Parade
1979 Rock Ballad by Led Zeppelin Ranked Among the 'Most Depressing Rock Songs of All Time'
While some of the most popular rock bands are better known for their livelier hits, the genre does have its fair share of beloved songs seeped with sorrow. For instance, the publication Far Out magazine released a ranking of “the 10 most depressing rock songs ever.”
The list, published in April 2026, featured several sad songs by well-known rock bands like Pearl Jam‘s “Black” from 1991, 1975’s “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash‘s cover of “Hurt,” released in 2002, and 1979’s “All My Love” by Led Zeppelin.
“All My Love,” off the record In Through the Out Door, was co-written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant, in tribute to the latter’s son, Karac Pendragon Plant, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Maureen Wilson. Far Out magazine reported that Karac, who only lived to be five years old, died in 1977 following “a stomach illness.”
Plant discussed co-writing “All My Love” in a 2024 interview with Dan Rather. According to Plant, now 78, the song “was just paying tribute to the joy that [Karac] gave us as a family.”
“In a crazy way, still does, occasionally,” said the British vocalist, who divorced Wilson in 1983.
In addition, Plant said while memories of Karac and his and Wilson’s other son, Logan, born in 1979, “are blurred,” he remembers that Karac “was a little nature boy” and “was a mountain man.”
Plant also told Rather that it was difficult navigating his grief while in the spotlight. However, he and Wilson received “good support” from their “strong families” and the band’s drummer, the late John Bonham, and his wife, Pat Phillips.
“It was anything but conducive to a normal family life, but we pulled tight together,” said Plant during the 2024 interview.
Plant also said that while he didn’t have any advice for those going through a similar loss, he recommends to “just love everything around you as much as you can really.”
A 1981 Bar Jukebox Favorite Is Immortalized on a $5 Five Below T-Shirt
Some songs are good for a season, and then there are the ones that are basically immortal. You can hear the opening notes three decades later and suddenly you’re 12 again, singing into a hairbrush, riding around in the backseat while your parents’ favorite station is blasting through the speakers, or screaming along with your friends at a school dance. These are the complete bangers—the songs that survive every musical trend, questionable fashion era and changing definition of what’s “cool.”
And really, what makes them timeless is the memories associated with those songs. You know every word, you know exactly when that guitar riff is coming and you will absolutely be singing louder than the person next to you when the chorus hits. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is practically the patron saint of this category. It’s been getting people to belt out that chorus for generations, whether they discovered that jam on the radio, at a bar, in a movie or thanks to The Sopranos. So naturally, wearing your love for the song on your shirt feels less like fashion and more like a public service.
🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳
Journey Don’t Stop Believin’ Graphic Tee, $5.55 at Five Below Journey Don’t Stop Believin’ Graphic TeeFive Below
Five Below’s Journey “Don’t Stop Believin'” graphic tee is basically a wearable excuse to keep one of rock’s most enduring anthems in heavy rotation. It has that classic graphic-tee feel that works especially well with jeans, shorts or layered under a denim or leather jacket. The Journey branding and instantly recognizable “Don’t Stop Believin'” message do most of the talking, so you don’t need to overthink the outfit. Plus, it comes in the loveliest pastel purple. It’s the kind of shirt that feels nostalgic without requiring you to actually dig through your closet for something from 1981 when the song was originally released).
Related: Costco Is Selling a Chic Pair of Clarks Boots That Are Pure Comfortcore
Now you might be wondering, “If the song came out in ’81, why does the t-shirt say ’73?” Easy explanation: The band formed in early 1973, hence the ’73. It’s harkening back to Journey’s roots rather than when the song debuted. For a little more of the band’s history, Steve Perry, whose vocals you hear on “Don’t Stop Believin'” didn’t join Journey until 1977, four years after these guys first started making music together.
Related: Five Below’s $5 Throwback Disney Channel Movie Tee Will Make You ‘Strut Like You Mean It’
'80s Rock Band, Inspired by Neil Young, Announces 2027 Tour With Special Guests
More than four decades into their career, one of alternative rock’s loudest bands is staying on the road.
Dinosaur Jr. has expanded its North American tour with 17 new concerts scheduled for February and March 2027. Starcrawler will serve as the special guest at 14 of the upcoming shows.
The new run begins with two nights at Brooklyn Steel in New York on Feb. 11 and 12. From there, the band will visit cities including Philadelphia, Orlando, Nashville, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto before returning to its home state of Massachusetts for a final performance in Boston on March 13.
The announcement coincides with the Aug. 28 release of Dinosaur Jr.’s 13th studio album, There Near. The record marks the group’s first full-length project since Sweep It Into Space arrived in 2021. Its release was led by the singles “Several Got Away” and “Everything At Once.”
View this post on Instagram“I’m not always sure what a song is ‘about’ when I’m writing it,” frontman J Mascis said in a statement shared by Pitchfork. “I guess the meaning will present itself at some point.”
Mascis formed Dinosaur Jr. with bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph in Amherst, Massachusetts, during the 1980s. The group helped shape the sound of alternative rock by placing tuneful songwriting and sprawling guitar solos inside layers of distortion.
Neil Young was among the classic rock artists who influenced that approach. His raw guitar playing and willingness to stretch solos across a song can be heard in Mascis’ own style, while the band’s heavier side also drew from Black Sabbath and the energy of punk.
The original lineup separated near the end of the 1980s, though Mascis continued recording under the Dinosaur Jr. name. Barlow and Murph eventually rejoined him in 2005, beginning a reunion that has now lasted more than 20 years.
Before the 2027 dates begin, Dinosaur Jr. will complete a fall 2026 tour featuring special guest Stef Chura. Tickets for the newly announced shows are on sale now.
