if i Had my Way

MelodicRock Classics is honoured to announce the details for what will be one of the crown jewels of the label's catalogue for years to come. Most fans of melodic rock will know the name Clif Magness. The American singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer is a stalwart of the wider music business for over 40 years.
And while is name will be very familiar, the depth of his songwriting talents may not be as well known. In rock circles he has two acclaimed solo albums plus a member of Planet 3, co-writes with Steve Perry and is best known for co-writing and producing several tracks on Avril Lavigne's 2002 debut album, Let Go including the song "Losing Grip". Further writing credits include Laura Branigan, Ted Nugent, John Farnham, Cheap Trick, Starship, Eric Martin, Robin Beck, Marc Jordan, Spin Gallery and Ignition.

One of the myriad of hard rock bands to form during the '80s, Tennessee's Every Mother's Nightmare, despite strong label support, was also one of the bands of the genre to be swept aside by the alternative rock acts of the early '90s. Formed in 1987 by lead singer Rick Ruhl and guitarist Steve Malone, they added bassist Mark McMurtry and drummer Jim Phipps to flesh out their lineup and became a successful draw in the clubs of Nashville and Memphis…

The most popular folk group of the 1960s, Peter, Paul and Mary in later decades have also proved themselves to be among the most durable music acts in history. Their longevity dwarfs that of the Weavers, while the fact that the trio continues to be associated with a major record label (Warner Bros.) after decades in the business sets them apart from rivals like the Kingston Trio and the Brothers Four. Then again, perhaps it isn't so surprising – Peter, Paul and Mary's roots run deeper than almost any other folk act one might care to name, while their appeal crosses audience lines that other acts couldn't (and can't) even approach.

Spirituals, guitar evangelists, "shout" bands, quartets, and choirs sing out the sacred sounds of African American gospel music. This Smithsonian Folkways "Classic" spans over a half century of select recordings to paint a broad panorama of this cherished American musical creation. Reverend Gary Davis, Sister Ernestine Washington, Sonny Terry, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and Elizabeth Cotten are among those featured on these 24 tracks of soulful song.