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1976 No. 1 Classic Rock Hit Was Written to 'Kick Pink Floyd in the Butt'
What inspires a songwriter? It seems like most of the time, an emotion like love is the driving force behind a song...but in the case of one classic '70s hit, it was the desire to blow a rival rock band off the stage.
Released as the second single from Steve Miller Band's ninth studio album, Fly Like an Eagle, "Rock'n Me" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Nov. 6, 1976, and went on to become a classic rock staple. But initially, Steve Miller had just one motive in mind when he sat down to pen the tune.
As Miller explained to Uncle Joe Benson on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show, it all started when he was asked to open for Pink Floyd at the 1975 Knebworth festival near London, England.
“I kept trying to turn down the gig,” Miller recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t have a band. I don’t wanna do this. This is a bad time for me. I’m in the midst of recording...' They just kept saying, ‘Well, how about some more? How about if we paid you this much? If that wouldn’t be enough would this be enough?’ Finally I decided, ‘Well, this would be enough! Yeah, I can take a little break to do this!’”
Miller contacted a few musicians he'd been working with — Les Dudek, Lonnie Turner and Doug Clifford — and asked them if they would be interested in an "all-expenses-paid vacation to London to go do a Knebworth festival with Pink Floyd."
“They came over to the house, where we rehearsed for one afternoon. We got on a plane, flew to London and played to 120,000 people," Miller continued. "I had thought about the gig and I knew the way it was going to work was, I was going to play just before Pink Floyd...The sun would be going down. It would be really cold. There wouldn’t be any lights on the stage. It would be a lousy time...I went, ‘You know, I’m gonna kick those guys in the butt.’ So, what I did was, I wrote ‘Rock’n Me’ as a song to play at a festival, to just get it going.”
'Rock'n Me' has been streamed hundreds of millions of timesJust as Miller hoped it would, “Rock’n Me” “ripped the joint up.”
"They just loved us," Miller said, adding that the audience's reaction made him think, "‘Maybe we oughta record this one? This might be a good one to put on the record.’”
Of course, recording the tune turned out to be a wise move. In a 1976 review of the song, Billboard called it a "catchy and highly humorous midtempo rocker," comparing the melody to something by the Beach Boys or The Eagles.
All these years later, the song is just as popular as ever: At the time of this writing, "Rock'n Me" has been streamed over 200 million times on Spotify alone.
1979 Hit Film With Farewell Show From Classic Rock Legend Ranked Among ‘Greatest Music Films’ of All Time
There are some concerts so monumental that they require an entire documentary dedicated to their legacy. That was the case with this historic rockumentary centered on '70s glam-rock icon David Bowie.
In January, BBC Music ranked the top 11 greatest rock music films, compiling a list of the best works in cinema to incorporate the beloved genre. Ranked among classics such as D.A. Pennebaker’s 1967 documentary Don't Look Back at No. 10 and Ken Russell’s 1975 adaptation Tommy at No. 8, Pennebaker’s 1979 film Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars secured the No. 9 spot.
The film originally premiered on August 31, 1979, at the Edinburgh Film Festival before receiving a wider theatrical and home release in the U.S. and U.K. on December 23, 1983. It took Pennebaker nearly a decade to finalize the project after filming due to complex post-production soundtrack mixing, making it one of the director's most ambitious undertakings.
David Bowie performs his final concert as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon, London on July 3, 1973. The concert later became known as the Retirement Gig.Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Despite being recognized as a cult classic today, the film originally did not perform exceptionally well at the box office. This sluggish commercial start was mainly due to its delayed theatrical release, which Pennebaker had to fight major distributors for because of a collective industry disinterest in concert films at the time.
The initial pushback did not stop the rockumentary from building a deeply dedicated fanbase, with many Bowie devotees considering it a masterpiece. The movie followed Bowie at the height of his glam-rock era, ultimately depicting his final show under his alien Ziggy Stardust persona. The documentary serves as a flawless time capsule for legendary performance, capturing his epic July 3, 1973 concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon.
The film featured full-length concert footage of hits like "Moonage Daydream," "Changes," "Space Oddity" and "Ziggy Stardust alongside intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Bowie preparing for the show in his dressing room. This culmination of footage was the perfect way to memorialize the historic gig that closed out a musical era.
To this day, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars remains a cornerstone of music cinema. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive audience score of 89%, affirming its lasting cultural impact on generations of rock fans.
1960 Box Office Smash That Attracted Royalty Ranked Among Best Rock Movies
In the spring of 1958, Elvis Presley traded his blue-suede shoes for a pair of government-issued combat boots. Elvis was in the Army now.
So, when he returned from Germany exactly two years later, fans couldn’t wait to get a peek at the King of Rock and Roll. Their wishes were granted when G.I. Blues hit theaters in the fall of 1960.
View this post on Instagram“The plot of G.I. Blues … capitalized on [Elvis'] two years of service,” Ultimate Classic Rock wrote. “So for fans who waited to get a glimpse of Presley, it didn't really matter that it wasn't particularly good.”
Still, the authority on all things classic rock must have seen something they liked about the film, because they just ranked it the best rock movie of 1960.
A musical comedy with a simmering romance plot, Presley plays Tulsa McLean, a tank gunner in the 3rd Armored Division stationed in Frankfurt. He and his buddies have dreams of opening a nightclub when they get back Stateside. To get the capital they need to do so, Tulsa bets his platoon that he can make Lily the “Ice Queen” fall in love with him. It’s She’s All That, military style.
Hollywood beauty Juliet Prowse stars opposite Presley, with frequent Presley collaborator Norman Taurog directing. While filming, IMDb shared, Paramount Studios invited actual royalty to meet The King. The Scandinavian princesses — Margrethe of Denmark, Astrid of Norway, and Margaretha of Sweden — as well as the royals of Thailand — His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit — all visited the studio to meet Presley and Prowse.
The film proved to be a massive commercial success, generating more than $4 million on a $2 million budget, per IMDb. It also marked a shift in Presley’s public image. Changing from rock ‘n’ roll rebel to clean-cut all-American, the movie star performed lullabies, ballads, and softer tunes in his fifth feature.
The soundtrack features 12 tracks, ranging from “Tonight Is So Right for Love” and “Pocketful of Rainbows” to “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Doin’ the Best I Can.” The fourth track, “Wooden Heart,” became a smash hit in August 1961, when singer Joe Dowell recorded his own version.
Of course, audiences first fell in love with the folksy tune that features Presley singing in German by watching G.I. Blues.
G.I. blues is available to buy on YouTube.
A Billy Joel Biopic Is in the Works — But the Icon Has This to Say About It
With Michael still dominating at the box office, news of a biopic centered on another musical icon is now brewing.
A film chronicling the formative years of superstar singer-pianist Billy Joel will be directed by John Ottman, Variety reports.
Billy & Me will tell the origin story of Joel before fame, before the hits — and, significantly, before his 1973 classic “Piano Man.” As Variety noted on Tuesday, May 19, it's told through the eyes of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered the singer in 1966, signed him in 1970 and oversaw his career up to his breakthrough deal with Columbia Records in 1972.
