TV Features

Happy Birthday, David Lynch: The "Twin Peaks" Mastermind's 5 Best Films, Ranked

The filmmaking genius, known for Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, and Dune, turns 75 today.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Today, January 20, 2021, is David Lynch's 75th birthday.

The director, screenwriter, musician, and occasional actor has been dubbed one of the most important filmmakers of all time. With a heavy focus in surrealism, his work is instantly recognizable, with the word "Lynchian" having been coined to describe his imitators — or just anything that would otherwise fit in his twisted, fascinating creative universe.

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MUSIC

Happy Birthday, Patti Smith: The Rock Icon Turns 73

The poet and singer-songwriter's legacy already makes her one of the greats.

Photo by: Gift Habeshaw / Unsplash

In 1967, a young poet named Patti Smith moved from New Jersey to Manhattan, New York.

With no money to her name, the aspiring artist worked at various bookstores around the city, including a brief stint at the famed Strand Bookstore near Union Square. Through these jobs, she met photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, who, a few years later, would snap the cover shot for Smith's debut album Horses, a record that would help define New York City punk for decades to come. Even today, on Smith's 73rd birthday, her story and music remain crucial components of New York's expansive rock scene.

Smith documented her intense—and at times tumultuous—romantic relationship with Mapplethorpe in her 2010 memoir, Just Kids. During their many years living together, they juggled their respective art forms while struggling to dig themselves out of poverty. For a period of time, they lived at the iconic Chelsea Hotel, a historic landmark referenced in songs by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, and Bon Jovi. Smith was a longtime fan of jazz and classic rock artists like the Rolling Stones, though it took some coaxing for her to realize her potential in making music of her own. She befriended Bob Neuwirth, a singer-songwriter and associate of Dylan's, who encouraged Smith to put her poetry to melodies. She gave her first public reading in 1971; from there, her career gradually inclined.

Though Smith and Mapplethorpe's romance eventually ended—he came out to her as gay after a trip to San Francisco to explore his sexuality—they remained lifelong friends. Smith dated Blue Öyster Cult keyboardist Allen Lanier, and she was once even considered for the role of lead vocalist in the band. In the early '70s, Smith began writing album reviews for publications like Creem. She didn't keep up the gig for long, however, deciding she wanted to make her own records instead of critiquing the work of others. During these years, Smith also contributed a few lyrics to Blue Öyster Cult songs and released a handful of poetry books.

Smith began performing rock music in the mid-'70s, recruiting bassist Lenny Kaye, guitarist Ivan Kral, drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, and pianist Richard Sohl to comprise the full Patti Smith Band. They released their first single in 1974, "Hey Joe / Piss Factory," featuring a spoken-word introduction that references Patty Hearst, an American heiress who was infamously kidnapped. Smith's rhythmic, conversational delivery on the songs emblemized her transition from poet to full-fledged rock star.

Patti Smith : Hey Joe - Piss Factory 7"www.youtube.com


Horses, featuring arguably one of the most iconic album covers of all time, arrived the following year. In Just Kids, Smith wrote about the black-and-white photo's spontaneous nature and Mapplethorpe's use of natural light in his apartment. "The only rule we had was, Robert told me if I wore a white shirt, not to wear a dirty one," Smith told NPR. "I got my favorite ribbon and my favorite jacket, and he took about 12 pictures. By the eighth one he said, 'I got it.'" On her reaction to the photo now, she wrote: "I never see me. I see us."

Smith married former MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith in 1980, and then took a break from music during the following years to spend time with her family in Michigan and raise her two children, Jesse and Jackson, with Fred. Fred died in 1994 of a heart attack, followed shortly by the unexpected death of Patti's brother, Todd. The impact of these losses inspired her to revive her career: She moved back to New York and began touring again.

During the course of her career, Smith has released 11 solo studio albums, and her writing can be read in over 20 books. She's been nominated for four Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. At 73, her legacy is stronger than ever, being cited as an influence by the likes of R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, Madonna, U2, Courtney Love, and Florence and the Machine. Comedian John Mulaney recreated the Horses album cover in a promotional photo shoot for "Saturday Night Live."

To those who have felt a connection to Smith's music, poetry, and memoirs, she speaks to struggling artists, young New Yorkers, and broken lovers alike: Those who are passionate enough about their art will always find their own success.

Birthday Celebs

Photo by Greyson Joralemon_Unsplash

Bruno Mars just turned 33 yesterday — and how did he celebrate his big three-three? By hiring Ed Sheeran to serenade him, of course.

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MUSIC

Madonna’s Top 10 Looks | The Music Industry Icon Turns 60

Happy Birthday "Madge!" Plus, Photos and Some Noteworthy Music Videos

It's hard to believe, but Madonna is 60 today, August 16.

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Rising Star

Tash Sultana Takes The Stage And Steals Our Hearts

With Unparalleled Technicality and Freedom, Tash Sultna's Tunes Make Waves at Govornor's Ball NYC 2018

Megan Oots

I first discovered Tash Sultana while hunting for new music. This is rare for me. I am the person that listens to the same two artists on repeat for years, ( I love you, Avett Brothers, and Dr Dog). So for me, it seems like fate that I stumbled upon Tash Sultana, who broke my repeat habit to immerse me in a world of unexpected, yet perfectly placed, soundscaped rhythms paired with transcendental vocals. She has since held a steady spot on my "most played" list.

She's Australian born and music raised. Tash plays over 20 musical instruments. I was fortunate enough to see her play many of them at Governor's Ball NYC.

Photo By Megan Oots

Her performance was incredible. I made sure to stay front and center while others chilled on the notorious Gov Ball Hill that faced the Bacardi Stage where she performed. No matter where were are when you first hear her music, it's sure to make your head turn.

Photo By Megan Oots

AND Thursday was Tash's 23rd Birthday!

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Follow Tash Sultana on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


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MUSIC

Lil Uzi Vert's Greatest, Lost Song

"Bag", off '2 Luv is 2 Rage'

What makes a hit song a hit song? Almost by definition, this line of inquiry has no clear, single answer.

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