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Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” has become one of the most famous songs in blues history, even though the original recording was made in a small hotel room in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936.

The song, also known as “Crossroads,” was recorded by Johnson during his third recording session at the Gunter Hotel on Nov. 27, 1936, per Texas Public Radio. Nearly nine decades later, it remains a major part of the blues tradition and has influenced generations of musicians.

Johnson recorded the song alone, using his voice and acoustic slide guitar. At the time, he was a traveling blues musician with limited public recognition. The original version was released in 1937 and was mainly heard around the Mississippi Delta.

In 1961, a different take of “Cross Road Blues” appeared on King of the Delta Blues Singers, an album that introduced Johnson’s music to a much wider audience. The release helped bring his work to a new generation of listeners and musicians.

The song later became even more widely known through the rock version recorded by Cream, the British group featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Their version, titled “Crossroads,” became one of the group’s best-known songs.

Johnson traveled to San Antonio after being recommended to record for ARC Records. Over three days, from Nov. 23 to 27, 1936, he recorded 22 songs.

The recording sessions took place in an improvised studio inside Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel. Producer Don Law supervised the session.

“Cross Road Blues” was recorded during Johnson’s final session in San Antonio. Two takes were recorded that day.

The first take was released as a single in May 1937, with “Ramblin’ on My Mind” on the other side. It was one of 11 singles released during Johnson’s lifetime.

There are no known sales figures for the original record, but the song was widely heard in the Mississippi Delta. Johnson’s records could also be found in jukeboxes in the region.

The second take had a different journey. It was released in 1961 on King of the Delta Blues Singers. That album became important to the growing American folk music revival and helped Johnson’s music reach listeners far beyond the region where he had performed.

The album sold around 12,000 copies. Much later, Johnson’s recordings were collected on The Complete Recordings, which sold more than one million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 1991.

Much of the mystery surrounding “Cross Road Blues” comes from its lyrics and Johnson’s own life story.

The song describes a man standing at a crossroads and asking for help. As darkness approaches, he worries about being stranded and calls for his friend Willie Brown to be told that he is “sinkin’ down.”

The lyrics do not mention Satan or a deal with the Devil. Still, a long-running legend connected Johnson with the idea of selling his soul at a crossroads in exchange for extraordinary musical talent.

That story became part of the mythology surrounding Johnson, especially because people who knew him remembered a dramatic improvement in his guitar playing. Later research offered a more ordinary explanation: According to uDiscover Music, Johnson may simply have spent years practicing and learning from other musicians, including Son House and guitarist Ike Zimmerman.

The song’s influence became much larger in the 1960s.

Cream, with Eric Clapton on guitar, recorded its own interpretation of “Crossroads.” The group transformed Johnson’s acoustic blues into a powerful blues-rock performance with electric guitar, bass and drums.

Cream’s version appeared on the 1968 album Wheels of Fire. After the group broke up, the recording was released as a single in January 1969. It reached No. 28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Cross Road Blues” has since been recorded by several artists, including Elmore James, Homesick James and Rush. It has also been performed by blues and rock musicians in different settings over the years.

The song’s influence has been recognized by major music institutions. Johnson’s original recording entered the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.

Rolling Stone ranked “Cross Road Blues” No. 481 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The magazine also ranked Cream’s version No. 3 on its list of the greatest guitar songs.

In June 2026, CBS News included the song among its 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years.

Johnson’s own career was brief. His recording career lasted only months, and he died in 1938 at age 27. Yet his small body of recorded work became a major influence on later musicians.

Related: 1971 Power Ballad by Harry Nilsson, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs’ of All Time, Is Still a Big Hit 55 Years Later

By September 1990, The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” broke free. Once archived among the greatest ballads of the ’60s and relegated to coin-operated play on jukeboxes, the legendary recording suddenly found a new audience and was back on the Billboard Hot 100.

Why? Because of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the Oscar-winning film Ghost, of course.

Released earlier that year in July, Ghost was a smash. Loved by both fans and critics, Jerry Zucker’s supernatural romance-thriller hybrid became an unexpected sleeper hit and the highest-grossing film worldwide that year. Much of its success is attributed to its talented cast—Moore, Swayze, and Tony Goldwyn—but even more so to Whoopi Goldberg, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as psychic Oda Mae Brown.

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Perhaps the film’s greatest contribution to pop culture history, however, is its famous pottery scene. Highly sensual and absolutely unforgettable, the movie moment begins with a quiet, late-night case of insomnia. Moore’s Molly can’t sleep, so she relaxes by shaping some clay instead. When Swayze’s Sam awakes and learns she’s up, he joins her.

Before he takes a seat behind her, their jukebox cues up and plays The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 ballad. As the song’s acoustic guitar chords begin to play, Sam joins Molly at the wheel, where she then runs his hands with hers through wet clay. The playful scene gradually turns deeply romantic, cinematic, and decidedly no longer PG. ​

“We played off each other and really made up the scene as we went along,” Swayze later wrote in his memoir The Time of My Life. “It was pretty sexy playing in all that clay, so all we had to do was go with it, let our imaginations run wild and then touch each other’s arms for the sparks to fly.”

According to Vanity Fair, screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin recalled that the film originally included a more traditional scripted lovemaking scene. But after the filmmakers watched the pottery-scene dailies—and saw how intense and erotic they were—they pivoted.

Their instinct was right. The scene was so remarkable it resurrected a 25-year-old recording.

Following its original charting, which resulted in an impressive No. 4 peak, “Unchained Melody” saw a massive resurgence, re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 78 on Aug. 25, 1990, before climbing to a secondary peak of No. 13 that fall.

Bizarrely, a newly re-recorded version by the classic duo also charted. For eight weeks, both versions were on the Hot 100 simultaneously, making The Righteous Brothers the first act to place two versions of the same song in the Top 20 at the same time.

But the song’s second life is about more than chart history.

In the years that followed, “Unchained Melody” became impossible to separate from one of cinema’s most famous romantic moments. That legacy earned the song a spot on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest American movie songs ever—a fitting afterlife for a song featured in a movie about the afterlife.

Related: ’60s Rock Legends Announce New Live Album, ‘Unbound and Dangerous,’ 56 Years After Their Final Tour

Rosie O’Donnell is standing up for and standing with a group of Epstein survivors. The actress recently posted a video on Instagram featuring the group of women singing Helly Reddy’s iconic 1971 feminist empowerment anthem, and she wants people everywhere to take her cue.

O’Donnell starts the clip by saying to the other women, “Thank you all for coming. We have a couple of hours. I was thinking we’ll each hold hands and lift our hands up together.”

She continues, “I know it’s been very hard for you. And with very little support. And I’m sorry that our country is so f***ed up that this is what you have to live through. Because you are all heroes and you’re going to change how the world deals with child sex abuse.”

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The actress and advocate also added a poignant caption to the clip, writing, “After the corrupt AG (Trump’s former personal lawyer) implied that he did not believe men accused of sex abuse would be charged as a result of the evidence in the Epstein files – despite mountains of evidence, I called some Epstein survivors, asked them to sing with me.”

The video features the classic tune that O’Donnell describes as: “A powerful Helen Reddy song that taught me at 10 years old to use my voice” and a call to, “Show ur support for abuse survivors…repost – duet – make ur own video. Sing I AM WOMAN.”

After an inspirational rendition of Reddy’s hit, O’Donnell shares photos of the women in their younger years and the words “Support survivors. The Epstein Files.”

Comments, stories, and applause poured in to the post, with commenters writing meaningful messages to O’Donnell and the survivors she featured in the video. 

“Thank you, Rosie for always having the courage to speak out. As a SA survivor myself, I know how important using our voice is!” wrote one fan. 

