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1952 Novel, Now a Netflix Series, Ranked Best American Novel of the Last 100 Years

Long before Judy Blume’s Forever… became a hit Netflix series, it was a groundbreaking—and spent decades facing bans across the country.

First published in 1975, Forever… quickly made waves for its frank portrayal of teenage love, sex, and birth control, which was uncommon for the time period. Its honesty struck a nerve with some parents and educators, and the book became a frequent target of challenges and bans in schools and libraries.

“It never occurred to me, at the time, that what I was writing was controversial,” Blume explained. “Much of it grew out of my own feelings and concerns when I was young.”

Despite being named runner-up for the Best Book of the Year Award in 1975, and later making BBC’s list of 100 Most Influential Novels, Forever… has also made the American Library Association’s list of Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books since 1990.

In 2024, Utah issued a statewide ban on 13 books from public schools, including Blume’s iconic novel. That same year, Katy Independent School District in Texas, removed the book from its libraries, claiming it featured “sexually explicit” content.

While many schoolchildren no longer have access to the text, Netflix subscribers can watch the television adaptation starring Michael Cooper Jr., Lovie Simone, and Xosha Roquemore.

Released in 2025 (season 2 is currently in the works), the streaming series received rave reviews and currently boasts a 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Protecting your children means educating them and arming them with knowledge, and reading and supporting what they want to read,” Blume told Variety in 2023.

If you have a birthday coming up, Oreo just released a way to make it extra special.

The frozen beverage company, f’real, has partnered with Oreo to create the Golden OREO Birthday Cake Milkshake. This frozen treat will only be available for a limited time, starting Aug. 24.

The product combines f’real’s popular Birthday Cake flavor with real Golden OREO Cookie crumbles and is topped off with rainbow sprinkles. It is available for purchase at retail locations nationwide.

“Birthday Cake is the flavor our fans have been asking for since the day it left shelves and our OREO Cookies & Cream has been a consistent top seller for a reason — our consumers are obsessed with OREO cookie in milkshake form,” Rich Products Vice President of Customer & Consumer Brand Marketing Megan Grinstead said in a press release.

She continued, “Golden OREO cookies in a milkshake is brand new to f’real and OREO fans alike. When we decided to bring back Birthday Cake as a Limited-Edition flavor, incorporating Golden OREO cookies felt like the perfect way to make it even more special. It’s a celebration-worthy flavor combination that delivers something new and exciting in every sip and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

The Golden OREO Birthday Cake Milkshake is available at over 17,000 retail locations nationwide, including Maverik, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Circle K, Yesway, RaceTrac, Weigel’s, Royal Farms, and more. The suggested retail price for each 12-ounce milkshake is $3.99.

To kick off Pumpkin Spice Latte season, Starbucks is dropping a collection of PSL Society merchandise for the festive coffee crowd who are ready for autumn vibes. Timed to coincide with the return of the PSL to the Starbucks menu, the release will launch in stores on August 25.

What’s in the PSL Society Collection? Courtesy of: Starbucks

Courtesy of: Starbucks

The festive collection features drinkware and a hat with an embroidered pumpkin motif. The gorgeous gourd-inspired drop celebrates pumpkin colors, patterns, and textures in cozy beverage tumblers and mugs.

Here are the details of the retail line-up coming to a coffee shop near you:

PSL hat: Wear your love of PSL to your next fall outing with the PSL hat, featuring an embroidered pumpkin and those three little letters that mean fall everywhere. Price: $29.95

Stainless steel orange cold cup: The 16-ounce stainless steel range cold cup features a vibrant orange finish with a pop of purple inspired by the colors of the season. Price: $29.95

PSL ceramic mug: The 12-ounce PSL ceramic mug pairs a warm orange hue with a soft pastel purple handle for an unexpected twist on fall colors. Price: $19.95

Related: Shocking Ozzy Osbourne Bat Moment is now a Wild Theme Park Drink

The collectible selection for fall 2026 highlights the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and complements the new curated additions to the drink menu. Also debuting with the PSL are harvest-season-infused drinks like Chaider, which is a cider-inspired chai, a banana bread-flavored latte and a chai, as well as new pumpkin spice beverages on the lineup. There’s an Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.

Halloween season fans seeking something more spooky will be able to find Haunted Mansion motifs in their Fall Disney collab. The tumblers and on-the-go insulated bottles with the attraction’s wallpaper pattern are available at Disney Parks and through DisneyStore.com.

Courtesy of: Disney Store

Courtesy of: Disney Store

Target is promising internal changes after shoppers said a children’s clown costume sold by the retailer echoed racist imagery with a long and painful history.

In an official statement shared by the company on Monday, August 24, the Minneapolis-based company removed the item and apologized for allowing it into its Halloween collection.

What Sparked the Backlash Against Target’s Halloween Costume?

Sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” the outfit belonged to Hyde and EEK Boutique, Target’s seasonal Halloween brand. Social media users were quick to point out that the design resembled racist caricatures associated with minstrel shows.

