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Dorothy Parker had a way with words that could make people laugh, wince and think all at the same time. The writer, poet and critic, who was born August 22, 1893, became famous for her razor-sharp wit. But there was much more to Parker than her great one-liners. She wrote poetry, short stories, essays, criticism and screenplays, creating work that could be funny, romantic and brutally honest.

In an interview with the Paris Review Parker talked about the craft of wit. “Wit has truth in it,” she said. “Wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.” This distinction mattered to her. She understood that a clever line might get a laugh. But the best humor had something deeper underneath it.

Parker began writing captions for Vogue in 1914 and later became a drama critic at Vanity Fair, where she met Robert Benchley and Robert E. Sherwood. The three became close friends and were among those who attended the first luncheon that became the famous Algonquin Round Table.

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The Round Table would help make Parker famous. The informal gathering of writers, editors, actors and wits met for lunch at New York’s Algonquin Hotel, and Parker became one of its luminaries. Her reputation for her sharp observations grew quickly, helped in part by Franklin P. Adams, who printed some of her remarks in his Conning Tower column. As her New York Times obituary later noted, “fame was quickly rapping on her door.”

But Parker was never simply the woman who sat around a hotel table delivering great lines. She was a serious and prolific writer. Her work appeared in The New Yorker from its second issue in February, 1925, through December, 1957. The magazine’s longtime editor William Shawn later described Parker, along with Robert Benchley, E.B. White, James Thurber, Frank Sullivan, Ogden Nash and Peter Arno, as part of the original group of contributors who helped establish the magazine’s early tone and direction.

Parker’s writing also revealed a much more vulnerable side. Her wit often had disappointment, loneliness and romantic disillusionment. She could make a joke about heartbreak while also share how much heartbreak hurts. In “Anecdote,” she captures the experience in just four lines: “So silent I when Love was by / He yawned, and turned away; / But Sorrow clings to my apron-strings, / I have so much to say.”

“But now I know the things I know,
And do the things I do;
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you!”

Parker wrote those lines in a poem published in her 1926 collection, Enough Rope.

After spending her younger years trying to please others and changing herself to suit their expectations, the speaker finds self-knowledge. She knows who she is, knows what she wants and is no longer interested in reshaping herself for someone else’s approval.

It is quintessential Parker. The language is playful, but underneath the punch line is something surprisingly serious. Here is the freedom that comes with finally knowing yourself.

Related: Quote of the Day: Martina McBride on Why Being Your Best Doesn’t Mean Being Perfect

Parker’s poem begins with a confession about people-pleasing. The speaker remembers trying to please others and changing herself according to the opinions of others. That opening makes the final words more powerful. She isn’t claiming that she has always been completely confident. She’s describing what happens after years of trying to become what other people wanted.

The turning point is simple: “Now I know.” Those words suggest experience. Self-knowledge doesn’t necessarily arrive all at once. Sometimes it comes from making mistakes, trying to fit into relationships that don’t fit us and eventually realizing that constantly adjusting ourselves for someone else comes at a cost.

The final line is deliberately funny and blunt. Parker doesn’t soften the message or ask permission to be herself. If someone doesn’t like her as she is, she is willing to let that person go. The humor makes the sentiment memorable, but the underlying message is one of self-respect.

That idea remains remarkably relevant. It says stop compromising your identity for the approval of others. True peace comes from accepting your choices and confidently letting go of people who require you to diminish yourself.

“I don’t care what is written about me, so long as it isn’t true.”

“I like to have a martini. Two at the very most,” says Parker. “After three I’m under the table. After four I’m under the host.”

“The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue.”

“I hate writing, I love having written.”

“She was pleased to have him come and never sorry to see him go.”

“It’s not the tragedies that kill us, it’s the messes.”

Next: Quote of the Day: Audra McDonald on Why the Scariest Choices Often Lead to the Greatest Growth

Collin Raye is celebrating another milestone.

The country star, best known for hits including “Love, Me,” “In This Life” and “That’s My Story,” turns 66 on Aug. 22.

Born Floyd Collin Wray in De Queen, Arkansas, in 1960, Raye began making his mark on country music in the early 1990s. His major-label debut album, All I Can Be, arrived in 1991 and quickly established him as one of the genre’s rising stars.

“Love, Me,” the album’s lead single, became Raye’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The emotional ballad helped define the singer’s early career and remains one of his best-known recordings.

Raye followed his debut with a string of successful albums and singles throughout the decade.

His 1992 album, In This Life, produced the title track, which reached No. 1 on the country chart. The song became another signature recording for Raye, whose powerful vocals and emotionally direct material helped him stand out during a particularly competitive period in country music.

Other major hits included “I Can Still Feel You,” “My Kind of Girl,” “That’s My Story,” “Little Rock” and “If I Were You.”

Raye earned multiple nominations from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association during his career, including CMA nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Raye has continued releasing music and performing for fans decades after his breakthrough.

His career has included more than a dozen studio albums, with songs that helped make him one of the recognizable voices of ’90s country.

Now 66, Raye can look back on a career that began with a No. 1 hit and produced some of the era’s most memorable country ballads.

RELATED: Reba McEntire Admits She Missed Out on ‘Fun’ During Her Early Career

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The summer days are flying by, and before you know it, fall will be at your doorstep. With fall comes Halloween, and if you’re a fan of this spooky season, you know that it’s never too early to start decorating. From giant skeletons to bat decals, there are a plethora of decor pieces to choose from. If you’re looking to ring in Halloween in a chic yet festive way, this Dazonge 6-Piece Ceramic Pumpkins Set at Amazon is a fabulous option. 

