How a writer worked hard to understand one of American music’s most mysterious performers while protecting his past, and art.
Oxford American
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Sarah Weinman, Stephen Rodrick, Bianca Giaever, James Ross Gardner, and Megan Pugh.
Where Have All the Music Magazines Gone?
Inside music journalism post-2008 recession, and how media consumption in the 21st century offers a road map for the continuation of the once-robust medium.
Link Wray’s Rustic Masterpieces
Link Wray is best known for his rock instrumentals, but in the early 1970s, he and his brothers recorded three albums in a chicken shack that sound like nothing else in his massive oeuvre.
Beyond “Rumble”: Talking with John O’Connor About the Other Link Wray
Journalist John O’Connor talks about writing his epic Oxford American magazine feature on musician Link Wray.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Sheera Frenkel, Nicholas Confessore, Cecilia Kang, Matthew Rosenberg, and Jack Nicas; Phil Klay, Harley Rustad, Michael Graff, and Alan Siegel.
“I know I believe in the power of lining up little hopes”
At Oxford American, Michael Graff remembers his dad, Carl.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Peter DeMarco, Tiffany Kary and Christopher Cannon, Rebecca Solnit, Will Bostwick, and Rosecrans Baldwin.
Working to Preserve Traditional Gospel Music
With approximately 75 percent of golden age gospel music lost, the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project is trying to save what’s left.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Brittany Packnett, Rahima Nasa, Jordan Smith, Scott Korb, and Chris Heath.