The reactions online were swift and unsparing. One user wrote on X: “#Target knew exactly what they were doing. They knew this costume on this Black child looked like racist minstrel imagery. And that’s why we called them on their BS. And now the costume is gone. THIS is why we boycotted them. #boycott”

Another added: “Doubt @Target never would have made the disastrous decision to market a Halloween costume that looks like it’s straight out of the Jim Crow era if Black folks had a seat at the table. Anyway, looks like they pulled it.”

A third wrote: “Yikes! I haven’t even stepped foot into a Target in quite some years but I’m still not stepping foot into a Target. Target has been racist and they’re not being subtle about it.”

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The Guardian reported that the product image showed a Black child modeling a bright orange-and-black top, solid black gloves, and a mask with a wide, toothy smile.

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Target accepted responsibility in a statement published on its corporate website.

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”

Has Target Explained How the Costume Was Approved?

Target has not publicly named the product’s designer or explained how the costume passed its review process. Reuters reported that the company declined to provide further details about the item’s creation or approval.

Instead, the retailer pointed to its pledge to investigate how the product entered its assortment and prevent a similar failure.

Why Does the Controversy Come at a Sensitive Time for Target?

The backlash arrived as Target works to rebuild customer confidence and strengthen its business under CEO Michael Fiddelke. The Associated Press reported on August 19 that Target posted its second consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth following a broad merchandising overhaul.

The retailer has faced other recent scrutiny. Parade previously covered backlash over a Target sweater, a new policy stirring debate and corporate layoffs during its turnaround.

Target has not announced what specific safeguards or review procedures it may introduce following the costume controversy.

In 1971, Jonathan Edwards turned his frustration with the political climate into a song that sounded deceptively sunny.

“Sunshine (Go Away Today),” also widely known as “Sunshine,” paired Edwards’ warm, easygoing delivery with lyrics aimed squarely at authority and disillusionment. The contrast proved irresistible: the folk-rock single became a Billboard hit and ultimately the defining recording of his career.

Remarkably, the song nearly didn’t make his debut album.

Edwards and his band had been working on Jonathan Edwards when an engineer accidentally erased another track during the sessions. Needing a replacement, Edwards pulled out “Sunshine,” a song he had written earlier but hadn’t planned to include on the record. The unexpected addition would soon overshadow everything else on the album.

Its cheerful sound concealed a sharper message.

Written during the Vietnam War era, “Sunshine” reflected Edwards’ anger and unease over the country’s political direction. Rather than deliver those feelings through an aggressive protest song, he wrapped them in acoustic guitar, an inviting melody and a chorus built for singing along. That tension between sound and subject helped give the recording its distinctive character.

“The purpose of writing a song is to successfully portray your thoughts, emotions, love, whatever’s troubling you or making you happy,” Edwards told Syracuse New Times. “If you can do that, engage people in that conversation, that’s the goal.”

Listeners responded quickly.

Released as a single in 1971, “Sunshine” climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1972. It also earned Edwards a gold record, introducing the young singer-songwriter to a national audience at a moment when folk-influenced artists were flourishing on pop radio.

The song proved difficult to escape, and Edwards never really tried to.

“I often say, and it’s true, that if I had never done another song in my life, I’ll be happy to have come and gone with that,” Edwards told Songfacts. “It was an anthem to many people and it helped a lot of people through Vietnam. It helped a lot of people through the drug culture of the last part of the ’60s and the early ’70s. It helped a lot of people cope with a lot of things that were going on during those tumultuous years. And I feel very proud to have done that and very happy with my contribution to our culture.”

Although he continued recording throughout the following decades, exploring folk, country and roots music across a long career, “Sunshine” remained his calling card. Its political undertones also allowed it to retain a relevance that extended beyond the particular moment in which it was written.

“I don’t think ‘Sunshine’ could’ve happened in this climate today,” Edwards told Classic Bands. “I don’t think there’s any way that would’ve reached the kind of audience if I did the same exact thing I did back then, now. I don’t think it would have that level of popularity or impact or meaning to people, or even get heard.”

Fifty-five years later, “Sunshine” still carries the unusual combination that made it stand out in 1971: an effortless, almost joyful sound paired with unmistakable frustration underneath. What began as a last-minute addition to Jonathan Edwards’ debut became a beloved folk-rock hit and the song that has followed him ever since.

Related: 1966 Folk Song, Covered by Rod Stewart, Is Still a Powerful Hit 60 Years Later

More than 20 years after Andie Anderson and Benjamin Barry turned dueling schemes into romance, their story could be heading back to the big screen.

Kate Hudson has signed on to develop and produce a sequel to the 2003 romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Variety reported on Monday, August 24, that Paramount had set up the project. The sequel remains in its early stages, People confirmed on Monday. No plot, writer, director or release date has been announced.

Kate Hudson Is Developing the ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ Sequel

According to the outlet, Hudson, 47, will produce alongside Stacey Sher through Sher’s Shiny Penny Productions. Her return as advice columnist Andie Anderson has not been finalized.

The project follows years of speculation. Hudson previously said she would only consider revisiting Andie and Ben for the right script and creative team.