Last year, HBO released a documentary on the Grammy winner, 77, titled “And So It Goes.”
The production has secured Mazur’s exclusive life rights, as well as those of Joel’s longtime friend, drummer and video director Jon Small, who is also on board as a consultant, co-executive producer and second unit director. Small was Joel’s drummer in the Hassles.
“This is the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy’s early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time," Small, 80, told Variety. "Billy & Me is grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy. As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years.”
The kicker is that Billy & Me doesn't have Joel’s approval, rights to his music or his life rights — which grant a person or company the right to purchase and develop a person’s life story into a media format.
“Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel’s life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project," Joel's rep said in a statement to Variety. "Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.”
Stephen Colbert’s Final ‘Late Show’ Week Has Fans Bracing for an Emotional Goodbye
The lastLate Show with Stephen Colbert is coming, and we are not OK.
Stephen Colbert, who's helmed the show since taking over for David Letterman in 2015, will take his final bow this week.
When Colbert won the 2025 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, he told the audience his goal for when he first took over on The Late Show.
"In September of 2015, Spike Jonze stopped by my office and said, ‘Hey, what do you want this show to be about?’ I said, ‘Ah, Spike, I don't know how you could do it, but I'd kind of like to do a late-night comedy show that was about love,’" he recalled. "And I don't know if I ever figured that out, but at a certain point, and you can guess what that point was, I realized that in some ways, we were doing a late-night comedy show about loss. That's related to love, because sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it."
Let's be real, we really are losing it—and, well, losing it. Colbert, who previously was a fan favorite correspondent on The Daily Show and host of spinoff The Colbert Report, has been a comedy staple for two decades, and we will not be better off without him on air. The least we can do is give the man a sweet sendoff. Here's everything to know about the Late Show with Stephen Colbertfinal episode, including, when and were to watch, how to stream, theLate Show with Stephen Colbert last guests and more.
Is the Colbert show ending?The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is, in fact, ending, and, frankly, no one is thrilled about it except some fascists.
That said, Colbert has been remarkably (and predictably) diplomatic and kind whenever he discusses his exit. He told the Hollywood Reporter that he didn't expect the show to end when and how it did, and that he would have done things differently if his exit was his own call.
“I’d just be a little older. And it would have been my choice, and I probably would have known what the final show was going to be a little bit earlier,” he said.
He added, “On The Colbert Report, I picked that day—I didn’t tell anybody, but I knew two years ahead of time. Well, we didn’t pick this day. We know what it’ll be now, but it took a few months. But maybe they gave me a gift because I had a lot of jokes I could make about the end of the show, and if I’d decided to end the show, then I’m the bad guy—hard to make jokes about that.”
Related: Stephen Colbert & Wife Evie—Find Out How They Met & Which Celeb Once Babysat for Them!
Did Stephen Colbert get canceled?As a person? Never. However, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will be canceled after its finale this week.
Why was Stephen Colbert canceled?That depends on who you ask.
Many will notice that Trump's lawsuit against CBS coincided with the cancellation of The Late Show, but CBS insisted that the show was ending for financial reasons.
CBS announced that the staple show would end not long after the network settled a lawsuit from President Donald Trump, and the coincidental timing wasn't lost on anyone—least of all Stephen Colbert himself, who was more diplomatic than he needed to be about it.
Colbert, ever kind, didn't publicly dispute the suits' reasoning much, but he did acknowledge that, you know, it might look a little sketchy to some people, you know?
"I do not dispute their rationale. I do make jokes about it. But I also completely understand why people would say (A) that doesn’t make sense to me and (B) that seems fishy to me, because the network did it to themselves by bending the knee to the Trump administration over a $20 billion, settled for $16 million, completely frivolous lawsuit," he told the New York Times in April. "It’s possible that two things can be true. Broadcast can be in trouble. They cannot monetize because of things like YouTube, because of the competition of streaming. They’ve got the books, and I do not have any desire to debate them over what they say their business model is and how it does not work for them anymore. But less than two years before they called to say it’s over, they were very eager for me to be signed for a long time. So, something changed."
He expounded to the Hollywood Reporter, "It came as a surprise. Listen, there’s no denying that the broadcast model is in huge trouble. But our model [late night] within that overall model has been very profitable for, like, 70 years, starting with Steve Allen. But maybe we were the first show to then be a detriment. Maybe we were the first one to flip in the other direction. I do not wish to litigate it. It’s their shop, and they can do what they want."
Related: When Is the Last Episode of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’?
Is the Colbert show ending in May 2026?Indeed. The final episode will air on May 21, 2026.
"My brother is getting married, so my whole family is going to be here on the 21st, and then we’re all going to get on the train and go to D.C. for the wedding. So, immediately after the show’s over, there’s something much more important going on," Colbert told the Hollywood Reporter. "And there’s something much more important going on the Monday before, too. My son is graduating from college. Then there’s a little blip in the middle where my 20-year late night career comes to an end. The universe has conspired to give me the proper perspective."
Related: Stephen Colbert Reveals the A-List Beauty He Found ‘Wildly Distracting’ During His Late-Night Career
When is the last Stephen Colbert show?The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air on May 21, 2026.
When does the Stephen Colbert show end?Colbert takes his final Late Show bow on May 21, 2026.
When is the last Late Show with Stephen Colbert?The last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs on May 21, 2026.
Is Stephen Colbert still on the air?Colbert will remain on the air through May 21, 2026.
Related: Stephen Colbert Loves This Ina Garten Chicken Recipe—After Trying It, I Can See Why
Who is taking over for Stephen Colbert?Technically no one is taking over for Colbert, because he's not leaving the Late Show—the show as a whole is ending. As for who will be in the time slot, Byron Allen will take over with Comics Unleashed, and he vowed to avoid political discussions on the show.
"What I’m doing with Comics Unleashed, we don’t talk about politics. We don’t talk about anything that’s topical," he said on Smerconish. "We don’t do anything that’s racist or sexist or antisemitic or homophobic. Just be funny and don’t offend."
He added, "I don’t care who you vote for. I don’t care. I’m here to make people laugh. You’re going to vote who you’re going to vote for, no matter what I say. It doesn’t matter. It’s not my business, do what you do. I’m here to make you laugh."
Just pointing out that who people vote for is everyone's business, because those decisions effect the rights of everyone, but whatever. He'll do him.
Related: CBS Announces Replacement for 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'
Who are Stephen Colbert's final guests?One guest that Colbert has been chasing forever? Pope Leo XIV, and it remains to be seen if the Pontifex will be pop by the Ed Sullivan Theater.
"The pope is my white whale. I wrote him. I said, 'Come on!' No, I said, “Your Holiness, I hope this letter finds you well or, at the very least, infallible. Would you please come on my show? We don’t have to talk about politics,'" Colbert told the Hollywood Reporter. "Because I didn’t really think he’d want to talk about politics or anything like that. Little did I know that the guy could throw a punch [as he recently proved feuding with Trump over the Iran war]. I said, 'Let’s talk about being an American Catholic.' Now, if the pope goes on Kimmel [instead], I’m going to think hard about the Presbyterian church. That’s all I’m saying."
