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Over 25 years, The Amazing Race has takesn teams — and viewers — to hundreds of cities across 98 countries. But the Emmy-winning series will showcase there’s still much of the world left to explore when it kicks off its 39th season on Wednesday, Sept. 30. One prominent example is when the show will creep ever closer to the country-century mark by visiting a new nation this fall: Albania.

“I had never been there myself personally, and I’ve been to 145 countries, I think, in my life. It’s absolutely fascinating,” host Phil Keoghan tells Parade in an exclusive interview. “The one the things I love about writing the scripts is being able to do the research and digging into fascinating facts about different places. And I had no idea that they had over 150 to 200,000 underground bunkers that were set up for the for the Cold War. Thank God none were ever used because of a nuclear explosion But I found that absolutely fascinating, how they’ve been repurposed some into museums and cafes.”

Indeed, as Keoghan reveals, the remaining teams will actually head into one of those deactivated bunkers, seeing if they can navigate their own possible fallout to avoid losing out on the million-dollar prize.

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“Every time you go to a new country, there’s a freshness to it,” he says. “We haven’t dealt with the food that’s there, the dancing that’s there, the culture that’s there, the humor of the people and the human spirit of that place. Where we had the where we had the Pit Stop, there was there’s a square in the main city, and they’ve got stones from all over the country, spread out over this massive area about the size of maybe four football fields. You get this beautiful mosaic of stone, and that was that’s sort of like ground central in in the city. I really enjoyed it.”

While Keoghan was tittilated by both he and the race getting to visit a new country, it was a return to the familiar that stuck with him the most. Last year, after the end of Season 38, he teased to Parade that the upcoming race would feature “a special episode I took particular interest in ended with a special personal moment in my life.” And now we know what that special episode is — and why it rang so exclusively.

“Well, I’m from New Zealand,” Keoghan says. “I was born in Lincoln, which is just outside Christchurch, New Zealand, in the South Island. Christchurch is the biggest city in the South Island of New Zealand. And if you remember back in 2011, there was a terrible earthquake, and it took the lives of about 151 people. Some of those people were people that I worked with when I first started my career in New Zealand at Television New Zealand and on Gloucester Street in Christchurch. And the CTV Building the which was the broadcast center that collapsed and there were unfortunately there were people that were killed in that building. And I immediately flew home and and I filed a report for CBS News and talked about what people could do to help.

“And I made a promise to the leaders in the city that one day I would come back with Amazing Race if it was still on, and I would show off the new city. I would show the city as a rebuilt city, as a reborn city. Because 80% of the buildings were decimated, or redlined, or earmarked for for demolition. And I’m pleased to say, Season 39, I got to go back and and scout the city and to work with Tourism New Zealand and the tourism team at Canterbury at Christchurch, which is supporting tourism in the area.”

Related: Phil Keoghan Breaks Down ‘The Amazing Race 39’s Newest Twist — And What’s Returning Next (Exclusive)

The Amazing Race 39 will mark the show’s first time in New Zealand since Season 22 all the way back in 2013. But its return couldn’t come at a better — and more trafic — time for Keoghan.

“On a personal level, it was a special time because my dad was in hospital at the time and very sick,” he reveals. “And where I was staying in the hotel was about a mile away from the hospital. So while we were scouting, every night I would go walk. It was quite cold then. I would walk to the hospital, spend some time with my dad, and then come back. So I was there for about a week, and so it was very special to have those that time with him.”

Phil’s late father, John Keoghan, was an avid agricultural scientist and conservationist. He had a clear passion for his son’s work, making a cameo in Tough as Nails, which Phil hosted and co-created. He also made his on-screen debut back in 2008, appearing as a Pit Stop greeter when the show previously visited Tauranga in Season 13. John passed away on Nov. 15, 2025 at the age of 83.

“When we came back on the actual shoot, people don’t realize how quickly we shoot the show,” Keoghan recounts. “We arrived at midnight, and we left before we left at about 4:00 the next afternoon. So I was literally only on the ground in Christchurch from early in the morning until 4:00, and then we went to the airport and flew out. “

“But my dad came to the Pit Stop, which was right next to where the hospital was in in the botanical gardens,” he continues. “And he mustered all his strength to come down to be there with me. It was near a special place, a place that held special meaning for me and my family. The last time we were there together as a family was 50 years ago; we took family photos. And my dad turned up, and and all the crew that remembered him from Season 13 were remembering him, and we all took photos. And that was the last time I saw my dad. That was it.”

With a brand-new country to visit, and a heartwarming homecoming for one of the most venerated hosts in reality TV, there will be plenty to keep us emotionally invested to every clue that gets opened this fall. The Amazing Race 39 kicks off with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, on CBS.

Related: Meet ‘The Amazing Race 39’ Cast—And Find Out the First Game-Changing Twist

A Dolly Parton tribute ought to be the one thing nobody fights about.

Kacey Musgraves sang “I Will Always Love You” at the VMAs on Sunday. Under a video of the performance posted to social media, the most-liked comment runs two words. “Beautiful tribute.”

Keep scrolling and fans are arguing about who should’ve been standing there.

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Parton Sang the First Part Herself

The segment opened on archival footage of Dolly Parton, dressed in black, talking to a concert crowd about the importance of listening to women. Then she sang, and Musgraves came in underneath her on the recording.

The video faded out and left her alone at the piano in a sparkling red bodysuit, Parton’s butterfly emblem floating across the screen.

Parton died Aug. 25 at 80.

Most of the Comments Say Some Version of the Same Thing

“in Dolly we trust,” one reads. “she’d be so proud of kacey.”

Plenty of them went straight to the clothes. “A Dolly tribute without rhinestones would’ve been disrespectful,” one fan wrote. Another: “She pulled out the BIG HAIR for this one, god bless.”

“Not a dry eye in sight.”

View this post on Instagram Then There’s the Miley Question

“No, Miley should’ve done this,” reads one of the most-liked replies underneath. Versions of it turn up in multiple different languages further down the thread.

Miley Cyrus is Parton’s goddaughter. Billy Ray Cyrus asked Parton to take the role before Miley was born, and Parton turned up three times on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly. They’re also seventh cousins once removed.

Cyrus posted her own tribute in August.

Other fans had other names. “Nah. I can think of about 10 better ways. Reba and Kelly Clarkson are a good start.”

The ones defending her got blunt about it. “Some of y’all are really so embarrassing,” one wrote. “This is a Grammy winning artist who was near and dear to Dolly putting her best out there.”

The country singer had already covered Parton before.

A few said the performance looked off, that the words and the music weren’t lining up. Someone else had noticed something stranger. “I am trying to figure out how she filmed this if I’m at her show right now in Nashville and VMAs are in LA.” They were right to wonder. The VMAs were running in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and Musgraves was booked at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The tribute, announced last week, was taped ahead of time.

