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In 1968, Jimmy Webb was only 22 when Glen Campbell released a song that would become one of the most celebrated recordings of the era.

Nearly six decades later, Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” has earned praise from countless musicians and critics. But perhaps no endorsement carries quite as much weight as one attributed to Bob Dylan: “The greatest song ever written.”

Related: Rock Icons Jimmy Webb & Joe Walsh Deliver Once-in-a-Lifetime ‘Wichita Lineman’ Duet — Fans Say ‘Chills’

On Aug. 15, Webb, the legendary songwriter behind “Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Up, Up and Away” and “Galveston,” turns 80.

It’s another milestone in an extraordinary career that began when Webb was barely out of his teens.

Released by Campbell in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” became one of Webb’s signature compositions, despite being something of an unfinished song.

In his book “The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song,” author Dylan Jones explores the mystery that has surrounded the song for decades.

Jones writes that as he grew older, he discovered he was hardly alone in his fascination with the recording. Dozens of people he knew loved it, while others seemed every bit as obsessed with it as he was.

Related: Jimmy Webb, Legendary Songwriter of ‘Wichita Lineman.’ Just Released a New Song That’s Bringing Fans to Tears

“Bob Dylan once even said it was the greatest song ever written,” Jones writes.

Jones also spoke with music journalist Mark Ellen, who pointed to the song’s mysterious, unresolved quality as part of its appeal. Webb had sent Campbell a rough version of the composition, and Campbell recorded it without waiting for Webb to finish it.

The unusual structure only added to its mystique. Jones notes that the song doesn’t conform neatly to the traditional verse-chorus-bridge construction, yet it connected with listeners anyway.

The recording sold more than a million copies, and in 2019, “Wichita Lineman” was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.

Related: 1963 Bob Dylan Song, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Went to No. 1 For Beloved Folk Trio

The partnership between Webb and Campbell had an almost storybook beginning.

Webb grew up in Oklahoma in a religious family. His father was a Baptist minister, and Webb learned piano and organ as a child, playing in church while his father accompanied him on guitar and his mother on accordion.

Then, in 1961, 14-year-old Webb bought his first record: Campbell’s “Turn Around, Look at Me.”

Webb was captivated by Campbell’s voice. Within just a few years, the teenager who had bought Campbell’s record would meet the singer and eventually provide him with some of the most important songs of his career.

Related: 1977 Glen Campbell Hit Went to No. 1 49 Years Ago Today

Their first meeting wasn’t exactly sentimental, however.

Webb later recalled in an interview with The Tennessean that when he arrived at the recording session with his hair in a Beatles-inspired style, Campbell took one look at the young songwriter and told him he needed to get a haircut.

“I was a hippie, with long hair, blue jeans and a T-shirt, and he looked very crisp. All of his clothes were ironed and his hair looked beautiful. He was fiddling with his guitar and ignoring me … I stuck my hand right in his face and said, ‘Mr. Campbell, I’m Jimmy Webb.’ He looked up at me and said, ‘When are you going to get a haircut?'” Webb recalled.

The two nevertheless developed a close friendship, with Webb eventually describing Campbell as being like a “big brother.”

“When it came to friendship Glen was the real deal. He spoke my name from ten thousand stages. He was my big brother, my protector, my co-culprit, my John crying in the wilderness. Nobody liked a Jimmy Webb song as much as Glen,” said Webb when Campbell died in 2017.

Related: Paul McCartney’s No. 1 Duet Partner Swooped In to Outbid Him For The Beatles’ Catalog For $47.5 Million 41 Years Ago Today

Webb wrote songs for The 5th Dimension, including “Up, Up and Away,” which won the Grammy for Song of the Year. Campbell turned “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” into a major hit, while Richard Harris took Webb’s sprawling “MacArthur Park” to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Webb was just 21 when he won Song of the Year. His songwriting résumé would eventually include platinum-selling songs such as “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “Worst That Could Happen,” “All I Know” and “Highwayman,” alongside collaborations with artists ranging from Linda Ronstadt and Art Garfunkel to The Supremes and The Highwaymen.

His honors have been just as extraordinary. Webb has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he remains the only person to have won Grammy Awards for music, lyrics and orchestration.

At 80, Webb has spent more than six decades proving his father both right and wrong. Songwriting may have brought its share of heartbreak, but it also gave Webb a body of work that has endured for generations, including one mysterious song about a solitary lineman that Bob Dylan reportedly considered the greatest ever written.

Related: 1968 Rock Hit, Voted the ‘Worst Song in Modern History,’ Went to No. 1 Twice

In the mid-1960s, The Monkees were one of TV’s biggest musical groups, with multiple No. 1 hits penned by songwriting duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. But they weren’t the only TV stars to record music by the hitmakers. A few years after The Monkees TV show ended, another sitcom star recorded a pop song by the songwriting duo—and it became a Christmas classic.

The song, titled “Lem, the Orphan Reindeer,” was recorded by Kathy Garver, the 23-year-old actress who played Cissy Davis on the CBS sitcom Family Affair. Garver’s one-off single was released at the height of the show’s popularity in 1969.

The song told the story of a lost orphan reindeer rescued by Santa Claus, and it featured spoken-word verses by Garver accompanied by a children’s chorus. The Aquarian Records single also included the B-side  “Opus Lem.”

“Lem” was no “Last Train to Clarksville” or “Steppin’ Stone,” but it was a cute novelty hit for the 1969 holiday season.