That said, the guests for the final week of The Late Showwith Stephen Colbert are varied, and chances are there will be a lot of surprises beyond what's listed below! Here's what we know so far.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert guests: Monday, May 18, 2026No guests have been announced for Monday, May 18, 2026, because its theme is "The Worst of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!" The network did, however, specify that it won't be a clip show, so you may be able to expect some surprise boldfaced names.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert guests: Tuesday, May 19, 2026Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne will appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Byrne will be part of a special performance with Colbert. (We're hoping for, perhaps, a pointed rendition of "Psycho Killer," but we'll gladly take just about anything from these two.)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert guests: Wednesday, May 20, 2026On May 20, 2026, the penultimate episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, there will be "special guests," but none of them have been named yet—except one, and it's a biggie: Bruce Springsteen will be the musical guest!
Also in the penultimate episode, Colbert will take his own “Colbert Questionert,” with said special guests asking him questions.
The last Late Show with Stephen Colbert guests: Thursday, May 21, 2026No guests have been announced for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert series finale, but we're willing to bet some will appear.
Related: Josh Brolin and Stephen Colbert’s Hilarious Bromance Steals the Show in Chaotic Interview
When is Colbert's last show date?The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode on May 21, 2026.
When is Colbert's last show time?The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode at is usual time, 11:35 p.m. ET.
Where is the last Late Show with Stephen Colbert streaming?You can stream the last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Paramount+.
Related: How to Make Oatmeal Cookies 10x Better, According to Stephen Colbert
Moviegoers Are About to Notice a Big Change at Theatres Across the Country
Going to the movies just got a little tastier.
AMC Theatres is shaking up its dining menu by rolling out new bold options nationwide in anticipation of the summer movie season.
It's expected to be a big summer for movies, with heavy-hitters like Masters of the Universe, Scary Movie, Toy Story 5, Moana and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, all swinging into theaters.
Everyone knows that part of the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen is the snacks and dining options that come with it. They’re almost like a supporting character, making sure you’re comfortable, satisfied, and fully immersed in the experience.
The movie theater chain announced that it is evolving the Feature Fare menu, first introduced in 2017, to include added options.
The new offerings will go beyond the typical movie theatre concessions, expanding into hot foods, savory snack bites, sweet treats and even limited-time offerings inspired by popular food trends and guest demand.
Moviegoers will see a big change when they step foot into one of the more than 400 AMC Feature Fare locations, as the menu will include these new items:
- Street Corn Poppers – Hot, poppable street corn bites packed with flavor.
- Popcorn Chicken – Crispy, bite-sized chicken perfect for sharing or snacking during the movie.
- Hot Honey Sausage Pizza – A sweet and spicy combination featuring sausage and hot honey flavors.
- Dill Pickle Pretzel Bites – Soft pretzel bites with a bold dill pickle seasoning twist.
- Dill Pickle Bavarian Legend – A 1.5 pound, shareable pretzel with a bold dill pickle seasoning twist.
Those with a little sweet tooth will be able to indulge in the new additions, including Cheez-Its, Pringles Mingles Jalapeño Queso and Snickers Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bar.
“The AMC Feature Fare menu is always evolving as we explore fun new opportunities and listen to our guests about what they most enjoy while watching a movie on the big screen,” said Hank Green, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage, AMC Theatres, in a press release.
"With new additions like Street Corn Poppers, Hot Honey Sausage Pizza, and Dill Pickle Pretzel Bites, we’re continuing to build a menu that gives our guests more variety, more flavor and more reasons to treat themselves when they come to the movies.”
What movie are you most excited to see this summer?
I Tested TikTok’s Favorite Dirty Soda Recipes—Here’s the Only One I’ll Make Again
If you're not familiar with dirty soda by now, well, buckle up. The term "dirty soda" might conjure up pictures of some sort of failed 7-11 fountain drink experiment, but this trend has actually been around for a little while and is darn delicious. Let us explain.
Originally popularized in Utah soda shops, dirty soda has quietly become one of the biggest non-coffee beverage crazes in the U.S. Since the Mormon population usually doesn't drink alcohol, coffee or tea, a little treat in the form of a drink was created and thus, the dirty soda was born.
I first heard about the dirty soda trend from my friend Shae, who is the reigning queen of multiple drinks on her desk at all times. She is also the first person to jump on a TikTok food trend and then prompty voice note me about it. In fact, she was the one who dragged me to Sonic for my very first dirty soda experience (and honestly, aren’t those the kinds of moments friendships are founded on?). At first you might be skeptical, but I guarantee when you hit the last sip, you'll be craving another.
The trend exploded even further thanks to TikTok, where videos of creamy sodas being swirled together in giant pebble-ice-filled cups somehow became hypnotic viewing (rightfully so). But after seeing dirty soda all over social media for months, I started wondering whether these drinks were actually worth making at home or whether they were just another internet fad destined to disappear faster than the Dalgona coffee once COVID was over.
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What Is Dirty Soda?Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Dirty soda takes a basic soft drink and "dirties" it up with flavored syrups, creamers, fruit purees, citrus and plenty of crushed ice. If putting cream into soda sounds gross, let me ask you one thing: have you ever had a root beer float? How about an egg cream? (I rest my case.) Americans have been combining soda, syrups and creamy ingredients since the golden age of soda fountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
The OG dirty soda of recent years is the now-famous combination of Diet Coke, coconut syrup, lime and cream. Unlike a traditional soda float, dirty soda usually skips the ice cream and instead relies on cream, half-and-half or flavored creamers for richness. The flavor experiements have exploded lately with people making countless versions at home and even fast food chains hopping on the trend. Dirty soda may have TikTok branding, but at its core, it’s surprisingly old-fashioned.
Andrea Ramirez, senior manager, consumer and customer market insights at flavored syrup brand Torani, says that this trend is here to stay.
"I think dirty soda will continue to evolve through seasonal flavors, functional ingredients, better-for-you variations, and new texture experiences," she says. "...Dirty soda taps into several long-term consumer behaviors: customization, affordable indulgence, afternoon treat occasions and beverage experimentation."
Related: Dr Pepper’s New Long-Awaited Release Is a Must-Try: ‘I Need a Dozen’
3 Homemade Dirty Soda Recipes Ranked from Least To Most Favorite3. Cherries & Cream Dirty SodaCourtesy of Jessica Wrubel
For this version, I combined lemon-lime soda with vanilla syrup, cherry puree and heavy cream before topping the whole thing with fresh cherries. Visually, this one was easily the prettiest of the bunch. Dark purple cherry puree swirled through the cream and soda, creating a drink that looked more like an overpriced, fancy old-school soda fountain treat than something trending on TikTok.
The fresh cherry pieces at the bottom turned the whole experience into a bit of a fishing game with the straw, but honestly, I’m never opposed to a beverage that doubles as an activity. Flavor-wise, this one drank the easiest and smoothest of the three, likely because the cherry puree slightly muted the carbonation. The vanilla and cream gave it a dessert-like quality without becoming overwhelmingly sweet, though it definitely leaned heavier than the others. If you love black cherry ice cream or cherry cola floats, this is probably your dream dirty soda.