As the kids go back to school and fall routines set in, it’s easy to overlook many of the great books that are released. Where do you find the time to read? Well, there were eight books from September 2026 that you likely overlooked, and you need to pick them up now.

Don’t worry about your sleep schedule. It’ll all balance out eventually! These novels are far too addicting to hold off any longer.

Courtesy of Putnam ‘Tom Clancy’s Pressure Depth’ by Jack Stewart

You fell in love with Jack Ryan, and now it’s time to follow Jack Ryan Jr. The 15th book in Jr.’s series arrived on Sept. 1. Tom Clancy’s Pressure Depth by Jack Stewart sees Jack Ryan Jr. on Guam working on a project for Hendley Associates. It’s supposed to be an ordinary insurance matter, but we all know that the Ryans find trouble wherever they go.

Pressure Depth is another gripping story. It’s packed with action from the very beginning, and your “one more chapter” statement is going to turn into “just another” and “okay, maybe another.” As with all the other books, this one doesn’t shy away from the technical information, but it helps to create a realistic and grounding experience as you follow Jack Ryan Jr. on another suspenseful and dangerous mission.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks ‘The Hocus Pocus Handbook’ by Ann Aguirre

No, this is nothing to do with Hocus Pocus, but The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre is perfect for those looking for something for scary season. If you’ve ever been fascinated by the changeling story, then you’ll need to jump right in, as Thea Winter is on the other side of that story, raised by a hobgoblin called Mudge.

With a marriage of convenience and a groom with cold feet, we get a cozy fantasy with plenty of romance and humor. This is a slightly slower read to start, but once you get through the first 20% or so, you’ll be off to the races. The first part is worth it for all the world-building, though, and it could certainly continue with a sequel — or maybe a standalone sequel set in the same world.

Courtesy of Doubleday ‘The Pirate Queen’ by Ariel Lawhon

For those who love some historical fiction in their fantasy, The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon is one you may have overlooked. It follows Grace O’Malley, who was raised on the sea with the O’Malley clan. As she realizes her dreams, she has to accept that they’re not compatible with the life she’s expected to have, and so she needs to forge her own path.

This is a perfect story for those looking for something adventurous and rebellious. It’s something for those who need a female lead who is willing to stand for what she believes in, to find her own path in life, as so many attempt to do the same in today’s world. You’ll soon find that the Irish coastline becomes its own character, and you’ll want to visit immediately.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Blue Jean Summer’ by Maggie C. Gates

Fans of small-town romances can stop right here. You definitely missed out on Blue Jean Summer by Maggie C. Gates, which follows Hayes Wilder, who returns to Honey Hollow to take over the Wilder Estate left to him by his grandfather. He’s a man who just wants to spend more time with the man he adored, but that’s not possible, and now he needs to do whatever it takes to continue the man’s legacy.

The problem is that the will states that he must marry. So, Hayes sets out to do just that. What he doesn’t expect is to actually fall in love, and suddenly, this marriage of convenience turns into something sweeping and cozy, perfect for the fall weather.

Courtesy of Pamela Dorman Books ‘We Chase Shadows’ by Richard Osman

Don’t let the fall stop you from dreaming of summer plans. We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman offers you a chance to think about travel, as it takes you on a globe-trotting murder mystery. As with the We Solve Murders story, it picks up with multiple viewpoints, giving you a chance to see the deeper mystery and the problem at hand.

While the first novel left us wanting a little with the main characters, We Chase Shadows delves further into Amy’s backstory and mentality. It’s time to figure out just how her marriage to Adam works, even when he’s not allowed too close to her both physically and emotionally. Plus, Steve’s banter is always a lot of fun, as he pretends to want something simple like cheating spouses.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘If Not You’ by Ellen O’Clover

Another cozy romance to delve into is If Not You by Ellen O’Clover. This one has more of an enemies-to-lovers vibe, as it follows two rival copywriters on the road together. Mattie knows how to tell a good story, but Campbell has always come out on top. Can things change once they’re thrown together in fierce competition?

There’s a realism to the story, which is perfect for those who love a workplace rivalry. The two start off extremely mean to each other, and you find yourself turning the pages just to see how they could possibly end up together. With the fall vibes throughout, it’s perfect for reading with some hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Courtesy of Entangled Publishing ‘Harbinger’ by Geneva Lee

Romantasy fans, stop what you’re doing! Harbinger by Geneva Lee is the one you overlooked this month. It’s a new story packed with all the tropes you love, and a new magic system and world to explore. On top of that, we follow a heroine who finds her life on the line when she is branded an omen of war.

Arden Icaros is from the poorest of the five noble bloodlines. With half of the families wanting her dead, she has to turn to Antares, also known as Bishop. He’s the most-feared man, ruthless and terrifying, but what stops him from killing her? The high-stakes tale is going to have you hooked from the very first page.

Courtesy of Hanover Square Press ‘The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke’ by Jane Green

Technically, you haven’t missed this one. It comes out on Sept. 29, 2026, but with other fabulous reads also coming out, it’s easy to overlook one. You won’t want to miss The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke by Jane Green, especially if you’re a fan of adult fiction that brings a poignant and timely story.

Missy Cooke is the daughter of a tech titan, and as she grows up, she has her own tech aspirations. What she doesn’t expect is to end up taking over her father’s empire, and soon she’s thrust into a world she doesn’t quite understand. Mix that with trying to live up to expectations, questions of nepotism, and her childhood crush coming back into her life, Missy has to figure out the new world order.

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A damp crawlspace isn’t automatically a sign that termites are present. But excess moisture can make parts of a home more conducive to subterranean termites, particularly when damp wood and soil are in close contact.

Subterranean termites live underground and depend on moisture to survive. Plumbing leaks, poor drainage, condensation and standing water around a foundation can all create conditions that increase a home’s risk. In fact, NC State Extension identifies moist wood as one of the most significant conditions conducive to termite infestation.

Controlling that moisture won’t replace professional termite treatment, but it can remove some of the conditions that make a home more hospitable to termites. Here’s where drainage, vapor barriers and dehumidification can make a difference.

Protect your home before damage spreads. An Orkin inspection identifies active termite threats and the underlying moisture problems that attract them.

Does Moisture Attract Subterranean Termites?

Moisture doesn’t guarantee a termite infestation, but subterranean termites need it and are more likely to thrive where damp conditions persist. Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that termites find moist or decayed wood more attractive than dry wood, with some of the heaviest damage commonly appearing near structural or plumbing leaks.

Orkin similarly identifies pooled water, poor grading, faulty gutters and wet building materials as conditions that can make an area more favorable to subterranean termites. Here are some other factors to consider:

Moisture Problem

Why It Matters

Plumbing leaks

Can keep structural wood damp

Poor drainage

Allows water to collect near the foundation

Wet crawlspace soil

Raises moisture beneath the house

Clogged gutters

Can deposit water beside the foundation

Condensation

Can increase crawlspace wood moisture

Wood-to-soil contact

Gives subterranean termites moisture, food and access

Why Are Damp Crawlspaces a Termite Risk?