At the time, Garver even made an appearance on American Bandstand to promote the song, and she brought along a stuffed reindeer toy for host Dick Clark’s young daughter.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

In 2023, Garver, now 80, appeared on Jeff Dwoskin’s Classic Conversations, where she shared the backstory on her “spoken word classic.”

“I had come out with a record called ‘Lem, the Orphan Reindeer,’ my first and last record, and it was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. If you remember, they were the Monkees and ‘The Last Train to Clarksville’ and they had just a whole repertory, and fabulous, fabulous songs. And they wrote this special little ditty.”

“So my manager is managing Tommy and Bobby and they wrote this song, and we went to the recording studio to record the song, oh boy, I was ready,” Garver continued. “Now I had sung all my life. I was an Ethel Meglin kiddie starting when I was three years old. … I learned to sing and I learned to dance, and I had done lots of singing performances. So we got into the recording studio and music begins… and they said, ‘Wait wait, you’re off key.’ What? So they decided that perhaps I could make this a spoken word classic. Actually, I call it one of the first rap songs. So I spoke … and in the back I have a whole chorus of children singing on key.”

While Garver’s recording career was short-lived, she has enjoyed revisting “Lem, the Orphan Reindeer” over the years.

In 2024, Garver re-recorded the song with guitarist and singer Chuck Harter and shared the recording on her Facebook page.

Related: 1968 Monkees Song, Written by a Future Music Legend, Still Sounds Unlike Anything Else 58 Years Later

If you’ve ever strolled through EPCOT during a food festival with a warm plate of pretzel bread pudding in one hand and a wine glass in the other, you already know the unwritten Disney park rule: when high-top cocktail tables are full, the nearest flat-topped trash can instantly becomes your dining table.

Now, that quirky, long-standing theme park ritual is about to look very different.

Walt Disney World has officially announced a high-tech modernization of its famous waste bins, gradually replacing the classic, flat-topped models with new solar-powered compacting units. While the upgrade is designed to make life easier for cast members and keep the parks spotless, Disney foodies across social media are in a good-natured panic about where they are going to balance their festival snacks.

Related: Disney Just Revealed Its Fall Lineup—And The Magic Starts Sooner Than You Think

In an announcement shared on the Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page, the resort introduced the updated models under the banner: “Same magic. Smarter can. These next generation Disney trash cans are designed to support the incredible work cast members do every day, helping keep the parks sparkling and ready for unforgettable memories.”

According to Disney, these new units use solar energy to automatically compact waste, allowing them to hold significantly more garbage throughout crowded park days. That means fewer overflowing bins during peak rush hours and less heavy lifting for custodial staff, freeing up team members to focus on guest service.

After piloting the smart bins in select areas of the resort last year, Disney confirmed to The Washington Post that the updated models are gradually rolling out across more park areas in the coming months.

Related: EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

While the eco-friendly functionality makes total sense, longtime visitors were quick to point out the unintended casualty of the redesign: the curved, sloped roofs on the new compacting models mean no more setting down food trays.

As People reported, the reaction from fans across social media was swift, funny, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever snacked their way around World Showcase:

“Not flat on top, so no more eating on trash cans. Hope they install more tables especially in Epcot during festivals,” one commenter noted.

Another park regular jokingly chimed in, “Yeah but where am I supposed to eat? Y’all are going to have to install more tables now!”

One fan even proposed a creative compromise to keep both cast members and hungry parkgoers happy: “They should seal the doors of the old trash cans and leave them around Epcot to be used strictly as tables!!! Win/win!! Epcot needs more tables. I don’t mind standing to snack around the world but I need something to set my food on!!”

While Disney continues rolling out the sleeker, smarter bins across the property, one thing is certain: festival-goers heading to EPCOT this season might want to keep a sharp eye out for open park benches—or get ready to master the delicate art of eating on the move.

Related: D23’s Star-Studded Disney Princess Concert Performances Are a Must-Watch for ’90s Disney Fans

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Want to give your bedroom a little refresh? One of the easiest ways to change up the aesthetic of your space is a matching comforter set. It’ll make your room appear put-together with its cohesive look and takes the guesswork out of styling separate bedding pieces from different brands and retailers. If you want to get your hands on one, Walmart carries a ton of gorgeous comforter sets that’ll transform your bed into a cozy oasis without requiring you to splurge.

One option that we love is Walmart’s bestselling Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Comforter Set. Right now, you can score it on sale for nearly 50% off! Normally retailing for $66, the queen-size comforter set is now marked down between $34 and $39, with prices varying by color. You can snag this set in beige, black, gray, light gray, green, navy, orange, and white. 

Courtesy of Walmart

This comforter set is also available in four other sizes, which are also on sale. The twin set starts at $32, the full set starts at $36, the king set starts at $41, and the California king set starts at $43. The full, queen, king, and California sets include two pillowcases, two pillow shams, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and one comforter, while the twin set only comes with one pillowcase and one pillow sham.

Featuring seersucker fabric, this comforter set will bring a subtle touch of vintage-inspired charm into your bedroom. The comforter and pillow shams have a gridded puckered design, creating a crinkled texture that gives the fabric some depth and dimension. They’ll instantly elevate the aesthetic of your room, making it feel elegant yet cozy. 

While the top of the comforter has a gauzy appearance, the underside, along with the rest of the pieces in the set, boasts a smooth and sleek texture. Made of polyester microfiber, the fabric is double brushed, giving it a velvet-like feel that’s soft and luxe against the skin. The comforter is also filled with polyester microfiber, which is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to down, as it mimics the fluffy, airy feel of feathers to deliver a cloud-like layer. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and allergies. 