This decorative pumpkin set is tasteful enough to leave out all fall while still adding festive flair for Halloween. Right now is the best time to snag it because it’s currently on sale for less than $20.  Normally retailing for $23, this six-piece pumpkin set is marked down to just $19, which means that you’re getting each pumpkin for a little more than $3. This is a deal you won’t want to miss — designer brands carry styles that look very similar, and a single pumpkin from these designers goes for 13 times the price of this set. 

MacKenzie-Childs Mini Pumpkins 🎃🖤 The Courtly Check pattern + those gold stems = fall décor that looks spooky, classy AND expensive. These are the kind of pieces you pull out every fall and instantly make the whole room look styled. #MacKenzieChilds #FallDecor #HalloweenDecor #CourtlyCheck #fallhomedecor

You can also snag a three-piece ghost set that feels just as chic and elegant, adorned with gold star, moon, and bat motifs. It normally retails for $18, but it’s now on sale for just $15. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Featuring black, white, and gold hues, these pieces are subtle enough for year-round use, while their classic pumpkin silhouette gives them seasonal charm. They come in assorted patterns, and no two are the same, making each piece stand out. 

Trendy and chic, two of the pumpkins have a polka-dot pattern — one boasts black dots with a white background, and the other has white dots against a black background. Another pair of pumpkins are adorned with a similar pattern, but one has a square checkered design while the other features diagonal checkers that give them a retro feel. Completing the set, the last two pumpkins are plastered with stripes, adding some whimsy. One showcases horizontal zig-zags and the other sports wide vertical strips. 

Several Amazon shoppers noted that these pumpkins are “giving MacKenzie-Child vibes,” and multiple reviewers actually said that they have the designer version and these match and look like the real deal. “These pumpkins are a perfect mix of festive and classy,” one reviewer said, adding that “they feel elegant and elevated, but fun.” Another customer stated that they’re “super cute and look high -end.” A third reviewer described them as “so chic.” 

• Miuelee 2-Pack of Ghost Throw Pillow Covers, From $9 (was $28) at Amazon
• Your Heart’s Content 5-Pack of Mini Knit Pumpkins, From $12 (was $17) at Amazon
• Tondiamo 4-Pack Ghost Pumpkin Candles, From $14 (was $17) at Amazon

Every pumpkin has a gold stem, radiating elegance and bringing a touch of luxury to your space. Three of the pumpkins are engraved with a large gold letter. They spell out ‘BOO’ when they’re lined up in a row, giving them a playfully spooky feel. The backside of these three pumpkins doesn’t have letters, so you can flip them around if you want to keep them out post-Halloween. 

Made of ceramic with a glossy finish, these pieces are waterproof and fade-resistant, so they should last for years to come. Shoppers raved about the set’s top-notch quality and said that the pumpkins have a nice weight to them. Many customers also mentioned that the colors are rich and vibrant.  

Each pumpkin measures around 2.8 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide, which means they shouldn’t overwhelm your space. They’ll look fabulous wherever you place them, whether they’re on your mantle, console, entryway table, or kitchen counter. You can also use them as a centerpiece on your dining table. Alternatively, you could separate them and scatter them around your house to spread holiday cheer throughout your living space. 

Related: Shoppers Say This ‘Adorable’ Retro-Style Checkered Utensil Crock Gives Major Designer Vibes for Less Than $30

Whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or just love all things fall, don’t hesitate to snag the Dazonge 6-Piece Ceramic Pumpkins Set at Amazon while it’s still on sale for just $19! 

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To solve today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll need to use key information to identify West Coast soccer orgs, essential tools for the game monitor, and names of NCAA games.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Saturday, August 22, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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The New York Times

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: A necessity.
• Green: Flag on the play!
• Blue: Golden State soccer orgs.
• Purple: NCAA games, minus a letter.

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: IMPORTANT
• Green: ACCESSORIES FOR A FOOTBALL REFEREE
• Blue: CALIFORNIA SOCCER TEAMS
• Purple: COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GAMES, WITH THE FIRST LETTER CHANGED

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #698 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• IMPORTANT: INDISPENSABLE, KEY, PIVOTAL, VITAL
• ACCESSORIES FOR A FOOTBALL REFEREE: BEAN BAG, COIN, FLAG, WHISTLE
• CALIFORNIA SOCCER TEAMS: BAY, EARTHQUAKES, GALAXY, WAVE
• COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GAMES, WITH THE FIRST LETTER CHANGED: BEACH, GRANGE, HOSE, SIESTA

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: I Made Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone Recipe—and Now I Finally Understand the Hype

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Between her warm, welcoming furniture, charming kitchen finds, gorgeous outdoor accents, and decor that manages to feel both polished and approachable, Drew Barrymore’s home collection has made a pretty convincing case that she’s a full-fledged hosting guru. She clearly understands that the things we use every day don’t have to be boring — and her latest drop takes that same idea to the dinner table, proving that even everyday plates can bring a little personality to the meal.

This time, though, Drew is looking to the past for inspiration. Her brand-new Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Embossed Flower 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set at Walmart has raised, sculptural detailing that immediately brings vintage cabbageware to mind, giving the table that collected look without requiring a weekend spent digging through antique stores. And since rare vintage sets can climb well past $1,000, with individual pieces often ranging from roughly $20 to $500 depending on the maker, age, and rarity, Drew’s version offers a much more affordable alternative. At $70 for a complete four-person service, this set can bring some of that old-school charm to everything from a weeknight meal to a dinner party or holiday gathering.

Courtesy of Walmart

These plates look less like standard dinnerware and more like flowers you can actually eat off of. Each piece is shaped like an open bloom, with softly scalloped edges forming broad petals and fine embossed ridges radiating from the center like the veining on a real flower. Because the floral detail is molded directly into the stoneware, it has actual dimension rather than looking like a pattern simply stamped onto the surface. The glaze catches on those raised ridges, making the texture especially noticeable. The set comes in baby blue, blush pink, and creamy white, three soft shades that let the sculptural shapes take center stage.