Others added, “We knew when we lost Dolly the world was dimmer and I know we all wonder who is going to keep that light going. We have an answer folks and it’s @rosie”, “Thank you Rosie so much for this…I think in my mind the biggest disappointment was not the men, it was the women that should have been supporting other women and really children as many were at the time…this made me cry, I support you all,” and “Rosie! OMG, I have such chills from this. Helen Reddy’s anthem! I felt like she was right there singing with you all. The strength of these women is stunning.”

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Shopping for a home security system often starts with a simple goal: You want to feel safer at home and more comfortable when you’re away. Then, things get complicated.

Suddenly, you’re comparing door sensors, cameras, monitoring plans, installation fees and subscription tiers. One company emphasizes low-cost DIY equipment. Another promises an easy setup with no long-term monitoring commitment, or offers to send a professional to your home, evaluate the property and install a customized system.

That makes comparing ADT vs. SimpliSafe—and increasingly Ring Alarm—more complicated than simply asking which company has the lowest monthly price. All three offer viable home security options. But they are built around different priorities.

For homeowners who want a low-cost system they can install and manage themselves, SimpliSafe and Ring are strong contenders. For homeowners who would rather have a professional evaluate the property, install the system and provide 24/7 monitoring afterward, ADT is the option to look at first. Here’s why.

Want professional help figuring out what your home needs? ADT offers a free in-home consultation and a customized quote before you commit to a system.

ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm: Which Is Best?

ADT is the strongest overall choice for homeowners who want professionally designed, installed and monitored home security. SimpliSafe is especially attractive for DIY security without long-term monitoring contracts, while Ring Alarm offers low-cost monitoring and works particularly well for homeowners already using Ring cameras.

Feature

ADT

SimpliSafe

Ring Alarm

Best for

Professional, whole-home security

DIY flexibility

Budget-focused

DIY installation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Professional installation

Yes

Optional

Optional

24/7 professional monitoring

Yes

Yes

Yes

Long-term agreement

Often required with professional installation

No long-term monitoring contract

No traditional long-term monitoring contract

Camera ecosystem

Google Nest integration

SimpliSafe cameras

Extensive Ring lineup

Smart-home integration

Strong

More limited

Strong

Biggest advantage

Professional design, installation and monitoring

Flexibility

Price and Ring integration

The biggest difference isn’t necessarily the hardware. It’s how much of the security planning you want to handle yourself.

With SimpliSafe or Ring, DIY setup is a major part of the appeal. With ADT, homeowners can instead schedule a free in-home consultation and receive recommendations based on the property’s layout.

What Should You Look for in a Home Security System?

Homeowners should look beyond the advertised starter-kit price. Compare entry-point coverage, cameras, professional monitoring, cellular and battery backup, installation quality, smart-home compatibility and what happens when an alarm is triggered.

A starter kit doesn’t know how your house is laid out. For example, a small ranch with two exterior doors has very different needs than a two-story suburban home with an attached garage, rear patio and numerous first-floor windows.

Before shopping, walk around your house and look at:

• Front, rear and side doors
• Garage entrances
• Accessible windows
• Sliding glass doors
• Basement entrances
• Areas hidden by fences or landscaping
• Places where exterior cameras may be useful

You may also want smoke, carbon monoxide or water-leak detection. This is one place where ADT’s approach has an advantage. Instead of determining everything yourself, homeowners can have an ADT representative evaluate the property and recommend a customized setup.

Why Does ADT Stand Out From SimpliSafe and Ring?

ADT’s biggest advantage is its full-service approach. Homeowners can combine professional system design, professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, cellular backup and compatible smart-home devices within a single security ecosystem.

SimpliSafe and Ring have plenty of useful features and can cost less. But ADT offers something totally different.

They’re not simply selling a box of sensors. Instead, ADT provides homeowners with the option to hand much of the planning and installation process to someone else.

Professional Security Planning

Imagine a typical suburban home with several doors, a garage, numerous accessible windows and a backyard. How many entry sensors do you need? Where should cameras go? Would a motion detector cover several windows more efficiently? And should the garage be monitored separately?

Those questions don’t have one universal answer.

ADT’s in-home consultation allows homeowners to walk through those decisions with a security professional instead of designing the entire system alone.

Professional Installation

DIY installation isn’t necessarily difficult, particularly in a smaller home. But complexity increases quickly once multiple cameras, locks, sensors and other devices are involved.

Professional installation removes much of the guesswork over placement, connectivity and setup. That becomes more valuable as the house gets larger.

Backup During Internet or Power Problems

Home internet connections fail, and power outages happen. ADT’s current platform includes cellular alarm-event backup on compatible configurations, allowing alarm signals to continue being transmitted when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Backup battery capabilities also help keep critical security equipment operating during outages.

Is SimpliSafe Better Than ADT?

SimpliSafe may be better for homeowners who prioritize DIY installation, lower costs and avoiding a long-term monitoring agreement. But ADT is the stronger choice for homeowners who place greater value on professional installation, customized system design and a more hands-off security experience.

SimpliSafe’s appeal is easy to understand. Its wireless equipment is designed for straightforward DIY installation. Professional monitoring is available, too, and customers don’t have to sign a traditional multiyear monitoring agreement.

For a smaller home or someone comfortable installing smart-home equipment, that combination is compelling. But DIY simplicity has a tradeoff: You become the system designer.

You determine which windows need sensors, where cameras belong, whether motion detectors provide enough coverage and whether anything has been overlooked.

Many homeowners are perfectly comfortable doing that. Others are shopping for a security system precisely because they don’t want another piece of technology they have to engineer and maintain themselves.

For those homeowners, ADT makes more sense.

Is Ring Alarm Better Than ADT?

Ring Alarm may be the better value for homeowners who already use Ring cameras and want relatively inexpensive DIY security. However, ADT is the better fit when professional system design, installation and whole-home monitoring are more important than monthly cost.

Ring Alarm becomes particularly attractive when a home already has a Ring Video Doorbell and several Ring cameras. Everything can live within the same broader ecosystem, and professional monitoring remains competitively priced.

But I would distinguish between adding an alarm to a camera ecosystem and designing a security system around an entire house.

For homeowners starting from scratch, especially in a larger suburban property, I would still get an ADT quote before buying Ring equipment. You may ultimately prefer Ring’s price and flexibility. But you’ll at least know what a professionally planned alternative would look like.

Which Costs Less: ADT, SimpliSafe or Ring?

Ring and SimpliSafe generally appeal more to homeowners prioritizing low upfront and monthly costs. Professionally installed ADT service can cost more, but that comparison also includes professional planning and installation that may not be part of a DIY system.

ADT will not always win on price. And it shouldn’t be presented that way. If your No. 1 priority is spending as little as possible, SimpliSafe or Ring deserves serious consideration.

But the cheapest system isn’t automatically the best value. A small DIY package with several sensors isn’t directly comparable to a professionally designed system with cameras, monitoring, cellular backup and smart-home integration.

The better question is: What will it cost to get the level of protection I actually want?

That’s why getting an ADT quote can be worthwhile even if you’re leaning toward one of the DIY competitors. It gives you a real system and a real price to compare.

Which System Is Best for a Larger Home?

ADT is particularly attractive for larger houses because additional doors, windows, cameras, garages and smart-home devices make professional system design and installation more valuable. SimpliSafe and Ring can also protect large homes, but homeowners generally take more responsibility for planning the coverage themselves.

Think about a two-story suburban house with:

• Three exterior doors
• An attached garage
• Numerous first-floor windows
• Front and rear cameras
• A backyard
• Smoke and CO detection
• Smart locks
• Pets or children in the house

At that point, you’re no longer installing a couple of sensors. You’re designing an entire system. That is where ADT’s professional approach becomes particularly compelling.