Ingredients:12 ounces lemon-lime soda (like Sprite)
1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
1 to 2 tablespoons cherry syrup or cherry puree
2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
1 to 2 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Ice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the soda, then stir in the vanilla syrup and cherry syrup or puree. Slowly pour the cream over the top to create a swirled effect. Garnish with fresh cherries and stir gently before drinking.
2. Orange Creamsicle Dirty SodaCourtesy of Jessica Wrubel
This version immediately transported me straight back to childhood, complete with visions of chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck. Made with orange soda, vanilla syrup and cream, this dirty soda tasted exactly like a melted creamsicle in the best possible way. The only thing missing was accidentally biting down on the popsicle stick!
It was citrusy, fizzy, creamy and incredibly nostalgic all at once. Drinking this on a hot summer day would probably cure just about any bad mood you walked into the day with. The creaminess here was much more pronounced than in the other drinks, which made it feel slightly more indulgent and dessert-like, but the carbonation kept it from becoming too rich. If you love orange-and-vanilla anything, this one is absolutely worth making at home.
Ingredients:3/4 cup orange soda
1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
Ice
Fill a serving glass with ice. Add the vanilla syrup and orange soda. Slowly pour the cream over the top to create a swirled effect. Stir gently and serve immediately.
1. Classic Dirty SodaCourtesy of Jessica Wrubel
The winner for me, without question, was the classic dirty soda. Coke, coconut syrup, lime and cream somehow combine into a drink that tastes like sipping an icy Coca-Cola at the beach. It’s fizzy, smooth, creamy and just barely tropical without going overboard.
The lime keeps the drink from becoming cloyingly sweet, while the coconut adds just enough flavor to make it feel different from regular soda without overwhelming the Coke itself. This was also the most refreshing of the three and the easiest to keep drinking long after my "taste test" technically should have ended.
There’s just something unbeatable about the coconut-lime-Coke combination. The orange creamsicle version came in a very close second for me, but I’m a coconut person through and through. Pair this classic dirty soda with a bag of salty chips by the pool this summer and suddenly you understand exactly why people are obsessed with these drinks.
Ingredients:8 ounces Diet Coke or regular Coke
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons coconut syrup
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
Ice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the Coke, lime juice and coconut syrup. Top with cream and stir gently before serving.
Related: Fresca Turns Its Popular Citrus Soda Into 4 Boozy New Drinks
Tips for Making Dirty Soda at HomeCourtesy of Jessica Wrubel
- Balance is key. The biggest thing I learned while testing these dirty sodas is that balance matters more than you think. Too much syrup and the drink quickly becomes overwhelmingly sweet. Too much cream and the carbonation disappears almost instantly. Ramirez says the combinations that tend to struggle the most are those where acidity and dairy fight each other too aggressively or where too many competing flavors muddy the drink. "Simplicity usually wins," she says.
- Ice, ice baby. Using plenty of ice also makes a huge difference, both for texture and dilution. Dirty sodas are meant to be icy cold, and the extra ice helps mellow some of the sweetness as you drink. Ramirez says crushed or pebble ice chills the drink quickly and slightly softens the drink over time. "Its soft texture lends to chewing, transforming the drink into a 'snack' of sorts," she says.
- Customize to your heart's content. Ramirez says there are no rules when it comes to dirty soda. "If you’re someone who doesn’t want to consume added sugars, try using a zero-sugar base with sugar-free flavors and fresh fruit, or consider using a 'better for you' soda brand like Olipop or Poppi as your base," she says, noting that beverage choice isn't the only way to "healthify" your dirty soda. Heavy cream creates a rich, dessert-like beverage, while half-and-half offers balance and easy drinkability. Coconut milk or oat milk can add flavor character while keeping the drink lighter. Cold foam creates a layered experience that feels especially premium.
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Sheinelle Jones Reveals Injury She Suffered Live on 'Today'
Sheinelle Jones just revealed a painful injury she might have suffered while recently dancing with pop star Zara Larsson on Today.
On the Tuesday, May 19 episode of Jenna & Sheinelle with Jenna Bush Hager, Jones, 48, explained the painful ailment, which she said she woke up with the day before.
"OK, Sheinelle's injured, " Bush Hager, 44, declared at the beginning of Today's fourth hour.
"I am," she acknowledged as she tenderly sat down. "So I have self-diagnosed myself. I don't know if this is the official diagnosis, but frozen shoulder."
Jones then demonstrated how high she could lift her right arm before it hurt to go much further. "Like, putting this dress on today? Sarah had to help me upstairs, our friend in the wardrobe department. I mean, it was a whole situation to put this dress on today."
Bush Hager then asked, "Now, are you going to listen to what your body is saying?"
"To slow down? Yeah," Jones acknowledged. "I read, some people say, it's like women in their 40s. I've had this before."
After Bush Hager pointed out that a frozen shoulder can be a sign of perimenopause, she wondered if Jones' injury might have had something to do with the high-energy dance she performed with Larsson.
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On May 8, Jones did the viral dance to the pop star's song "Lush Life" for Today's Citi Concert Series. A clip played of Jones dancing, prompting her to exclaim on Tuesday's episode, "Oh wait, it is that arm! Did I rip my arm out of socket?"
Bush Hager joked, "I think [Larsson] broke her shoe, and you broke your shoulder," to which Jones admitted. "I don't know what is happening."
"It's because we're old!" the former first daughter lamented.
News of Jones' injury came after she was absent from Today on Monday, May 18. Carson Daly ended up filling in for her on Jenna & Sheinelle.
Next: Carson Daly Reveals Surprising Dating Dealbreaker for His Kids: "Am I Gonna Get Canceled For That?"
Olivia Rodrigo Pays Homage to This Epic 1987 Love Song In Hit Single from Latest Album
Fans of "Driver's License" and guts are eagerly awaiting the newest album from Olivia Rodrigo. You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love is set for release on June 12th, 2026, but the lead single, "drop dead" was released on April 17, 2026. Rodrigo has been very forthright over the years about drawing inspiration from other artists, and the inspo within "drop dead" is right there in the opening lyrics.
In the synth-pop single, Rodrigo opens with:
“I know that the bar closes at 11 / but I hope you never finish that beer / You know all the words to 'Just Like Heaven' / and I know why he wrote them now that you’re standing right here.”
Released in 1987, "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure was the first hit in the United States for the English rock band. Frontman Robert Smith wrote the song after a beach trip with his then girlfriend, now wife, Mary. Of the love song he said, "The song’s about hyper-ventilating – kissing and fainting to the floor." Mary, the muse for the track would even go on to star in the music video.
The song is widely considered to be one of The Cure's best, with some critics even considering it one of the best singles from the '80s. Some even call it "the one Cure song everyone knows."
In 2025, Rodrigo brought Smith out on day five of Glastonbury, in the UK. Since the Glastonbury gig, they've remained in contact with Smith saying, "She calls me up quite a bit to talk about clothes and fashion – and we have enjoyed a couple of memorable nights in the studio together."
However, despite the friendship, Rodrigo hadn't played Smith the song referencing his hit song. Speaking to Apple Music she said of the track, "I played him a bunch of other songs on the album – I don’t know why I didn’t think to play this one."