Courtesy of Walmart

This comforter may be thicker than a quilt or a throw blanket, but it’s still lightweight for all-season use. It’s breathable and promotes airflow, helping prevent you from overheating on those warm summer nights. However, it still delivers warmth and can keep you cozy when temperatures start to drop. 

“The fabric is soft, incredibly smooth, and silky with a cool-to-the-touch feel,” one reviewer commented. “It’s lightweight enough for warmer months while still comfortable during cooler seasons, so it’s truly a great all-season comforter.” The same reviewer also mentioned that the seersucker fabric “makes the bed feel more stylish”

Designed to stay in place, the fitted sheet features 360-degree elastic and deep pockets that can fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The comforter has an oversized fit that’ll elegantly drape over the sides of your bed. For reference, the queen comforter measures 98 inches by 98 inches, and a standard queen mattress is only 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. 

Thanks to the polyester material, this comforter set is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, you can toss it into the washing machine in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry it on low afterward. Reviewers noted that it washes well without fading or pilling. 

• Sprinday 3-Piece Ruffled Comforter Set, From $32 (was $70) at Walmart
• Marnur 7-Piece Tufted Comforter Set, From $40 (was $74) at Walmart
• Dhole 7-Piece Striped Comforter Set, From $31 (was $60) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s 7-Piece Comforter Set Is ‘Soft’ and ‘Beautiful’ With Handy Side Pockets for Books, E-Readers, and More

A seamless blend of style and comfort, the Dhole 7-Piece Seersucker Comforter Set might just be the refresh your bed needs. Don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and snag it while it’s on sale starting at just $34 for the queen set! 

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.

Kobe clocked in for another shift on a construction site in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, expecting nothing more than a normal day of work and a bit of extra cash. What he walked into instead was the surprise of his lifetime.

The 18-year-old student and his crew were demolishing a building on Van Langenhovestraat, laying groundwork for a new sewerage pipe, when they hit something unexpected bricked into the cellar wall. At first, it didn’t even register as anything special. “At first I thought they were €1 coins,” Kobe said. But the deeper they dug, the more kept turning up, and it quickly became clear this was something much bigger.

By the time they finished counting, the haul added up to roughly €9 million, or around $10 million, all bricked into a wall no one had touched in who knows how long.

Now here’s the big question: what would you do if it were you?

For a lot of people, the answer might be simple. Nine million euros is the kind of money most people dream of, and the temptation to just walk away with it is real. Kobe admitted his crew thought about it too, if only for a second.

But once it sank in just how much gold they were actually looking at, keeping it quietly stopped feeling possible. “It’s simply too much money,” Kobe said. “You can’t keep that hidden.”

Site manager Mario had a similar reaction once the shock wore off. “It was a strange feeling,” he said, adding that in 33 years in construction, he’d never seen anything like it.

So instead of pocketing a fortune, Kobe and his coworkers called the police. The gold is now being held at a secure location while investigators try to figure out how it ended up hidden there in the first place.

Whatever happens next, Kobe’s already got a story he’ll be telling for the rest of his life, and he’s not the only one on that site who will be.

Judy Garland was only 17 when she played Dorothy Gale in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, but her performance of “Over the Rainbow” would become much more than a memorable movie moment. 

The song helped launch Garland’s music career and later became the signature song that followed her for decades.

Written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg, “Over the Rainbow” was created for The Wizard of Oz, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical fantasy that introduced Garland to audiences around the world in one of her most famous roles.

Garland’s version of the song quickly became closely linked with her name. The ballad won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of the most recognized songs associated with classic Hollywood.

Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

For Garland, the song was also an important step in a career that would span movies, records and live performances.

She had already been performing for years before The Wizard of Oz. Born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, Garland first appeared on stage when she was just two years old, per RR Auction. She performed with her older sisters as part of the Gumm Sisters, a family vaudeville act.

In 1935, when she was 13, she signed with MGM. She soon began appearing in movies and recording music. Her early recording career included “(Dear Mr. Gable) You Made Me Love You,” which helped bring attention to her voice.

But “Over the Rainbow” gave Garland a song that would stay with her for the rest of her career.

In The Wizard of Oz, Garland sings “Over the Rainbow” as Dorothy dreams about finding a place far away from her troubles in Kansas.

The song appears early in the movie, after Dorothy struggles to make the adults around her understand her problems. She walks away with her dog, Toto, and imagines a place where there is no trouble.

The emotional scene helped show another side of Garland’s talent. She was not simply acting as Dorothy. She was also using her voice to express the character’s hopes and feelings.

The song was nearly removed from the movie. The studio reportedly felt that a slow ballad so early in the story could slow down the film. The producer and director, however, pushed for the song to remain.

That decision became an important part of movie and music history.

Garland recorded the song for MGM in 1938, with an arrangement by Murray Cutter. She later recorded it for Decca in 1939. The Decca recording became part of a four-record The Wizard of Oz album.

Interestingly, the commercially released Decca version was not the exact recording heard in the movie. The film version was not released on a soundtrack album until 1956, when MGM issued The Wizard of Oz soundtrack to coincide with the movie’s television premiere.

“Over the Rainbow” became the foundation of Garland’s music career, which eventually included 11 studio albums released between 1939 and 1962.

Her recording career continued long after her years as a young MGM star. She recorded songs from movies, worked with major arrangers and later became known for powerful live performances.