If you’re unsure how many sensors or cameras your home really needs, an ADT in-home consultation can give you a customized recommendation before you purchase equipment.

Which Has Better Smart-Home Features?

Ring has an especially strong camera ecosystem, while ADT integrates compatible Google Nest cameras and Yale smart locks through the ADT+ platform. SimpliSafe offers its own cameras and increasingly sophisticated monitoring features.

Ring is hard to beat if your priority is building around Ring cameras and doorbells.

ADT’s advantage is integration within a broader professionally monitored security setup. Compatible systems can include Google Nest cameras and Yale smart locks, while features such as ADT’s Trusted Neighbor can allow approved people temporary access to the home under specified conditions.

That could be useful for family members, dog walkers, house cleaners or neighbors checking the property while you’re away.

What Are the Drawbacks of ADT?

ADT’s primary drawbacks are price and commitment. Professionally installed systems can cost more than DIY competitors and often involve a multiyear monitoring agreement. Homeowners who prioritize low cost, maximum flexibility or hands-on DIY setup may prefer SimpliSafe or Ring.

There are legitimate situations where SimpliSafe or Ring may be a better fit if:

• You expect to move soon
• You strongly dislike service agreements
• You enjoy installing smart-home equipment
• Your house is small and straightforward
• Your primary concern is minimizing cost
• You already own several Ring devices

But if your priorities are professional help, customized coverage, installation and monitored protection, ADT becomes much harder to dismiss simply because another service costs less.

ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm: Final Verdict

Ring Alarm is a strong choice for existing Ring users and budget-conscious DIY shoppers. SimpliSafe is excellent for homeowners wanting flexible, contract-free DIY security. For homeowners seeking a professionally designed, installed and monitored security system, ADT is my overall pick.

That distinction is what matters most.

• Choose Ring if: You already use Ring cameras and want an affordable DIY system.
• Choose SimpliSafe if: You want simple DIY installation and don’t want a long-term monitoring agreement.
• Choose ADT if: You want professional help deciding what your home needs, installing it correctly and monitoring the system afterward.

For a typical suburban homeowner who isn’t a home security expert, I would start with ADT. Not because Ring and SimpliSafe can’t protect a home. They can. But most homeowners don’t spend their time thinking about sensor placement, camera sight lines, cellular backup or how many entry points need protection.

Get a Free ADT Quote Before You Decide

If you’re still comparing ADT vs. SimpliSafe or wondering whether Ring Alarm would be enough, don’t start by ordering a generic package. Start by finding out what your house actually needs.

ADT offers a free in-home consultation and customized quote, giving homeowners an opportunity to have the property evaluated before committing to equipment.

Schedule a free ADT consultation or request a quote to see what professionally designed protection would look like for your home. Then compare that recommendation with the DIY alternatives. You’ll be making the decision based on your house—not somebody else’s starter kit.

There is something about making coffee at home that can turn an ordinary morning into a small ritual. Whether you are easing into the day before work, taking a quiet afternoon break, or hosting friends for brunch, a thoughtful coffee setup makes the experience feel more intentional.

You do not need a large espresso machine or a complicated collection of gadgets to create a coffee-bar moment at home. Sometimes, a beautiful pour-over setup is all it takes. It is simple to use, looks great displayed on the counter and gives you more control over the brewing process than a standard drip machine.

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Hearth & Hand With Magnolia 2-Piece Pour-Over Coffee Set, $39.99 at Target

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Target’s 2-Piece Pour-Over Coffee Set from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is a stylish option for anyone looking to upgrade their daily coffee routine. Priced at $39.99, the set includes a ceramic cone filter holder and a warm acacia-wood stand designed to hold the dripper while you brew directly into your preferred mug or carafe.

The set measures 9.76 inches high, 7.56 inches wide, and 6.02 inches deep, so it is compact enough to keep on a kitchen counter or coffee cart without taking up too much room. The ceramic and acacia materials give it an earthy, elevated look that fits naturally with a warm, collected kitchen aesthetic.

To use it, place a compatible cone filter inside the ceramic holder, add your coffee grounds and slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion. The stand holds the filter holder above your cup, allowing brewed coffee to drip directly into your mug. You will need to provide your own filters, coffee grounds, and kettle, but the setup itself gives you a simple, hands-on way to brew a fresh cup.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Perfect-for-Fall $7 Find Will Take Your Seasonal Display Up a Notch

The ceramic cone is reusable, and the acacia stand brings a natural touch to your countertop. Since both pieces should be hand-washed, this set is best for someone who enjoys the slower, more intentional process of making coffee rather than relying on a quick dishwasher-safe machine.

At $39.99, it is also a thoughtful gift for a coffee-loving friend, a housewarming gift, or someone building their first apartment kitchen. Pair it with a bag of locally roasted coffee, a gooseneck kettle and a favorite mug for a gift that feels personal but still useful.

Target currently lists the set as a new arrival with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews. As with many Hearth & Hand items, availability may vary by store, so it is worth checking online or through Target’s Drive Up and pickup options before making a special trip.

Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Grab These 5 New Costco Bakery Finds This September

Fifty-six years ago, country singer Anne Murray released “Snowbird,” a song that took the charts by storm and launched her into international stardom.

“Snowbird” first appeared in 1969 as an album track on Murray’s second studio album, This Way Is My Way. In June 1970, the song experienced a sudden surge in popularity, prompting Capitol Records to issue it as a single. On July 18, the single entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 86 before peaking at No. 8. The song also dominated the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, spending six weeks at No. 1 and marking her first major hit.

Aside from chart success, “Snowbird” achieved significant commercial triumph. Since its release, it has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies in 1970 alone—making her the first Canadian female solo act to achieve the feat in the U.S.

Johnny Cash and Anne Murray appear on the “Johnny Cash Christmas Special,” on the CBS Television Network, on December 6, 1979.

CBS via Getty Images

It may be hard to believe, but Murray’s stunning ballad was penned by Canadian songwriter Gene MacLellan in just 25 minutes. MacLellan was inspired to write the track while observing snow buntings migrating during a scenic walk along a Prince Edward Island beach. The sight led him to reflect on life’s hardships, leaving him to wonder what it would be like if humans could simply fly away when times got tough.

The sentimental song explores melancholic themes of heartbreak and a longing to escape painful circumstances. Its vivid and poignant lyricism touched the hearts of millions of listeners—an appreciation that has yet to dissipate. Paired with Murray’s warm contralto vocals and a gentle country-pop arrangement, the crossover hit became timeless.

Even Murray recognizes the power the song holds, noting how it transformed her career: “’Snowbird’ was the song that started it all and was the one no matter how many hits I had, was the one people seemed to always go back to. It absolutely changed my life!”

Nearly six decades since its release, “Snowbird” is still considered a masterclass in pop-country and adult contemporary songwriting. Its legacy has continued well into the digital era, accumulating over 23 million streams on Spotify alone.

Related: 1970 Folk Rock Song, Written in a Vacant Toronto House, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

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The right dinnerware transforms everyday meals into memorable moments, inviting everyone to slow down, share stories, and savor the experience. With just a touch of vintage flair and a pop of cheerful color, even a weeknight dinner can feel like a special occasion. 

If you think dinnerware should be as cheerful as your favorite gathering, you are in luck this Labor Day. The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set is on sale at Walmart and ready to turn every meal into an occasion. With its vintage-inspired scalloped edges and three garden-fresh colors, this set is like a little party for your table.

The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, from $30 (was $50) at  Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This set is a bestseller for a reason. You get service for four, with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four perfectly sized bowls. The standout scalloped rim channels nostalgic charm and makes each piece look like a family heirloom, without the worry about breaking Grandma’s china. 