Crawlspaces can combine several conditions that termites favor: soil, wood framing, darkness and persistent humidity.

A plumbing leak or condensation from water lines can provide moisture, while wooden joists and other structural components provide cellulose. The EPA recommends keeping soil around foundations dry through proper grading and drainage, fixing leaks promptly and keeping vents unobstructed as part of termite prevention.

Wood-to-soil contact deserves particular attention. Subterranean termites can move directly from underground colonies into accessible wood, sometimes with little visible evidence from inside the house.

Do Crawlspace Vapor Barriers Prevent Termites?

No. A vapor barrier can help control crawlspace moisture, but it is not a termite barrier or termite treatment. That’s an important distinction.

A ground vapor barrier reduces moisture moving from damp soil into the crawlspace. NC State Extension recommends maintaining a properly installed crawlspace vapor barrier as part of home moisture management.

Orkin is even more explicit: vapor barriers can reduce moisture in wood and help prevent problems such as wood-decay fungi, but “these barriers will not prevent termites.” A vapor barrier should therefore be viewed as one component of moisture control, not a substitute for termite monitoring or treatment.

Can a Dehumidifier Help Reduce Termite-Friendly Conditions?

A dehumidifier can help when high crawlspace humidity is contributing to damp structural materials. NC State Extension recommends considering a dehumidifier when indoor humidity exceeds 60%, while noting that an enclosed or encapsulated crawlspace may require active dehumidification as part of a broader moisture-control approach.

The goal is not to “dehumidify termites away.” It’s to keep the crawlspace and wood drier so conditions are less favorable to termites, fungi and other moisture-related problems.

Orkin’s DryZone moisture-management service similarly focuses on identifying moisture sources and using measures such as sealing, ventilation and moisture control based on conditions found in the home.

An Orkin termite inspection can help identify moisture, wood-to-ground contact and other conditions around a crawlspace that may increase termite risk.

Can Moisture Control Help Prevent Wood Decay?

Termites aren’t the only threat to damp structural wood. NC State Extension explains that wood-decaying fungi require elevated moisture and recommends correcting leaks, drainage problems and other moisture sources to stop conditions that support decay.

That means fixing a wet crawlspace can address two separate concerns: reducing termite-conducive conditions and protecting structural wood from fungal decay. It also makes inspections easier. A dry, accessible crawlspace gives homeowners and pest professionals a better opportunity to spot mud tubes, damaged wood or other evidence of termite activity.

Related: Do Carpenter Ants Destroy Wood Like Termites? What Homeowners Should Know

How Can You Prevent Termites Around Your Home?

Moisture control works best as part of a broader prevention plan. The EPA recommends repairing leaks, improving drainage, keeping wood and debris away from the house and inspecting periodically for termite activity. NC State Extension also recommends correcting standing water, limiting wood-to-ground contact and maintaining access around foundations so termite activity can be detected.

If termites are already present, though, drying the crawlspace alone won’t eliminate the colony. Professional treatment may involve liquid termiticides, bait systems or other methods based on the home and infestation.

For homeowners with persistent crawlspace moisture, that distinction is worth remembering: fixing the moisture makes the structure less hospitable, while termite control addresses the termites themselves.

FAQ Are Termites Dangerous to Your Home?

According to Orkin, termites cause billions in property damage annually by eating structural wood, beams and support joists. Because they feed secretly inside walls and crawlspaces, infestations can weaken load-bearing structures before homeowners notice them, potentially triggering floor sags or ceiling collapses. Making matters worse, standard homeowners insurance policies rarely cover termite damage, leaving owners to pay for costly repairs.

Why Does Crawlspace Moisture Attract Subterranean Termites?

Orkin highlights that subterranean termites depend on high humidity and moisture to survive, as their bodies quickly dehydrate in dry environments. Damp soil and high crawlspace humidity create prime conditions for colonies to flourish. Termites build pencil-thin mud tubes from damp soil and wood fibers, allowing them to travel safely between underground nests and structural wood without losing critical moisture.

What Are the Top Warning Signs of a Termite Infestation?

According to Orkin, early signs of termites often include discarded wings near windows, doors or light fixtures following a swarm. Homeowners should also watch for mud tubes along foundation walls or crawlspace joists, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and bubbling or discolored drywall. Spongy flooring, sticking doors, and crumbling wood indicate that active pests may be causing hidden structural damage.

If you’re concerned about moisture or possible termite activity, Orkin can inspect the property and recommend termite-control and moisture-management options based on the conditions found around your home.

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

Taylor Swift had several major wins at last night’s VMAs for multiple songs off her 2025 studio album The Life of a Showgirl, and she dedicated one award in particular to the late, great Dolly Parton.

Among those, Swift won the Video of the Year award for her song “The Fate of Ophelia” off the Life of a Showgirl album last night, becoming the musician with the most VMA wins in history at 33 total awards (topping Beyoncé’s previously held record of 30).

In addition to her “Fate of Ophelia” win, Swift also took home the first-ever Artist Director Honors award, as well as the award for Best Direction for “Opalite,” another Life of a Showgirl hit.

During her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Swift specifically shouted out Parton, who passed away last month.

“I want to thank and dedicate this award to one person without whom this wouldn’t be happening,” Swift said. “And that person is the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton. Every single song that she wrote, her storytelling was so vivid and so rich. It was like, listening to her songs, it’s like watching the best music video you have ever seen in your life, every single time you hear what she has written.”

She continued, “Man, she handled this thing with such grace and joy and love and gratitude for the fact that she got to do this. And everything that happened in her life or her career, she channeled back into love and gratitude and appreciation for her fans. I am lucky I got to be one of them, and I will always be one of them. I love you all so very much, and I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time.”

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At this year’s VMAs, Swift also debuted the music video for her brand-new song “Patient Zero.”

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While basic plates and bowls can definitely do the job, there’s something about gorgeous, high-quality dinnerware that makes meals taste even more delicious. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen in a way that’s both practical and beautiful, Walmart’s bestselling Vesteel Large Stoneware Bowls 4-Piece Set is definitely worth checking out. 

Regularly priced at $43, this set of four generously-sized stoneware bowls is now as low as $25 during a limited-time Walmart flash sale — a steal for dinnerware that’s as versatile as it is stylish. With their sturdy stoneware design, glazed finish, and wide, shallow depth, they look like the type of bowls you might find in a gourmet bistro or a trendy modern restaurant.