Matthew McConaughey’s Return as Benjamin Barry Is Not Confirmed

Filmmakers hope Matthew McConaughey, 56, will return as advertising executive Benjamin Barry. However, neither his deal nor Hudson’s acting role is official. Those decisions are expected to depend on the writers Paramount hires and the story they develop.

Hudson and McConaughey’s chemistry powered the original film and 2008’s Fool’s Gold. She has also spoken warmly about working with McConaughey. During a 2023 Instagram Live marking the original film’s 20th anniversary, Hudson reflected on why their onscreen pairing worked.

“[With] respect to our now-partners, we do kiss nicely,” she said. “It was always a very nice kiss.”

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McConaughey pointed to their shared humor and willingness to improvise. “We enjoy going toe-to-toe,” he said.

Where Andie Anderson and Benjamin Barry’s Romance Began

Andie and Ben started out on opposite sides of two secret plans. Andie picked Ben for a magazine story about pushing a boyfriend away in 10 days, while Ben made a bet with his coworkers that he could win any woman’s heart in that same window.

Their competing schemes collided once their staged romance started to feel real.

That setup gave the film some of its most beloved moments, from Andie’s “love fern” to the chaotic couples therapy session and the pair’s blowup during a performance of “You’re So Vain.”

The unfinished plot leaves a major question unanswered: Are Andie and Ben still together more than two decades later?

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If you need more surface space but don’t have room for another bulky piece of furniture, a slim console table can be a game-changer. Right now, the Martha Stewart Shiloh Console Table is $270 at JCPenney with code SPELLING, down from $680. It comes in a dark espresso finish and has a narrow shape. It’s also only available online, and a limited number are left.

The table measures 48 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 34 inches high, so you have plenty of room to spread things out without losing much floor space. It weighs 46 pounds and can hold up to 100 pounds. The frame and top are made from engineered wood, the base includes veneer, and there’s a full lower shelf for extra storage. Assembly is required, but the listed setup time is only 10 minutes.

Martha Stewart Shiloh Console Table, $270 (was $680) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

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One of the best things about the table is how much surface space it gives you without taking up much room. At just 15 inches deep, it can fit into narrower spots, while the 48-inch width still leaves plenty of space for everyday essentials. In an entryway, that could mean keeping keys, mail, a bag, and a lamp in one place instead of letting everything pile up elsewhere, or it could hold chargers, drinks, or a lamp behind a sofa while freeing up your side tables.

One shopper said it “feels so high quality” and is “very sturdy and stable,” while another called it “beautiful,” “super stable,” and “the perfect size.” A third reviewer said it’s “excellent for small spaces.” Other people also mentioned using it as a sideboard and even a TV stand, which says a lot about how versatile the proportions are.

Related: Walmart’s Retro Slatted Accent Cabinet Is Giving Designer Vibes for Just $90

Before ordering, the 48-by-15-inch footprint is worth measuring out on the floor so you know exactly how much wall and walking space it will take up. The 15-inch depth is relatively slim for a console table, which helps in hallways and entryways where every inch counts, but the 48-inch width is wider. It’s also 34 inches high, so be sure to check nearby outlets, windows, or wall decor if you already know where you want to put it.

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• Safavieh Samantha 2-Drawer Console Table, $198 (was $430) at JCPenney
• Convenience Concepts Zoe Console Table, $126 (was $307) at JCPenney
• Signature Design by Ashley Johnelle Console Table, $549 (was $900) at JCPenney

The Martha Stewart Shiloh Console Table is a great find for someone who wants extra surface and storage space without investing in a pricey piece of furniture. If you’ve measured your space and the dimensions work, now is the perfect time to snag this gorgeous table at JCPenney before it sells out.

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In the 1940s, supply demands for World War II led to serious food shortages and rationing, impacting people all across the U.S. In response, American home chefs had to get creative in the kitchen—but that doesn’t mean comfort food was off the table. In fact, the 1940s gave rise to a number of hearty and cozy meals, many of which are still popular today.

​To learn more about some of the most comforting old-fashioned meals from the ’40s, we spoke with Alicia Shevetone, a Las-Vegas based chef, cookbook author and the founder of the nonprofit cookbook library Nice Nice Bite, the recipe brand and blog Dink Cuisine and the seasoning company Distilled Spices.

Though Shevetone didn’t live through the 1940s, her grandmother did—and she passed down many recipes from that era to her children and grandchildren. And as a professional chef, Shevetone still loves to make some of those recipes today. Keep reading to learn all about three of her favorite old-fashioned comfort meals from over 80 years ago, as well as how to make them.

Related: 70 Years Later, This Iconic Dessert Is Still a Family Favorite, According to a Celebrity Chef

Food Rationing in the 1940s Forced Home Chefs To Get Creative

In response to World War II, in January 1942, the U.S. government began rationing a number of products, or limiting the amounts that consumers could purchase, per the National World War II Museum.

Over the next few years, Americans would see restrictions on a number of necessities including gasolines, bicycles, cars, tires and nylon products. However, the rations that impacted Americans the most were food rations, which began in May 1942.