Available in a vintage-like sage green, lavender purple, and deep cobalt blue, The Pioneer Woman’s signature blend of nostalgic country flair shines through. Just picture a summer salad or your favorite cobbler nestled against that pretty pastel stoneware. The dishes make any dish look instantly more Instagrammable.

The Pioneer Woman’s Colette Scallop 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, from $30 (was $50) at  Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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These plates and bowls are crafted from durable stoneware, built to handle everything from big Sunday dinners to speedy microwave lunches. They are dishwasher- and microwave-safe so that you can spend more time savoring and less time scrubbing. 

Reviewers raved about the collection, noting that it’s great for both mixing and matching or going for a coordinated set.

“Absolutely gorgeous and terrific quality!” one shopper wrote. “When I saw these, I was smitten. The dishes are sturdy and well-made and, to me, look like very expensive high-end products.”

“Beautifully made,” another shopper stated. “The scalloped edges give it a flair from regular flat dishes. Love that vintage look. Looks like it should cost far more than it is.”

There is something about scalloped edges and bold color that puts everyone in a good mood. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s the Pioneer Woman magic. Either way, this is the kind of dinnerware that makes you want to linger at the table, pour another glass of sweet tea, and enjoy the little things. 

Shop More Deals

• The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Stoneware Mini Cocottes with Lids, $22 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Colette Ramekins, $5 (was $8) at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Vintage Lace Oval Serving Bowl, $17 at Walmart

Related: Wayfair’s ‘Plush’ Velvet Chair and Ottoman Set Makes Any Space Feel ‘Luxurious,’ and It’s 67% Off

At just $30, down from nearly $50, the green or purple sets let you give your table a fresh new look for less than the price of a restaurant meal for two. Grab your stoneware set while it is on sale and bring home a slice of heirloom style for every day of the week.

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While the “Summer of Love” didn’t officially happen until 1967, the “peace and love” movement had been brewing for quite some time. So it’s not particularly surprising that two years earlier, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” was a major hit for Jackie DeShannon. What is sort of unexpected, however, is that Dionne Warwick turned the future chart-topper down before DeShannon sang it.

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” was written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, who penned a number of other songs that Warwick recorded…but when they played that one for her, she wasn’t interested.

In the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song, David opened up about how the song came to be.

“I was living in Roslyn, New York, on the north shore of Long Island, which is where my children were raised,” he explained. “I would drive into Manhattan every day to meet Burt at the Brill Building in Famous Music’s offices on the sixth floor, where we did our writing.”

“Mine was a rock and roll house where each of my kids had a band that practiced there,” David continued.

“It was hard for me to find somewhere quiet to work so I would drive into town slowly, which would give me the opportunity to think and get ideas,” he explained. “I would write in my head during the ride. One day, I thought of the first two lines of this song: What the world needs now is love, sweet love / It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. Before I got to Manhattan I had the rest of the chorus set the way it is today.”

In an interview with Record Collector magazine, per Songfacts, Bacharach said Warwick “might have thought it was too preachy,” admitting, “I thought Dionne was probably right.”

“Hal pushed me to play it for Jackie De Shannon who we were gonna record,” Bacharach continued. “Otherwise I would have let it be and it would still be in the drawer. Once I heard Jackie sing four bars of it, I thought ‘this is great.’ Jackie had such a great voice. Love her voice. Whether it’s a song she wrote herself or singing ‘What the World Needs Now Is Love,’ she’s special. I wish we could have repeated that success with Jackie but the material we gave her on the next session wasn’t as good.”

Bettmann / Getty Images

In a 2012 interview, DeShannon shared her own recollection of hearing “What the World Needs Now Is Love” for the first time.

“When Hal suggested that Burt play ‘What the World Needs Now’ Burt was not that enthused about showing it to me at that moment,” she said. “So we went on, played some more songs, and tried to decide on the four sides that we would record for the session. At that point Hal again suggested that Burt play ‘What the World Needs Now.’ And reluctantly, I think, he played it for me.”

“Of course it was love at first hearing and first sight at those gorgeous words and fantastic melody,” DeShannon added. “There were cornfields and wheat fields in my back yard where I grew up in Kentucky on a farm, and I heard a little bit of a gospel feel in the chorus. I thought it was a match made in heaven. The minute Burt heard me singing it, he said, ‘Off to New York! We’re off to New York!’ That’s where we recorded the song.”

DeShannon was 23 years old when “What the World Needs Now Is Love” was released. The track peaked at #7 in the U.S. and #1 in Canada, becoming her signature song.

It’s worth noting that young singer’s success with the tune seemingly made Warwick think twice about her initial rejection of “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” because she went on to record it for her own 1966 album Here Where There Is Love. (Unfortunately, Warwick’s version didn’t fare nearly as well on the charts.)

Related: 1964 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Breakup Songs of All Time’ Became a Timeless Classic

Two ’80s stars just collabbed on a new music video, and the track is giving major ’80s nostalgia vibes. Rocker Richard Marx and former Full House actor John Stamos got together to record a tribute to the Sunshine State, ‘Take Care of California.’ And that’s not even the best part.

Marx and Stamos did more than just make music. The pair also filmed a video for their new song that features throwbacks to Stamos’s Full House days, photos of his family, and clips of himself performing with Marx. Fans of the ‘Right Here Waiting’ singer can also catch a glimpse of a few rare retro photos of Marx from his earlier years.

John Stamos attends the Guitar Center’s Drum-Off National Finale held at The Fonda Theatre on August 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/Getty Images)

Stamos opened up about his inspiration for the song, telling People, “‘Take Care of California’ started with something simple: my songwriting partner Michael Gigante and I realized how much we long for California whenever we’re away.”

The actor continued, “I’ve spent a good part of my life traveling for work, and there’s always that moment when you come back and think, this is home. So we wrote a love letter to the state that has given us so much.”

‘Take Care of California’, which he co-wrote with Michael Campion and Gigante, also features Mickey Raphael on harmonica and Waylon Payne (whose father is Willie Nelson’s guitarist Jody Payne) on background harmonies. Stamos explained how he connected with Payne, revealing, “Willie Nelson recently asked me to play with his band at the Hollywood Bowl, and I borrowed both Mickey and Waylon on our track.” 

Richard Marx performs at An Evening With Richard Marx at Grammy Museum on August 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The actor also spoke to People about how the Stamos-Marx partnership came to be, saying that, “There was still something missing.” He continued, “When my buddy Richard Marx asked me to play on his new album, ‘After Hours,’ I shared a rough mix of ‘Take Care of California’ with him. I may have hinted subtly, or not so subtly, that his voice would sound pretty great on it.” 

Marx shared his take on how it all began: “He played me a rough mix of this new song he wrote with his buddy, Michael. I genuinely liked it and couldn’t get it out of my head.” 

How can you watch the new, yet seriously nostalgic, video? Check out ‘Take Care of California’ here.

It’s been a week for the (middle) ages on Big Brother 28. A gauntlet of medeival competitions left Haley Thogmartin the odd woman out, immediately eliminating her. Then, Rick Devens volunteered to sit on the block next to LaTrice “Lala” Verrett and Taylor Brown, shocking everyone in the house. Could an icon actually leave the game, or will Lala or Taylor kick off the jury? We’ll update this story throughout the night as the Block Buster and eviction results are revealed.

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Who was eliminated on Big Brother 28 tonight? La Trice “Lala” Verrett LaTrice Verrett on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

LaTrice “Lala” Verrett is the first member of the Big Brother 28 jury. While she came into the house looking to become the oldest winner ever, that dream was unfortunately cut short at the Final Nine, as she was evicted alongside her tightest ally Taylor Brown.

Who won the Block Buster on Big Brother 28 tonight? Rick Devens Rick Devens on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

Rick Devens had no idea how much trouble he was in. After volunteering for the block, it looked like friend and foe alike were willing to come together and boot him. But he was able to take home a much-needed victory in the Block Buster, ensuring he would make it to the Final 8.