1993 ‘In Utero’ Hit, Written in a Closet in 5 Minutes, Named One of Rock’s Greatest Guitar Solos
In 1992, Kurt Cobain was hunkered down in the closet of his Fairfax apartment working on the riff for “Heart-Shaped Box.” Interrupted by his wife, Courtney Love, he famously told her to get lost (though with more colorful language) and continued his work.
“We had this huge closet, and I heard him in there working on ‘Heart-Shaped Box,’” the Hole frontwoman told Rolling Stone in 1994. “He did that in five minutes. … He was trying to be so sneaky. I could hear that one from downstairs.”
Though the song’s central riff came together in minutes, its meaning has been debated and pored over for decades. Cobain said he was deeply affected by documentary films about children with terminal cancer, which he said inspired the famous lyric: “I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black.”
View this post on Instagram🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
“Every time I see documentaries about little kids with cancer I just freak out,” Cobain told Michael Azerrad, author of the 1993 book Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana, to explain the intense feelings and raw vulnerability that helped inspire the song. “It affects me on the highest emotional level, more than anything else on television.”
However, biographers and critics have also connected the song to Cobain’s relationship with Love, reading its lyrics as explorations of physical and emotional dependency, sexuality, and even female anatomy.
Charles R. Cross, author of the 2001 Cobain biography Heavier Than Heaven, described the same “cancer” lyric not as a reference to children, but as “the most convoluted route any songwriter undertook in pop history to say ‘I love you.’”
Released Aug. 30, 1993, as the first single from In Utero, “Heart-Shaped Box” was intentionally harsher and more aggressive than 1991’s Nevermind, making the track a curious choice for the album’s lead single. But after producer Craig Montgomery heard the song during a soundcheck in São Paulo, he knew its melodic sound and killer riff made it lead material.
“Even then Kurt knew this was the single,” Montgomery said, via Nirvana’s In Utero, by Gillian Gaar. “All the other [new] stuff they had was way more noisy and abrasive than this. Even the other sound guys that were out there on the platform with me were going, ‘Yeah, this is a good song.’”
And they were all right. “Heart-Shaped Box” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart and became a Top 10 hit in several international markets, including Portugal, the U.K., Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. Although DGC Records did not release a physical commercial single in the U.S., the song received substantial airplay on American radio.
Beyond acclaim for the song’s lyrics and soaring melody, “Heart-Shaped Box” was praised for its haunting, cyclical guitar riff—the same one Cobain crafted in that closet. In fact, Rolling Stone ranked its guitar solo No. 70 on its 2026 list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.
“The solo itself has a journey of its own: After noise-rock stalwart Steve Albini produced In Utero, R.E.M. producer Scott Litt was enlisted to remix ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ and ‘All Apologies.’ Litt’s commercial-friendly reworking removed the buzzy guitar effect on the solo, resulting in a cleaner, more concise pocket of fuzzed-out glory,” RS explained.
“But if you want a happy medium of the two, check out Nirvana’s early live renditions of it, like their January 1993 performance in Rio de Janeiro—blistering and blissful, all at once,” the outlet added.
Further critical acclaim included: “I’ve always considered ‘Heart-Shaped Box‘, with its elliptical guitar figure and explosive choruses, to be one of Cobain’s most accomplished compositions,” Pitchfork wrote, with The Daily Beast calling it “as close as Cobain ever got to a perfect song,” with “a perfect music video to match.”
Amplifying the song’s uneasy atmosphere, the surreal music video directed by Anton Corbijn featured crucifixes, a surgical heart, umbilical cords as nooses, and more disturbing religious and medical imagery. Mental? Maybe. But it won two MTV Video Music Awards: one for Best Alternative Video and the other for Best Art Direction.
A song steeped in lore, “Heart-Shaped Box” also holds one bittersweet historical fact: It became the final song Nirvana ever performed, closing the band’s concert in Munich on March 1, 1994, just weeks before Cobain died by suicide in April 1994.
Looking back, that bittersweet tone reverberates throughout, from the song’s origin, to its lyrics, to its legacy. What began with a riff Cobain reportedly hammered out in a closet in five minutes became a song that would outlive the band that made it.
Country Star Pulls Out of Ella Langley Tour to Focus on Mental Health
ERNEST has announced plans to step back from touring for a couple of weeks to focus on his personal life and well-being. The country music singer-songwriter took to social media on Friday, Aug. 28, sharing that the road life has been wearing him down.
ERNEST has been serving as a supporting act on Ella Langley’s The Dandelion Tour, which kicked off its second leg on Aug. 20 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, alongside Laci Kaye Booth. However, fans planning to see ERNEST perform over the next few weeks will now have to wait, as he will be off the road for at least half a month.
RELATED: Country Star Cancels Shows, Announces Touring Break to Seek ‘Professional’ Help
“Hey y’all. The road has been dragging me down in a bad way, from mental to physical health,” ERNEST wrote in an Instagram Story over a simple black backdrop. “I am going away for a couple of weeks to get myself and my priorities back in order.”
It is currently unclear who will fill ERNEST’s remaining dates of The Dandelion Tour, but the “Would If I Could” singer made a point to express his gratitude to the “Be Her” singer for having him on the trek, which included a moment (shown in the YouTube video below) where the two stars join forces onstage for “Loving Life Again,” which they co-wrote together alongside Devin Dawson.
“I want to thank Ella for having me out on tour and wishing her the best in Auburn tonight and the rest of the tour,” ERNEST captioned, highlighting the next stop of the trek, which takes place in Langley’s home state on Friday, Aug. 28 in Auburn, Alabama.
In taking a much-needed break, ERNEST shared his optimism for the near future.
He wrote, “I look forward to coming back better and stronger. I owe it to myself and those affected by my actions. That starts now. Love y’all.”
RELATED: 2004 Country Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still as Iconic as Ever 22 Years Later
ERNEST’s spot on Langley’s trek was scheduled to continue through Sept. 12, while the tour runs through Oct. 31, with supporting acts Kameron Marlowe and Gabriella Rose. Outside of Langley’s tour, ERNEST has a stacked calendar of scheduled performances for the remainder of 2026, but it remains uncertain exactly when he will return to the stage.