Vesteel Large Stoneware Bowls 4-Piece Set, From $20 (was $43) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

These aren’t your average bowls. With colors like classic seashell white, bold matte black, calming khaki, and ocean-inspired blue, you’re sure to find a set that fits your personal style. Each bowl holds up to 22 ounces, making them ideal for everything from hearty soups and leafy salads to creamy pastas and your morning cereal. With a diameter just over eight inches and a shallow, wide design, they’re perfect for swirling noodles, tossing greens, or piling on extra toppings without worrying about spills.

These bowls aren’t just functional; they dress up any meal, making everyday dinners or cozy weeknight takeout feel a little more special. Priced as low as $20 for a limited time, this set also makes a fantastic gift for weddings, housewarmings, or anyone looking to refresh their kitchen. 

Made from durable natural clay and fired at a sizzling 2,340 degrees Fahrenheit, these bowls are built to last. The hard, scratch-resistant glaze allows you to dig in with forks or spoons without fear, and the ergonomic rim offers a comfortable grip, so no more awkward fumbling when serving or passing dishes at the table. Plus, the non-slip bottom keeps everything steady, even during the busiest family dinners.

Cleanup and reheating are a breeze. Each bowl is microwave-, dishwasher-, oven-, and freezer-safe, so you can go from prepping to serving to storing leftovers without ever switching containers. Stack them up in your cupboard, and their space-saving shape will keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

Shoppers raved about this “beautiful” set, awarding it a near-perfect 4.9-star rating. One happy customer called them “perfect for soup, salad, cereal, and pasta,” while others praised the elegant look and sturdy feel. One reviewer even said the “size is perfect.”

Related: Attain ‘Perfect Farmhouse Vibes’ With Walmart’s $56 Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps

Upgrade your mealtime routine with Walmart’s $25 Vesteel Stone Bowl Set and savor every bite in style. This flash deal will only last for a limited time, so add it to your cart now if you want to lock in this reduced price!

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In the 1960s, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards helped launch Marianne Faithfull’s career before later collaborating with her on a song with a dark history that would become one of their most underappreciated tracks.

Before “Sister Morphine” became known as a Rolling Stones track on their Sticky Fingers album, it was first recorded and released by Faithfull in 1969. At that time, Jagger and Faithfull had been in a relationship for almost four years when they began working on “Sister Morphine.”

Faithfull would call the song the “best song I ever wrote,” but it had a dark story behind its lyrics, the time it was created, and future legal battles. In an interview with Mojo, she recalls having been in London when Jagger began strumming the tune of the song. After getting fed up with hearing it again and again, Faithfull told Jagger she would write lyrics for it.

She once commented that “Sister Morphone” was her “self-portrait in a dark mirror,” her miniature “gothic masterpiece,” and her version of a celebration of death. This was largely due to the story told in its lyrics, with the singer having taken inspiration from her former husband, Richard’s partner, and the people around her.

“So I wrote this story about a man who’d had an accident. He’s dying, and in terrible pain and all he wants is for the nurse to bring him another shot,” she explained.

“It’s definitely a kind of junkie song except that neither Mick nor I knew much about junkies back then, although I knew more, because I already knew [beat poet] Gregory Corso and [Faithfull’s first husband, art dealer] John Dunbar – people who did use narcotics. And I think, partly, if I had to put a real person in it, Sister Morphine might have been Anita [Pallenberg]. Because she had just played Nurse Bullock in [1968 film] Candy.”

At the time, Jagger, Faithfull, and members of the Rolling Stones were heavily into drug use and experimentation. “Sister Morphine” ended up being pulled by Decca Records due to its drug references despite having already sold hundreds of copies. Faithfull explained there was “nothing illegal going on in the song,” but having gotten backlash regardless.

To Faithfull’s surprise, her credit for “Sister Morphine” was omitted during its single release in the U.S. Her name was also omitted as a credited writer when the Rolling Stones released the track two years later.

It was a “tremendous shock” to Faithfull, and she fought back legally for at least 20 years to regain credit for the song. In 1971, she was deep into her addiction and in a dark place, and claimed the decision to omit her name was a “team” decision by Jagger and Richards.

Faithfull re-recorded “Sister Morphine” in 1979 and got credit on every re-release done by Rolling Stone. She commented that the song has taken on a deeper meaning and that “when I sing it, all my life experience comes rushing up to meet me.”

Related: 1970 Soft Rock Song, Written at Joni Mitchell’s House, Is Still a Beloved Hit 56 Years Later

Emily Ratajkowski just set the red carpet on fire in a sideless dress at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The model, actress, and My Body author, 35, who recently appeared in the Netflix series Too Much opposite Meg Stalter and Lena Dunham, knows a thing or two about causing a stir with her skimpy outfits. So that’s why it’s no surprise that photos from her time on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards last night are currently setting the algorithm on fire. Wearing a side-slitted red dress that shows off her every curve, Ratajkowski stopped photographers in their tracks.

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Ratajkowski Has Found Love Again

The stunning supermodel, who first rose to stardom in Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines” music video, has found love again with French filmmaker Romain Gavras. They were spotted making out while on a romantic trip through Rome, Italy. Gavras is responsible for music videos like “Bad Girls” by M.I.A., “Gosh” by Jamie xx, and “No Church in the Wild” by Jay-Z and Kanye West, Harper’s Bazaar pointed out.

Check out the legendary video below:

Ratajkowski’s Message for Mom-Shamers

Ratajkowski had a serious message in a now-expired Story on her Instagram account regarding some rude comments she received on her Instagram page, Motherly pointed out.

“We are all reflecting back on shaming Britney and calling her a bad mom when she drove with her baby in her lap. We talk about how we have to ‘do better’ as a culture. Meanwhile, my comments are filled with awful remarks about how I don’t deserve to be a mom. Shame on you all,” Ratajkowski wrote. “I don’t care if you hate me or hate celebrity (or just hate women) but it’s incredibly scary to become a parent and no one deserves to be told by strangers that they’re a shitty mother.”

The mom of Sly, 5, wasn’t taking the criticism sitting down.

Related: Emily Ratajkowski Shares Daring Dancing Video From a Speeding Boat in Greece

Fans around the globe might hold an endearing view of NBC’s fan-favorite sitcom The Office, but one notable star has voiced a radically different take on the iconic mockumentary series.

During a 2024 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Dakota Johnson reminisced about her brief time working on the final season of The Office, which saw her play the accountant Dakota, who filled in as a replacement for longtime character Kevin Malone.

Popping up in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo, Johnson shared only a few seconds of screentime with Oscar Nunez’s wearied accountant Oscar. In spite of her meager appearance on the show, Johnson said that filming her appearance on The Office took about two weeks.

“That was honestly the worst time of my life,” Johnson told Meyers on Late Night. “They were like, ‘Do you want to be in the series finale?’ And I was like, ‘Of course,’ thinking that I’d show up for like half a day. I was there for two weeks. And I’m barely in the f**king show.”