According to uDiscover Music, her career included major songs such as “The Trolley Song,” “Get Happy,” “The Man That Got Away” and “That’s Entertainment!” But “Over the Rainbow” remained the song most strongly connected to her name.

Garland’s live performances became another major part of her legacy. Her 1962 album Judy at Carnegie Hall captured one of her most famous concert appearances and earned her Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female.

In 1981, Garland’s original 1939 Decca recording of “Over the Rainbow” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2017, it was selected for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The song has also appeared on major lists recognizing important American music. The American Film Institute named it the best movie song on its AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs list.

More than eight decades after The Wizard of Oz premiered, “Over the Rainbow” remains closely tied to Judy Garland’s name. What began as a song for a 17-year-old actress playing a Kansas farm girl became the defining recording of a performer whose career lasted more than four decades.

Related: 1942 Classic Named Greatest Romance Movie of All Time, One Spot Ahead of ‘Titanic’

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For anyone looking for sandals that are stylish but can still keep up with a full day of walking, the Clarks’ Mira Mabel Sandals are worth checking out. Whether you’re exploring a new city, sightseeing on vacation, or squeezing in a few more summer adventures, these sandals are designed with all-day comfort in mind.

Right now, they’re on sale at Amazon for as low as $48, down 50% from the usual $95 price. Part of Clarks’ Cloudsteppers line, these sandals feature a plush foam footbed for cushioned comfort from morning to night. One shopper called them “perfect for vacationing,” while another said they were “super comfortable” to wear. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Instead of traditional buckles, these sandals feature elastic lacing and a toggle bungee lacing system that lets you adjust the fit with a quick pull. Its fisherman-style silhouette is casual and easy to style, and pairs easily with shorts, sundresses, jeans, and more

They come in four versatile colors: black, cream, navy, and teal, so you should be able to find an option that complements your wardrobe. Prices vary by size and color, but every option is currently under $77, with the lowest-priced pairs starting at $48. That means you can pick up a pair for considerably less than the usual $95 price. 

Shoppers say they’re especially well-suited for busy days. One reviewer wore the sandals on vacation and said they remained “comfortable all day,” even when their feet began to swell. Another said they helped “prevent blisters” while hiking, and a third praised their “stylish” look and called them a “great value for money.” 

• Xhope4u Balance Table Lamp, $17 (was $43) at Amazon
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• Dumos 5-Tier Bookshelf, From $43 (was $55) at Amazon

Related: Shoppers Walked Miles in Clarks’ Floral Flip-Flops With ‘Terrific Arch Support’

For as low as $48, the Clarks’ Mira Mabel Sandals are a comfortable, versatile pick you can wear through the rest of summer and into fall. If a pair of supportive, everyday sandals are on your list, now’s a great time to grab a pair for less.

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.

Rock music legend Tommy Aldridge is celebrating a milestone birthday.

The hard-hitting drummer, whose career has included stints with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Black Oak Arkansas and Thin Lizzy, turns 76 on Aug. 15.

Born in 1950, Aldridge has spent more than five decades behind the drum kit, earning a reputation as one of hard rock and heavy metal’s most influential drummers.

Aldridge was largely self-taught and drew inspiration from rock pioneers including Cream, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. He began making his mark in the early 1970s with Southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas, recording nine albums with the group between 1972 and 1976.

During that period, Aldridge developed the powerful double-bass drumming style that would become one of his trademarks.

His approach helped make him a particularly influential figure among later hard rock and metal drummers. The National Association of Music Merchants describes him as a pioneer of double-bass drumming in rock.

After Black Oak Arkansas, Aldridge joined the Pat Travers Band, appearing on several albums before making one of the biggest moves of his career.

Aldridge joined Osbourne’s solo band in the early 1980s, putting him alongside legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads.

He appeared on Osbourne’s Bark at the Moon and the live albums Speak of the Devil and Tribute. Aldridge was part of a particularly celebrated era of Osbourne’s solo career, although he eventually left the band following Rhoads’ death in 1982.

Aldridge’s career hardly slowed down from there.

In 1987, he joined Whitesnake as part of the band’s revamped lineup. He toured with the group during the massive success surrounding its self-titled album and later played on 1989’s Slip of the Tongue.

His résumé would continue to include work with artists and bands such as Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy and Ted Nugent. In 1988, he was even voted Best Rock Drummer in the Modern Drummer readers’ poll.

More than 50 years after he first made his mark, Aldridge’s thunderous playing remains an important part of rock history. At 76, his legacy is still going strong.

RELATED: 1988 Journey Album Has Spent More Than 900 Weeks on the Billboard 200

While psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud became very popular in the early 1900s, and still is today, his theories are controversial, to say the least. And fellow psychoanalyst Karen Horney was one of the leading professional voices who disagreed with main points in his psychology. Per VeryWellMind, she followed a lot of Freud’s ideas, but she differed greatly when it came to female psychology; she would go on to create feminist psychology. 

But outside of that, Horney was a big player in the psychology field. According to the American Institute for Psychoanalysis (AIP), she was a “preeminent analyst and psychoanalytic writer” who “devoted her life to teaching and practicing psychoanalysis.” She also had “innovative and bold ideas” that helped shape modern psychoanalysis. Our quote of the day comes from one of her books, where she sort of introduced the concept of self-help, in a way, and touches on the ideas of inner strength and finding your own path forward in life.

As the Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (AAP) reported, Horney was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1885, and was the youngest of two kids (her brother, Berndt). Horney had dreams of becoming a doctor, and even though that wasn’t really a thing in 19th-century Germany, her mother and brother supported her dreams and she ended up being one of the first women to go to a German university in 1906.