The first foods to land on the U.S. rationing list were sugar and coffee, followed by various meat, fish and dairy products the next year. And although vegetables were never officially rationed, the U.S. government encouraged citizens to grow their own veggies in “victory gardens” to reduce reliance on industrially-grown crops, which were in high demand by the military.

Though the limited access to certain foods was undoubtedly frustrating for Americans in the 1940s, home chefs made do with what they had. And with meat, fish, dairy and vegetables in short supply, Americans often turned to vegetarian and vegan meals based around pantry staples.

Related: These 44 Meatless and Dairy-Free Casserole Recipes Will Complete Your Vegan Dinner Goal Dreams

3 Best 1940s ‘Comfort Food’ Meals, According to a Professional Chef

Here are three of Shevetone’s favorite old-fashioned meals from the 1940s, along with her recipes for making them.

1. Mother’s soup

MSPhotographic / Getty Images

The first dish Shevetone recommends is a vegetable and lima bean-based soup similar to minestrone soup, which she calls “mother’s soup.”

“This hearty soup comes straight from my grandmother’s 1940s kitchen,” Shevetone tells Parade, adding that to her, this dish evokes “nostalgic America.”

To make enough mother’s soup to serve four to six people, here’s what you need:

• 1 lb dry lima beans
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp dried tarragon
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp ground sage
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced onion
• ¾ cup marinara sauce
• Salt to taste

And here’s how to make it, according to Shevetone:

1. Soak dry lima beans overnight. In the morning, slip off the lima bean skins.
2. Add the beans to a soup pot and cover with about 2 inches of vegetable stock.
3. Season with dried thyme, tarragon, oregano, sage, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
4. Simmer the beans over medium-low heat for an hour.
5. Add diced zucchini, carrots, onions and marinara sauce.
6. Cook for another hour, until the vegetables are tender and the lima beans are mostly dissolved — the world’s most underrated thickener.
7. Add salt to taste.

Related: The Greek Way To Make Potatoes 10x Better This Summer

2. Bean salad

PGoodie76 / Getty Images

“In the late 1940s, pre-cooked tinned beans grew in popularity,” says Shevetone. This gave “rise to a dish many of us have enjoyed at potlucks and holiday dinner tables ever since: three bean salad, traditionally featuring chickpeas, red kidney beans and green beans.”

That said, Shevetone’s family’s version of this dish was more of a two bean salad. “I’m not sure what my family had against canned green beans,” she jokes. “We kept our version to red kidney beans and chickpeas.”

For Shevetone’s 1940s bean salad, here’s what you need:

• 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup minced curly parsley, finely chopped
• Minced scallion to taste
• A “fairly acidic” red wine vinaigrette
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (“The best extra virgin olive oil you can find”)
• 3 Tbsp diced pimentos
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

To make it, simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

“As with so many dishes of this era, it tastes even better the next day,” Shevetone adds.

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3. Corn pone

from_my_point_of_view / Getty Images

In case you aren’t familiar, corn pone is similar to cornbread—the main differences are that corn pone is made with much simpler ingredients than cornbread, and corn pone is fried in a skillet rather than baked. It’s also similar to arepas, though arepas are typically served with various fillings, while corn pone is usually served plain.

Shevetone tells Parade that the “humble dish” was a “staple on American tables throughout the South in the 1940s.”

Related: I Made Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone Recipe—and Now I Finally Understand the Hype

To make corn pone, all you need is four ingredients, according to Shevetone:

• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ cups boiling water
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

And here’s how to make it:

1. Mix cornmeal, salt and 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil in a large bowl.
2. Gradually stir in the boiling water until a thick, scoopable dough forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the mixture into 12 balls and shape into oval pieces about a half-inch thick.
4. Heat remaining 3 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the corn pones in batches, for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Serve warm.

Shevetone is a huge fan of this dish, explaining that it’s “rustic, inexpensive and filling.”

“Their crisp exterior will draw you in like a tractor beam, while their tender, warm center will compel you to close your eyes, nod and savor their abject simplicity,” she says.

Up Next:

Related: The Best Way To Make Greek Pasta Salad, According to a Professional Chef

Sources:

• ​Alicia Shevetone, chef and cookbook author.
• Rationing. National World War II Museum.

Richard Lloyd —  the beloved guitarist for the rock band Television — revealed he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile-duct cancer.

According to a GoFundMe set up in his honor, the 74-year-old received his diagnosis in March and is battling tumors on his liver.

“Because of its location, doctors cannot safely operate to remove it at this time,” the fundraiser noted. “He has been in the ICU seven times, dealing with serious complications including sepsis twice, as well as complications involving his liver and kidneys. And through all of this, he’s fighting.”

Richard’s wife, Sheila, has stepped up as his primary caregiver. However, the financial strain of being unable to tour amid “crushing medical expenses,” has added even more stress to the musician.

“I am usually a pretty upbeat person and I am taking this in stride, but it has become very difficult on our own and financially we are strapped,” Lloyd shared. “That’s why I’m asking for your help. If you can see your way clear to make a donation please do that. Otherwise, please pass it around to your friends that might help and people that know me.”