Above all else, Johnson said that by the time she arrived to film her role in The Office, “weird dynamics” had set in for the show’s core cast, many of whom had been working together for about a decade prior to Johnson’s casting.

During her time filming, Johnson also said that she felt like something out of an outsider, with many of The Office‘s principal actors barely paying any attention to her on set.

“There were weird dynamics that had been going on for the last 10 years. Some people didn’t speak to each other,” Johnson explained. “And I’m coming in like ‘So excited to be here!’ No one wanted to talk to me. No one gave a f**k… I was like in the background of all of these scenes, faxing things.”

2026 has been the year of deluxe editions. In case you missed it, Practical Magic and World War Z both got deluxe editions throughout the summer. They are sure to make the perfect gifts for those who love witches and zombies, but what about those who need something about sisterhood? What about the Millennials who fell in love with vampires?

There are two Millennial books getting special editions coming out on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, to mark special anniversaries. On top of that, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is going to be a must for those who want an old-school style of book cover.

‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ Turns 25 and Defined a Generation

If you need the Y2K nostalgia a little more, then you’ll need to turn your attention to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. Can you believe the novel that defined a generation turns 25 this year?

You may know the movie thanks to Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn (who has written the foreword for the new edition), but the novel is a must. It captivates thanks to its stories of chosen family and loyalty. Everything starts with one pair of pants that fits all four friends, and they end up on a journey of life and some hard lessons.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants deluxe edition is a beautiful and sturdy hardback release with gorgeous stenciled edges that you’ll need to show off on your bookshelf. There’s a ribbon marker, so you never have to worry about damage, and full-color character art on the endpapers that will take you back to the first time you read the story.

The Deluxe Copies of the First Four ‘House of Night’ Books Are Out

Do you need something fantastical instead? Something that reminds you of being a teenager in the 2000s? The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast is a great way to remember that, and as it gets ready to celebrate 20 years, there are deluxe editions on the way.

The first four books are out on Sept. 29, and they feature gorgeous stenciled edges, bold and bright colors, and a cat on the front of each book — there will be a different animal for each block of four books. 

One of my biggest wonders is which part of the book I’m going to showcase on my shelves! The front covers are spectacular, the stenciled edges are to die for, and the spines match in ways that so many have asked for. Maybe they’ll constantly be on the move!

‘Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries’ Has a Beautiful Faux-Leather Cover

There’s something special about the way books used to be made. From their leather covers, their harder, uneven pages, and the smell, they have become something to treasure because books just aren’t made that way anymore. Well, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett is breaking the mold with the deluxe edition.

It’s faux leather instead of real leather, because that is more humane and animal-friendly, but it still offers that same vibe. And with the book title literally having “Encyclopaedia” in it, it feels like it belongs. On top of that, the feel of the pages has a roughness that you don’t get anymore, adding a tactile memory of centuries past. You’ll also fall in love with the endpapers with faeries all over them. This is a must.

Sure, technically this isn’t for the Millennial heart, but we all know that we followed on with this after growing up with House of Night, Practical Magic, and so much more.

More than four decades after its release, ’Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry” remains closely tied to the sound and style of 1980s rock and new wave music.

“Voices Carry,” led by singer and bassist Aimee Mann, reached No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became the Boston band’s only U.S. top-10 single, per Elpee.

Released in March 1985, “Voices Carry” became a major radio and MTV success. Its popularity was helped by a memorable music video that turned the song’s emotional story into a dramatic visual performance.

The track was recorded at R.P.M. Sound Studios in New York City as part of ’Til Tuesday’s debut album, Voices Carry. The album was produced by Mike Thorne and released by Epic Records on June 25, 1985.

Aimee Mann of the group ‘Til Tuesday plays bass guitar as she performs onstage at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, on July 4, 1985.

John Kisch Archive / Getty Images

’Til Tuesday formed in Boston in 1982, with Aimee Mann on lead vocals and bass, Robert Holmes on guitar, Joey Pesce on keyboards and Michael Hausman on drums.

The group gained early attention after winning Boston’s WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble in 1983. Their song “Love in a Vacuum” received radio airplay before the band signed with Epic Records.

For the debut album, “Love in a Vacuum” was re-recorded, but “Voices Carry” became the song that introduced ’Til Tuesday to a much larger audience.

The single climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually reached No. 8, spending 21 weeks on the chart. It became the group’s first and only top-10 hit in the United States.

The success also helped the Voices Carry album reach No. 19 on the Billboard 200. The album was later certified gold in the United States.

The lyrics were written by Mann, while the music was credited to all four members of ’Til Tuesday. The song deals with a relationship in which one person is being told to stay quiet and keep the relationship out of public view.

According to Songfacts, Mann explained that she wrote the song about a male friend who was describing a relationship with a woman who did not want to show affection toward him in public. Mann said her own history also helped her relate to the story.

The song originally had a different perspective. According to Mann and producer Mike Thorne, the original version was written and sung as though Mann were addressing a woman, said Elpee. The gender of the love interest was later changed during the recording process.

The “Voices Carry” music video gave the song another life on MTV.

Directed by D.J. Webster, the video featured Mann as a musician dealing with a controlling boyfriend, according to American Songwriter. He criticizes her appearance and her music career, creating a conflict that builds throughout the story.

The video ends with Mann’s character sitting with her boyfriend at a concert. She eventually stands up and begins singing the song, turning the lyrics into a direct expression of her frustration.

The moment became one of the most remembered images of the early MTV era. Mann removes her cap to reveal her distinctive spiky hairstyle before standing and delivering the song’s final lines.

The music video received wide exposure on MTV and earned ’Til Tuesday the 1985 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist. Mann was also named Best Female Performer in a video at the American Video Awards that same year.

’Til Tuesday released two more studio albums after Voices Carry: Welcome Home in 1986 and Everything’s Different Now in 1988.

The band did not match the commercial impact of its debut single. “What About Love,” from Welcome Home, reached No. 26 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, while the band’s final album reached No. 124 on the Billboard 200.

’Til Tuesday broke up in 1990 after Mann left to pursue a solo career. She later became known for her work as a singer-songwriter.

In 2025, the original ’Til Tuesday lineup reunited for a performance at the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California. Per Syracuse, it was the group’s first show in 33 years and its first performance with the original lineup in 35 years.

Related: 1979 Country Song, Inspired by ‘The Mountain Whippoorwill,’ Is Still a Powerful Hit 47 Years Later

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For cozy days or nights at home, you need the absolute best comfort essentials — think plush pillows, soft throw blankets, and most importantly, a roomy, sink-right-in sofa. With the rising trend of all things plush, cloud couches have quickly become a must-have for creating that ultra-comfy vibe.

One standout pick is the Latitude Run Silvia Oversized Cloud Storage Sofa, and right now, it’s on major sale. The beige version is the best deal at $380, down from $1,317. There’s also a mustard version available for $420, while blue and camel versions have already sold out.