Horney ultimately left “outdated metapsychology” behind in her work, per the AAP, and made her mark on the practice of psychoanalysis we know today. And in today’s quote, Horney shares her thoughts on walking to the beat of your own drum and gaining confidence through self-actualization. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher René Descartes on Why Brilliance Requires Action

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“To find a mountain path all by oneself gives a greater feeling of strength than to take a path that is shown.”

This quote comes from Horney’s 1942 book, Self-Analysis. As the book’s description reads, it “is one of the founding texts in the self-analysis movement” and still offers “much practical advice to… today’s audience.” As one American Journal of Psychoanalysis article reported, Horney’s book “was innovative in introducing a path of self-help that largely remained unexplored” at the time.

At the end of Chapter 1, “Feasibility and Desirability of Self-Analysis,” Horney writes about how self-analysis is a good route for people who can’t do a full psychological treatment or who can’t do it regularly, as well as shorten the “procedure” time for people who are in treatment. She then writes that the obvious benefits of self-analysis are “spiritual in character,” and include “an increase of inner strength, and therefore of self-confidence.” 

Horney then writes the line:

“To find a mountain path all by oneself gives a greater feeling of strength than to take a path that is shown, through the work put in is the same and the result is the same. Such achievement gives rise not only to a justifiable pride but also to a well-founded feeling of confidence in one’s capacity to meet predicaments and not feel lost without guidance.” 

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Cato the Younger on When To Use Discretion and Self-Restraint

Self-analysis, in terms of what Horney is talking about, is a sort of self-reflection and self-awareness. Her whole book is about finding ways to understand yourself psychologically and find ways to conquer your own “neuroses,” which is a now-outdated word for mental health issues, typically of the anxiety variety, per Healthgrades. As stated above, this book and Horney’s theories were ahead of their time and are very much in line with the “self-improvement” sector of books that are very popular nowadays. 

While Horney does note that some people who are capable of doing self-analysis and who can’t commit to proper treatment, for time or financial reasons, would benefit from it, she does note that it’s also great alongside professional treatment. She does note that it’s also not a replacement for proper medical care. 

Regardless, Horney’s quote is saying that, while trail markers are important and helpful, it can be a really satisfying victory to discover your own path through the woods or mountains of your mind, so to speak. When you do something or figure something out for yourself, without help, you gain a sense of confidence and independence that you didn’t have before. While you don’t want to get a big head or go off the beaten path for every problem, taking a unique route every once in a while or for specific things can be really beneficial. 

Kind of like when children start to learn independence and figure out problems for themselves without the aid of their parents, adults can find great strength and validation in creating their own paths, too. If you carefully and intelligently create your own route to success, you might come out on the other side with not only an accomplishment, but one that is all your own.

Related: Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein’s Words on Imagination Being ‘More Important Than Knowledge’ Is an Inspiring Way To Look at the World

• “To search for truth about self is as valuable as to search for truth in other areas of life.”
• “It would not be going too far to assert that… conflict confronts every woman who ventures upon a career of her own and who is… unwilling to pay for her daring with the renunciation of her femininity.”
• “The conception of what is normal varies not only with the culture but also within the same culture, in the course of time.”
• “Let me say to begin with: It is not neurotic to have conflict… Conflicts within ourselves are an integral part of human life.”
• “Rationalization may be defined as self-deception by reasoning.”
• “Because it corresponds to a vital need, love is overvalued in our culture. It becomes a phantom — like success — carrying with it the illusion that it is a solution for all problems.”

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Related: Quote of the Day: John Green Perfectly Captures the Absurdity of Toxic Positivity

Some Christmas songs feel like they’ve always been part of the holiday season. Bobby Helms‘ “Jingle Bell Rock” is one of them.

Helms was born Aug. 15, 1933, in Bloomington, Indiana, and went on to become one of the most recognizable country and rockabilly singers of the 1950s. He died in 1997 at age 63, but his best-known recording has continued to return to radio stations, holiday playlists and Christmas movies year after year.

“Jingle Bell Rock” was released in 1957 and quickly became a holiday hit. The song combined traditional Christmas imagery with the rock-and-roll sound that was taking over popular music at the time, giving the holiday classic a distinctly different feel from many of the season’s more traditional songs.

The recording was a major success for Helms, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a signature recording that would follow him for the rest of his career.

But “Jingle Bell Rock” wasn’t Helms’ only hit.

Before his Christmas classic, he had already found success on the country charts with songs including “Fraulein” and “My Special Angel.” Both became major hits in 1957, with “Fraulein” reaching No. 1 on the country chart.

Helms’ career was closely tied to the rise of rockabilly, a style that blended country music with early rock and roll. His smooth voice and country roots made him a natural fit for the sound that was emerging in the 1950s.

Still, it was the Christmas song that ultimately became his enduring legacy.

“Jingle Bell Rock” has been recorded and performed by numerous artists over the decades, but Helms’ original remains the version many listeners recognize immediately. The song has also continued to find new audiences through holiday movies, television specials and seasonal playlists.

And every year, as soon as the Christmas music starts playing, Helms’ familiar recording comes along with it.

More than six decades after he first recorded it, “Jingle Bell Rock” has become much bigger than a hit from the 1950s. It’s a holiday tradition, and one that keeps Helms’ voice alive every Christmas.

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All the abstract artists out there will be saddened to know that one of their own has passed on.