Lloyd — along with Billy Ficca, Tom Verlaine, and Richard Hell — founded the band in New York City in 1973. The band broke up in 1978 after the release of their sophomore album. They would reunite in the decades that followed, including with their third album in the 1990s, but officially disband in 2023 after the death of frontman Verlaine.

Lloyd’s fundraiser aims to raise $80,000 to help with his medical bills. As of publication, the total is nearly $60,000.

When Robyn released “Dancing On My Own” in 2010, she created a song about heartbreak that actually made people want to dance. The song tells a very relatable breakup tale of a woman watching her former partner dance with someone else while she remains alone on the dance floor. The contrast between the pained lyrics and euphoric production created a song that would eventually help define the term “sad banger.”

Thanks to artists like Gracie Abrams, Harry Styles and Kelly Clarkson, as well as social media trends, Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” has reached a new generation of fans. “Dancing On My Own” is the rare pop song whose cultural impact has grown with time.

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A recent performance of the song left Robyn completely overwhelmed, a reminder of the affinity an entirely new generation of music lovers has for the pop classic.

At a recent stop on her Sexestential tour, Robyn, 47, can be seen mid-performance, delighting fans with “Dancing On My Own.” That’s when the audience takes over, serenading Robyn with her own hit. Word for word, line by line, fans did not miss a beat of the iconic anthem.

Robyn didn’t join them. She let her fans become the stars of the show. Overwhelmed, she took in the audience’s vocal performance, at a few points overcome with emotion, joy and surprise.

It’s clear from the fan response that “Dancing On My Own” hits deeply with fans. This isn’t just a popular pop song about heartbreak. It’s the rare breakup tune whose narrator keeps going—or, in this case, keeps dancing. Even if she’s dancing alone.

Related: The Killers’ 22-Year-Old Hit Spent 512 Weeks on the UK Chart and Still Gives Its Singer Chills

“Dancing On My Own” Became a Slow-Burning Hit

Interestingly, “Dancing On My Own” wasn’t initially a massive American chart hit. The song actually became a slow-burning hit, one that other artists covered and new generations of listeners continued to discover.

“Dancing On My Own” has been covered by Calum Scott and Kelly Clarkson, who helped introduce the song to new fans. But pop star Gracie Abrams may have had the biggest influence on the song’s trajectory.

Gracie Abrams is known for her love of various pop and rock legends, from The Cure to Robyn, even calling “Dancing On My Own” her favorite song. At Lollapalooza in 2022, she first performed a cover of the song. Returning to the festival in 2025, she brought Robyn onstage for a surprise duet of the song, creating a full-circle moment for Abrams and for Robyn.

Robyn Found a New Generation of Fans @lollapalooza

Full circle moment 🫶 #gracieabrams #lollapalooza

♬ original sound – Lollapalooza

Since then, Robyn has seen a career resurgence, opening for Harry Styles and headlining her own summer tour.

“Dancing On My Own” became her signature hit. The song about loneliness, heartbreak and the resilience to overcome the loss of love has become an enduring anthem whose popularity only grows with time.

That staying power is part of what makes the song so special. The heartbreak at its center is timeless, but the production never makes the sadness feel completely hopeless. There is still something liberating about dancing through the pain.

“Dancing On My Own” Belongs to Everyone Now

Robyn sang a song about the isolation of being alone on the dance floor. Fifteen years later, it’s impossible for her to sing it alone, a reminder that “Dancing On My Own” is one of those songs that resonates so deeply that it no longer belongs solely to the artist.

This song belongs to the world now.

Judging by Robyn’s reaction to being serenaded by her fans, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Related: 1977 Hit With an Uncredited Joe Walsh Guitar Solo Became an Andy Gibb No. 1 Hit

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Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals wailing about the rush of falling in love soundtracked the summer of 1987. “Alone,” Heart’s second consecutive No. 1, spent a total of 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, including three back-to-back weeks in the top spot. Nearly four decades later, Classic Pop magazine has crowned it the greatest power ballad of the 1980s.

But the outlet goes further than simply calling the song a great ballad, expressing that the band “perfected” the power ballad with a “tour-de-force” banger.

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“While Bonnie Tyler had pioneered the ’80s power ballad, Heart perfected it,” the publication wrote, adding, “It’s a tour-de-force unmatched by any power balladeer since.”

Released in May 1987, the song features Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals, with sister Nancy Wilson on guitar and the song’s co-writer Kelly providing high-harmony backing vocals. The song opens with haunting piano and synth sounds, then erupts into a massive, stadium-filling hard-rock anthem. And like many of Heart’s hits, “Alone” has a fascinating backstory.

Originally written and recorded by songwriting duo Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, “Alone” started its life with a completely different band. i-Ten, the short-lived hard-rock outfit composed of Kelly and Steinberg, included the track on their 1983 one-and-only studio album, Taking a Cold Look, but the album sank without a peep.

Making another pitstop on the CBS sitcom Dreams, “Alone” was performed by Valerie Stevenson and John Stamos. That version was released as a single, but again didn’t chart or sell particularly well.