You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love will be available everywhere June 12th, 2026.
Related: 1976 Band Changed Rock Forever—and One Critic Hated It
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Furniture Flipper Totally Transforms $0 Dresser—and I'm Obsessed With This Matte Pine Finish
In furniture flip videos, DIYers often upgrade old and basic furniture into pieces that are much more modern and ornate. But in a video recently shared by a creator named Jayde (@jayde.flip2thrive), she did just the opposite: she took a shabby and ostentatious vintage dresser and transformed it into something clean and simple.
Keep reading to see this extraordinary dresser transformation and learn how Jayde made it happen.
This Furniture Flipper Scored a Free Dresser on Facebook Marketplace"This piece was good from afar but far from good," Jayde captioned her TikTok video, which has more than 515,000 views.
As she explains, when she first saw a solid timber dresser listed on Facebook Marketplace for free, she was psyched. But once she picked it up, its imperfections became clear. Namely, the top of the dresser had a rough veneer, bumps and water damage, while the rest of the dresser suffered from plenty of general wear and tear, a sloppy paint job and yellowing drawer interiors.
So, Jayde decided to check out what was beneath the paint on the dresser's top with a carbide scraper — and the piece soon revealed itself to be made of solid pine.
"Once I started removing the paint, what I found underneath was nothing like what I expected," she said.
@jayde.flip2thriveThis piece was good from afar but far from good. Once I started removing the paint, what I found underneath was nothing like what I expected. I filmed the entire process so you can follow along with the full step‑by‑step tutorial and see exactly how I brought it back to life ✨ #furniture #furnituretransformation #tutorial #diy #diyprojects @
♬ original sound - Jayde || FLIP2THRIVE Next, Jayde Stripped the Pinewood DresserJayde noted that she typically uses natural paint-stripping methods first, but due to the wonky uneven surfaces of this piece, Jayde decided to put on protective gear and skip straight to using a methylene chloride paint remover.
Methylene chloride paint stripper is highly toxic and has allegedy caused multiple deaths. In fact, in 2024, the EPA banned most uses of the substance in the U.S., but Jayde seems to live in Australia, where it's still legal. Either way, if you're working on a project similar to Jayde's, I recommend using a non-toxic (or less toxic) paint stripper and following all safety instructions.
Next, Jayde used a paint scraper followed by a brush with firm nylon bristles to strip all the of the paint and veneer. For whatever reason, the wood was filled with bumps and divots, meaning that next, Jayde had to do some major sanding with her electric sander. And even after that, she still had to fill in a few dents with wood filler.
Then, it was time to treat the inside of the drawers: She sanded them and then applied an with oil-based primer and two coats of water-based enamel paint.
View this post on Instagram Finally, She Gave the Dresser a Matte Look With Hard Wax OilJayde then did one more round of sanding on the outside of her piece until everything was perfectly even. After cleaning off all the sawdust, she used a paint roller to cover the piece with Fiddes Hard Wax Oil, which was her secret for retaining the dresser's natural wood tone and giving it a matte appearance.
Lastly, she cleaned the drawer pulls using methylated spirits (aka denatured alcohol) and then reattached them — and the transformation was complete. This furniture flip was seriously impressive, and Jayde now has a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece.
View this post on InstagramRelated: DIYer Turns This $6 Item From IKEA Into Brilliant Floating Bookshelf
Amazon's $17 Weekender Bag Is Great for Summer Travel and Comes in 7 'Pretty' Colors
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If you're taking a quick getaway this spring or planning ahead for your summer vacation, you'll need the right travel gear — starting with a quality duffel bag. Whether you're using it as a carry-on on your next flight or just taking it to the gym, a stylish weekender bag always comes in handy while on the go. The Hotor Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon is a roomy option that's perfect for short trips, and it's now on sale for up to 45% off in select styles.
Right now, you can snag the top-rated bag for just $17, down from $30, in a spring-ready pastel blue. There are also six other beautiful colors available at varying discounts, and the options include a mix of classic neutrals and soft pastels, making it easy to find a hue that best suits your style.
Hotor Travel Duffel Bag, $17 (was $30) at Amazon Shop at AmazonMeasuring 13.4 inches long, 17.3 inches wide, and 7.9 inches high, the duffel is compact enough to stash in overhead bins, under airplane seats, or in the trunk of cars, while still offering plenty of room to hold your belongings. It has multiple compartments to help organize your items, including an internal zippered pocket to store valuables and an exterior pocket that allows easy access to phones, credit cards, and other small essentials. It also comes with an attached toiletry bag to store makeup, skincare, and more.
Constructed of quilted Oxford fabric, the duffel is water-resistant, easy to clean, and designed to stand up to wear and tear throughout your travels. You can carry it by the top handles, or use the longer adjustable strap to wear it on your shoulder when you need to go hands-free. It also has a separate compartment for shoes and a built-in trolley sleeve that attaches easily to suitcase handles.
Related: Amazon's 'Spacious' $24 Heavy-Duty Tote Bag Set Is 'Great for Moving or Extra Storage'
The popular bag has earned over 950 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, who called it "roomy" and "stylish." Several complimented its spacious interior, with one reviewer noting that it's "pretty and holds a lot." Another said the size and durable construction makes it "great for weekend travel."
Shop More Deals- Etronik Gym Bag, $20 (was $37) at Amazon
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If you've been looking for a lightweight yet spacious weekender bag to bring with you on all your spring and summer getaways, the Hotor duffel is an excellent travel companion that will keep you organized on all your trips. Snag it for up to 43% off before this sale ends at Amazon.
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Fans Still Can’t Get Over Parvati’s Double Idol Play on ‘Survivor’ 16 Years Later
16 years ago, Parvati Shallow made one of the most iconic moves in Survivor history, and fans are still talking about it to this day. The reality TV legend played not one but two idols at tribal council during Episode 10 of Heroes Vs. Villains, and the brilliant strategy behind how she used them was what solidified her status as one of the Survivorgreats.
Related: Why Two Iconic ‘Survivor’ Black Widows’ Friendship Fizzled After the Show
It all started when Heroes tribe member J.T. Thomas noticed there was only one man, Russell Hantz, left on the Villains tribe. To try to protect Hantz from a perceived all-girls alliance and buy his loyalty at the merge, Thomas snuck Hantz a letter and an idol at an immunity challenge, asking him to play it for himself and send Shallow home.
However, Hantz was in an alliance with Shallow, Danielle DiLorenzo, and Jerri Manthey, so he opted to send Courtney Yates home instead of doing what Thomas asked.
The two tribes merged immediately after, so they told the Heroes that Hantz used the idol on himself, but because Shallow also played an idol, Yates was voted out. While Thomas and Colby Donaldson bought it, Rupert Boneham became suspicious after Sandra Diaz-Twine warned him Hantz was lying.
Related: Jeff Probst Is ‘Embarrassed’ by This Outdated ‘Survivor’ Rule
How did Parvati Shallow end up with two idols?It all started in Episode 9 of Heroes Vs. Villains when Shallow dug up an idol that only her close pal DiLorenzo knew about. She hid the advantage from her other alliance members and bid her time to see how she could best use it. The only other person she mentioned the idol to was Heroes player Amanda Kimmel, who she played with in Micronesia.
