Mental Floss

MUSIC



Tucker Ransom, Getty Images

The music festival still carries a wealth of cultural relevance. Fans have a middle-aged farmer to thank for it.

Jake Rossen






Carl Lender - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

On August 1, 1942, Jerry Garcia was born in San Francisco, California—and would soon go on to change the history of music as we know it.

Jennifer M Wood
Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

Since rising to fame playing Stringer Bell in 'The Wire,' Idris Elba has cemented a solid place for himself as one of Hollywood's most in-demand—and bankable—actors.

Natalie Zamora
By Rjsswf8, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

You know the tune, but did you know that the Mister Softee ice cream truck jingle has a title ("Mister Softee Jingle and Chimes")—and lyrics?

Jason English
Mike Clarke, Getty Images

Andrew Lloyd Webber's dazzling Broadway production spawned the phrase “It was better than 'Cats'!” Here are a few more facts about 'Cats' the musical.

Mark Mancini


Paul McCartney of The Beatles and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones sit opposite each other on a train at London's Euston Station.

Who are America’s all-time favorite musicians and bands? When it comes to the best-selling artists of all time, The Beatles still rule—yes, even a half-century after their breakup.

Tara Rahimi














Warner Home Video

Though much has been written about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the most entertaining look at the master composer's life might very well be Amadeus, Milos Forman's 1984 film about the artist's life (and rivalries).

Erika Berlin
iStock/Orbon Alija

The urge to pretend you're the lead singer of Journey while bathing is no accident. Showers are ideal places to optimize your vocal range.

Jake Rossen