For more information and a full listing of concert dates, visit his official website.
Related: Country Icon Chris Stapleton, 47, Discusses Early Retirement: ‘I’ve Done Enough’
Why Your Hair Might Be Thinning on a GLP-1 Drug—and What To Do About It
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have transformed how millions of people approach weight loss. But alongside the dramatic results, a growing number of users are reporting an unexpected side effect: hair thinning.
For a long time, this was largely anecdotal—something people discussed in online forums and Reddit threads but rarely saw addressed by their doctors. But in July 2026, a major study published in The BMJ examined nearly 40,000 patients and found that people taking GLP-1 drugs were significantly more likely to experience hair loss than those taking other diabetes medications.
The researchers pointed to rapid weight loss and changes in nutritional status as the most likely culprits, since both are established risk factors for a common, typically temporary form of hair shedding called telogen effluvium.
Women appear to be more vulnerable than men according to an earlier study that found women on semaglutide had twice the risk of hair loss compared to their male counterparts. And for women over 50 who may already be dealing with some degree of hormonal hair thinning, the effect may be even more pronounced.
The good news is that GLP-1-related hair loss is not typically permanent, and there are concrete steps you can take to minimize it. To understand what’s happening and what actually helps, we spoke with William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.
Related: Dermatologist Says This Is the Biggest Mistake People Make When Trying To Fix Ozempic Face
Does Taking a GLP-1 Drug Actually Cause Hair Loss?The relationship between GLP-1 drugs and hair loss isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. “Taking a GLP-1 for weight loss can exacerbate existing hair loss, and in some cases I have seen it trigger new hair loss,” Gaunitz says.
Hair loss isn’t an officially listed side effect of GLP-1 drugs by the FDA. But the emerging research and the experience of trichologists like Gaunitz suggests that for many users, it’s a very real phenomenon. The key is understanding why it happens, because that helps to determine how to address it.
Related: This Simple Nightly Scalp Trick May Boost Hair Growth After 50
Is GLP-1 hair loss permanent?If hair loss is going to happen from a GLP-1, Gaunitz says to expect it relatively quickly, explaining, “Typically, if you’re going to lose hair, you could see it as early as three months after beginning a GLP-1 medication.”
But it’s usually reversible.
“Hair loss from a GLP-1 is not typically permanent,” he says. However, “people who are already suffering from male or female pattern hair loss will often see an exacerbation of the balding areas. Untreated, that could be permanent. Additionally, if there are long-term underlying issues, such as inflammation or nutritional deficiencies, that will also need to be treated for the hair to return completely.”
Related: This Common GLP-1 Dosing Mistake Can Backfire Fast, Doctors Warn
What nutritional deficiencies make GLP-1 hair loss worse?“Nutritional deficiencies created by rapid weight loss are often related to low iron or ferritin, low fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D3, or minerals such as zinc or copper,” Gaunitz tells Parade.
These deficiencies don’t just affect hair—they affect overall health. But hair is often one of the first visible signs that something is depleted, because the body deprioritizes hair growth when resources are scarce.
What Is Telogen Effluvium—and Why Do GLP-1 Drugs Trigger It?Telogen effluvium is the type of hair loss most commonly associated with GLP-1 use. “It is a type of hair loss typically triggered by a stressful event or trauma, either physical or emotional,” Gaunitz says.
“Almost anything can be a trigger—childbirth, starting a new medication, losing a job,” he explains. “Essentially, a stressful event forces a large volume of hair that is typically in the anagen phase, or growth phase, into the resting phase simultaneously. This can affect up to 33% of the hair growing on the scalp and create extremely dramatic shedding.”
On GLP-1 drugs specifically, the trigger is usually the rapid shift in how the body processes nutrients. “This can impair iron absorption and increase the demand for other nutrients, too. Additionally, rapid weight loss alone can trigger TE,” Gaunitz says.
Related: 11 Best Hair-Growth Serums for Thicker, Healthier Locks, Tested by Trichologists
Getty
How Much Protein Should You Eat To Protect Your Hair?Protein is the building block of hair, and making sure you’re getting enough on a GLP-1 drug is key. “Protein can be helpful to ensure there’s enough supply for the body’s repair mechanisms,” Gaunitz says. “In my opinion, typically half a gram per one pound of body weight is sufficient daily.”
He also has a specific recommendation on protein sources. “I highly recommend against whey protein for these types of supplementation and lean more towards a wider spectrum of protein sources, including pea, hemp and lentils. Or if you are more animal-based, you can eat beef or egg protein.”
Related: 14 Best Scalp Serums for 2026, According to a Dermatologist
How To Stop or Minimize GLP-1 Hair LossThe most effective approach, according to Gaunitz, is to be proactive rather than reactive. “If someone is taking a GLP-1 and wants to be thorough to prevent hair loss from the medication, they should get a full nutritional panel prior to beginning a GLP-1 and supplement if their vitamin D3, ferritin, zinc or B12 if it is not in the optimal range,” he explains.
For those who already have some degree of hormonal hair loss, he recommends addressing that before starting a GLP-1, sharing, “If some hormonally-related hair loss has already begun, they should be on a treatment protocol for that to prevent the exacerbation from taking place.”
He recommends a DHT blocker, either internal or topical, to help minimize the impact. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone derived from testosterone that can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, contributing to thinning and shedding. Blocking it can help slow that process and support hair retention. Gaunitz’s own product is the DHT Blocker Maximum Strength by Advanced Trichology.
For general nutritional support, a multi-spectrum hair growth supplement containing methylated vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory herbs can also help. Look for formulas specifically designed for hair loss rather than general wellness supplements.