Courtesy of Walmart

The 12-piece set serves four people and includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four all-purpose bowls. The dinner plates have the largest flower shape for entrees and sides, while the smaller salad plates work just as well for appetizers, desserts, sandwiches, or pastries. The bowls take the petal shape into a deeper silhouette, with curved sides that flare outward from the center and enough room for cereal, soup, pasta, grain bowls, or ice cream, each holding up to 12.5 ounces.

You can round out the table with a two-piece set of curved-handle mugs for $15, with a rounded shape that’s well suited to coffee, tea, cocoa, or other warm drinks. For bigger meals, the four-piece pasta bowl set is $50, offering wider, deeper dishes with enough room for pasta, salads, grain bowls, and saucier dinners. Both bring the same floral detailing to different parts of the table, making them useful additions to your collection.

• Vesteel 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, from $53 (was $93) at Walmart
• Thyme & Table 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Black and White Medallion Set, $53 at Walmart
• Paris Hilton Heiress Collection 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $55 at Walmart

This collection’s decorative shape also gives you plenty of ways to mix and match the pieces. Keep the full set together for a tablescape that leans into the garden-inspired look, or swap in individual pieces with simpler dishes so the embossed flowers become the standout detail. Salad plates can double as little serving dishes for hors d’oeuvres and sweets, while the bowls are handy for putting out nuts, dips, candy, or other snacks when you’re entertaining.

Despite the delicate-looking petals and raised detailing, the stoneware is made for regular use. Every piece is microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, so reheating leftovers and cleaning up after dinner don’t require any special handling. These features make the set a little more practical than its vintage-inspired appearance suggests: You get the look of fine china without having to hand-wash the dishes.

Related: Drew Barrymore’s ‘Stylish’ Fluted Storage Cabinet Is the ‘Functional’ Storage Upgrade Every Home Needs

Give your place settings a little old-school charm without hunting through antique shops. Shop the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Embossed Flower 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set at Walmart now!

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To solve today’s Strands puzzle, you might need to climb a little higher to get a bird’s-eye view.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #902 on Saturday, August 22.

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: High altitude.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• SA
• GR
• CA
• WH
• RO
• SM
• MO (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and diagonal.

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 22, 2026, is MOUNTAINRANGE.

• SAWTOOTH
• GREEN
• CASCADE
• WHITE
• ROCKY
• SMOKY
• SPANGRAM: MOUNTAINRANGE

Related: I Made Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone Recipe—and Now I Finally Understand the Hype

A classic Foo Fighters song is climbing the charts again nearly three decades after its release.

“Everlong,” the band’s 1997 hit from The Colour and the Shape, has re-entered the Billboard Global 200 at No. 186. The return marks another chart moment for the song, which first appeared on the global ranking in 2022 and reached a previous peak of No. 123.

The renewed interest comes 32 years after Foo Fighters began their career in Seattle in 1994. The band was first started by Dave Grohl as a one-man project after Nirvana ended. Over the years, Foo Fighters grew into one of the biggest rock bands of their generation.

Photo by Goedefroit Music/Getty Images

Released as the second single from The Colour and the Shape in August 1997, “Everlong” became a major rock radio hit. It reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart and No. 4 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

It is not the first time the song has experienced a major comeback.

Following the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, “Everlong” saw a rise in listening and entered the Billboard Global 200 at No. 123. The song also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart that year.

Recently an audio clip of Foo Fighters performing “Everlong” during their Tiny Desk Concert went viral on TikTok and Instagram in June, helping bring the nearly 30-year-old song bcack into online conversation.

The song has continued to reach new listeners through different formats. Dave Grohl’s acoustic version became popular after an impromptu performance on The Howard Stern Show in 1998. The band has continued to perform acoustic versions over the years, including one featured on their 2006 live release Skin and Bones.

“Everlong” has also appeared in video games, television shows, films and other pop culture spaces. It has been featured in games including Rock Band, Guitar Hero World Tour, and Rocksmith 2014, while a string arrangement was used during Monica and Chandler’s wedding in Friends.

The song passed one billion streams on Spotify in December 2023, showing that its audience has continued to grow long after its original release.

Grohl wrote “Everlong” during a difficult and emotional time in his life.

According to American Songwriter, the song began with a guitar riff he found while working on “Monkey Wrench.” Grohl described the riff as a “Sonic Youth rip off.” He continued working on the idea after leaving the studio.

Around Christmas 1996, Grohl was staying at a friend’s home in Virginia and sleeping on the floor. During that period, he wrote “Everlong” as a complete song in about 45 minutes.

The lyrics were inspired by his relationship with Louise Post of Veruca Salt.

Grohl first recorded a rough demo by himself, playing all the instruments. He later brought the song back to the West Coast, where he worked with producer Gil Norton and Foo Fighters members Nate Mendel and Pat Smear to record the finished version.

The song’s music video, directed by Michel Gondry, became another important part of its story. It featured Grohl and Hawkins in a surreal dream-like world, with Smear and Mendel also appearing in different roles.

“Everlong” was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards.

Foo Fighters also brought the song’s television history full circle in May when the band returned to The Late Show. During the appearance, they performed a medley connecting “This Is a Call,” their first song performed on the program under Letterman in 1995, with “Everlong,” the song tied to some of their most important appearances on the show.

@Foo Fighters perform a medley of “This Is A Call” and “Everlong,” the first and last songs they played on Letterman. #Colbert #FooFighters @David Letterman #DaveGrohl

The chart re-entry comes during another busy year for Foo Fighters. The band released Your Favorite Toy in April and has continued petforming as part of its 2026 schedule.