Latitude Run Silvia Oversized Cloud Storage Sofa, From $380 (was $1,317) at Wayfair  Shop at Wayfair

This oversized sofa combines modern style with everyday functionality. Measuring 102 inches in length with a 24-inch seat depth and 20-inch seat height, it offers plenty of space for lounging while maintaining a sleek, contemporary silhouette. The seat cushions and armrests flow together in a seamless design, giving the sofa a clean, cohesive look accented by elegant lotus-leaf edge details.

Comfort is prioritized throughout the sofa’s construction, thanks to thick foam cushions that provide plush support. It comes with two matching toss pillows for added coziness. Designed with convenience in mind, it assembles without tools and features hidden storage compartments in the armrests, which are perfect for stashing magazines, remotes, or other essentials. With a 900-pound weight capacity, this stylish piece is as durable as it is inviting.

Online, shoppers praised the look and feel of this sofa. “Very comfortable sofa and easy to assemble,” one reviewer wrote. “Looks great in the room and feels just as cozy as it looks in the pictures. I’m really happy with the purchase!” Other reviewers agreed that construction was simple, and that the piece meshes well with their spaces.

For those seeking something both stylish and practical, the Silvia sofa stands out. “It’s the perfect blend of comfort and beauty, extra long for tall folks to lay down, and I love that it isn’t too heavy,” a customer said. “The upholstery is very soft to the touch, cushions feel cloud-like yet supportive.”

Related: Deer to Dream: This Martha Stewart Christmas Quilt Belongs in a Hallmark Movie

If you’re ready to upgrade your living space, the Latitude Run Sylvia Oversized Cloud Storage Sofa is an excellent choice that combines comfort, style, and value. With prices starting at just $380, now is the perfect time to bring it home.

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“Phones have created a new visual language” — the words of a director who just released a unique new music video to accompany a Billboard chart-topper that’s been dominating dance-radio stations.

The video also arrives one day after the Video Music Awards, a night ruled expectedly by Taylor Swift — but also by Madonna, who gave a show-stopping performance alongside Sabrina Carpenter as well as a memorable acceptance speech.

Swift, 36, also accepted her first award since tying the knot with Travis Kelce. And on that note, photographers knew exactly how to get her attention on the VMAs red carpet, calling her “Mrs. Kelce” a number of times.

And now, the show must go on, as they say. Music videos continue to roll out, with a unique one dropping on YouTube Monday, September 28. Those familiar with the electronic dance music scene may recognize the track “Happiness Is So Sad” by Swedish House Mafia and Lykke Li.

Even if it doesn’t ring a bell, the just-released video is groundbreaking in that it was shot entirely on roughly 25 phones, according to a news release. Check it out in full below.

Fans have already flooded the upload’s comments section to show their support for the song and alternative approach to the music video. “The aspect ratio make you forget about the insane work that went into this MV,” said one YouTube user, while another person simply commented, “Such a beautiful video! 😍”

“Phones have created a new visual language,” director Theo Lindquist said in a statement. “It hasn’t really been exploited in storytelling properly, and here was an opportunity.”

The house party took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, with the video focusing on different characters experience their own versions of the same night. Per Monday’s news release, the film was written around the idea that everybody is the main character of their own night and a background figure in everyone else’s, with each phone catching a different piece of the same party.

Roger Hodgson turned his real-life experience and how it shaped his life into one of Supertramp’s most successful hit tracks, which critics called an example of “the loss of childhood idealism” and a “small masterpiece.”

Famed songs are either written in less than 30 minutes or take their time. “The Logical Song” was written solo by Hodgson and is considered one of his most personal works. It almost took six months to complete before the frontman felt it was good enough to show the band. The track was released in 1979 as the lead single of their Breakfast in America album.

“The Logical Song” was a hit on the charts, landing at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on Cashbox. It even spent a few weeks at No. 1 in Canada and did well across Europe and the UK at No. 7 on the singles chart. From the get-go, Hodgson knew he had a track worth recording.

“When you’re writing a song,” he said, according to LouderSound, “sometimes you feel like you’re eighty per cent successful, but with The Logical Song I felt like I’d nailed it one hundred per cent. As a melody, a lyric, an arrangement and a recording, it really is perfect in its completeness.”

Hodgson based the song on his experience of having been sent away to boarding school for 10 years. He explained having often complained about being sent away, but it also led to the inspiration for “a lot of great songs.” What inspired “The Logical Song” was the effect boarding school had on him.

He recalls having been “very, very happy as a young kid” until being sent to boarding school, and “started getting confused, and the joy kind of started leaving me.” It left him with the question, “Please tell me who I am,” and a desire to be joyful again.

“The song was born out of my questions about what really mattered in life. Throughout childhood, we’re taught how to behave, yet we’re very rarely told anything about the deeper purpose of life,” he explained.

“We go from the innocence and wonder of childhood to the confusion of adolescence, and that often ends up in disillusionment in adulthood. And many of us spend our lives trying to get back to that innocence.”

Rolling Stone called “The Logical Song” a “small masterpiece” with resonating lyrics. Paul McCartney even favored the track when it was released in 1979. Its popularity went far beyond the charts, and Hodgson earned the Ivor Novello Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters in 1980. The track was even listed on Rolling Stone‘s list of the Greatest Songs of All Time.

In 2001, the song regained popularity when it was covered by the German techno group Scooter under a different title. It ranked No. 1 on multiple charts in Europe and became a rave anthem.

Related: 1968 No.1 Hit, Written by Robin Gibb About Death Row, Is Still a Soft Rock Classic 58 Years Later

Don Johnson is one proud dad while visiting his son at his frat house.

The beloved actor, 76, is best known for his role as Detective Sonny Crockett on the beloved ’80s NBC cop series Miami Vice. However, he also continued his stardom in the ’90s in the title role of the San Francisco cop series Nash Bridges. More recently, he was a mystery man in the classic film Knives Out and the TV series Doctor Odyssey. Now, the proud dad is hitting the college circuit to visit his handsome 20-year-old son, Deacon Johnson, at his fraternity house at the University of Southern California. Johnson smiled as he sat on the couch alongside his son, who had his arm wrapped around his dad.

“Parent visit to the Frat House! Hide the evidence 😜,” the caption written by Johnson’s wife read.

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Don Johnson’s Brood of Children

Johnson loves hanging out with his five children, who include The Materialists star Dakota Johnson, whom he shares with ex Melanie Griffith. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t wildly proud of his four other children, Jesse, Atherton, Jasper, and Deacon. In a sweet. holiday photo showing the whole crew sitting on the stairs during a Christmas celebration, Johnson made it clear that he may be a legendary actor, but he’s a dad first.