Who’s left in the game on Big Brother 28? Angela Murray Barrett Pfeiffer Dee Valladares Drew Campbell Melody Morris Rick Devens Taylor Brown Yash Patel

The Week 9 Head of Household won’t be revealed until Sunday’s episode. But stay tuned for our upcoming spoilers post if you want to find out what goes down on the live feeds until then!

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’s Mallory Aurichio Reacts to Drew’s Betrayal: ‘He’s One of the Most Disliked People in the House’ (Exclusive)

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Retro handbags are back in a big way, and Coach’s Kisslock frame purses are quickly emerging as one of the brand’s standout styles. With their polished frames and instantly recognizable clasps, the bags channel the look of a vintage clutch while still feeling fresh enough for everyday wear. Now, one of Coach’s most eye-catching versions is 50% off. 

@marial_shops

I loveee my Coach straw Kisslock 27 so much! #bagoftheday #coachkisslock #coachbagcollection #coachgirly #coachnewdrop

♬ original sound – Maria 🎀

The Coach Kisslock Frame Bag 27 is now $248, down from $495 at Coach. The bag is made from woven straw and refined calf leather, and has plenty of room for everyday essentials. It also has a detachable strap that gives shoppers the option to wear it as a shoulder bag or carry it by hand. One shopper called the bag “spacious, feminine and very versatile.” 

Coach Kisslock Frame Bag 27, $248 (was $495) at Coach

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The Kisslock Frame Bag 27 is a modern take on one of Coach’s archival designs. The silhouette is inspired by the 1969 “Cashin Carry,” created by Bonnie Cashin, Coach’s first lead designer, and features the frame-and-clasp design that gives the bag its distinctive vintage appeal. It’s available in brass/maple and brass/muted olive colors, giving shoppers two easy-to-style options.

Measuring 10.5 inches long, 9.75 inches high and 7.75 inches wide, the bag has a soft, slouchy shape that drapes naturally against the body.Inside, it’s finished with a cotton lining and has a zip pocket and credit card slot for keeping smaller essentials organized. The iconic kisslock closure adds a timeless finishing touch. 

The bag’s standout style hasn’t gone unnoticed by shoppers, either. “It’s definitely a statement piece! I get lots of compliments every time I wear it,” one reviewer wrote. Another shopper said the bag “adds character to any outfit,” adding that it can “make yourself look like a fashion icon in minutes.” 

Shop More Deals

• Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, $495 at Coach
• Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, $475 at Coach
• Cherry Bag Charm, $95 at Coach

Related: Coach’s Brooklyn Bag Is the Perfect Fall Accessory, and Shoppers Are Buying It In Every Gorgeous Color

At $248, the Coach Kisslock Frame Bag 27 offers shoppers the chance to bring home a luxury handbag for half the original price.  If you’re looking for a fun statement bag that can instantly elevate your everyday outfits, this Coach style is one to add to your cart!

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A large bookcase can completely transform a room. It gives you a place to store books, display family photos, style favorite decor and hide some of the everyday clutter that tends to collect on tables and counters. When shelving reaches toward the ceiling, it can also make a room feel taller, more intentional and a lot more custom.

The challenge is finding a built-in look without paying built-in prices. A full wall of shelving from a custom cabinetry company can cost thousands, but a modular bookcase system lets you create a similar effect with a much more manageable budget. The key is choosing a configuration that uses vertical space well and feels substantial enough to anchor the room.

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BILLY Bookcase Combination with Extension Units, $307 at IKEA

IKEA

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IKEA’s BILLY Bookcase Combination with Extension Units in a brown walnut effect does exactly that. The oversized setup measures 78 ¾ inches wide, 11 inches deep and 93 ¼ inches high, creating a full library-style storage wall for $307. It is currently marked down by $40, or 11 percent off.

The configuration includes three main BILLY bookcases and three height-extension units. There is one narrower 15 ¾-inch-wide bookcase and two wider 31 ½-inch bookcases, all topped with matching extension units. The mix gives the wall a balanced layout while maximizing storage from floor to near-ceiling height.

The adjustable shelves make the system useful for more than books. You can create taller spaces for framed art, baskets, large vases or board games, while using smaller shelf openings for paperbacks, decor objects and photos. Each wide shelf supports up to 66 pounds, while each narrow shelf supports up to 31 pounds.

Related: Costco’s Delicious New Freezer Find Is the Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

The brown walnut-effect finish adds warmth and gives the setup a more elevated look than plain white shelving. It works especially well with cream walls, brass lighting, warm wood furniture, black accents and richly colored books. Place it in a living room for a home-library look, use it in a home office for paperwork and supplies or add it to a dining room for serveware and entertaining pieces.

The extension units are the standout feature. They take advantage of unused wall space above a standard bookcase, which helps create that custom built-in effect. IKEA’s BILLY back panels use snap fittings, making the units easier to assemble, disassemble and take with you if you move.

Before buying, measure carefully. IKEA notes that you need enough clearance between the top of the bookcase and your ceiling to anchor the unit to the wall, which is necessary for safety. The entire combination consists of six components and requires assembly.

At $307, this is still a significant purchase, but it costs far less than custom shelving while offering a similar statement-making look. If you have a blank wall that needs both storage and style, this walnut BILLY combination is a practical way to make it a true focal point.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s $9 Organization Find Is a Simple Fix for Everyday Clutter

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When Jennifer Aniston debuted a hot new haircut on Friends in 1995, it forever became known as “The Rachel.” Even though it’s been three decades since the hairstyle first debuted, it’s still one of the most well-known haircuts in history.

Chris McMillan, the mane man behind the iconic haircut, is still sought after as a celebrity hairstylist after creating a hairstyle that caused a cultural frenzy. But this time around, celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos is in the spotlight after putting his own spin on “The Rachel.”

Giannetos recently took to Instagram to share several photos of a haircut he gave Gigi Hadid. The supermodel’s haircut is a modern, softer version of “The Rachel,” but it’s quite reminiscent of the Chris McMillan Rachel cut and is one of those face framing layered haircuts that are universally flattering.

Parade was eager to find out what’s behind the Jennifer Aniston Friends haircut comeback, so we consulted celebrity hairstylist Jewell Faranso Hingorani. We asked her to weigh in on the Gigi Hadid Rachel haircut and share why it’s a modern update on ’90s haircut trends.

Wondering how to ask for “the Rachel” haircut during your next trip to the salon? Here’s everything Faranso Hingorani had to say.

Related: 7 Best Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60 With Glasses, According to Top Stylists

What Is ‘The Rachel’ and Why Did It Become So Iconic in Pop Culture History?

Even if you’ve never watched an episode of Friends, you’ve likely heard of “The Rachel.” But what made the haircut so special?

“’The Rachel’ is the layered haircut Jennifer Aniston wore as Rachel Green on Friends. It had lots of volume, shorter layers around the face and ends that flipped out,” Faranso Hingorani tells Parade.

The hairstylist says the haircut hit icon status simply because “Friends was huge” and “everyone loved Jennifer Aniston’s hair.”

“Women everywhere were bringing her picture into salons and asking for the same cut. It became one of those rare hairstyles that everyone knew by name,” she says.

Related: The ‘Safe’ Short Haircut That Is Actually Aging You (And What To Ask Your Stylist for Instead)

Gigi Hadid’s Soft Modern Version vs. the 1990s Original Cut View this post on Instagram

In his Instagram post, Giannetos described Hadid’s haircut as an “updated version of the C-cut” and said he gave the model some “Love Layers (aka heart shape layers).”

“A bit more lift on the roots and the first layers start hitting a little below the chin till the tips of the hair! It creates basically an illusion of heart shape layers!” he captioned the post.