Related: 1991 Hit Song, Reimagined by Japanese Singer in Music Festival, Grabs Metallica’s Attention

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you’ll need to know a thing or two about summer fruits, be handy with tools, and have an interest in pop culture.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1168 on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

1. Make sure to wear your goggles.
2. Summer makes them sweeter.
3. Don’t forget to water the plants.
4. Like Destiny’s Child or Living Single.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

1. CARPENTRY TOOLS: CHISEL, HAMMER, PLANE, SAW
2. KINDS OF MELON: BITTER, MUSK, WATER, WINTER
3. GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS: CONE, JET, MIST, SHOWER
4. ___ GIRLS OF POP CULTURE: GILMORE, GOLDEN, MEAN, SPICE

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: I Made Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone Recipe—and Now I Finally Understand the Hype

Distant, the international downtempo deathcore band, is ready to hit the road as it embarks on an exciting U.S. tour.

In an Instagram update, the band, composed of Alan Grnja on lead vocals, Nouri Yetgin on guitars, Elmer Maurits on bass and René Gerbrandij on drums, shared the schedule for their headlining fall tour.

The 26-date run kicks off on Nov. 16 in Dallas, followed by two more shows in Texas, in Houston and San Antonio.

Adding to the list, Distant will also be performing across major cities in Arizona, California, Washington, Utah, Ohio, Illinois and more before wrapping up the tour in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 17.

Apart from the band, fans will get to see special guests Heavy//Hitter, Katywentmissing, Torn Open and Squelching as supporting acts on select dates.

The tour comes in support of their new album, Into Despair, a 13-track record under Century Media Records.

Besides the upcoming U.S. tour and new studio album, Distant will be part of a major European festival.

The band will be among the star-studded performers alongside Alpha Wolf, Boston Manor, Paleface Swiss and others at Core Fest 2026 in Germany on Oct. 31.

On Nov. 6, Distant will host their Into Despair album release show in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Nov. 16 Dallas, TX @ TBA
Nov. 17 Houston, TX @ TBA
Nov. 18 San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
Nov. 20 Mesa, AZ @ The Rosetta Room
Nov. 21 Anaheim, CA @ The Parish
Nov. 22 Roseville, CA @ TBA
Nov. 24 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
Nov. 25 Seattle, WA @ TBA
Nov. 27 Salt Lake City, UT @ TBA
Nov. 28 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
Nov. 29 Kansas City, MO @ TBA
Nov. 30 Chicago, IL @ TBA
Dec. 1 Indianapolis, IN @ TBA
Dec. 2 Detroit, MI @ TSDMAAC
Dec. 4 Cleveland, OH @ TBA
Dec. 5 Columbus, OH @ TBA
Dec. 7 Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
Dec. 8 Worcester, MA @ TBA
Dec. 9 Brooklyn, NY @ TBA
Dec. 10 New Kensington, PA @ TBA
Dec. 11 Baltimore, MD @ TBA
Dec. 12 Philadelphia, PA @ TBA
Dec. 14 Nashville, TN @ TBA
Dec. 15 Greenville, SC @ The Radio Room
Dec. 16 Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross
Dec. 17 Orlando, FL @ The Abbey

Related: Heavy Metal Legends Announced as Headliners for Music Festival in Texas

Today’s NYT Wordle might make you want to fire up the barbie.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1890 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There is one vowel in today’s five-letter word.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle is: The physical embodiment of the oxymoron “jumbo shrimp.”

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Saturday, August 22, 2026, is PRAWN.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Her music helped put a little more love into the 1960s.

Jackie DeShannon, the pioneering singer-songwriter behind “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” turns 85 today, Aug. 21.

Born in Hazel, Kentucky, DeShannon started singing at an exceptionally young age. She performed gospel music on a radio program run by friends of her parents before hosting her own show after her family moved to Illinois.

“I was always singing, since I was three years old,” DeShannon recalled⁠. “Some friends of my parents would pick me up and I would sing on their Gospel radio show.”

Her earliest records drew from country and rockabilly, including the Buddy Holly tribute “Buddy,” which became a regional hit. DeShannon later moved to Los Angeles and signed with Liberty Records, beginning a recording and songwriting career that crossed rock, pop, folk, country, gospel and R&B.

During the early ‘60s, she wrote extensively with Sharon Sheeley, with their work including Brenda Lee’s “Dum Dum” and Irma Thomas’ “Breakaway.” DeShannon also wrote “When You Walk in the Room” and “Come and Stay with Me,” which became hits for the Searchers and Marianne Faithfull, respectively.

In 1964, DeShannon joined the Beatles as an opening act on their first American tour. One year later, she scored her first major pop hit with Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love.”

DeShannon followed that success with the million-selling “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” which she co-wrote with Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday. Her influence also extended well beyond her own recordings, with artists including the Byrds, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen and the Temptations performing her songs.

One of her greatest songwriting successes came decades later. DeShannon and Donna Weiss wrote “Bette Davis Eyes,” which became a massive hit for Kim Carnes and earned the pair the 1982 Grammy for Song of the Year⁠.

DeShannon was inducted⁠ into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. More recently, a collection of previously unreleased recordings titled Girl of Yesterday (Acoustic Folk Demos) arrived in June 2026⁠, giving listeners another glimpse into her early creative years.

At 85, DeShannon remains an important voice from rock’s formative era and a songwriter whose work continues to travel across generations.

Related: ’70s Music Legend, Nicknamed ‘the Voice of Rock,’ Turns 75 Today

Led Zeppelin’s 1975 song “In My Time of Dying” runs for more than 11 minutes, making it the band’s longest studio recording. Fifty-five years after its release, the song still stands out for its heavy sound, zchanging rhythms and emotional subject: facing death.

The track appeared on Led Zeppelin’s sixth studio album, Physical Graffiti, released in 1975. Built from an older gospel and blues tradition, “In My Time of Dying” became something much bigger in the hands of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham.

The song has also remained highly regarded by rock writers. Goldmine ranked it at No. 2 on its 2024 list of the 20 memorable songs longer than 10 minutes. 

