Two years ago, I released my first book, MUSIC TITANS – 250 GREATEST RECORDING ARTISTS OF THE PAST 100 YEARS. Featuring groundbreaking artists from all genres, many have been especially prominent or been in the news this past year. For example— Bruce Springsteen just wrapped up the biggest tour of his career and is featured in the new biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere; Ariana Grande, who boasts a four-octave vocal range, snagged an acting Oscar nomination for playing Glinda in Wicked, reprising the role in the newly released Wicked: For Good; Willie Nelson continues touring at age 92; Patti Smith, one of the founding figures of punk rock with the 1975 album Horses just released Bread of Angels: A Memoir. Her first memoir, Just Kids, won the National Book Award; Johnny Mathis gave his last concert in May, capping a 70-year career; the Who are finishing their Farewell Tour; Beyonce, who has won more Grammys than any artist in history,  captured Album of the Year in 2025 for Cowboy Carter. Biopics on Bob Dylan (A Complete Unknown) and Bob Marley: One Love were international hits this past year. More biopics are in the works— Michael Jackson in ’26 and one for each of the four Beatles. A nasty feud between two of hip-hops biggest stars, Kendrick Lamar and Drake, spilled over into the Super Bowl and the Grammys. Several major artists passed away— visionary musician/composer/producer Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys; Sylvester Stewart, leader of the funk-rock pioneering band, Sly and the Family Stone; Garth Hudson, organist extraordinaire and last surviving member of The Band; Ozzy Osbourne, who first found fame as lead singer of Black Sabbath; and brilliant country singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson.

 Black Friday marks the start of the Christmas gift-buying season, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention that MUSIC TITANS – 250 GREATEST RECORDING ARTISTS OF THE PAST 100 YEARS remains on sale in both paperback and eBook formats at Amazon, B&N, BookBaby Bookshop, and many other sites. Thanks, Steve