Related: Why Your Gray Hair Is Suddenly Frizzy—And the Free Fix Stylists Swear By
Getty
When Should You See a Trichologist or Dermatologist?Don’t wait too long if home interventions aren’t working. “If the hair loss has become dramatic within three to six months of beginning a GLP-1 and none of the treatments at home are helping, then it would be wise to see a trichologist or a dermatologist to make sure there is nothing inflammatory that is running out of control,” Gaunitz says.
He also notes that in-office and at-home treatments for regrowing hair after GLP-1-related shedding do exist, but they’re highly individual. “Each individual has to be treated as such, and blood work should be analyzed, and patient history should be considered,” he stresses.
Up Next:
Related: The One Question You Should Never Ask Your Hairstylist, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Source:- William Gaunitz, FWTS, Certified Trichologist and Founder, Advanced Trichology
Hanes' Zip-Up Hoodie Is a Summer-to-Fall Wardrobe Essential, Now Just $9 at Amazon Ahead of Labor Day
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re the kind of person who lives in loungewear, you understand that hoodies aren’t limited to a particular season. However, there are times when wearing a hoodie outside of your house is more appropriate than others — namely, when the weather’s actually cool. As fall finally begins to make its presence known, wearing a sweatshirt will become less about comfort and more about actually staying warm. If you need to replace your go-to hoodie with a new model, a fan-favorite from Hanes is currently on sale at Amazon during the retailer’s massive Labor Day event.
Normally $28, the Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie is generously marked down by up to 68%, dropping the price to as low as $9. The hoodie comes in 15 colors, though select colors are priced up to $13, which is still a steal for such a versatile piece. It’s available in men’s sizes small through 3X-large, though color availability and price vary slightly by size.
Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie, From $9 (was $28) at Amazon Shop at AmazonDesigned with the everyday comfort Hanes clothing is known for, this cozy fleece hoodie has a relaxed fit with a drawstring hood and roomy pockets, making it super practical and convenient to wear. The full zipper makes this piece great for layering because you can easily leave it unzipped when you need extra airflow or zip it up to help keep the chill out.
Made from a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, some shoppers mentioned that this sweatshirt did shrink slightly after being washed. However, if you skip putting it in the dryer, that could help the hoodie maintain its shape and size.
Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie, From $9 (was $28) at Amazon Shop at AmazonBoasting over 1,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, shoppers raved that this “lightweight” hoodie is “surprisingly warm,” “soft,” and “comfy.” Though it’s sized for men, many women mentioned purchasing the style, preferring the oversized fit. One female customer called it “fabulous for all types of activities.”
Shop More Deals- Hanes Women’s Pajama 2-Piece Set, $15 (was $29) at Amazon
- Trendy Queen Oversized Zip-Up Hoodie, $20 (was $40) at Amazon
- Hanes Men’s Ecosmart Hooded Sweatshirt, $10 (was $27) at Amazon
Related: Walmart’s $3 Hoodie Is a ‘Soft’ and ‘Cozy’ Year-Round Staple Available in 24 ‘Rich’ Colors
With just the right amount of warmth for brisk days and comfortable enough to lounge in even before the weather fully cools down, you won’t want to miss this limited-time deal on a wardrobe staple you can wear year-round. Snag the Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie at Amazon for as low as $9 while you still can!
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
Jax Taylor Responds to Brittany Cartwright’s Latest Legal Move
According to Us Weekly, a judge granted Cartwright a temporary restraining order against Taylor on Friday, Aug. 28, one day after she filed the request. Court documents reviewed by the outlet reportedly allege that Taylor exhibited “coercive control, financial abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, gaslighting and even physical violence” throughout their relationship, along with claims of a specific threatening comment and a physical altercation during their marriage. Cartwright also alleged a tense, hostile interaction between the two at their son’s school orientation earlier this month.
Taylor addressed the allegations in a statement to E! News on Friday, acknowledging past struggles without directly confirming the specific claims. “I made a lot of mistakes and behaved in ways during that period of my life that I’m truly ashamed of and regret and take full responsibility for,” he said, referencing what he described as “the darkest time of my life and at the height of my addiction.” Taylor noted that he entered treatment and says he has been sober for one year and nine months, adding that he has “remained committed to treatment and therapy.”
Regarding the specific allegations in the restraining order filing, Taylor said, “allegations are being made that I strongly dispute,” adding that “the full story, context and evidence will be addressed where it belongs – in court” and that he intends to respect the legal process.
Brittany Cartwright attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Disney And Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2026 in Hollywood, California.Amy Sussman/WireImage
Taylor and Cartwright, who share 5-year-old son Cruz, were married from 2019 until Cartwright filed for divorce in 2024. According to Us Weekly, the court ordered Taylor to stay 100 yards away from Cartwright, while her request for sole custody of Cruz was denied pending a future hearing. Neither party’s claims have been resolved in court, and the situation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
1966 Iconic Ballad, Covered by Elvis Presley, Is Still a Beloved Hit 60 Years Later
Dusty Springfield was already one of Britain’s biggest pop stars when she heard an Italian song at a music festival and became determined to record it herself.
The result was “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” a sweeping ballad that gave Springfield her only No. 1 single in the U.K. and became one of the defining performances of her career. Four years later, Elvis Presley put his unmistakable voice behind the song, extending its reach to another generation of record buyers.
Its journey began in Italy.
Springfield attended the Sanremo Music Festival in 1965, where she heard Pino Donaggio perform “Io che non vivo (senza te).” Although she didn’t understand the Italian lyrics, the melody made an immediate impression, and she wanted to record an English-language adaptation.
“My Italian is not good, but I’m deeply impressed when an audience stands up to applaud the instrumental, which they did in San Remo,” Springfield said in a 1995 interview. “That’s how I recognize songs. It’s not exactly difficult. It’s as if someone’s run a train through your stomach! It’s quite blatantly clear when something works.”