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Goldmine described the song as a “violent, lurching, hard rock classic” and pointed to its changing parts and closing jam. Near the end, everything stops as Plant sings, “Oh don’t you make it my dying, dying dying…” A cough is then heard before the song comes back down.

Meanwhile, Ultimate Classic Rock placed it at No. 6 on its list of the Top 50 Led Zeppelin songs.

“In My Time of Dying” was described as Led Zeppelin’s longest single track and noted how the band used its extended running time to stretch out while still keeping the music focused. The performance sounds loose in places, but the complicated structure shows how much the musicians had to remember.

What makes the track unusual is that it does not follow one simple path. Its music changes speed and shape, moving through pauses, riffs, quiet moments and louder sections. Jimmy Page explained that the song was so complex that even remembering all of its parts could be difficult.

“It’s really, really complicated,” Page admitted in a 2015 interview with Planet Rock. “I was talking about this the other day: I said, ‘Well, there was a lot to remember’. The person who was interviewing me looked as though he didn’t really understand just how much you had to remember when you go, one, two, three, four, and you start and get right through to the end of, as you say, 11 minutes.”

That challenge is part of what has helped “In My Time of Dying” remain memorable decades after Physical Graffiti first arrived.

The story of “In My Time of Dying” began long before Led Zeppelin recorded it.

The song came from an older gospel tradition and was connected to the title “Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed.” According to Far Out Magazine, blind Willie Johnson recorded a version in 1927, while other musicians later created their own versions. The song’s words and theme had been passed through different performers over time.

Bob Dylan also recorded “In My Time of Dyin’” for his 1962 debut album. Dylan had never performed the song before that recording session and did not remember where he first heard it.

Led Zeppelin took the old material and rebuilt it around the band’s own style.

Page had long described his vision for Led Zeppelin as a blend of different sounds. Speaking to Guitar World in 1993, he said: “Ultimately, I wanted Zeppelin to be a marriage of blues, hard rock and acoustic music topped with heavy choruses, a combination that had never been done before. Lots of light and shade in the music.”

More than five decades after Physical Graffiti, the 11-minute track continues to hold attention not because of its length alone, but because it keeps changing. Every section asks the listener to stay with the band as the music moves from blues to hard rock, from quiet tension to powerful release.

That is why “In My Time of Dying” still carries weight 55 years after Led Zeppelin recorded it.

Related: 1980 Rock Song Lasting 17 Minutes, Written by Iconic Band From London, Is Still a Controversial Hit

With both Dermot Mulroney and Joe Miñoso exiting Chicago Fire in Season 15, there’s room for some new faces in the cast. One such face will be Matthew Daddario, who is set to join the upcoming season as a firefighter candidate, TVInsider shared.

The news came from an Instagram post made by already confirmed new series regular Da’Vinchi, who posted a photo of himself, Daddario, and Brandon Larracuente, who plays Vasquez, sitting on Truck 81.

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Daddario, the brother of White Lotus actress Alexandra Daddario, is best known for playing Alec Lightwood on the Freeform series Shadowhunters.

As previously announced, Da’Vinchi joins Chicago Fire as a new firefighter Marcus Burke, also a candidate at Firehouse 51. His character is described as “roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor” but “also a little defiant,” according to AL.com. Da’Vinchi is best known for his role as Darnell Hayes in the CW series All American.

Miñoso, who has played firefighter Joe Cruz since the first responder series premiered in 2012, will exit the series in Season 15, returning long enough to wrap up his storyline. Miñoso is one of the last remaining original cast members on the NBC procedural, along with Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte. 

Related: Original Chicago Fire Cast Member Exits Series in Season 15

Like Miñoso, Mulroney, who joined the cast of the NBC drama Chicago Fire in Season 13 as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, stepping in to lead Firehouse 51 after Eamonn Walker‘s departure, will exit the series early in Season 15 after wrapping up his character’s storyline.

Another big change for the series is new showrunner, Victor Teran, who replaces Andrea Newman after 14 seasons.

Season 14 of Chicago Fire ended with a cliffhanger as Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and her team were engulfed in flames while responding to a fire, and then the roof of the same building caved in on Severide (Taylor Kinney) and his crew inside the building, trapping them. The episode ended with: Mayday! Mayday! The only one who was safe wass Pascal, who was outside directing the situation.

Chicago Fire returns for its 15th season on October 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Next,  Chicago Fire Season 15 Is Undergoing a Major Shakeup Ahead of Its Return

Some rock singers command attention from the first note.

Glenn Hughes, the celebrated singer and bassist best known for his time with Deep Purple, turns 75 today, Aug. 21.

A native of Cannock, England, Hughes grew up listening to British rock, the Beatles and American soul and R&B. Those influences would remain central to his sound, setting him apart from many of his hard-rock contemporaries.

Hughes first found widespread success as a member of Trapeze, appearing on early ‘70s albums including Medusa and You Are the Music… We’re Just the Band. In 1973, he joined⁠ Deep Purple as the group’s new bassist and co-lead vocalist alongside David Coverdale.

The new lineup made its debut with Burn in 1974 before recording Stormbringer and Come Taste the Band. Hughes brought elements of funk and soul into the group’s established hard-rock sound, while his powerful upper register became one of the era’s most recognizable voices.

After Deep Purple split in 1976, Hughes released his first solo album, Play Me Out, the following year. He later worked with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi on Seventh Star, appeared on the KLF’s “America: What Time Is Love?” and formed Black Country Communion with Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian.

It was the KLF who dubbed Hughes “the Voice of Rock,”⁠ an enduring nickname that recognized the range and force behind his singing. His contributions to Deep Purple were also honored when he was included among the members inducted⁠ into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Hughes returned with Chosen in September 2025, his first solo studio album in nine years. Earlier this month, however, he announced that he was retiring from touring and live performances after doctors determined that he needed another open-heart surgery.