Faranso Hingorani says Hadid’s new look is like a modern Rachel haircut for 2026.

“Gigi’s version is longer, softer and more blended. The original Rachel had shorter, choppier layers and a much bigger flip at the ends,” she says.

The model’s layers start around or below her chin then blend into the rest of her hair.

“She also has more fullness left at the bottom. It gives her the same volume and movement as the original, but it feels softer and more modern,” the stylist explains.

Related: A Celebrity Hairstylist Is Begging Women Over 50 To Stop Asking for This 1 Thing

Why Is ‘The Rachel’ Having a Major Comeback 30 Years Later?

In fashion, trends have a tendency of coming back again long after they go out of style. Similarly, haircut trends can also cycle in and out of fashion. Faranso Hingorani says Hadid’s modern version of “The Rachel” is the perfect example of how people’s hair priorities change over time.

“People want volume and movement again. We have seen so much long, one-length hair over the last few years, and now women want more shape,” she says.

And besides, the ’90s have been having a major moment for quite some time, so the revival of “The Rachel” is yet another example that people are feeling nostalgic for the decade.

“I think this haircut is a classic. It may be making a comeback, but beautiful layers and bouncy hair will never really go out of style,” Faranso Hingorani says.

Related: 12 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry, Dull Hair, Tested by Stylists

Who Does the Modern ‘Rachel’ Haircut Work Best On?

Just because a haircut looks fabulous on a celebrity doesn’t mean it’ll be flattering on everyone else. After all, haircuts are deeply personal and the best haircut for you is always the one that works best with your unique features.

In the case of Hadid’s take on “The Rachel,” however, Faranso Hingorani says the hairstyle is generally universally flattering.

“I honestly think this haircut can work on almost anyone because the layers can be changed to fit the person,” she says.

When it comes to hair textures, straight, wavy and curly hair can rock the look equally well.

“The stylist just needs to adjust the cut based on the person’s texture, face shape and hair density,” Faranso Hingorani says.

How To Ask Your Stylist for the Soft Layered ‘Rachel’ at the Salon

Considering Hadid’s version of “The Rachel” for yourself? Faranso Hingorani suggests starting by sharing a visual with your hairstylist.

“I would bring pictures of the modern version because if you only say ‘The Rachel,’ your stylist might picture the shorter 1990s cut,” she says.

As for what to ask for, the stylist recommends requesting “long, soft layers with face framing pieces that start around your cheekbones, jaw or chin.”

“Tell your stylist you want movement and volume, but you still want the ends to look full,” Faranso Hingorani says.

If you have fine hair, make sure your stylist doesn’t add too many layers because that can make the ends look thin.

Lastly, ask your stylist for a “soft, rounded bend” instead of “a dramatic flip.”

Related: Should You Get Balayage or Highlights in 2026? A Pro Hairstylist Weighs In

4 Best Volumizing Products To Style ‘The Rachel’ at Home

Once you walk out of the salon with your sassy new style, it’s smart to stock up on a few styling products and accessories to help maintain that salon feel. Faranso Hingorani recommends picking up the following products to help you style the modern version of “The Rachel” at home.

1. Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, $42

Oribe

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Faranso Hingorani swears by this thickening spray to give hair body and help it hold the shape of a blowout.

“It is especially helpful for fine hair that has trouble keeping volume,” she says.

2. Color Wow Raise the Root, $26

Sephora

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Faranso Hingorani appreciates how this spray creates lift at the roots “without making the hair feel stiff or sticky.”

“‘The Rachel’ needs volume at the crown, but the hair should still feel soft and move naturally,” she says.

Related: The #1 Hair Length a Celebrity Stylist Says Can Make You Look 10 Years Younger

3. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse, $38

Bumble and Bumble

Shop It at Bumble and bumble

“This mousse gives the hair fullness without making it hard or crunchy. It helps create that soft and bouncy look,” Faranso Hingorani says.

4. Jewell Clip Round Brush, $25

Jewell Clip

Shop It at Jewell Clip

Faranso Hingorani suggests using this round brush to get the volume that “The Rachel” is known for.

“It has a ceramic barrel with nylon and boar bristles. That combination gives you the perfect amount of pull and tension while smoothing the hair. I call it a roller set in a brush because it creates that beautiful bend, bounce and movement while helping lock in the heat,” she says.

Up Next:

Related: Why Your Hair Might Be Thinning on a GLP-1 Drug—and What To Do About It

Source:

• Jewell Faranso Hingorani, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Victoria Beckham, is the founder of Jewell Clip a collection of hair accessories and extensions.

Simon Helberg is celebrating a huge milestone with his former Big Bang Theory costar Jim Parsons.

Helberg shared a rare photo of the pair on Instagram Thursday, September 3, marking 20 years since they first met. In the snap, Helberg wears a pink tunic while Parsons sports a white checked shirt, with both actors wearing sunglasses as they pose in front of the water.

“How has it been 20 years since I met this gem of a human??” Helberg captioned the sweet shot.

View this post on Instagram

Safe to say it sent the internet into a frenzy.

“Guys, you can’t post something like this and expect the fans not to go crazy,” one fan wrote.

“Holy Moly!! Are you trying to break the internet?” shared another.

“20 years later and you expect us to be NORMAL about this?! 😮‍💨,” quipped a third.

A fourth replied, “THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME.”

The post may be particularly heartwarming for Big Bang Theory fans following Helberg’s recent admission that he doesn’t see (or even regularly speak with) much of the cast these days.

During an August appearance on The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast, Helberg was asked which of his former costars he talks to most. “It’s been a while since I’ve honestly talked to anybody,” he admitted, explaining that “everyone’s busy” and the actors now find themselves in “different corners of the world.”

Parsons, however, appears to be one of the cast members Helberg has remained in contact with. He revealed that he still “text[s] with Jim” and hoped to visit Parsons while the actor was performing in Titaníque on Broadway.

The two spent 12 seasons together on The Big Bang Theory, which premiered in 2007. Parsons starred as theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper, while Helberg played aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz.

Although the cast spent more than a decade working closely together, Helberg said their last full group gathering came around the time the sitcom ended in 2019, when they appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and went to dinner afterward.

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Christine Taylor is looking back on when she was asked to lose weight to appear in 1995’s The Brady Bunch Movie.

Taylor, 55, who is married to Ben Stiller, played Marcia Brady in the popular 1995 film, as well as 1996’s A Very Brady Sequel. But on Wednesday’s episode of the “Office Ladies” podcast, hosted by The Office stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, Taylor revealed that while she knew she nailed the audition for the role, she was pretty shocked when filming started and she was asked to slim down.

“The one thing that I got — and I was not a super heavy person — but they asked me to lose 10 pounds,” she revealed, adding that she agreed to lose the weight, Page Six reported. “Of course, I was embarrassed when that ask came my way.”

 Taylor noted that the request “would never happen today,” but added that she certainly wasn’t the only actress in the ’90s who was asked to slim down for a role.

Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

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Taylor Reunited With Maureen McCormick

Back in April, Taylor reunited with Maureen McCormick, who skyrocketed to fame as Marcia on the original Brady Bunch series, which aired from 1969 to 1974 on ABC and became an international phenomenon. With that special role in common, it was such a delight to see the dynamic duo reunite for a sweet selfie together. On McCormick’s Instagram page, the blonde beauties snapped a photo and celebrated, in true Brady style, the ultimate “sunshine day.”

“Marcia! Marcia! Marcia’s! It’s a Sunshine Day 🎶🌼🌈☀️💖🦋 My heart is so full! I love and adore you @stillceej 💓 😘xoxo,” McCormick captioned the fun photo.