Songwriters Vicki Wickham and Simon Napier-Bell were enlisted to create new English lyrics. Rather than directly translating the Italian original, they wrote “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” turning it into a desperate declaration of devotion to someone who may not return that love.
“Vicki and I used to eat together, and she told me that Dusty wanted a lyric for this song,” Napier-Bell said in the book 1000 UK #1 Hits. “We went back to her flat and started working on it. We wanted to go to a trendy disco so we had about an hour to write it. We wrote the chorus and then we wrote the verse in a taxi to wherever we were going. It was the first pop lyric I’d written, although I’ve always been interested in poetry and good literature. We’d no idea what the English lyric said. That seemed to be irrelevant and besides, it is much easier to write a new lyric completely.”
Springfield brought plenty of drama to the recording.
Her powerful performance was matched by a grand orchestral arrangement that stood apart from some of her earlier pop hits. Springfield reportedly struggled to achieve the vocal sound she wanted in the studio and ultimately recorded her vocal while standing in a stairwell, where the acoustics provided the natural echo she was seeking.
Released in 1966, the record went straight toward the top.
“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” reached No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and crossed the Atlantic to peak at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Springfield her biggest American hit.
Then, in 1970, Elvis Presley revisited the song.
Presley recorded “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” during his celebrated Nashville sessions, and his version became another substantial success. It reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed even higher on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.
“I like his version too,” Napier-Bell told American Songwriter. “It’s nicely masculine. As if he’s slightly embarrassed by all that romantic talk – ‘look, can’t we just not talk about all that lovey-dovey stuff? Just stay around and, you know, sort of live together.'”
Sixty years after Springfield’s recording first arrived, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” remains a showcase for one of the most distinctive voices of the 1960s. Elvis may have brought his own commanding interpretation to it, but Springfield’s soaring original turned an Italian composition into an English-language classic that has endured for generations.
Kenan Thompson is Joining 'America's Got Talent' as Guest Judge Temporarily Replacing Simon Cowell
A comedy legend is joining the judges’ table this coming Tuesday on America’s Got Talent when Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson fills the seat left vacant by Simon Cowell. Thompson will join regular judges Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara for the third night of Live Shows.
Cowell is out for several weeks of Season 21 due to back surgery necessary to repair remaining issues from a past injury that occurred in 2020 when he broke his back falling off of an electric bike near his home in Malibu.
Host Terry Crews broke that news announcing at the head of last week’s AGT telecast, “”He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges’ desk very soon.”
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
As part of being a guest judge, Thompson will most likely be given the honor of pressing the Golden Buzzer for one of the 11 artists — Acro Canine Crew, Daniel Alvarez, Elsie, Guy Kelton Jones, Herwan Legaillard, Holland & Sienna, Isaac Atkins, Kameron Marshall, Lai Noelle, Maria, and Pynk Beard – competing that night, which will send them directly to the finale.
View this post on InstagramThompson previously filled in for Cowell during Season 15, when he filled in for Cowell for two Quarterfinals episodes at the time.
The six-time Emmy Award nominee is an award-winning actor, comedian and producer best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. He returns to the iconic late-night series for his 23rd season as the longest-running cast member.
Thompson received two nominations in 2021 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his comedy series Kenan and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for SNL. He previously received two Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2020 in the supporting actor category for his work on SNL. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2018 for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack,” and received a nomination in the same category in 2017 for co-writing “Last Christmas” from the popular “Jingle Barack” SNL music video. In 2022 Thompson hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Thompson joins AGT on Tuesday, September 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.
Next, Who Went Home on America’s Got Talent 2026 Tonight? Week 2 Live Show Results (Spoilers)
Hooters Is Officially Getting a Movie—and the True Story Is Wild
Hooters, the sports bar chain known for its servers’ revealing uniforms, is getting the big-screen treatment.
The independently produced film will follow the restaurant’s origins. It is set to be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jon Rosenbaum. Deadline was the first to break the news.
The Hooters: The Movie official description reads: “Ted and Lenny are two lifelong friends from a small town in Iowa who accidentally launch a national restaurant empire, only to find everything they built threatened by the federal government. The adventure begins when Ted becomes infatuated with Diane, whom he first sees from afar when featured in a spring break commercial. Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Diane would later become the very first Hooters Girl.”
Hooters restaurant co-founder Ed Droste will be a producer on the film. He told Deadline how excited he is for audiences to see the story behind the chain.
“I think people are going to enjoy watching how we were really just some guys who didn’t know what we were doing, but had a great time doing it,” he said. “There’s a lot of drama, but a lot of heart and fun too. And of course, our world-famous Hooters Girls are the real stars. For over 40 years Hooters has been America’s oasis in good times and bad. It’s time to deliver a taste of our big-hearted culture and famous humor to the world.”
Rosenbaum revealed that once he learned of the Hooters story, he knew it’d make an “incredible movie.”
“It’s the perfect combination of a hilarious buddy comedy and an inspiring biopic for a beloved American brand: Two lifelong friends with no idea what they’re getting themselves into, a crazy idea they’re willing to bet everything on, and a wild journey that culminates in the creation of something bigger than they could ever have imagined,” he said. “It’s not at all what people will be expecting – and it’s mostly true! I can’t wait to bring this story to life.”
Production on Hooters: The Movie is expected to start filming in November in the Tampa/Clearwater area, where the first Hooters opened in 1983.
1968 Hit, Written by Bob Dylan, Became One of the Greatest Country Rock Songs of All Time
Fifty-eight years ago, country rock band The Byrds released “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” a beloved track written by massive folk star that would go down as one of the greatest works in the genre.
Released on April 2, 1968 as the lead single from the band’s sixth studio album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” quickly became a fan favorite. Despite the song’s lasting legacy, it experienced modest commercial success upon release, peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 74 on June 8.
“You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” was originally written in 1967 by Bob Dylan. The songwriter penned the track in Woodstock, New York, following a major motorcycle accident that caused him to retreat from the public eye.