“I really have no option and no choice, as health is my number one priority,” Hughes wrote⁠. “Grateful to have been chosen with a life full with the gift of music. Thank you for walking beside me.”

As Hughes celebrates 75, his nearly six-decade body of work continues to show exactly why the title “the Voice of Rock” stuck.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend, Nicknamed ‘The Quiet One,’ Turns 75

When The Killers released “Mr. Brightside” in 2003, they had no idea the song would become an enduring anthem that would stay on the UK Singles Chart for 512 weeks, becoming the longest-charting song in the history of the U.K. Official Singles Chart. The band’s lead singer, Brandon Flowers, wrote the lyrics, with Dave Keuning creating the iconic guitar riff that became the song’s foundation. Now, Brandon Flowers is sharing what it’s like to have written a record-breaking song, one that he says now belongs to the world.

In an interview with Mark Savage of BBC News, Flowers says he still gets a thrill from hearing fans sing “Mr. Brightside” word for word along with him, saying it “doesn’t get old.” As for the song’s enduring popularity, Flowers says he feels no connection to the song’s charting status, stating that “Mr. Brightside” is the world’s song now.

How does The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers feel about Mr Brightside 22 years later? 🤔 #TheKillers #MrBrightside #BBCNews

On a social media video shared from the interview, fans quickly reminisced about “Mr. Brightside.”

“Babies come out of the womb knowing it,” one fan commented. Another added, “That’s an anthem like it or not.”

“Mr. Brightside” first appeared on The Killers’ 2004 debut album, Hot Fuss, which became a major commercial success and catapulted the Las Vegas band to international fame. The album eventually reached No. 1 in the U.K., spawning four successful singles, with “Mr. Brightside” becoming one of the biggest singles from a debut of all time.

The song peaked at No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 10 in the U.K., but the song never really left the U.K. Singles Chart. “Mr. Brightside” officially spent four weeks on the U.K. Top 100, but streaming platforms helped the song find new listeners, who returned it to the charts again and again.

“Mr. Brightside” also became the U.K.’s biggest single ever not to reach No. 1, despite selling millions of copies and being streamed millions of times.

Flowers may feel removed from the song’s longevity after so much time, but he still gets a thrill hearing fans sing the song back to him as if they’re hearing it for the first time. “Mr. Brightside” is the kind of hit that doesn’t remain popular based on nostalgia alone. With each generation, the song takes on new meaning and gains increased popularity. It’s one of those songs that gets played at weddings, sporting events and parties, serving as one song in the soundtrack of listeners’ lives.

Related: 1973 Song Inspired by a Notorious Texas Brothel Became ZZ Top’s First Big Hit

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Live from Niagara Falls at the OLG Stage) #TheKillers #Viral #Live #FYP #Music

“Mr. Brightside” transformed The Killers from a relatively unknown Las Vegas band into international stars and helped sell millions of copies of Hot Fuss. But ultimately, “Mr. Brightside” has become a generational song, surviving changes in musical trends and continuing to find new listeners who join the millions of fans who can sing every word back to the band, giving them the ultimate thrill.

“Mr. Brightside” has become a generational song. People who were children when it was released now sing it alongside people who weren’t born yet. It has survived changes in musical trends, the collapse of physical music sales, the rise of streaming and the constant turnover of pop culture.

That’s perhaps the strangest legacy of all. A song about jealousy, heartbreak and imagining the worst possible scenario somehow became one of the world’s most reliable communal singalongs.

More than two decades after The Killers first released it, “Mr. Brightside” isn’t simply an old hit that people remember. It’s a song that keeps finding new people to sing it.

And Brandon Flowers is still standing onstage, thrilled to be there.

Related: 1977 Hit With an Uncredited Joe Walsh Guitar Solo Became an Andy Gibb No. 1 Hit

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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle deals with classic classroom games, Japanese cultural symbols, makeup, and TV’s longest-running scripted primetime series.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Saturday, August 22, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Gets right down to business — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

8 Across: Japanese for “folding paper” — HINT: Ends with the letter “I”

9 Across: _a_er and _encil game — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”

10 Across: “Dee-lish!” — HINT: Ends with the letter “M”

11 Across: Specialized (in), as in college — HINT: Starts with the letter “M”

15 Across: Small hair on which mascara is applied — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

16 Across: Sloppy smooch — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

1 Down: Homer Simpson’s shout — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

2 Down: Roth ___ — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

3 Down: Actor Diesel of the “Fast & Furious” films — HINT: Starts with the letter “V”

4 Down: “Sunny” part of a breakfast order — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

5 Down: Warrior with a katana — HINT: Ends with the letter “I”

6 Down: “Sorry, my life is all over the place right now” — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

7 Down: Trent Reznor’s rock band, to fans — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

11 Down: Call from a kitten — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”

12 Down: Sailor’s assent — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

13 Down: F-16 Fighting Falcon, e.g. — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

14 Down: Nonfielding baseball players, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Gets right down to business — DIVESIN

8 Across: Japanese for “folding paper” — ORAGAMI

9 Across: _a_er and _encil game — HANGMAN

10 Across: “Dee-lish!” — YUM

11 Across: Specialized (in), as in college — MAJOR

15 Across: Small hair on which mascara is applied — EYELASH

16 Across: Sloppy smooch — WETKISS

1 Down: Homer Simpson’s shout — DOH

2 Down: Roth ___ — IRA

3 Down: Actor Diesel of the “Fast & Furious” films — VIN

4 Down: “Sunny” part of a breakfast order — EGGYOLK

5 Down: Warrior with a katana — SAMURAI

6 Down: “Sorry, my life is all over the place right now” — IMAMESS

7 Down: Trent Reznor’s rock band, to fans — NIN

11 Down: Call from a kitten — MEW

12 Down: Sailor’s assent — AYE

13 Down: F-16 Fighting Falcon, e.g. — JET

14 Down: Nonfielding baseball players, for short — DHS

Related: I Made Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone Recipe—and Now I Finally Understand the Hype

At first listen, it might not seem like “Black Velvet” was written about Elvis Presley. The massively popular Alannah Myles song, which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990, doesn’t sound like anything the King ever sang, and it doesn’t mention his name outright. (Plus, Presley was known for blue velvet, not black.)