“My Kids are my Everything!!! Happy Birthday to me!!!” he shared.

View this post on Instagram Looking Back on Miami Vice

Miami Vice was known for its cutting-edge content back in the ’80s. When asked how they got away with it in the Television Academy’s Miami Vice oral history, Johnson said they simply disregarded all the rules.

“We’d throw the network’s Standards and Practices suggestions in the trash. We never did them, and they would yell at us,” he said, Entertainment Weekly reported. “They’d come up with, ‘You can’t say this, you can’t do that.’ We were three hours ahead of them in Florida, so we’d say, ‘Oh, that bus has already gone. We already shot that six hours ago.’”

Related: Melanie Griffith, 69, Soaks Up the Austrian Sun in a Bathing Suit During Scenic Getaway

Rod Stewart has announced his final shows. 

In a deeply personal social media message, the 81-year-old rock music legend revealed The Final Encore Tour for 2027.

“Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce next year will be my last tour ever, ever, ever,” Stewart said in the message shared on Monday, Sept. 28. 

While he made it clear that he is “not retiring,” he added, “this will be the last rock and roll tour.”

He expressed his gratitude for the fans, noting, “I wanna thank you for everything you’ve given me, and hopefully I’ve given you something in return.”

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He then did what he does best—propped his leg up on the seat and energetically played a key on the piano as he sang, “Please come out and see me on the tour. It’s gonna be great!”

The caption echoed the video’s message: “Well, here we go… one last time! Come and see me on my The Final Encore Tour for one more round of rock ‘n’ roll. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Synth-pop singer Howard Jones was announced as a supporting act for the run of shows, spanning 21 dates. It will kick off in Dublin, Ireland, on April 23 and conclude in Hannover, Germany, on July 24. 

The tour will include 5 stops in the U.K., plus shows in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Krakow, and Prague. 

Tickets will be available through his website.

While the final tour will focus on the U.K., he previously announced a few shows in the U.S. as well, including a stop in Savannah for the “first time in nearly 40 years,” on March 8, 2027.

The news comes just weeks after the rock icon canceled a series of shows following a heart procedure. A month earlier, he postponed his Cincinnati show to undergo a “routine coronary stent procedure.”

While things went well, Stewart was focusing on his recovery, further canceled the next four weeks of his One Last Time farewell tour and The Encore Shows for his Las Vegas residency.

“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” Stewart said in a statement, thanking the doctors and nurses who cared for him. “I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down.”

After announcing his final tour, Stewart was showered with waves of supportive messages in the comment section, as one noted, “Hard to believe this man’s in his 80s….We should all be as energetic ….and…..entertaining as this fello…in our 80s….Wonderful entertainer throughout the decades… Bravo!”

“Sir Rod, After 53 years and nearly 300 shows across four continents, I am heartbroken that I just have one more year of your AMAZING live shows. Can’t wait to see ALL of them. Thank you for a lifetime of music that created incredible moments and memories. You live will be missed,” another wrote, extending gratitude and love.

Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster, previously detailed her husband’s health woes during an episode of the At Home With Vanessa podcast, revealing that doctors discovered an “underlying heart issue” after he nearly fainted during a show in Utah in June,  where he was forced to use an oxygen tank. Around that time, he was diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal strain.

Rock Legend Rod Stewart, 81, Cancels 4 Weeks of Shows: ‘Sorry to Let My Fans Down’

Thankfully, the issue was caught early enough, as she noted,  “They detected a slight blockage which needed a stent, which, according to a lot of research, it appears most people over the age of 65 will often need and require a stent.”

One of the biggest names in the 90s, Brian Austin Green took the world by storm as David Silver on the hit primetime teen soap opera Beverly Hills 90210; now the beloved actor is tackling his newest role, in which viewers will see him in a whole new light.

Green will portray the role of Sheriff Karloff in the upcoming film The 3 Killer Pigs, directed by Thomas J. Churchill.

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The horror film’s tagline explains, “A desperate farmer resorts to the unthinkable to reclaim his livestock. A blood pact unleashes killer pigs returning to their nightmare’s genesis.”

The official trailer for The 3 Killer Pigs is available here.

Green is also taking place on the HGTV reality competition series Totally ‘90s House, in which former Family Matters host Jaleel White follows two teams of iconic ‘90s celebs as they scour the country for houses stuck in the 1990s.

In addition to Green, the competition includes; Beverley Mitchell, and Jodie Sweetin facing off against Melissa Joan Hart, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Matthew Lawrence.

Each team then picks their favorite throwback home and gives it a major remodel.

At the end, the team with the best home renovation wins $25,000 for the charity of their choosing as well as bragging rights for the week.

The 3 Killer Pigs is one of 9 upcoming projects Green has in various stages of production. According to IMDb, the other titles include: Perfectly Imperfect, Zombie Plane, Red Hot Chili Ice Cream, Eat Your Heart Out, and more.

Green’s professional acting career began in 1985 when he appeared in the TV movie The Canterville Ghost; however, he was most recognizable as a child star for his role as Brian Cunningham on the CBS series Knots Landing, a spinoff of Dallas.

No details on when The 3 Killer Pigs will be made available or what platform the film will release on at this moment, but fans can check out the official The 3 Killer Pigs for further information as it develops here.

Nirvana band members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear were presented with MTV’s Video Vanguard lifetime achievement award at the Video Music Awards on Sept. 27, but the presence of late frontman Kurt Cobain, who died in April 1994, was also strongly felt during the ceremony.

After Public Enemy legend Chuck D introduced the legendary grunge band, a video played featuring footage of Cobain reflecting on some of the band’s most iconic videos, including “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Heart- Shaped Box.”

Grohl, Novoselic, and Smear took the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, but as Novoselic accepted the award on the band’s behalf, Smear, 67, defiantly lit up a cigarette and began to smoke. Quite a sight at an indoor awards ceremony in 2026.

Fans reacted to Smear’s smoke break on social media, with some assuming it was a nod to Cobain.

“Pat pulling out a cig and smoking was EXACTLY what Kurt would have done, imo,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “Kurt would have shown up because he would want the accolade, but he’d want to throw in a little ‘f— you anyway’ moment, like smoking on stage.”

“Probably it was a tribute to Kurt smoking during the 1993 MTV live and loud concert,” another wrote on Instagram.

“That’s a Pat thing to do, but I feel like he’s also giving his pal Kurt a nod with that cig,” a third fan wrote.

“It was a direct, perfect tribute to the late Kurt Cobain’s iconic habits and the band’s history of testing boundaries on MTV,” another fan added.

RELATED: Nirvana Accepts Video Vanguard 32 Years After Kurt Cobain’s Death

Smear, who co-founded the punk band the Germs in 1976,  joined Nirvana as a second guitarist in 1993 and played his first gig with the band on the Saturday Night Live Season 19 premiere that year.