Bob Dylan performs with Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and Chris Hillman of the Byrds circa 1990.During this period, Dylan withdrew into privacy and began writing and recording songs with a group that would later be dubbed The Band. Together, they created a massive collection of hundreds of Americana and roots-rock tracks intended to be covered by other musicians—songs that were easily digestible for a wider demographic of artists.
The first group to get their hands on a Basement Tape was none other than The Byrds, transforming Dylan’s “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” in a mainstream powerhouse with their polished, radio-friendly sound.
The Byrds utilized a clean acoustic arrangement that channeled an authentic Nashville country sound. Paired with lyrics about staying grounded amid difficult times, The Byrds’ spin on the song quickly captivated audiences—an appreciation that has only grown stronger over time.
Nearly six decades after its release, “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” has become a cornerstone of the country rock genre. In 2024, Ultimate Classic Rock listed their top 30 picks for the greatest country rock songs, with The Byrds’ single coming in at No. 5 alongside other legendary hits like “Desperado” by Eagles and “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young.
In the digital era, the song has proven its perseverance, bridging generational gaps on streaming platforms. On Spotify, the track has accumulated over 35.9 million streams.
Related: 1970 Rock Song, With 22-Year-Old Singer of Sugarloaf, Is Still a Major Hit 56 Years Later
Twelve Years Ago Today, Obama Wore the Infamous Tan Suit—and Sparked 'Suitgate'
Twelve years ago today, President Barack Obama sported his infamous tan suit.
On Aug. 28, 2014, Obama showed up to a press briefing at the White House in a light beige suit and a gray striped tie. His outfit immediately faced backlash and was criticized as “unpresidential” by many politicians, including U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York.
In 2024, the former president acknowledged the 10th anniversary of what he described as “Suitgate.” Obama posted on Instagram a photo of him side-by-side with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, also dressed in a tan suit, captioned “How it started. How it’s going. Ten years later, and it’s still a good look! IWillVote.com”
The fashion choice is one of the most memorable controversies during Obama’s two presidential terms. It is often acknowledged as a racial double standard that Obama faced as the United States’ first Black president.
There is no dress code or uniform that bans tan suits, although male politicians typically opt for dark-colored suits. Former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were seen in similar attire but did not face backlash.
Obama appeared in the final episode of Larry David’s Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness in August to reimagine that controversy as David’s fault. The Seinfeld creator played a made-up presidential adviser who encourages him to wear the tan suit.
When Obama puts on the outfit, Davis tells him, “People are going to be talking about this for a long, long time.”
The recently opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is celebrating what they call “Tan Suit Day” by giving out free stickers to anyone wearing a tan suit on Friday, Aug. 28.
Best-Selling Fantasy Novel by Philip Pullman Ranked Among ‘Best Books of the 90s’ by Goodreads
While British author Philip Pullman wrote his series His Dark Materials for any age, the fantasy novel has become a YA staple since its initial publication in 1995. The story, a somewhat retelling of Milton’s Paradise Lost, has been subject to controversy due to its criticism of organized religion and the idea of “original sin.” However, that has not halted its popularity whatsoever, with the series selling over 20 million copies in over 50 countries worldwide.
The first of the trilogy, The Golden Compass, has become beloved in the YA fantasy space over the last 31 years. It remains so popular that the reading platform Goodreads ranked it among the “Best Books of the 1990s.” On Goodreads, The Golden Compass holds a 4.04 rating among over 1.6 million ratings and has been reviewed over 31,000 times. Reviewers love the book, saying:
“This novel is an absolute work of pure genius, and is in my top ten reads of all time.”
“There aren’t words enough to describe what an important work of literature this is, not only for children, but also for thinking, feeling, dreaming adults as well.”
“Overall, it’s a truly magical, mystical, and totally enthralling. It’s about morality, spirituality, good versus evil and the saving of innocents from the corruption of adults.”
View this post on InstagramThe Golden Compass (also known as the title Northern Lights) follows 12-year-old Lyra Belacqua, who lives in a world where human souls exist with shape-shifting animal companions called dæmons. Lyra lives with her dæmon, Pantalaimon, at Jordan College. When her best friend Roger is kidnapped by “Gobblers,” Lyra sets off on a mission to save him from the horrific experiments that are being done on children to separate them from their dæmons. Along the way, she must also uncover the secrets surrounding a mysterious element known as “dust” and learn the truth behind the people she’s known her entire life.
The Golden Compass and its sequels are out now and available wherever books are sold.
🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Aldi's 2-Piece Glass Cake Dome Set Is Giving Pottery Barn Vibes on a Budget
I love fall decorating, but I’ve never been one for turning my house into a pumpkin patch or a corn maze. My ideal autumn aesthetic is a little quieter—more understated elegance than Halloween overload. Think glass pumpkins catching the afternoon light, faux floral garlands and stems that look like they were clipped straight from the garden, and throw blankets in those deep, rich shades of rust, olive and burgundy so synonymous with fall.
The trick, I think, is choosing pieces that suggest fall rather than scream it. A few well-placed seasonal accents can make a space feel warm without sacrificing the more elevated look you’ve worked hard to create. And honestly, I’m always on the lookout for those little details that make a room look considerably more expensive than it actually is. Bougie on a budget, if you will.
🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳
Crofton Glass Pumpkin Dome, $19.99 at AldiAldi
Aldi’s new pumpkin-shaped glass dome caught my eye at Aldi because it checks a lot of the boxes for what I’m looking for in fall decor. It has all the seasonal charm I want, but with a bit of sparkle and sophistication that keeps it firmly in the quiet-luxury camp. Because even your fall desserts deserve a little dressing up, and I can’t wait to pile slices of pumpkin bread into this beauty.