But it was in fact a trip to Graceland that inspired the tune, as Christopher Ward, who co-wrote “Black Velvet” with David Tyson, told Billboard Canada in 2023.

“At the time, I was working at MuchMusic; I was sent to Memphis on a Greyhound bus with forty Elvis fanatics and a cameraman on assignment to cover the 10th anniversary of Elvis’ death,” Ward recalled.

On the trip, Ward realized that the pilgrimage to Presley’s home was almost like a religious experience for his fellow passengers.

“As I habitually did, I made notes along the way, bits of which formed the foundation for the lyrics to ‘Black Velvet.’ The ‘new religion’ in the lyric is rock n’ roll,” Ward explained.

Indeed, “Black Velvet” is pretty obviously about Presley, when you take a look at the lyrics (which you’ve probably heard a million times but maybe never thought about that much):

Up in Memphis, the music’s like a heatwave
White lightning, bound to drive you wild
Mama’s baby’s in the heart of every schoolgirl
“Love Me Tender” leaves ’em cryin’ in the aisle

The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he’d leave you longing for

Black velvet and that little boy’s smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Musically, Ward explained, “Black Velvet” “started with the shuffle groove that anchors the song musically.”

“It was a guitar feel that I’d been messing with for months and likely driving my downstairs neighbors crazy with,” he added, also noting that he and Myles were a couple at the time, “and we’d been working on her music ever since we got together.”

“It was written with her voice in mind, and she’s always loved those bluesy feels,” Ward said.

Bernd Mueller / Getty Images

Myles’ voice was definitely the perfect instrument for “Black Velvet,” which not only held the #1 spot for two weeks but won her the 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and the 1990 Juno Award for Single of the Year, per American Songwriter.

“It changed my life,” said Ward. “I’d been writing songs for almost twenty years, and suddenly, music publishers in New York and L.A. were calling and I was being asked to write with songwriters, artists and producers whose work I knew and admired. It was overwhelming, but truthfully, I felt ready.”

While Myles went on to have a few more successful songs in Canada, “Black Velvet” was her last U.S. hit. Unfortunately, as she later explained in a CBC Newsworld interview, she was cheated by her record company and didn’t receive a royalty check until 2008.

On the bright side, “Black Velvet” is still a radio (and karaoke) staple, not to mention a streaming hit. At the time of this writing, the song has 449,026,467 streams on Spotify alone.

Related: 1956 Rock Song, Written by Two 19-Year-Olds in 12 Minutes, Became Elvis Presley’s Longest-Running No. 1 Hit

One little girl had a pretty impressive audience for her first-ever meeting with Goofy.

Comedian Loryn Powell shared an adorable video to her Instagram on Friday, August 21, capturing her young daughter’s first time meeting Goofy at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. While the little girl was understandably focused on the Disney character, Matt Damon was seemingly in the background watching the sweet interaction unfold.

In the clip, Powell’s husband kneels beside their blonde daughter as Goofy approaches wearing chef attire. The little girl immediately lights up, smiling as the character waves before eventually wrapping her in a hug.

A post shared by Loryn Powell (@lorynpowell)

But look just behind the family and there’s Damon, dressed casually in a gray shirt, white pants and black baseball cap. With his arms folded, the Oscar winner appears to watch the encounter with a smile on his face.

“POV you’re watching your husband and daughter meet Goofy for the first time but don’t realize Matt Damon is also watching your husband and daughter meet Goofy for the first time,” text over the video reads.

Powell joked at the accidental celebrity cameo in her caption, writing, “When your daughter is more starstruck by Goofy than Matt Damon 😆”

Fans quickly zeroed in on Damon’s unexpected appearance in the background.

READ MORE: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Sued by Two Miami Police Officers

“Aww and you can tell he was reminiscing on his babies meeting goofy for the first time. 😢” one fan wrote.

Another joked, “She should put that on her resume. 🤗 “Introduction to Goofy, witnessed by Matt Damon.” How many people can say that?! 💙.”

“Did you see his face?! He thought it was just as cute as we all do!,” said a third.

“And him just looking on like a proud dad,” replied a fourth.

While some viewers questioned whether it was really the Odyssey actor in the background, others spotted that his black baseball cap appeared to have “Artists Equity” written across it, the name of the production company Damon co-founded with Ben Affleck.

The Good Will Hunting alum was definitely at Disneyland this week. The actor was photographed at the park with wife Luciana Barroso and their daughters on Thursday, August 20, while celebrating Gia’s 18th birthday. Damon and his family even coordinated for the occasion, wearing matching “Birthday Crew” shirts while posing in front of the park’s giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin. It’s unclear whether Powell’s video was captured during that same Disneyland visit, as Damon appears to be wearing a different shirt.

Damon and Barroso share Gia, Isabella, 20, and Stella, 15. The actor is also stepfather to Barroso’s eldest daughter, Alexia, 27.

In 1960, The Drifters released a sweeping love song that became a hit with Ben E. King on lead vocals. More than six decades later, it’s suddenly finding a new audience.

“This Magic Moment” is climbing TikTok’s Viral 50 chart, where the Drifters’ original recording currently sits at No. 45.

The song’s latest resurgence comes 66 years after it first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, but “This Magic Moment” has hardly disappeared in the decades since. It has turned up everywhere from The Sandlot and The Sopranos to Ally McBeal and Now You See Me 2, and its romantic grandeur is now providing the soundtrack to a decidedly less serious collection of viral videos.

