Queen Of Soul. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. With her powerful voice and gospel roots, she gained early recognition. In the 1960s, she moved to Atlantic Records and became a legend under the direction of Jerry Wexler. In 1967, the hit ”Respect“ brought her worldwide fame and became an anthem for civil rights and women‘s movements. Aretha was known for her emotional depth and incomparable live performances. Her...

Prince Of Soul. Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. born April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C., was more than just a musician; he was a pioneer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. With a career that spanned decades, Marvin Gaye is celebrated as one of the greatest soul singers and songwriters of all time. His contributions to the Motown sound, his social consciousness, and his timeless music inspire audiences around the world. In the 1960s, he became a soulful crooner on Tamla-Motown Records, where...

Viva La Cuba. Cuba the Caribbean island with rich history and cultural diversity, is known for its music that is loved worldwide. Cuban music reflects the soul and spirit of the country. From Afro-Cuban rhythms to Son and Salsa, it is more than entertainment - it is cultural expression. Cuba‘s musical history shows cultural influences from indigenous people, African slaves, European colonialists and Chinese immigrants. African roots can be seen in the rhythms and percussion instruments of...

More Than Just A Dance. Tango Argentino is not only a sensual and intoxicating dance and musical style, but also a cultural symbol that reflects the history, passion and identity of Argentina. Originating in the suburbs of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, tango combines African rhythms, European social dances, and the influences of immigrants to Argentina to create a unique dance form. Initially considered scandalous, tango gained acceptance and popularity over time. Traditional tango...

Sun is Shining. Bob Marley is one of the pioneers of reggae. His musical career was characterized by the fusion of reggae, ska and rocksteady elements, as well as his distinctive singing and songwriting style. Marley‘s contributions to music raised the profile of Jamaican music worldwide, making him a pop culture legend to this day. Throughout his career, Marley became known as a Rastafarian icon, adding an air of spirituality to his music. He is also considered a worldwide symbol of Jamaican...

What Is Love. In 1992, Haddaway was discovered by the German record company Coconut Records. It didn‘t take long for his cry „What is Love?“ to be heard for the first time and it hasn‘t died down to this day. Haddaway‘s debut single „What Is Love“ became a worldwide hit, reaching number 2 in Germany and the UK. In Germany, the single sold 900,000 copies. In the UK, the single received a gold record for a total of 400,000 units sold. It later rose to #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot...

Big Hits & Superstars Of Country Music. Country music is closely tied to American culture as it tells the stories and experiences of rural people. It‘s about love, heartbreak, family, work and nature, which are familiar to many people around the world. In the U.S., country continues to be the most popular musical genre of all. Country Greatest is an extraordinary compilation with timeless classics that will enchant every lover. All the great US stars are included: Dolly Parton, Dave...

The Sparrow of Paris. Èdith Piaf, the sparrow of Paris, stands like hardly any other artist for the French chanson. She has carried the chanson into the wide world. Piaf sings as if it were always the last time, as if she gave her whole soul for the song. That‘s why her interpretations are unmatched to this day. The mission statement of her unfortunately much too short life can be found again in her biggest hit Je ne regrette rien [I regret nothing!], which, like many other great songs of...

This Night Belongs To Jazz. The virtuoso instrumentalists and the great voices light up the dark night with a piece of genius and jazz. Like stars in the night sky, they make the essentials of jazz music shine. One side is devoted exclusively to instrumental arrangements featuring Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd, Miles Davis and James Clay. The other side sparkles with sung standards by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Doris Day, Rosemary...

The Magic 80‘s. Like Rubik‘s Cubes and Walkmans, pop songs in the garb of orchestral ­arrangements are among the style-defining features of the 80s. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra co-invented the incomparable „Pop Goes Classic Sound“. We remember this magical decade with 12 unique songs: „Every Breath You Take“ written by Sting, the most played song in radio history. „Time After Time,“ Cindy Lauper‘s first No. 1 hit in the U.S. „Eye Of The Tiger,“ theme from „Rocky...