The New York Times reports that Mary Heilmann, who was 67 years old when her first museum retrospective opened to rave reviews in 2007, died on Friday, August 14. She was 86.

The saying goes, “better late than never,” and Heilmann didn’t gain wide acclaim until her late 60s with her mastery of the “wobbly line,” as the Times puts it.

Her studio took to social media on Friday to announce the painter’s death, which was caused by “complications from a fall.”

“She is survived by her nieces, Ann Jaime and Chris Heilmann, and her nephew, John Heilmann Jr., and their families,” the caption of the studio’s recent Instagram post reads. “She was predeceased by her brother John and his wife Linda.”

The caption continues, in part, “Mary’s life was marked by dedication to her artistic practice, gratitude for her four decades of fellowship in AA/NA, devotion to legions of former art students and her delight in the natural world. She had a knack for forging an art of connection – communal, intimate, and local. Now she has embarked on the final journey that, in her words, truly has no linear time’.”

Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section to show their love for Heilmann. “Heartbreaking. She was an inspiration, as an Artist and as a shining light of a human being. Thank you Mary for the joy, and, colour and light that you brought to the world. ❤️✨💚💙✨🌈✨💙💚✨❤️” wrote one Insatgram user, while another person commented, “An incalculably huge loss for the community. Godspeed Mary ❤️❤️❤️.”

The Times also noted on Friday that Heilmann was an emblem of the professional obstacles faced by women artists of her generation. “I was such an underdog for so long,” she told the newspaper in 2008.

To solve today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll need to give things a second look and maybe rearrange things a bit. You’ll also want to tap into your knowledge of baseball teams lacking a particular accolade as well as teams in Travis Kelce’s hometown.

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 15, 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:
• Green: Employment on the green.
• Blue: Cowtown orgs.
• Purple: Not exactly as it seems

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

• Yellow: TEAMS TO NEVER WIN A WORLD SERIES
• Green: JOBS AT A GOLF COURSE
• Blue: KANSAS CITY TEAMS
• Purple: ANAGRAMS OF WNBA TEAMS

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 #691 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• TEAMS TO NEVER WIN A WORLD SERIES: BREWERS, MARINERS, PADRES, ROCKIES
• JOBS AT A GOLF COURSE: CADDIE, GREENSKEEPER, STARTER, SUPERINTENDENT
• KANSAS CITY TEAMS: CHIEFS, CURRENT, ROYALS, SPORTING KC
• ANAGRAMS OF WNBA TEAMS: CASE, MADRE, RIFE, SWING

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: 6 Store-Bought Ice Cream Treats That Will Transport You Back to the ’90s

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A pair of uncomfortable shoes can turn your day upside down. Whether you’re running errands, roaming around town, or sightseeing on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is foot pain — that’s why it’s essential to own versatile and supportive shoes you can wear for any occasion without wanting to immediately kick them off. If you prioritize comfort and style equally, Dr. Scholl’s shoes are definitely worth checking out. 

A TikTok favorite for traveling, Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up Sneakers are ready for all your outings. Several people who own these shoes commented that TikTok made them buy a pair and confirmed that they’re actually worth the hype. 

My Dr. Scholls Time Off Sneakers got me through 20,000+ steps a day over almost 3 weeks in Europe! They are my most comfortable walking shoes and as a bonus I finally found the best no show socks and ankle crew socks too! #creatorsearchinsights #drschollstimeoff #drscholls #comfyshoes #comfortableshoes #packingtips #packingforeurope #walkingshoes #comfywhitesneaker

If you want to experience them for yourself, you can score the sneakers on sale at Walmart right now for $15 off! Normally retailing for $60, they’re marked down to just $45 in white and black styles. Sizes range from 6 to 11 in white and 5.5 to 12 in black, and shoppers noted that they fit true to size. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Crafted with double-layered cushioning, these sneakers make walking a breeze. They’ll cushion and cradle your feet, ensuring comfort with every step. The anatomic insoles have an ergonomic design, contoured to support the natural shape of your feet. Boasting raised arches and heel cups, they’ll keep the pressure even across your feet and help reduce fatigue. While these insoles are already comfortable and supportive, you can also remove them and insert your own if you prefer. 

Attesting to the sneakers’ comfort, multiple shoppers noted that they walked over 10 miles and more than 20,000 steps a day in them without experiencing any foot or back pain. Reviewers with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis also commented that the “amazing support” of these shoes helped to alleviate their pain. 

These sneakers have a 2-inch platform, giving you a lift without sacrificing comfort or stability. The platforms give them a chunky appearance, but they’re lightweight and easy to walk in. Adorned with grooves, the soles are flexible, so they’ll bend with your feet as you move to prevent you from feeling restricted.

“These sneakers are so cushioned that they’re like walking on air with good support,” one reviewer raved. “They’re stylish, comfortable, and lightweight.” Another shopper said that these are “the perfect shoes for everyday or travel,” adding that “they match with everything.”

Courtesy of Walmart

Featuring sleek faux-leather fabric and rounded toes, these sneakers are simple yet classy. They have a low collar and a retro-inspired toe cap, delivering a timeless look that’s the definition of versatility. They’ll complement any outfit, whether you’re dressed up in a sundress or office wear, or wearing something casual like athleisure or streetwear.

Combining form and function, these sneakers are equipped with laces that give them a classic look while ensuring that your feet stay securely in place. The heels are padded, keeping your feet from slipping out and cushioning your ankles.