“It was an unexpected phone call from Kurt, and I jumped at it,” he told Rolling Stone of his invitation to join the Seattle-based grunge band. “I was a fan, like everyone else. I had actually read an interview with them not too long before he called me, where he said Nirvana was always meant to be four people. I thought, ‘Wow, I want that.’ And then it happened.”

“I remember the first day of rehearsal at the SNL studio, they forgot me,” Smear added. “A couple hours later, someone called me and goes, ‘Oh, we’re used to having three guys, sorry!’”

Related: Nirvana and Dolly Parton Recorded the Same Appalachian Folk Song—But Their Versions Were Worlds Apart

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” the 1979 hit by the Charlie Daniels Band, is still one of the most famous country songs of its era, nearly five decades after its release. 

The song reached No. 1 on the U.S. country chart, climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, won a Grammy Award and introduced a dramatic fiddle battle between a young musician named Johnny and the Devil.

The story also has an older literary connection. Charlie Daniels said the idea for the song may have come from Stephen Vincent Benét’s 1925 poem, The Mountain Whippoorwill: How Hill-Billy Jim Won the Great Fiddler’s Prize, which Daniels had read in high school.

The Charlie Daniels Band posed for a portrait in 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Released on the Charlie Daniels Band’s Million Mile Reflections album, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” became the band’s biggest hit. This year, the song received another major recognition when the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical or aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage.

The song came together when Daniels and his band realized their new album did not have a fiddle-centered track.

Daniels explained to Songfacts that the group had already rehearsed, written and recorded music for Million Mile Reflections. Then they noticed something was missing.

“We don’t have a fiddle song,” he said.

The band took a short break from the recording studio and went to a rehearsal studio. Daniels said he suddenly had the idea: “The Devil went down to Georgia.”

He also connected the idea to Benét’s The Mountain Whippoorwill, although he made clear that Benét did not use the same opening line.

“The idea may have come from an old poem that Stephen Vincent Benet wrote many, many years ago. He didn’t use that line, but I just started, and the band started playing, and first thing you know we had it down.”

Benét’s poem was first published in Century Magazine in 1925. It was inspired by a real fiddle contest involving young Lowe Stokes, who defeated veteran Georgia fiddler Fiddlin’ John Carson at the 1924 Atlanta Fiddlers’ Convention.

The poem follows Hill-Billy Jim, an orphan who enters a fiddling contest. After playing through the night, he believes he has lost when the crowd falls silent. Instead, he wins a new fiddle.

The 1979 country song changes that basic contest idea into a supernatural showdown.

In Daniels’ song, the Devil arrives in Georgia looking for a soul to steal. He finds Johnny playing the fiddle and challenges him to a contest. The prize is a golden fiddle if Johnny wins. If Johnny loses, the Devil gets his soul.

Johnny accepts the challenge and declares that he is the best fiddler there is.

The Devil plays first, backed by his demonic musicians. Johnny then takes his turn and defeats him. The Devil leaves the golden fiddle behind, while Johnny remains confident that he can win again.

The song stood out because its story was delivered almost like a spoken tale, while the fiddle performances provided the major musical battles between Johnny and the Devil.

Daniels played the fiddle parts for both characters. He also created the different sounds he wanted for each performance.

He explained that the Devil’s playing was meant to sound impressive at first but lack real musical substance. 

“The Devil’s just blowing smoke,” Daniels added. “If you dissect it and listen to it, that’s the smoke and mirrors thing about the Devil. There’s just nothing there. I mean, there’s nothing. There’s no music involved.”

The song became a major crossover success. It spent 14 weeks on the Hot Country Singles chart in 1979 and reached No. 1 for one week. It also spent two weeks at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was the Charlie Daniels Band’s only No. 1 country hit.

The song also earned the Charlie Daniels Band the 1979 Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Its reach continued beyond radio. According to Billboard, the band performed the song in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, in a scene filmed at Gilley’s, the famous country music club in Pasadena, Texas.

The song later appeared in other forms of entertainment, including The Muppet Show, covers by several artists, and the 2007 video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

The song also inspired a 1993 sequel, “The Devil Comes Back to Georgia,” recorded by Mark O’Connor with Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Charlie Daniels.

The original song has continued to attract attention decades after its release. In 2024, Rolling Stone placed it at No. 120 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.

In 2019, Daniels himself once reflected on the song’s long life by telling Nashville Insider, “My answer is I had no idea that forty years after the fact we would still be talking about it almost as if it was a new release.”

Now, 47 years after its 1979 debut, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has another place in American music history through its selection for the National Recording Registry. Its journey from an idea sparked by an old poem to a No. 1 country hit shows how a simple fiddle contest story became one of the Charlie Daniels Band’s defining recordings.

Related: 1988 Soft Rock Song, Written in a SoHo Apartment, Became Iconic Band’s First No. 1 Hit in 22 Years

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You can never have enough storage at home. Whether it’s your kitchen, bedroom, or living room that could use a little organizing, a set of baskets can help you make sense of the chaos. In some cases, they can even add some style to the room. That’s the case with the Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set, which comes with three woven containers that exude a homey, down-to-earth vibe.

The beauty of this trio is all in its versatility. Each basket is a different size, opening up a world of usage possibilities around the house. It’s an awesome deal at Walmart right now too, reduced from its usual $36 to just $21 for the beige and gray versions. There are also dark brown and green versions available for $23.

Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set, From $21 (was $36) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You’ll receive one each in small, medium, and large sizes, with sizes ranging from about 7 to 10 inches across. That kind of variety gives you plenty of space to store both smaller and bulkier items with ease. The baskets have attached lids, which help block out moisture and dust to keep everything clean and concealed.

The rustic design alone sets these baskets apart from their more utilitarian counterparts. The woven texture lends it a cottagecore feel, complete with distinctive texture and a country-inspired coziness that instantly warms up any room. What’s especially nice is that this is a very classic look, so you can easily weave it into your existing traditional or transitional layout.

The storage possibilities are virtually limitless with this set. It can easily be used to sort out toys, keep beauty products in one place, or sort out items in the kitchen or bathroom. Several people mentioned they use the baskets to organize craft supplies, towels, charging cables, books, and coffee station essentials. They’re also nestable, so when they aren’t in use they occupy minimal space and slide right out of the way. Even maintaining them is easy. The fabric liner inside each basket is removable and machine washable.

“These are really handy for storage and organization,” one shopper wrote, describing the design as “cute and decorative.” Another person called them “very sturdy and strong” and added that the trio is “well worth the price.”

Related: Walmart’s Sleek 6-Pack of Stackable Storage Bins Are Made for Fall Organization

Whether you need to tidy up or you just want to keep some stylish storage handy for the future, the Mehoom Wicker Storage Basket Set makes an affordable choice that works well in any part of the home. Snap it up for as low as $21 before this flash sale ends!

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