Fearing the Heroes were coming after his number one, Hantz gave Shallow the idol he originally got from Thomas to protect herself, thinking it would allow him to dictate the vote when they all came for her. He thought Thomas was "stupid" for giving him the idol, so they targeted him at the vote.
During the immunity challenge, Shallow let DiLorenzo win, solidifying the Heroes' opinion that Shallow had an idol and planned to play it for herself. For that reason, they opted to put votes on someone else who they believed Hantz and Shallow were unlikely to protect: Manthey.
After the votes were cast, knowing DiLorenzo was safe with individual immunity, Hantz was safe because the Heroes thought he'd flipped, and she was safe because they expected her to play the idol, Shallow shocked everyone by giving the idols to Manthey and Diaz-Twine. She took a gamble, but she was right, and ultimately Thomas went home that night.
How have idols changed in the New Era of Survivor?Fans watching Survivor 50 will notice a stark difference in both function and gameplay when it comes to idols now.
Related: Survivor’s Jeff Probst Explains Why One Of Fans’ Top Requests Will Probably Never Happen
There's no denying idol play has changed a lot since Shallow's big move. New-era players like Rizo Velovic have made it all the way to the final 5 (twice!) with an idol in their pocket simply because no one wanted to "waste" a vote on someone with an idol.
The dynamic has also changed, in part, because idols are rarely secret anymore. While players used to be able to find an idol around camp and choose to keep it a secret and use it strategically when the time was right, twists like the Billie Eilish Boomerang Idol or Devens being handed one publicly by Mr. Beast mean that strategic options are more limited. Plus, the modern idea of "voting blocks" instead of long-term alliances mean players are less likely to idols to protect someone besides themselves.
1970 Classic Crime Film With Iconic Rock Legend Ranked Among 'Greatest Soundtracks’ of All Time
Some films boast a cast so iconic that they build a passionate cult following on that basis alone. That was precisely the case for this 1970 crime drama, which featured the acting debut of one of rock's biggest frontmen: Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones.
In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the 101 best movie soundtracks of all time, compiling a list of cinema’s finest scores. Ranked among classics such as Adrian Lyne's 1983 film Flashdance at No. 64 and Adam Shankman's 2007 musical Hairspray at No. 62, Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg's 1970 film Performance secured the No. 63 spot.
Released in the U.S on August 3, 1970, Performance originally bombed at the box office. The film only grossed $93,000 against a $1.8 million budget—a failure that was somewhat predicted by Warner Bros. executives, who shelved the movie for two years due to intense backlash over its radical content.
James Fox with his head down as Mick Jagger talks to him in a scene from the film 'Performance,' 1970.Upon its eventual release, the film was vilified by critics and test-screening audiences alike for its graphic violence and pervasive substance use. Despite flopping initially, Performance gradually grew a dedicated cult following, heavily driven by the magnetic presence of its famous lead.
The film centers around Jagger's role as Turner, a reclusive, eccentric former rock star who has faded from the public eye. When a ruthless London gangster named Chas shows up at his townhouse to hide from the mob and the police, the two men's identities begin to merge, creating a surreal psychological battle.
The role of Turner marked Jagger's debut acting performance and explored his diverse talent across different creative mediums. He was cast in the film due to his friendship with co-director Cammell, who ran in the same social circles as the rock star. While writing the script, Cammell intentionally had Jagger in mind, using the frontman as the direct inspiration for the character.
Even after over five decades, Performance continues to endure as an iconic crossover masterpiece for rock and film fans. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an audience score of 78%, attesting to the lasting power of a passionate cult fanbase.
Related: 1973 Crime Film With Classic Hit Song Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Soundtracks’ of All Time
Upgrade Up Your Summer Wardrobe With These Chic and Lightweight Shorts, Now Just $15
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Now that temperatures are heating up, it’s key to have shorts on hand for a variety of occasions. Whether they’re short or long depends on your preference, but having one versatile pair that you can wear from vacations to errand runs and casual weekend brunches is a game-changer. The Christopher & Banks Relaxed Fit Canvas Short is that short. They’re so comfortable and are a staple that you can wear every day. Plus,they’re on sale for just $15 on ShopHQ,down an incredible 70% from their original $50 price. Even better, you can get it with $5 shipping for a limited time when you use code FREERETURN.
Christopher & Banks Relaxed Fit Canvas Short, $15 (was $50) at ShopHQThe shorts come in three staple colorways: navy, green, and a light khaki, and with the price so low, you could scoop up all three without breaking the bank. They also come in a wide variety of sizes from 4P to 16P, 14W, and sizes 6 through 16. Sizes 4 and 16W-24W have already sold out in all colors, so don’t wait to grab one. These also aren’t your typical denim summer shorts, so it makes sense that they’re selling out fast.
Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.What makes them so comfy is the soft canvas composition that's a mix of 97% cotton and 3% spandex. They essentially have the comfort of cotton with a little spandex stretch for easier movement. They’re also longer than typical shorts, stopping just above the knee, and they have adjustable cuff styling. So, you can roll or unroll the hems depending on the look you're going for.. The shorts have a 9-inch inseam in the six through 16 sizes, an 8-inch inseam in Petite 4P to 16P, and an 11-inch inseam in the 16W-24W sizing.
The shorts also have a relaxed silhouette for an easygoing fit, and they’re topped with seamed welt pockets that give them a utility-inspired aesthetic. They’re also easy to care for —you can machine wash them cold on a gentle cycle with like colors, and tumble dry low. For a casual, cool spring and summer look, pair the shorts with T-shirts and fitted tops, and sandals or sneakers.
Shop More Deals- Christopher & Banks Relaxed Restyled Ribbed Detail Dolman 3/4 Sleeve Top $9 (was $45) at ShopHQ
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- Christopher & Banks Wide Trim Perfect Tank, $4 (was $21) at ShopHQ
These comfortable and lightweight canvas shorts are the perfect summer staple. Grab a pair while they’re just $15!
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Meghan Markle Shares Touching Videos of 8th Anniversary Celebration With Prince Harry, Kids
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, are celebrating eight years of marriage today, and in addition to posting throwback photos of their wedding day, Meghan shared multiple videos to her Instagram story, showing the small family celebration with Meghan, Prince Harry, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex (although the children are not shown on camera).
The first of the series of videos shows Prince Harry holding a cake with several candles lit and singing a "happy anniversary" song to Meghan/"Mama," alongside Lilibet and Archie (with Meghan chiming in to add Harry, or "Papa," to the song as well). In the background, one of the two kids—although it isn't clear whether it's Lilibet or Archie—can be heard chanting, "Blow them! Blow them" about the candles and then cheering as they are blown out.
The next video shows an anniversary gift from Harry to Meghan, which is a piece of art depicting two penguins huddled together. In the video, Meghan can be heard having an emotional response to the gift and then explaining to her children that penguins are significant to the couple because they mate for life. She also shares the story that, after becoming engaged, the couple threw a party with their friends and dressed up in matching penguin onesies together.
A follow-up video on Meghan's story also shows an envelope with the words "The one and only" written on the front, presumably a card from Prince Harry to Meghan.