Related: Dollar Tree’s $1.50 Stoneware Mugs Are the Prettiest Way to Enjoy Your Morning Coffee
Its clear glass keeps the look light, while the golden stem adds a touch of shine, making it feel a little more special than your average cake dome. It would be right at home on a kitchen island or dining table, covering that aforementioned pumpkin bread, apple cake or even a pile of autumn cookies. And because the glass is doing most of the visual work, you could easily leave it out alongside your other fall decor without making the room feel like it’s been overtaken by pumpkins.
At $19.99, it’s also the kind of small seasonal detail that can make a table setting look styled. And it just so happens to remind me of Pottery Barn’s Glass Pumpkin Cloche with Wood Pedestal that retails for $89. I’ve been eyeing the Pottery Barn version for a while, but couldn’t bring myself to spend nearly $90 to buy it. Since I love a high-end look for less moment, I’m definitely adding the Aldi dome to my cart when it hits stores on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Dolly Parton Is Taking Flight: Nashville Airport To Be Renamed in Her Honor Under Governor’s Proposal
Under a proposal announced Friday by the Governor of Tennessee, Nashville Airport would be renamed for Dolly Parton.
Just 3 days after Parton’s death at age 80, Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, announced their intent to name BNA in honor of the legendary musician, who wrote iconic songs like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Parton was also known for her diverse film roles, including 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and expansive philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Gov. Lee, AP reported. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
In a joint press release, the governor shared that he spoke with Parton’s team and “they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.”
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport® (BNA®), announced their intent to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton.
Read more here: https://t.co/x1DLDKrNNC pic.twitter.com/2XYWlU0HNC
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Is the Re-Naming Official?Not yet. According to a statement from Lee’s office, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s (MNAA) current Naming Policy and Gov. Lee’s proposal to rename the airport will be addressed at MNAA’s meeting on Thursday, September 17. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
A Change.org Petition Has 157,000 SignaturesA Change.org petition to rename the airport had already gathered more than 157,000 signatures by Friday, Aug. 28. Started by Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, they shared that their inspiration was a deep-rooted admiration for Parton, whom they referred to as a “national treasure.”
“Since her passing, tens of thousands of additional supporters have visited and signed this petition,” it reads. “The outpouring of support has reinvigorated our mission — to rename the Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport. A key decision-maker has responded to this petition; Tennessee State Senator Todd Warner has pledged to introduce legislation to make this change happen. We are so very grateful for his support and for ALL of the support coming in.”
Related: Ricky Schroder Sparks Backlash Over Dolly Parton Tribute: ‘I Didn’t Agree With Her’
Walmart's Adjustable 5-Tier Shelf Is a 'Sturdy' and 'Useful' Storage Solution for Small Spaces
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re looking for a simple way to organize your garage, basement, or pantry without taking up too much floor space, Walmart’s latest storage deal is worth checking out. The Workpro 5-Tier Metal Shelving Unit is currently on sale for more than 50% off, and it features five adjustable shelves with plenty of room to stash tools, gardening supplies, dishware, linens, canned goods, plastic bins, and more.
Right now, the versatile shelving unit is on sale for just $36, down from $73, in the smallest size. Measuring 17.4 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep by 51.5 inches high, the black metal rack features a tall, slim frame that offers ample storage space while still maintaining a compact footprint. You can also shop it in two larger sizes at varying discounts.
Workpro 5-Tier Metal Shelf, $36 (was $73) at Walmart Shop at WalmartWith five sturdy shelves, this metal storage rack makes it simple to organize anything from kitchen and pantry essentials to tools and cleaning supplies. Each shelf can support up to 110 pounds, giving the entire unit a total weight capacity of 550 pounds. That means there’s plenty of room to easily store heavy items without having to invest in bulky, oversized furniture.
The sleek black metal design also blends easily into a variety of spaces. Use it in the kitchen to organize appliances and utensils, in the living room for books and baskets, or in the garage to keep tools and equipment neatly arranged. The adjustable shelving allows you to customize the height of each tier depending on what you’re storing, whether you need extra room for tall containers or want to create smaller sections for everyday essentials.
Multiple Walmart shoppers praised the rack for its “excellent” design. One reviewer said it’s a “useful addition” to their garage, adding that the “shelves are very sturdy and easy to put together.” Others highlighted its compact build, noting that it’s “perfect for a corner area” or a narrow pantry.
Shop More Deals- Cshidworld 3-Tier Metal Rolling Cart, $37 (was $75) at Walmart
- Tropow 3-Tier Metal Storage Cart, $25 (was $28) at Walmart
- 5-Tier Brown Rolling Storage Cart, $35 (was $47) at Walmart
If you’ve been looking for a stylish and functional way to add storage to your home, this five-tier metal rack is a smart solution. It’s compact enough for smaller spaces, sturdy enough for heavy items, and versatile enough to use throughout the house. Pick one up while it’s more than 50% off at Walmart.
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
Luis Guzmán Speaks Out on Latino Representation as He Turns 70
Happy birthday, Luis Guzmán!
The actor, born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, on August 28, 1956, is turning 70 years old today! His over four-decade-long career includes appearances in many hit TV shows and movies, such as Boogie Nights (1997), Magnolia (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Out of Sight (1998), and Traffic (2000).
Guzmán grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His mother was a hospital worker, and his stepfather was a TV repairman. After graduating from the City College of New York, he worked as a social worker and was an actor on the side. He later became frustrated with his full-time job and decided to switch to acting.
He married his wife, Angelita Galarza, in 1985. They have four children together.
The actor stars in the new film Coyote vs. Acme, which spent three years locked away after Warner Bros. decided to use the film as a $30 million tax write-off.
After fans voiced strong disappointment, the studio decided to sell it. Ketchup Entertainment bought the movie in 2025 for a reported $50 million. Guzmán told LatinaMediaCo how excited he is for the film to be released.
