j. k. Rolling

The Hooked on Classics series consists of arrangements of classical favorites, with an added, pronounced beat, giving the music a rock or disco flavor. The series was the brainchild of Louis Clark, who had been the arranger for Electric Light Orchestra, and who conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Many of the numerous Hooked on … albums became crossover best-sellers.

THE BRITISH INVASION: The British Invasion was the signalling event of a gigantic social change that progressed through the decade, a decade in which each year seemed to contain ten years' worth of changes. it was an effect of historical and technological changes outside the purview of a CD review. It may be seen partially as a sub-generation of youth wanting something new of their own rather than inheriting their older sibling's teen scene. In the U.S. some feel the assassination of J.F.K. is often seen as a catalyst. Though Beatlemania was an international phenomenon, it can't be completely discounted as a factor. When it happened it was sudden and it almost totally obliterated the previous pop scene. The few who survived (Gene Pitney, Lesley Gore, Jan & Dean, Beach Boys, Four Seasons, Elvis) mostly had a final big hit or two in '64 then remained in a diminished way never having a Top 10 hit again. Only the Beach Boys and Four Seasons got through relatively unscathed. Another part of the big change in 1964 was the rise of Motown which obliterated most older R&B acts as much as the British Invasion did pop, a fact that is often ignored.

John Mellencamp is an American rock singer-songwriter, musician, painter and occasional actor known for his catchy, populist brand of heartland rock which emphasizes traditional instrumentation. He has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and has amassed 22 Top 40 hits in the United States. In addition, he holds the record for the most tracks by a solo artist to hit number-one on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, with seven, and has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning one. His biggest musical influences are Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Buddy Holly and The Rolling Stones. Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2008.

Robert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack is an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 50 years and has spanned a repertoire in the styles of R&B, soul, rock and roll, doo-wop, gospel, and country. In 2009, Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.