The videos are followed by several photos on Meghan's Instagram story related to the family celebration, the first of which shows Harry and Meghan standing together in front of the cake, with text describing that it is a "lemon elderflower cake." A card to "Mama + Papa" can also be seen on the table in front of the cake.
The Instagram stories about their celebration end with an old photo of Harry and Meghan dressed as penguins together at their engagement party.
Bryan Cranston Shares How 'The Studio' Will Honor Catherine O'Hara in Season 2
Bryan Cranstonis sharing how the comedy series The Studio will honor his late co-star Catherine O'Hara in its upcoming second season.
At the opening night of Celebrity Autobiography on Broadway, Cranston spoke to People about how the Apple TV comedy would be paying tribute to O'Hara.
"In the very first episode of season two, Seth Rogan and and [co-creator] Evan [Goldberg] wrote some really lovely things about Catherine as they can only do because she was such a wonderful person beyond her talent, beyond her gregariousness and sweetness," he said of the new season.
Cranston continued, "It's a type of person that when you hear the word 'cut,' you wanted to stay around her anyway because she was just a lovely human being and we all still feel the loss of her."
The Studio was not the first time Cranston and O'Hara appeared on screen together, the two also guest starred together on 30 Rock and the 2024 film Argylle.
Cranston reflected on working with O'Hara in a 2026 interview with Esquire while promoting the Malcom in the Middle reunion special.
"What I picked up from Catherine — from decades ago — was her ability to go all out in a comedy, and then rest and not be on," Cranston said. "She was not one of those who were always trying to be funny off camera. She would pace herself, and then when it was time to pick up, she'd pick up."
He added, "Her willingness — she would come to me many times and say, 'Hey, what about this? If we tried this?' And so she was always on, and it gave me the encouragement to be able to then do the same thing to others. 'Hey, what about we try this? What about that?' And she was just a genius, really, but even a better human being."
O'Hara posthumously won an Actor Award in March for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in The Studio.
All episodes of the first season of The Studio are available to stream on Apple TV with season 2 expected to premiere in early 2027.
2008 Classic Ballad Is a Fan-Favorite Country Song, But It Never Hit No. 1
George Strait has had over 40 Billboard No. 1 hits, but fans might be surprised to know that "Troubadour" wasn't one of them.
The 2008 ballad was released as single in June 2008, a few months after being featured on Strait's 25th studio album of the same name. The album would end up winning Strait a Grammy for Best Country Album in 2009, but the title track surprisingly didn't even crack the top 5 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Instead, "Troubadour" peaked at No. 7 in the fall of 2008.
But despite never earning the No. 1 spot on the charts, "Troubadour" is still regarded as a fan-favorite track from Strait. In fact, it was voted by fans as one of the Opry's 100 Greatest Country Songs in November 2025.
Other songs by Strait that made the Opry's fan-voted list include "Amarillo By Morning," which also never hit No. 1 on the country charts, plus some of his chart-topping hits like "I Cross My Heart," "The Chair" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas."
View this post on InstagramWhile there are a few songs from Strait's catalog that haven't reached the summit on the charts, Strait has had plenty of chart-toppers throughout his career. He's had 44 singles reach the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, and over 60 overall No. 1 hits on other charts, earning his first-ever No. 1 hit in 1982 with "Fool Hearted Memory."
Some of Strait's longest running chart-toppers include "I've Come To Expect It From You" which reigned for five weeks in 1990, plus 1997's "One Night at a Time" (5 weeks), 1997's "Carrying Your Love With Me" (4 weeks) and 1999's "Write This Down" (4 weeks).
Related: 1999 Rock-Infused Country Anthem Became a Feel-Good Classic, Despite Never Hitting No. 1
1982 Cover Song Became One of Rock’s Dreamiest Love Anthems
Even if you love the seductive 1982 rock song "Crimson and Clover" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, you may not know it's actually cover song. It's true. And although both versions of "Crimson and Clover" were hits in their time, it was Jetts’ version with its gritty, punk rock edge that became one of the dreamiest love anthems of the 1980s and in music history.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' rendition of "Crimson and Clover" opens with Jett's signature raspy vocals over a grating electric guitar. "Ahhh, now I don't hardly know her / But I think I could love her," Jett's voice grinds semi-sweetly, keeping the female pronouns in the song right where she wants them. "Crimson and clover."
In her reinvention of "Crimson and Clover," Joan Jett gave the song both a tougher rock edge and a sensuality. She makes it her own, singing with that cool, confident edge. "My, my, such a sweet thing," Jett sings. "I wanna do everything / What a beautiful feelin'." A slow, hypnotic rock rhythm carries listeners into the sultry song that perfectly captures that ethereal feeling of deep longing, that fantasy imagining of a romantic and irresistible "what if" scenario.
It's sexy, moody, and defiant with every note until finally your whole body is literally rockin' along with the outro in a dreamlike state: "Crimson and clover, over and over / Crimson and clover, over and over / Crimson and clover, over and over / Crimson and clover, over and over."
With its more psychedelic pop sound, the original 1968 version of "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells (written by James and drummer Peter Lucia Jr.) was released in November 1968, and became worldwide hit. It debuted on U.S. charts in December 1968, where it stayed for 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the rock band's performance of the track on The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1969, "Crimson and Clover" hit No. 1 in February 1969, where it held for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
Related: 1975 Rock Song Flopped Then Became a No. 1 Hit Seven Years Later
In 1982, more than a decade later, Joan Jett introduced the song to a new generation. The band's cover of "Crimson and Clover" was released as a single in April 1982. The song was featured on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' second studio album, I Love Rock 'n Roll, which was released in November 1981. In May 1982, “Crimson and Clover” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, and by June 1982, it peaked at No. 7, remaining on the charts for an impressive 15 weeks.
The "Crimson and Clover" music video for Joan Jett's hit cover played frequently on MTV in the early 1980s, which only added to its rising popularity. Fans immediately fell hard for Jett's unique rocker style, her rebellious swagger, and the way she assertively strummed that low-slung guitar. In one interview about making the video, Jett explains what she was going for, "I wanted to push it because you have to understand it was pretty new for girls to be playing rock 'n' roll. It was still pretty threatening, at least in America."
Fans still revisit to both versions of "Crimson and Clover" for their distinctive sounds and timeless, nostalgic appeal. Both the 1968 and 1982 hits continue to get played again and again. To date, the original rendition has over 167 million streams on the Spotify streaming service, and the Joan Jett version has over 38.4 million streams.
And more than 40 years later, the song's legacy continues to garner new attention, too. Search the #crimsonandclover tag on Instagram, and you’ll receive more than 20.3K results that include modern-day covers of the song and tributes to the awesomeness that is Joan Jett. On TikTok, #crimsonandclover delivers more than 8K posts. Plus, Joan Jett's rendition of "Crimson and Clover" currently sits at No. 43 on the Ranker list of "The Greatest Songs Sung By Female Rockers..."
There's no doubt fans will keep coming back to "Crimson and Clover" for its captivating emotional pull and driving rock sound, as well as for the nostalgia of an era that finally brought an extraordinary female rocker to the forefront. The unforgettable song with a gritty and salacious edge remains a forever dreamy love anthem that fans will be playing "over and over."