View this post on Instagram Taylor’s Daughter is a Rising Star

Ella Stiller, the daughter of Stiller and Taylor, is a stunning starlet who is rising in fame.

The rising star has had several parts in popular films and TV series in recent years, including a two-episode stint on And Just Like That… as Miranda’s son Brady’s baby mama. But her latest gig is quite an exciting one: She starred alongside Friends icon Lisa Kudrow in a season 3 episode of The Comeback. The beloved series, which originally ran on HBO in 2005 and returned for a second season in 2014, returned for its third and final season this year.

Related: Ella Stiller, Daughter of Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, Is Glowing in Green at the Tony Awards

On Sept. 6, 1978, Keith Moon attended a party hosted by Paul McCartney for the London premiere of The Buddy Holly Story with his girlfriend, Swedish model Annette Walter-Lax. The next afternoon, Walter-Lax found Moon dead in the London flat they were staying in. He was 32.

Less than three weeks earlier, The Who had released Who Are You, an album that would become the final studio effort to feature their legendary drummer, with its title track unknowingly becoming Moon’s swan song.

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Chris Morphet / Getty Images

During the 1977 and 1978 recording sessions for Who Are You, Moon’s years of heavy drinking and drug use had taken a serious toll on his physical health and drumming, with the effects of his lifestyle bleeding into his work on the kit, hindering his technical capabilities, and forcing the band to adapt to his limitations. Yet on the title track, Moon the Loon delivered flashes of the explosive playing that made him famous, driving the song beneath Pete Townshend’s layered synthesizers and guitar.

“We were obviously having a lot of trouble with Keith at the time when we made that album,” lead singer Roger Daltrey told Vulture. “He wasn’t in the best of shape. He was indulging in quite a lot of naughties. It was a difficult time.”

He added, “There’s something about Keith … no matter how naughty he was, you’d have to love him. You’d have to love him. He was a rascal.”

The track “Who Are You” is its own breed of rascal, too. Written by Townshend, the song’s origins can be traced to a particularly chaotic night in his own life.

As the story goes, Townshend started the day with a grueling business meeting discussing song royalties, then hit up a bar to blow off some steam. While there, he got drunk with The Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones and Paul Cook. The binge later famously caused him to fall asleep for the night in a random Soho doorway. The next morning, he was awoken by a police officer who told him to beat it.

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“‘Who Are You’ was written about meeting Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols after an awful 13-hour encounter with [record executive] Allen Klein,” Townshend wrote in the liner notes to the reissue of the 1978 album Who Are You, American Songwriter shared.

At the time, The Who were experiencing something of an identity crisis as rock’s old guard suddenly facing a brash new generation that seemed intent on tearing down the establishment. So during that meeting, Townshend picked his new friends’ brains about the punk scene.

“I felt very threatened by the punk thing at first,” Daltrey wrote in the liner notes. “To me, it was like, ‘Well, they think they’re f–king tough, but we’re f–king tougher.’ It unsettled me in my vocals. When I listen back to ‘Who Are You’ I can hear that it made me incredibly aggressive.”

But despite being “figurehead anarchists,” Townshend later wrote, Jones and Cook seemed sincerely concerned about him. He came to see the song not as a “blood-letting challenge” from the punk generation after all, but as being about the “demands of new friendship.” It was sentiment shared by all members of The Who.

“We were getting incredible accolades from some of the new punk bands,” Daltrey shared. “They were saying how much they loved The Who, that we were the only band they’d leave alive after they’d taken out the rest of the establishment!”

Though it didn’t hit No. 1, “Who Are You” was a smash. It peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel the album to No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Overall, it spent 30 weeks on the chart and became not only the band’s second-best album of all time on Billboard but also its fastest-selling.

The album and song’s success took on a tragic dimension after Moon’s death, of course, as it became the drummer’s final testament with The Who. Even the album cover now reads like an eerie epitaph, with Moon perched on a chair stamped, “Not to be taken away.”

Cemented in rock history as one of the greatest drummers of all time, he’s not going anywhere.

Related: ’60s Rock Legends Announce New Live Album, ‘Unbound and Dangerous,’ 56 Years After Their Final Tour

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It’s that in-between time of year when sweater season is approaching, but the weather hasn’t quite caught up. You may be ready to break out your fall wardrobe, but a stuffy hoodie or heavy cable-knit sweater can feel like too much on warm days. That’s where a lightweight crochet sweater comes in: The breezy knit provides just enough coverage for cooler temperatures without leaving you overheated, while the textured design adds an effortlessly stylish touch.

One especially versatile option is the Prettygarden Crochet Cap-Sleeve Sweater, which combines an on-trend look with an affordable price. Right now, it’s on sale for up to 55% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $46 to just $26 in the white colorway. 

Prettygarden Crochet Cap-Sleeve Sweater, From $26 (was $46) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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Available in sizes small through extra large, the sweater features cap sleeves, a crew neckline, hollow-out crochet detailing, and a loose fit with a bohemian-inspired look. There are currently 22 colors to choose from, including easy-to-style neutrals like white, black, and khaki, along with brighter combinations such as orange, blue, green, and red. With so many options, you can stick with a versatile everyday shade or choose something that makes more of a statement.

It’s made from 100% cotton, giving it a soft, lightweight, and skin-friendly feel that’s comfortable for warmer weather. To help keep the crochet knit looking its best, hand washing is recommended, followed by hanging or line drying.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Super Comfortable’ $20 Wide-Leg Pants Can Go Right From Work to the Weekend

The lightweight design makes it especially useful as summer transitions into fall. Wear it on its own with jean shorts and sandals while temperatures are still warm, or pack it for a beach vacation as a breezy cover-up.Once early fall arrives, layer it over a camisole and pair it with capri pants or a midi skirt. As temperatures drop further, wear it over a long-sleeve shirt with trousers or jeans for a textured, sweater-vest-inspired look.

One shopper described it as “cute,” “versatile,” and “easy to style” in a five-star review. They added, “The cap sleeves are a nice feminine touch, and the crochet knit material is lightweight without being to see through, but I do wear a cami underneath.” Another said it’s “gorgeous” and the “perfect length,” adding, “The quality of this top is like something you find in a high-end boutique.”

Shop More Deals

• Fantaslook Pleated Tank Top, $11 (was $18) at Walmart
• Shewin Off-the-Shoulder Blouse, $13 (was $29) at Walmart
• Uvplove Lightweight Button-Down Cardigan, From $20 (was $33) at Walmart

For a stylish staple that’s the perfect mix of trendy and timeless, the Prettygarden Crochet Cap-Sleeve Sweater is an easy addition to your transitional wardrobe. And with Walmart’s current 43% discount, you can save up to $20 and pick up this versatile piece for as little as $26 right now.

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The self-proclaimed “original outlaw” of country music isn’t quite done raising hell despite passing in April at the age of 86.

Self-proclamations tend to come with an asterisk, but a deep dive into the controversial lyrics of David Allan Coe’s decades-spanning career proves Bob Dylan was right — the times, they are a-changin’.

Thriving in the heyday of the ’70s alongside the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Coe wasn’t your average honky-tonker; he was a straight-shooter with an unabashed disregard for convention.

Who does that remind you of today? Perhaps Kid Rock…

The pair have joined forces for Coe’s curtain call, titled “A Million Reasons”.

Related: Beach Rock Icon Jimmy Buffett’s New Album Spans 20 Years of Unreleased Songs, 3 Years After His Death

On the record are a pair of re-recordings of huge ’70s hits, one of which was Coe’s and another was one of his most famous compositions:

1. “Ric Flair Intro”
2. “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
3. “A Million Reasons”
4. “Take This Job and Shove It”
5. “Roll Me A Smoke”
6. “Corner of Cash and Coe”
7. “Free My Mind”
8. “Only God Knows Why” featuring Kid Rock
9. “Single Father” featuring Kid Rock
10. “No Holes in These Hands”
11. “A Million Reasons (Acoustic)”

“You Never Even Called Me By My Name” was Coe’s first Top 10 hit, reaching No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, while “Take This Job and Shove It” was written by Coe and famously taken to No. 1 by Johnny Paycheck. Now, Coe has reimagined it himself.