“I’m glad that it’s going to its proper place to be seen in theaters,” Guzmán said. “I want to thank the public because they were the champions of this film, along with the directors and our actors. It’s a bit of a generational piece because these Looney Tunes characters have been around 50, 60, years. And in 2026, to see a film that incorporates them, I think it’s beautiful. I think it’s great.”
With more than 175 acting credits to his name, the actor said he is especially proud of using his platform to represent the Latino community.
“I’m most proud of being able to represent my community. I’m able to be a voice for our community. I’m proud to be Latino, and I encourage every single one of us to keep creating. We will find a way,” he said. “We haven’t knocked down all the walls, but we have knocked down some walls.”
Coyote vs. Acme stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor. It hits the big screen August 28.
1975 Hit by Nazareth, Never No. 1 on Billboard, Ranked Among 'Greatest' Ballads in Rock History
By the mid-1970s, Nazareth had built its reputation on hard-driving rock. However, one unexpected cover proved the Scottish band could channel just as much power when it slowed things down.
“Love Hurts” became the biggest hit of Nazareth’s career, driven by Dan McCafferty’s unmistakably raspy vocal and guitarist Manny Charlton’s soaring guitar work. More than five decades later, Ultimate Classic Rock has ranked the recording at No. 30 on its list of the “50 Greatest Power Ballads in Rock History.”
The song itself was already more than a decade old when Nazareth tackled it.
Written by celebrated songwriter Boudleaux Bryant, “Love Hurts” was first recorded by The Everly Brothers for their 1960 album A Date with the Everly Brothers.
“That title, ‘Love Hurts,’ was a gift from the gods, and Dad recognized it as such,” later recalled Bryant’s son, Del, who went on to become the CEO of BMI Music. “It’s the perfect balance: the positive of love and the negative of hurt. But what makes it a great song is that it’s the truth: love does hurt. We’ve all been teenagers; many of us have been married. We’ve all had ‘old love, new love, every love but true love,’ as Cole Porter said, and he was one of Dad’s favorites. Songs begin with nuggets, and my parents knew how to recognize those nuggets when they got one, how to build around it and how to embellish it.”
Roy Orbison subsequently recorded his own version of the song, but it was Nazareth that ultimately turned the composition into a major American hit.
Even that success wasn’t immediate.
Nazareth recorded “Love Hurts” during the sessions for its 1975 album Hair of the Dog.
“We did ‘Love Hurts’ as a B-side for a single,” bassist Pete Agnew told Classic Bands. “Every time you’re in a studio and you finish your recording on an album, you could do a couple of B-sides. You didn’t want to release two singles of your album on a single. You’re cutting an album down. So, you’d always take a track off an album and stick it on one of the B-sides you’d recorded in the studio. We recorded that as a B-side. We never intended that to be a single. It’s when we brought the album over to Jerry Moss at A&M records. Jerry heard ‘Love Hurts’ first and said ‘I’d like to take ‘Guilty’ off that album and put that on.’ Thank God for Jerry Moss!”
The band’s version initially failed to take off after an earlier release, only to unexpectedly become a hit in South Africa. That success prompted another push in the United States, and this time, it connected.
“Love Hurts” entered the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1975 and eventually climbed to No. 8 in March 1976. Although it never reached No. 1 in the United States, it spent 23 weeks on the chart.
Its international performance was even more impressive. Nazareth’s rendition reached No. 1 in several countries, including Canada and Norway, turning a song first recorded by one of the most famous duos of the early rock era into a signature recording for an entirely different band.
“Love Hurts” also demonstrated another dimension to Nazareth, whose Hair of the Dog title track showcased a considerably heavier side. McCafferty’s anguished performance gave Bryant’s heartbreak lyrics the intensity of hard rock without sacrificing the vulnerability at their center.
“It’s an emotional song and is considered one of the first rock ballads, which I’m sure helped it get radio play at the time,” McCafferty said in a 2006 interview.
More than 50 years later, “Love Hurts” remains Nazareth’s biggest American hit.
“It became such a big hit that Nazareth has lasted forever,” Agnew told Louder.
Its inclusion among Ultimate Classic Rock’s greatest power ballads is another reminder of how thoroughly the band claimed an older song as its own and turned it into a rock classic.
Related: 1969 Iconic Ballad, Covered by Neil Diamond, Is Still a Generational Hit 57 Years Later
1970 Country Hit, Famously Performed by Johnny Cash, Ranked Among 'the Greatest Songs of All Time'
While Kris Kristofferson did release his own hits, including “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1970), “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” (1971), and “Closer to the Bone” (2009), several popular musical artists also covered songs penned by the late country music icon over the years. For instance, Kristofferson’s song, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” the final track from the 1970 Kristofferson record, got quite a bit of recognition after Johnny Cash gave the tune a memorable rendition while on stage for a The Johnny Cash Show episode, as reported by Rolling Stone magazine.
According to Rolling Stone, the ABC variety show episode premiered in February 1970, four months before the release of the Kristofferson album.
In an interview, Kristofferson, who was 88 when he died in 2024, said he was there in person for Cash’s take on the tune for The Johnny Cash Show. He also said he was delighted and surprised that Cash, who died in 2003 when he was 71, didn’t deviate from the original “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” lyrics, including some that may not have been deemed appropriate for his variety show.
“One of the biggest moments in my life was when Johnny was going to sing ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’ on his show. I was up here in the balcony looking down at him while he was singing the song. And he looked up at me, and said, ‘Wishing the lord that I was stoned,’ and I almost fell out of the balcony,” said Kristofferson with a laugh. “He saved the song because they used that performance for the record, and it was the [1970 Country Music Association] Song of the Year. It would not have been the same song without that line.”
While Cash’s take on the tune is widely beloved among country music fans, Rolling Stone magazine spotlighted Kristofferson’s recording of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” on the publication’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” off the Kristofferson album, took home the ranking’s 476th spot, with Rolling Stone complimenting Kristofferson for his deep, somewhat dark storytelling within the 4-minute-and-30-second song.