Check out the music video for “Crimson and Clover” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts:
Watch Tommy James and the Shondells' original version of "Crimson and Clover":
And just because it smacks, here's Prince's rendition of "Crimson and Clover," too:
Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $20 6-Pack of Solar Torch Lights Will Make Your Yard Feel Like a 'Tropical' Resort
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Looking to transform your outdoor space into a dreamy getaway but don’t want to go all out? Small but mighty, solar lights have the power to perk up your backyard, and they’re way more affordable than new patio furniture sets. These Toodour Flame Solar Torch Lights at Walmart are a fantastic option, and they’ll make you feel like you’re relaxing at a beachy resort.
Right now is the best time to snag a pack because it’s on sale for a whopping 50% off! Normally retailing for $40, this six-pack of torch lights is now marked down to just $20 for a limited time. It’s also available in a 12-pack, which normally retails for $60 but is now marked down to $33. The 12-pack also comes in two other versions with either blue or purple lights. Originally $50, they’re now on sale for $39.
Toodour 6-Pack of Flame Solar Torch Lights, $20 (was $40) at Walmart Shop at WalmartDesigned so the light shines through, each torch is adorned with decorative cutouts, including flame-like curls and scrollwork in the middle, and horizontal slats on the slide. When it gets dark, these lights will illuminate your outdoor space with a warm glow, transporting you to a tropical oasis.
Mimicking the look of real flames, the lights flicker and dance. Several reviewers noted that they look very realistic. With their orange and yellow hues, they’ll instantly create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Shoppers loved the ambiance the faux flames create, describing the look as “beautiful,” “magical,” and “absolutely stunning.”
Environmentally friendly and sustainable, these lights don’t require any electricity or batteries. Instead, each torch is equipped with a solar panel on top that draws power from the sun. They’ll automatically turn on once it gets dark outside and stay lit for up to 10 hours if they’re fully charged. Customers mentioned that their lights still charge even when it’s cloudy out.
These torches are extremely easy to assemble and install. All you have to do is connect the torch to the pole and the stake spike. For size reference, each torch measures 20.5 inches tall. Because they don’t need to be plugged in, you can place them anywhere in your outdoor space as long as you can stake them into the ground. You can use these torches to line your walkway or driveway to create a magical illuminated path. Alternatively, you can place them in your backyard or garden to bring your space to life and give it a resort-like feel.
Related: Walmart's Spring-Ready $18 Solar Sunflower Lights Look 'Beautiful at Night'
“These definitely elevated the curb appeal of our house,” one reviewer said. “They are bright and look great at night.” They also mentioned that these torches look “sleek and modern” during the day. Another reviewer said that these “add the perfect tropical feel to your yard” and said that they’ll give your space a “cozy warm feeling.”
Many shoppers raved about the quality of these lights. Made of plastic, the torches won’t rust after coming into contact with water. The lights have an IP65 waterproof rating, which means that they’re able to withstand rain and snow. Reviewers attested to their waterproof properties, noting that their lights survived major rainstorms and snowfall.
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If you want your backyard to feel like a tropical resort without having to splurge, don’t hesitate to snag the Toodour 6-Pack of Flame Solar Torch Lights at Walmart while the set is on sale for just $20!
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Billie Jean King Causes A Stir After Graduating College 65 Years Later
"A day 60+ years in the making!"
Tennis legend and LGBTQ+ advocate Billie Jean King graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, on Monday evening, receiving her degree more than 60 years after beginning her studies. The 82-year-old athlete graduated with a bachelor's degree in Art History, and walked across the stage alongside 6000 graduates in hot pink eyeglasses, blue sneakers and a gold sash that read "G.O.A.T" at the Shrine Auditorium. She also delivered the keynote speech, reminding her fellow graduates that "it's never too late."
King was enrolled at the university in 1961, which was called Los Angeles State College at the time, because the tennis team was run by Scotty Deeds, who coached both men and women. King quickly became an international star, winning championships alongside Karen Hantze. She ended up leaving CSULA in 1964 to devote her time to her tennis career.
Since then, King won a record 20 Wimbledon titles, 13 United States titles, four French titles and two Australian titles, for a total of 39 Grand Slam titles. In 1972, she won the U.S. Open, French Open and Wimbledon to claim three Grand Slam titles in one year. In addition, she revolutionized women's sports by founding the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation. King is also a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a founder of her own foundation, the Billie Jean King Foundation, which aims to eliminate discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation in the workplace.
Billie Jean King hits the ball during a match at Wimbledon in England.King returned to Cal State LA to complete her degree in the Spring 2025 semester. According to the LA Times, not finishing college was something that bothered King for years, and she would always correct people when anyone said she hadn't graduated.
"It means a lot more to me than I thought,” she told the LA Times. “I am so glad I did it. My hope is that one other person will go back to school."
Billie Jean King laughs as she delivers the keynote address during graduation for the Cal State Los Angeles' College of Natural and Social Sciences at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA, on Monday, May 18, 2026.Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images
Her commencement address on Monday focused on lifelong learning, delayed gratification and using one's voice for positive change. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled noticing that everyone at her local tennis club was white. This realization sparked her life's mission, and she used it to remind graduates that "we can never understand inclusion unless we've been excluded".
The tennis legend took to X on Tuesday morning to express her gratitude and pride for her most recent accomplishment.
"It is never too late to learn, to grow, or to chase the dream that still quietly calls your name. Life has a way of rerouting our paths and asking us to begin again when we least expect it," she wrote.
A day 60+ years in the making.
It is with great pride and so much gratitude that I share with you that I am a college graduate with a Bachelor's in History from @CalStateLA.
There aren't words adequate enough to encapsulate all that I am feeling in this moment, so I'll simply… pic.twitter.com/Al9uBTFejw
Many fans and friends congratulated King on this exciting milestone, commenting on how inspirational and important her message was.
"Wow, now you are inspiring people in a whole new way!" a fan commented. "Congrats! 🧑🎓."
"Your message is so important," an X user wrote. "Education is freedom. Congratulations Ms King!!!"
"Congratulations! You're awesome and a fabulous role model," another wrote. "Glad you got it done!"
"Congratulations! You are such an inspiration. We share the same birthday and I love history and tennis too, they’re my passions. ❤️🎾🏛️👩🎓," a fan commented.
"You have been inspiring me for forever," a user expressed. "What an amazing accomplishment. So proud of you - congratulations 🍾🎈🎊🎉."
Even her longtime friend, Maria Shiver, who is a writer and former First Lady of California, reposted a CBS News feature on X, writing, "Billie Jean King continues to inspire me and I know millions of others. Congrats, my friend 👏."
Billie Jean King walks the stage as she receives her Bachelor of Arts in History from Cal State Los Angeles during the commencement ceremony for the College of Natural and Social Sciences at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA, on Monday, May 18, 2026."Whether you're 18 or 82, your goals are still worthy of pursuit," King concluded in her post. "Keep going for it. Keep believing in yourself. And never let anyone convince you that your moment has passed. Because sometimes the most meaningful victories arrive after the longest journeys."