After i-Ten’s album flopped, Steinberg said he put the songs “in a drawer and forgot about them,” Louder shared. But by 1987, the songwriting duo had become hot commodities, thanks in part to hits including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.” When Heart needed a power ballad, Kelly suggested they revisit “Alone.”

“‘Alone’ is a particularly strong song that could have been recorded at any time over the decades,” Nancy Wilson told Guitar World. “I guess we were a little jealous, though, because we didn’t write [it] ourselves. [Laughs]”

Featured on Heart’s ninth studio album, Bad Animals, the song was their lead single and a Billboard chart smash. It debuted on the Hot 100 at No. 53 before climbing to No. 1, where it stayed for three consecutive weeks in July and remained in the Top 40 for most of the summer.

In fact, on this day in 1987, “Alone” was still at No. 29, six weeks after reaching No. 1. Not to mention, the hit helped propel its parent album to No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

According to Classic Pop, the glory days of Heart were considered over before the band’s mid-’80s comeback, but “Alone” proved otherwise. It became one of two consecutive monster hits and turned Heart’s reinvention into a massive success.

“There are still songs we love to perform from that era, like ‘Alone,’” Nancy Wilson said, via Louder. “Although when we do it now, we take the wedding-cake production out of it.”

Related: 1983 Ballad, Which Turned the Actors From ‘One Big Blow’ Into a No. 1 Band, Is Just as Powerful 43 Years Later 

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If you’re looking for a tablet mostly for streaming, reading, browsing, shopping, and checking email, you probably don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on one. A budget-friendly 2-in-1 tablet can handle all those everyday tasks without making you pay for high-end features you may never use. 

Right now, Walmart is selling the Blackview Android 15 Tablet for $90, down from $100. It’s an affordable pick for anyone who wants a reliable device for everyday use. The best part is that it’s not just a tablet. It comes with a stylus and a keyboard, so you can switch to a laptop-style setup when you need to type up documents, answer emails or handle anything that’s easier with a physical keyboard. One Walmart shopper called it “good for everyday use” and “worth the price.” 

Blackview Android 15 Tablet, $90 (was $100) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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With its roomy 10.1-inch display, the tablet is well-suited for both work and downtime, from watching your favorite shows to joining video chats and browsing the web. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to take along for travel, commutes, or days when you want a screen that’s bigger than your phone. 

One shopper called it an “awesome cruise mate” and praised its expanded memory for downloading movies and catching up on shows while relaxing in their cabin. They also gave the tablet a thumbs-up for its “good battery life.” 

It has 128GB of built-in storage for apps, photos, videos and files, and you can add up to 2TB more with a microSD card if you need extra space. The tablet also has front and rear cameras for video calls and photos.

Additionally, the tech has Google’s Gemini AI built in, which can help with things like translating text, summarizing articles and planning your schedule.

A 6,000mAh battery keeps it running all day, and built-in stereo speakers make it easy to stream shows, watch videos or listen to music. The tablet also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can get online and connect wireless accessories like earbuds or a keyboard.

The tablet comes in two color options: black and gray. The black version is currently on sale for $89, while the gray option is priced at $100, so you’ll score a great price no matter what. 

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Related: Adidas’ Nurse-Approved Sneakers Are ‘Light’ and ‘Comfortable’ for Long Days on Your Feet, Now 40% Off

If you’re after a simple tablet for less, the Blackview Android 15 Tablet is a solid buy at just $90. Head to Walmart and snag one while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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If you’re the kind of Papa Johns fan who immediately reaches for the pepperoncini or considers that little cup of garlic sauce an essential part of the pizza experience, breakfast is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Papa Johns is teaming up with cult-favorite PopUp Bagels for a limited-time collaboration that takes two of the pizza chain’s most recognizable flavors and gives them a decidedly breakfast-friendly makeover.

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The three-week collaboration rolls out in two parts, beginning August 27, and both flavors sound like they were practically made for PopUp Bagels’ signature “Grip, Rip and Dip” approach to eating bagels.

So, which Papa Johns favorites are making the jump from pizza night to morning breakfast? If you’ve ever found yourself wishing there were more of those little extras in the box, you can probably guess where this is going.

What Are the New Papa Johns x PopUp Bagels Flavors?

Papa Johns

First up is the Pepperoncini Schmear, which launches Aug. 27. Inspired by the single pepperoncini pepper that comes tucked inside every Papa Johns pizza box. The cream cheese combines pickle-like tang and a little punch of heat with a rich, creamy base. In other words, if you’re someone who thinks one pepperoncini in the box is never enough, this one has your name all over it.

Then, on Sept. 3, things get garlicky.

The Special Garlic Sauce Butter takes inspiration from that familiar cup of buttery garlic sauce that has accompanied countless slices of Papa Johns pizza. The new schmear transforms those savory, garlicky flavors into a rich butter designed for dipping pieces of warm bagel.

“Few menu items inspire the kind of loyalty and love that our Special Garlic Sauce and signature pepperoncini do,” said Shivram Vaideeswaran, senior vice president of brand marketing at Papa Johns, in a statement.