One popular trend pairs “This Magic Moment” with date-night videos in which a boyfriend offers his girlfriend a bite of his food. After she takes some, she returns the favor, only for him to emphatically decline her offer, leaving her looking crestfallen as the romantic song plays.

✨✨#sigchi

Another video turns an ordinary fundraiser car wash into its own “magic moment,” with girls inside a car filming the shirtless young men washing it as the Drifters croon in the background.

The song is also being used for more bittersweet laughs.

In another video, an aspiring filmmaker shares old footage of the moment he told his mother he was leaving a pre-med program at a state school to study comedy and screenwriting at NYU. His visibly upset mother cries as “This Magic Moment” plays.

The creator reassures viewers in the caption that the footage is from years ago, that he graduated and is now doing what he loves, and that his first film is coming out this fall.

I’m sorry mom. Yes it’s a real major. I made it up in gallatin. #gallatin #nyc #nyu #premed #college 🚨NOTE: guys this is from YEARS ago. I graduated and I am doing what I love & doing well. My first film is coming out this fall so stay tuned!!!

The new viral moment adds another chapter to a song that was already deeply embedded in pop culture.

Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman and produced by renowned songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “This Magic Moment” was first recorded by The Drifters with King singing lead. The recording spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 16 in 1960.

The late rock critic Dave Marsh had particularly high praise for the Drifters’ recording.

In his book “The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made,” Marsh ranked “This Magic Moment” No. 411 on his list.

Marsh praised the songwriting partnership of Pomus and Shuman, noting the Latin influences Shuman brought to the Drifters’ ballads and singling out Pomus’ lyrics. He argued that, for sheer lyric writing, “This Magic Moment” might even surpass another of their best-known Drifters songs, “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

But some of Marsh’s most evocative praise was reserved for the recording itself.

Writing about the work of producers Leiber and Stoller, Marsh described the sound they created around King’s emotional lead vocal as a “virtual cathedral of orchestrated rhythm and harmony.”

Marsh died Aug. 14 at his home in Connecticut at age 76. The influential critic was an early editor at Creem, wrote for publications including Rolling Stone and The Village Voice and became particularly well known for his writing about Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen remembered Marsh as a “true Rock ‘n’ Roll lifer” in a tribute following his death.

The Drifters weren’t the only group to find success with “This Magic Moment.”

Jay and the Americans released their own version in 1968, and it became the song’s highest-charting rendition on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their recording reached No. 6 in 1969, 10 spots higher than the Drifters’ original, and went all the way to No. 1 in Canada.

But it’s the original Drifters recording that has returned to the charts more than six decades later.

The song has also enjoyed a remarkably long life onscreen. The Drifters’ version was memorably featured in the 1993 movie The Sandlot and later appeared in The Sopranos, while Lou Reed’s rendition was used in David Lynch’s 1997 film Lost Highway.

Now, 66 years after King’s voice first carried “This Magic Moment” onto the charts, a new generation has found another use for it: turning life’s awkward, funny and occasionally genuinely magical moments into their own miniature movies.

Related: ‘Batman’ Legend, One of Two Surviving Stars of the ’60s Series, Turns 93

Brian Wilson’s musical world extended well beyond The Beach Boys in the early 1970s. One of his more intriguing projects from the period was American Spring, the duo featuring his then-wife Marilyn Wilson and her sister Diane Rovell.

Among the duo’s recordings was “Shyin’ Away,” a breezy soft rock song released in 1972 and produced by Wilson. Although the single never came close to reaching No. 1— it didn’t even chart at all, for that matter— the music American Spring made during its brief existence would eventually become highly sought after by collectors and devotees of Wilson’s work.

The collaboration had deep roots.

Marilyn and Diane had previously performed with their cousin Ginger Blake as The Honeys, a vocal group closely connected to The Beach Boys’ circle during the 1960s.

“It came from the Beach Boys song ‘Surfin’ Safari,’ which had the lyrics, ‘early in the morning we’ll be starting out, some Honeys will be coming along …,” Marilyn Wilson and Blake told Rock Cellar Magazine.

After forming Spring, later known as American Spring, the sisters began working with Wilson on material that showcased their harmonies against his characteristically intricate production.

“Shyin’ Away” emerged during those sessions.

Written by Diane Rovell, the track appeared on the duo’s sole studio album, Spring, alongside original material and interpretations of songs including “This Whole World” and “Good Time.” Wilson produced much of the album in his home studio, bringing elements of the layered vocal arrangements and melodic experimentation that had defined his work with The Beach Boys.

“Brian has always recorded in a simple kind of way,” Marilyn said in an interview. “His style changes. It’s basically whatever he feels and what is happening around him.”

“And what kind of mood he’s in,” added Rovell.

Commercial success, however, remained elusive.

“Shyin’ Away” was released as a single but failed to become a major chart hit, while Spring itself received little attention upon its original release. The project soon slipped from public view, and American Spring never released another full-length studio album.

Its obscurity ultimately became part of its appeal.

As appreciation for Wilson’s work beyond The Beach Boys grew, original copies of Spring became desirable among collectors, while the album developed a cult reputation among fans fascinated by the lesser-known corners of his catalog. Subsequent reissues helped make the recordings easier to discover, giving songs like “Shyin’ Away” an audience they largely missed the first time around.

More than five decades later, “Shyin’ Away” offers a fascinating glimpse into Brian Wilson’s creative life during the early 1970s. It never became a No. 1 hit, or even a major commercial success, but its place within an elusive, collectible chapter of the Wilson story has given the song an enduring appeal all its own.

Related: 1973 Country Hit, With Iconic Nashville Singer, Became One of the ‘Greatest’ Songs of All Time