The outsoles are treated with a topical spray, which is water-repellent and helps block dirt to keep the sneakers in pristine condition for a longer period of time. The insoles have anti-odor technology to help ward off unwanted smells from sweat. These sneakers are sustainable, as the upper is partially made of recycled materials and 15% of the insole is made of algae-based foam. 

• Dr. Scholl’s All Support Casual Sneaker, $35 (was $40) at Walmart
• Dr. Scholl’s Originalist Sandals, $35 (were $50) at Walmart
• Dr. Scholl’s Kava Sandals, $35 (were $50) at Walmart

Related: Dr. Scholl’s Teacher-Approved Slip-on Sneakers Deliver ‘Optimal Support for Plantar Fasciitis’

Comfortable enough to sustain a day packed with activities and versatile enough to match any outfit, the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up Sneakers are a must-have for your everyday shoe collection. Don’t hesitate to snag them at Walmart while they’re on sale for just $45! 

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.

To solve today’s Strands puzzle, you’ll need to approach it with great reverence.

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 #895 on Saturday, August 15.

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: Sunday’s best.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• PE
• HY
• BI
• LE
• AL
• PU
• CA
• IN (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is mix of horizontal and diagonal.

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 15, 2026, is FIREBRAND.

• PEWS
• HYMNAL
• BIBLE
• LECTERN
• ALTAR
• PULPIT
• CANDLES
• SPANGRAM: INCHURCH

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Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle isn’t exhausting, but if you can make it through the entire stretch then you’ll surely be rewarded. It might even help if go undercover and double check your measurements.

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 #1161 on Saturday, August 15, 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. I’m pooped.
2. A small piece.
3. Measure twice.
4. Don’t blow your cover.

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. EXHAUSTED: BEAT, FRIED, SPENT, WORN OUT
2. SEGMENT: LEG, PHASE, STAGE, STRETCH
3. ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH: CHAMOMILE, GRINCH, HOTFOOT, LANYARD
4. ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY: BEANSTALK, EYESHADOW, HIGHTAIL, SOUNDTRACK

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

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Today’s NYT Wordle answer can reference a variety of things including baggy clothing, a careless attitude, and even your scheduling style.

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 #1883 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There are three vowels in today’s five-letter word.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle is: Like clothing that doesn’t fit.

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 15, 2026, is LOOSE.

-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)

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If your bedroom could use a boost of color, switching up your bedding is one of the easiest ways to do it. The Levtex Home Rhapsody Quilt Set with Shams is currently 60% off at Kohl’s with the promo code TAKE20, bringing the full/queen size down to $108 from $270. It’s also available in twin for $84, down from $210, and king for $124, down from $310. The paisley print mixes turquoise, orange, red, green, and other bright shades for a cheerful look that works year-round.

The full/queen three-piece set includes an 88-by-92-inch quilt and two 20-by-26-inch shams. The king comes with a 106-by-92-inch quilt and two 20-by-36-inch shams, while the twin includes a 68-by-86-inch quilt and one 20-by-26-inch sham. The quilt is made of cotton, reversible, and machine washable, making it easy to switch between looks and clean when needed.

Courtesy of Kohl's

The paisley pattern makes this set a fun choice if your current bedding is on the plainer side. With so many shades worked into the print, it can pair with a variety of sheets, pillows, and other bedroom accents you may already own. It’s also lightweight, so you can use it on its own during warmer months or layer it with blankets when temperatures drop.

Shoppers especially love the look and feel of the set. One called it “so beautiful” and “bright and cheerful,” while another said it was “gorgeous,” “comfy,” and “well made.” Someone else praised it as a “vibrant, colorful, and lightweight quilt” that worked well for summer.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Gorgeous’ Budget-Friendly Quilt Set Brings ‘Shabby-Chic’ Farmhouse Charm to Your Space

At 60% off, the full/queen set is $162 less than its original $270 price. That means for just $108, you’re getting the quilt plus two matching shams, so you can refresh the entire bed in one single purchase instead of shopping for coordinating pieces separately. The discount works out to just $36 per piece, making it an unbeatable deal.

• Levtex Home Diella Quilt Set, $108 (was $270) at Kohl’s
• Levtex Home Serendipity Reversible Quilt Set, $108 (was $270) at Kohl’s
• Levtex Home Alyssa Quilt Set, $108 ($270) at Kohl’s

The Levtex Home Rhapsody Quilt Set with Shams is a great pick if you want your bed to look more finished without buying a bunch of separate pieces. You get the quilt and coordinating shams in one set, plus a reversible design that gives you another way to change up the look. Now is an especially good time to grab it at Kohl’s while the extra TAKE20 promo code is still live.

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.

To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll need to know a little bit about typography, soccer dos and don’ts, and maybe even a little reality TV trivia.