Hard to argue with that. After all, plenty of pizza chains can deliver pepperoni and cheese. It’s the pepperoncini and that unmistakable garlic sauce that immediately tell you there’s a Papa Johns box on the table.

Related: Whatever Happened to McDonald’s Pizza? The 1990s Menu Item Fans Still Can’t Stop Talking About

Where Can You Try the Papa Johns PopUp Bagels Schmears? View this post on Instagram

Both limited-edition schmears will be available at PopUp Bagels locations while supplies last. PopUp Bagels is already teasing the Pepperoncini Cream Cheese on its homepage, where it’s listed as an upcoming Aug. 27 release.

There’s also an extra perk for fans in Papa Johns’ hometown of Atlanta. On Sept. 3, PopUp Bagels will take over a Papa Johns restaurant for a one-day event featuring complimentary bagels and the limited-edition schmears on a first-come, first-served basis. Papa Rewards members in the area will receive details about the participating location and timing through the Papa Johns app.

The collaboration only lasts three weeks, so this isn’t a permanent breakfast menu makeover. But if you’ve ever looked at a warm bagel and thought, You know what this needs? Papa Johns garlic sauce, your oddly specific moment has finally arrived.

Related: I Made the Retro School Cafeteria Pizza We All Remember—Here’s Why It Still Holds Up

Despite being 40 years old, Bon Jovi‘s 1986 power ballad hit, “Never Say Goodbye,” is still receiving some recognition. The tune, off the band’s third album, Slippery When Wet, was recently featured on American Songwriter‘s list of “3 Power Ballad Songs From the 1980s That Turned Shredding Heartbreak Into Radio Gold.” The other tracks included in the ranking, published in August 2026, are REO Speedwagon‘s “Keep On Loving You” from 1980 and “What About Love” by Heart, released in 1985.

According to American Songwriter, “Never Say Goodbye” is surprisingly poignant, as the narrator reminisces about a romance he’s desperate to hold onto, indicating the relationship is ending. The publication also reported that the song, while beloved, didn’t reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

That being said, two songs from Slippery When Wet, “You Give Love A Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” did secure the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 spot.

Jon Bon Jovi Discussed Wanting to Create Radio Hits When Recording ‘Slippery When Wet’

In a 2021 interview on Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, Jon Bon Jovi, who co-wrote “Never Say Goodbye” with his bandmate Richie Sambora, explained that the band wanted to create radio hits when recording Slippery When Wet.

“We thought we had a really good record, but at the time, and you’re gauging this against the radio, it was like, if we could have something as anthemic as Robert Palmer had that big hit that year, ‘Addicted to Life,'” said Bon Jovi, now 64.

He went on to say that he “started thinking about anthems that work in an audience” based on the tours he and his bandmates had been on since the debut of their first album, 1984’s Bon Jovi.

“You’re thinking, I need these things called anthems, I need this, and so we started thinking like that, and then we started writing differently,” explained the musician in the 2021 interview.

He also said that “Livin’ on a Prayer,” arguably the biggest song off Slippery When Wet, “came from nowhere.” In addition, he said he didn’t think the hit would have much of an impact.

“None of us had an idea the day we walked in a room. We came out with it finished, and I swear, I told Richie, ‘Ah, it’s okay,'” said Bon Jovi.

According to Bon Jovi, Sambora told him he was “crazy” for not thinking highly of the song.

“And he was right,” conceded Bon Jovi during the Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt interview.

Some songs cannot be contained to one generation.

Such is the case with “Angel of the Morning,” the sweeping ballad written by legendary songwriter Chip Taylor that first became a major hit for Merrilee Rush in 1968, only to come roaring back more than a decade later in the unmistakable voice of Juice Newton.

Taylor, who also penned the raw and raucous 1960s rock classic “Wild Thing,” wrote “Angel of the Morning” in 1967 after hearing the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” on the radio one day while driving into New York. He was inspired to write something that would capture the kind of passion he heard in the Rolling Stones performance.

He later looked back on the morning he wrote “Angel in the Morning” in an interview with American Songwriter.

“I could send myself right back to the day that I wrote ‘Angel Of The Morning,’ how it felt,” reflected Taylor. “I had a buzz through me that morning that was so powerful. I knew I had done something that meant something, because of that feeling. It wasn’t a question of whether other people liked it … I loved it.”

But it would be years before Taylor recorded the song himself. He first set about offering his new gem to other current artists.

The first was Connie Frances who reportedly passed on the song because of its frank and daring portrayal of a one-night romantic encounter that was deemed too risqué for her image. For Taylor, it was a love song of the ages.

“To me, it had to be one of the most important love stories of all time,” he said. “It’s people in the war zone who may never see each other again. They are going to have this night together and they will love each other throughout eternity together, but because of some massive problem, they may never see each other after that night.”

Next was Evie Sands and she was not afraid of the subject matter. Sands was the first to record the song in 1967. However, problems at her record label prevented the single from receiving the promotion it needed to become a hit.

