Erica Banas: Writing Samples

102.9 WMGK • 8th December 2020

John Lennon: 9 Memorial Tributes from Around the World

John Lennon has inspired a number of memorial tributes since his untimely death 40 years ago. From Liverpool to New York City to Cuba, here are nine different memorial tributes to Lennon from around the world. RELATED: An In-Depth Look At Howard Cosell Breaking The News Of The Death of John Lennon

WMTR AM • 24th November 2020

8 Iconic Tracks That Were Originally Released as B-Sides

When most of us bought a 45, we did so for the A-Side, but the B-Side could also hold some glorious treasures, too. While 45s might be more of a niche item in the resurgence of vinyl, let’s look back at these eight iconic tracks that were B-Sides.

94.7 WCSX • 10th November 2020

6 Fun Facts About Queen's 'Jazz'

The LP featured some of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and was Queen’s fourth album to chart in the top ten of the Billboard 200. In honor of its anniversary, here are six fun facts about Jazz.

98.7 The Shark • 10th November 2020

'Music From The Elder' & 4 Other Classic Rock Flops

KISS’ Music From The Elder was released on November 10, 1981. It was so poorly received the band didn’t even tour in support of the album. Of course, this is just one of a number of flops the classic rock world has seen. Here are some of the most notorious classic rock flops.

93.3 WMMR • 6th November 2020

5 Rock Bands and The Stories of Their First Gigs

Aerosmith played their first show together 50 years ago today (November 6.) Even though they have sold out arenas and stadiums all over the world, even “The Bad Boys from Boston” had to start somewhere. In honor of this anniversary, here are five bands and some details about their first gigs.

94.7 WCSX • 21st October 2020

'Blinded By The Light' & 9 Other Covers Better Than The Original

Manfred Mann celebrates a birthday today (October 21), and obviously, this brings up one of the best debate topics ever: Original vs. cover. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band is responsible for one of the greatest covers of all time with “Blinded By The Light,” which is a track originally by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. In honor of Mann’s birthday, we gathered ten covers that we think are better than the original. Enjoy…and debate if you disagree.

95.7 BEN FM • 2nd October 2020

'The Living Years' & 6 Other Songs That’ll Make You Cry

Mike Rutherford celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and in addition to all of his work with Genesis, he also co-wrote one of the best tear-jerker songs of all time. “The Living Years” is many things. Besides being one of the most majestic songs ever about a guy not talking enough to his dad before he died, it was Mike & The Mechanics’ biggest hit. And you’d hard-pressed not to get emotional when you hear it Of course, it’s not the only song that makes reach for a tissue. Scroll through

100.1 WJRZ • 21st July 2020

13 Great TV Shows Available on Crackle Right Now

Let’s face it: You’re probably running out of shows to stream by now. What should you do? Consider checking out Crackle.

102.9 WMGK • 2nd July 2020

10 Fictional Places from TV and Movies We Wish We Could Visit

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, traditional vacations during the summer will likely turn into “stay-cations,” which will likely include some serious binging of TV and movies.

Q105 • 1st July 2020

6 Classic Summer Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make

Summer is in full swing! With the July 4th holiday just days away, now felt like an appropriate time to make sure your summer cocktail game is up to snuff.

96.3 KKLZ • 25th June 2020

'Purple Rain' and 6 Other Soundtracks That Topped the Billboard 200 Chart

Prince and the Revolution’s iconic Purple Rain was released 36 years ago today (June 25.) It’s run on the top of the Billboard 200 Album Chart has made it one of the most successful soundtracks of all time. This got us thinking about other soundtracks that topped the Billboard 200 over the years. Here are seven, and some may surprise you.

94.7 WCSX • 24th June 2020

Classic Rock Instrumental Tracks: 'Beck's Bolero' and 5 Other Essentials

Lyrics-shmyrics! Who needs words to rock out anyway?! In honor of Jeff Beck’s birthday (June 24), here is a handful of some of our favorite classic rock instrumental tracks.

95.9 The RAT • 30th March 2020

WrestleMania: 10 Interesting Facts About 'The Showcase of the Immortals'

WrestleMania 36, against all odds, will be taking place this weekend over two nights on April 4 and 5. While “The Grandest Stage of Them All” will be emanating from the very modest stage of the WWE Performance Center due to the Coronavirus pandemic, WrestleMania 36 will surely go down as one of the most unique nights in the event’s history. To celebrate, here are 10 interesting facts about WrestleMania.

96k-Rock • 6th March 2020

GALLERY: A Look at 1978's Best Rock Albums

Disco may have ruled the musical landscape in 1978, but that year also saw the release of some of the most beloved rock albums of all time. From classic debuts to albums from established artists that proved their finger was still on the pulse, scroll through the gallery below and check out ten of the best rock albums from 1978.

96k-Rock • 5th March 2020

GALLERY: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction No-Shows

In the over three decades history of Rock Hall induction ceremonies, there have been a number of no-shows by inductees. Some of them were due to health or other personal reasons. Others? Not so much. Here are ten examples of no-shows in the history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

100.1 WJRZ • 25th February 2020

5 Classic Artists That Have Topped the Billboard Album Chart Only Once

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band’s album Against The Wind turns 40 today (February 25), and it has the distinction of being the only album in Seger’s catalog to hit the number one spot on the Billboard 200 album charts. Of course, Seger isn’t alone in this regard. Here are some other artists with one lone album to top the Billboard 200.

WDHA FM • 19th February 2020

11 Original Band Names We're Glad Didn't Stick

Tony Iommi: A guitarist whose name is iconic as his playing. It’s a good thing he didn’t have to change it like Black Sabbath changed their name. Some of rock’s biggest bands, of course, had to go through several monikers until they found just the right one. In honor of Iommi’s birthday (February 19), here are eleven original band names we’re glad didn’t stick.

98.7 The Shark • 16th February 2020

GALLERY: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Biggest Snubs

The only thing more exciting than finding out who gets into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame every year is seeing who got shut out. In its over 30-year history, the Rock Hall has looked over a number of incredible and influential artists. Which artists have still yet to get the nod from the Rock Hall? Scroll through our gallery below and see just ten notable omissions.

102.9 WMGK • 10th February 2020

'Van Halen' & 4 Other Debut Albums Panned by 'Rolling Stone'

Van Halen’s self-titled debut was released 42 years ago today (February 10.) The album contains some of VH’s most-enduring tracks, from “Runnin’ With The Devil” to “Eruption.” However, upon its release, it was torn apart by Rolling Stone. It’s no secret that some of Rolling Stone‘s reviews haven’t aged as well as the albums they slammed. Fortunately for Van Halen, it’s in good company when it comes to other debut albums in rock history. In honor of the release anniversary of Van Halen, her

98.7 The Shark • 4th February 2020

7 Memorable Rock Star Acting Cameos

Alice Cooper is many things, including one of the best live acts of all time. However, he also might be the best scene-stealer, too. Frankly, it’s difficult to think of Wayne’s World without thinking of the “We’re not worthy!” scene. Of course, Cooper isn’t the only rock star that’s netted a killer cameo over the years. In honor of Cooper’s birthday today (February 4), here are seven memorable rock star acting cameos. There are few scenes more quotable than this gem that finds Wayne and