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 15, 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: Stores owned and run by their workers — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

6 Across: “Huh, wasn’t expecting that!” — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”

7 Across: Run under a faucet — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”

8 Across: Metal identifiers in the military — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

11 Across: Bit of music that plays as a podcast ends — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”

12 Across: Font similar to Helvetica — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

13 Across: Leave alone — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

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

1 Down: Cut the ___ (cancel cable) — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

2 Down: Dayton’s state — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”

3 Down: Game-changing mistake for a World Cup defender — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”

4 Down: Slouching is a bad form of this — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”

5 Down: Worry about the small stuff — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

9 Down: Snatch — HINT: Ends with the letter “B”

10 Down: ___ Survivor, title for each winner of “Survivor” — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

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

1 Across: Stores owned and run by their workers — COOPS

6 Across: “Huh, wasn’t expecting that!” — OHWOW

7 Across: Run under a faucet — RINSE

8 Across: Metal identifiers in the military — DOGTAGS

11 Across: Bit of music that plays as a podcast ends — OUTRO

12 Across: Font similar to Helvetica — ARIAL

13 Across: Leave alone — LETBE

1 Down: Cut the ___ (cancel cable) — CORD

2 Down: Dayton’s state — OHIO

3 Down: Game-changing mistake for a World Cup defender — OWNGOAL

4 Down: Slouching is a bad form of this — POSTURE

5 Down: Worry about the small stuff — SWEATIT

9 Down: Snatch — GRAB

10 Down: ___ Survivor, title for each winner of “Survivor” — SOLE

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The 2000 movie Dancer in the Dark is more than just a critically acclaimed film; it is a masterpiece that continues to be remembered in cinematic history.

More than two decades after its release, Dancer in the Dark was ranked No. 1 on Collider’s list of the “saddest movie endings” of all time.

Based on the list, it secured the top spot, followed by Frank Darabont’s The Mist, while Titanic and City Lights took third and fourth place.

The publication highlighted the movie as the obvious choice for its powerful and devastating story that gradually builds toward an emotionally shattering ending.

Apart from Collider, Rotten Tomatoes also listed Dancer in the Dark among the top 10 “Saddest Movies for a Good Cry,” with the film landing at No. 7.

Ronald Siemoneit/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

Directed by Lars von Trier, Dancer in the Dark stars Björk, who plays Selma, a poor Czech immigrant and single mother raising her son in the U.S.

As the years pass, the two struggle to survive as Selma realizes that she is slowly losing her sight to a genetic disease.

Fearing that her son might also inherit the same condition, she works long hours at the factory to save enough money for an operation that could prevent him from eventually going blind.

Unfortunately, she is betrayed by a person she trusted and ends up killing the man, an act that ultimately leads to her arrest and conviction.

Rather than spend her savings on a legal defense, she chooses to preserve the money for her son’s operation and is ultimately sentenced to death.

Dancer in the Dark’s tragedy reaches its heartbreaking point after Selma’s devotion secures her son’s future and protects him from the same fate, but she faces a devastating end of her own.

At the time of its release, Dancer in the Dark was considered a commercial success, grossing over $40 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $12.8 million.

The musical drama also propelled Björk’s acting career after she won the Best Actress award at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival, one of the festival’s highest honors.

The film also received the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top overall prize, which was presented to director Lars von Trier.

Adding to the film’s achievements was its Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for the track “I’ve Seen It All,” composed by Björk along with director Lars von Trier, with Icelandic poet Sjón co-writing the lyrics.

With the overall achievement of the movie, Björk talked about how “very proud” she was to star in Dancer in the Dark.

“I know I gave everything I got and a lot more, so I feel very good, very proud about the film,” she told Hollywood.com, adding, “If I close my eyes I know all my heart’s in there. … I’m not controlling like that at all about my acting or my image or visual stuff. I wish I was more ambitious — well I don’t really — because I just don’t care.”

Related: 1973 Hit Horror Film, Whose Production Nearly Killed a ’70s Icon, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

Everybody knows Paul McCartney either wrote or co-wrote some of the biggest hits in rock history, but even die-hard fans might be surprised to learn just how many: The former Beatle actually holds the Guinness World Record for songwriter with the most No. 1 singles in the U.S., with 32 songs topping the Billboard Hot 100 over the course of his career.

While 20 of those No. 1 hits were with the Beatles, the rest came later…and the very first No. 1 song of McCartney’s solo career was actually a medley of unfinished tunes: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” from the 1971 album Ram.

McCartney trusted engineer Eirik Wangberg with the task of stitching those musical fragments together in the studio. Wangberg also added the pioneering thunderstorm sound effect to the track.

“For this sound, I used a mono track which I got from a film studio, recorded it over twice and made an artificial stereo out of it,” Wangberg said in a 2005 interview. “Then, in the mix, I panned the thunder over…I am particularly proud of this bit! It’s not often mentioned, but if you check the song out it was one of the first recordings where the synthesizers were used on the vocals. Listen to it carefully: it sounds like the choir was done beneath the water!”

The recording of “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” marked Linda McCartney‘s first time singing in a professional studio.

“What I liked about Linda’s singing was the tone of her voice,” McCartney told Classic Rock in 2021. “I’d never worked singing with a woman before, all my harmonies to that date had been with males, so I liked this idea of her range. But she wasn’t a professional singer by any means.” 

As for the lyrical inspiration behind the track, “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” was inspired by McCartney’s real-life uncle, as he explained in the book Wingspan: Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run.

Related: 1969 Timeless Love Anthem Recorded 57 Years Ago Today Was Banned Before Becoming a Classic

“I had an uncle — Albert Kendall — who was a lot of fun, and when I came to write ‘Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey’ it was loosely about addressing that older generation, half thinking ‘What would they think of the way my generation does things?'” McCartney recalled.

“That’s why I wrote the line ‘We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert,'” he continued. “There’s an imaginary element in many of my songs — to me, Admiral Halsey is symbolic of authority and therefore not to be taken too seriously. We recorded it in New York and George Martin helped me with the orchestral arrangement. I was surprised when it became a big hit.”

A big hit, indeed: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Sept. 4, 1971, and stayed there for one week.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, ‘Openly and Vocally Detested’ by John Lennon, Took 42 Hours to Record