Tracks #8 and #9 feature one of modern-day music’s bad boys, if you will, despite Kid Rock announcing a gospel album, a far cry for Coe’s biggest hits with shameless, colorful words.

The album was recorded in 2017, but fans will be thrilled to hear Coe one last time, much like Johnny Cash had one final reinvention left in him with his haunting cover of “Hurt” before his death.

Related: Johnny Cash’s Lost Love Poem to Wife June Carter Becomes a Song More Than 50 Years Later

Coe’s former co-manager revealed Coe wanted to go down swinging: “This album’s title track ‘A Million Reasons’ started being written the afternoon we took David Allan Coe to federal court in Cincinnati, where he was found guilty of owing the IRS a million dollars.”

He added, “This album contains songs that David Allan Coe has lived during his later years of life. He wanted that to be part of his outlaw legacy.” 

“A Million Reasons” is slated for release October 16, 2026.

September 1973 was a massive turning point for a 25-year-old waitress and her 23-year-old guitar-playing boyfriend. The two had just released the debut album that would later help launch them into rock royalty.

That duo was Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and the album was Buckingham Nicks, their only album as a duo, released Sept. 5, 1973. And the song in particular that caught the attention of their future bandmate Mick Fleetwood was “Frozen Love.”

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A seven-minute epic that closes the album, “Frozen Love” was written by the duo and tells the story of a turbulent, passionate affair between two lovers with opposing perspectives. It was also compared by Nicks to two of the greatest masterpieces in the literary canon.

“The song is about two people who were in love, who had a lot of differences and saw the world slightly differently, but had this relationship that seemed to be, like a gift,” Nicks said on the Song Exploder podcast, per NME. “I like to think of it as Wuthering Heights or Great Expectations—a modern-day love affair, tragedies. Because nobody really loves happy songs. Certainly I didn’t, and neither really did Lindsey.”

Unfortunately, the album tanked. But “Frozen Love” became the catalyst for Buckingham and Nicks joining Fleetwood Mac.

The story goes, Mick Fleetwood was touring Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, looking for a place to record his band’s next album. To show off the venue’s acoustics, the studio’s producer and Buckingham Nicks manager, Keith Olsen, cued up “Frozen Love.”

According to Songfacts, Fleetwood was impressed, but not just with the studio. He wanted to know more about the guitarist on the cut he was listening to.

“[Fleetwood] was standing there grooving to this searing guitar solo, and he needed a guitar player,” Buckingham told Uncut in 2013. “That was as far as his thinking went.”

At the time, Fleetwood Mac still had guitarist Bob Welch, but he would depart the band later that year, leaving a vacancy Fleetwood thought Buckingham might be able to fill.  

Told Buckingham was this self-taught strummer who came as a “package deal” with his songwriter girlfriend and manager Olsen, Fleetwood later contacted Buckingham about replacing Welch. The group met, of all places, at a Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood.

“When Lindsey walked in, I said to myself, ‘Wow, this guy is a god,’” Christine McVie recalled later, via Classic Rock. “And then Stevie walked in, laughing, so cute and so tiny, and I took an instant liking to her. She had this wonderful laugh and a fantastic sense of humor.”

By the end of their meeting, McVie reportedly leaned over to Fleetwood and said, “Let’s do this.”

Released in July 1975, Fleetwood Mac became the first Fleetwood Mac album featuring the newbies. Also called the White Album, it introduced the iconic lineup of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, and John McVie, and includes some of the future hits the duo brought to the group, like “Landslide,” “Rhiannon,” and “Monday Morning.”

A simmering slow-burner, the album eventually became a massive hit for Fleetwood Mac. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 183 in August 1975, then gradually made its way to the No. 1 spot, peaking on Sept. 4, 1976, more than a year after its release.

Its three Top 20 singles—“Rhiannon,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Over My Head”—helped fuel the album’s climb.  

The second-biggest album of 1976, Fleetwood Mac is now certified nine-times platinum by the RIAA. But more importantly, it set the stage for 1977’s Rumours, the band’s follow-up. Despite the turbulent personal drama behind the scenes, that album eclipsed their previous effort, spending 31 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.

“Lindsey and Stevie were asked to play with us without ever playing a note,” Fleetwood said in the liner notes of the Fleetwood Mac Deluxe box set from 2018. “It’s almost insane in retrospect, considering the high risk, but somehow Christine and all of us just knew.”

And it all began with the band warming up to a song called “Frozen Love.” As in Great Expectations, the story began with promise. But unlike Charles Dickens’ tale, this one had a rock-and-roll ending and an even greater outcome.

Related: ’60s Rock Legends Announce New Live Album, ‘Unbound and Dangerous,’ 56 Years After Their Final Tour

When the season 35 cast of Dancing With The Stars was revealed on Good Morning America this week, many fans were shocked not to see Sasha Farber among the pros.

Farber, 42, has been involved with DWTS for more than a decade, and though he didn’t appear in season 34, he has spent much of 2026 doing promotional appearances for the show and ABC, including repping DWTS on the latest season of American Idol. Therefore, many fans assumed he’d be back for season 35.

According to Us Weekly, Farber, who broke up in late July from Hallmark star and former DWTS contestant Janel Parrish, hinted at his disappointment over being excluded from the show in a since-deleted comment on TikTok.

@sashafarber

Fit check new pants thanks @Dickies

♬ original sound – Sasha Farber

When Farber shared a video of himself dancing at home on September 2, someone commented, “Genuinely at this point you’re all over social and they’re leveraging you …. is this your choice? Are you wanting to be behind the scenes and move into like a hosting entertainment tonight Derek hough thing?” In the since-deleted comment, Farber replied, “Not my choice.”

When another fan quipped, “I love you but im going to need you to come back…. immediately sir. thank you,” Farber left one emoji in response: “🥰”

Farber’s social media accounts have been flooded with reactions from fans, including many proposing taking action to get him back on the show. One wrote on TikTok, “Who do we need to petition to or talk to to get our boy Sasha back on full cast on DWTS!?!?!?! Need to see him on the ballroom floor each week!”

But others are holding out hope that Farber and DWTS have something in the works, including one who wrote on Instagram, “There’s only 17 couples I think, so you are a surprise, I have a feeling…. Somethings brewing, I just don’t think you’re not on again this season. There’s only 17 couples I think, so you are a surprise, I have a feeling…. Somethings brewing, I just don’t think you’re not on again this season. You and Gleb have something up your sleeve.”

Another commented, “I really think just him staying connected to DWTS in all the ways…is great. We will still see him somehow and someway… He was just at D23 and DWTS Con and his feet and legs are faster than ever. We just gotta believe something’s coming down the pike for him!”

Sasha Farber posted a photo of him arriving at Television City on September 3, 2026.

Credit: Sasha Farber's Instagram Stories

The mystery escalated on September 3, when Farber posted a photo in his Instagram Stories of his view as he pulled onto the Television City lot in Los Angeles, where many shows are filmed, including DWTS. The pic showed him at the wheel, with the former CBS building (now labeled TVC) ahead of him.

Farber has been part of the DWTS family since 2012, going back and forth between the troupe and pro status, per Us Weekly. He first joined the dance troupe in 2012, was promoted to pro for season 17, but then spent the next four seasons back in the troupe. Most recently, Farber served as a pro from seasons 26 to 33, but not for season 34 — and, unless he does have a trick up his sleeve, not for season 35 either.