But it was Merrilee Rush who put the stellar song on the map.

Rush recorded “Angel of the Morning” at American Sound Studio in Memphis in early 1968. Released that February, her soaring rendition climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately earned the singer a Grammy nomination. The record would go on to sell more than a million copies.

And, remarkably, that was just the beginning.

Over the years, “Angel of the Morning” was recorded by an impressive assortment of artists, including Dusty Springfield, P.P. Arnold and Olivia Newton-John. Then, in 1981, country-pop singer Juice Newton released the version that would introduce Taylor’s song to an entirely new generation and turn it into a global sensation.

Newton’s fresh, lush, dramatic recording appeared on her breakthrough album Juice and climbed all the way to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts.

With Newton’s powerful vocal building toward its unforgettable chorus, the song fit perfectly into the country-pop crossover sound of the early 1980s and became one of the singer’s signature hits. For many coming of age at the time, the melody is emblazoned on their minds and hearts and is as familiar as Skippy Peanut Butter.

Since Newton made the song a household name in the 80s, “Angel in the Morning” has been recorded by respected artists from Shaggy to The Pretenders and has appeared on the soundtracks of multiple tv shows and films. Taylor released his own lilting country pop-rock version of the song in 1972, which rings sincere and true as sung in the pure voice of the creator himself.

The songwriter’s first instincts were right. He had written a song that meant something…no one could have known at the time just how big that ‘something’ would become.

More than half a century after Merrilee Rush first sent it soaring up the charts, “Angel of the Morning” remains one of those rare songs capable of finding new listeners, and new voices, generation after generation.

Related: 1966 Folk Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer From Texas, Became a Major Hit

One of Hollywood’s most famous monsters might have looked very different if the movie’s original plans had stayed intact.

Frankenstein, the landmark 1931 horror film from Universal Pictures, began filming on Aug. 24, 1931 95 years ago today. But before Boris Karloff became synonymous with the Monster, another legendary horror star was attached to the role.

Bela Lugosi, who had become a major star after playing Count Dracula in Universal’s 1931 hit Dracula, was initially slated to play the Monster in Frankenstein. Contemporary reports even described Lugosi as preparing for the part and undergoing makeup tests.

The casting made sense on paper. Dracula had been a major success, and Lugosi was already established as one of Hollywood’s go-to actors for horror. Universal was reportedly eager to capitalize on his popularity by putting him at the center of another monster movie.

But the version of the Monster Lugosi was originally being asked to play was not necessarily the character audiences know today.

Bela Lugosi Was Originally Set to Play the Monster

The early version of Frankenstein took a darker, more straightforward approach to the creature.

Director Robert Florey had been developing the project before James Whale took over. Florey’s version reportedly envisioned the Monster as a more brutal, nearly mindless killing machine, with considerably less of the sympathetic quality that would become central to Karloff’s performance.

Lugosi was not enthusiastic about that interpretation, or about the idea of spending much of the movie hidden beneath heavy makeup with very little dialogue.

There are competing accounts of exactly why Lugosi left the project. Some histories say he rejected the role, while others indicate that Whale’s arrival changed the situation and that Lugosi was removed from the production along with Florey.

Either way, the project was about to undergo a major transformation.

Universal hired Whale after his success with Journey’s End, and the director chose Frankenstein from the studio’s available projects. Whale subsequently revised the material and took the movie in a different creative direction.

That included changing the way audiences would see the Monster.

Rather than simply presenting him as a terrifying killing machine, Whale’s film gave the character moments of confusion, vulnerability and even innocence. The Monster’s encounter with the little girl at the lake, for example, became one of the film’s most memorable and disturbing sequences.

Then Boris Karloff Entered the Picture

With Lugosi out, Whale turned to Karloff, a 43-year-old character actor who had spent years working in supporting roles.

Karloff had recently appeared in The Criminal Code, and his performance reportedly caught Whale’s attention. Another account credits producer David Lewis with suggesting Karloff to the director after seeing the actor’s work. Either way, Karloff ultimately tested for the role and won it.

The decision changed movie history.

Karloff worked closely with Universal makeup artist Jack Pierce, who had also helped create Lugosi’s famous Dracula look. Pierce spent months researching the Monster before developing the makeup that would become one of the most recognizable faces in film history.

Karloff’s physical transformation was considerable. His costume and boots made him appear roughly 7 feet 6 inches tall, and the cumbersome footwear weighed about 30 pounds. The makeup application reportedly took around five hours, followed by another two hours to remove it.

The result was a Monster that was frightening, but also strangely vulnerable.

That distinction became one of the reasons the movie endured.

Released in November 1931, Frankenstein became one of Universal’s defining horror films and helped establish Karloff as one of the era’s great screen monsters.

Karloff would reprise the role in Bride of Frankenstein and Son of Frankenstein, cementing his association with the character. The familiar image of Frankenstein’s Monster, with the flat head, neck bolts and lumbering walk, became inseparable from Karloff’s performance and Pierce’s makeup.

Ninety-five years after filming began, it’s difficult to imagine Frankenstein any other way.

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