March 2025 Collection

Fact #1

Herb Alpert and his wife Lani established the foundation in 1985, focusing on arts and education. They've donated over $200 million to various causes. In 2016, the UC Regents formally made it the first independent music school in the UC system.

Fact #2

Initially, Craig David was set to be Artful Dodger's frontman, but he chose a solo path, using Artful Dodger to launch his career. His music, including "7 Days," is rooted in UK garage, and he gained fame with the 1999 hit "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger. Mark Hill also produced Craig David's debut album *Born To Do It*.

Fact #3

Their blend of pop and rock took a backseat to their athletic image, affecting their initial reception. This gimmick led to increased interest in bootleg recordings and a resurgence of curiosity decades later. It shows how marketing gimmicks can impact an artist's legacy in unexpected ways.

Fact #4

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song was inspired by Dennis Wilson's love for surfing. Brian's father, Murry Wilson, played a crucial role in promoting the band and securing their initial recording contracts.

Fact #5

This loss deeply impacted her, driving her ambition and creativity. Before achieving fame, she faced numerous struggles in NYC, working various jobs while pursuing her music career. In 1982, she signed with Sire Records, releasing her debut album "Madonna" in 1983, leading to her rise to pop stardom.

Fact #6

Their name reflects their diverse sound, blending country, soul, R&B, swing, blues, calypso, and rock. The band's varied experiences and deliberate x created a unique identity that's hard to categorize. Their music is like a savory Memphis BBQ rub, spiced with a mix of genres.

Fact #7

Composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, the song showcased Hepburn's vocal range and became an iconic piece of film and music history. It also won two Grammy Awards in 1962 and has remained a cultural classic ever since.

Fact #8

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed it using lines from T.S. Eliot's unpublished work, "Grizabella, the Glamour Cat," and "Rhapsody on a Windy Night." Director Trevor Nunn saw its potential as the musical's dramatic centerpiece. Valerie Eliot even contributed unpublished materials that shaped *Cats*' narrative.

Fact #9

Released in 1982, it wasn’t initially on "Kissing to Be Clever" but later added for North America. Boy George’s androgynous style and heartfelt lyrics challenged gender norms, making this song a cultural and chart-topping moment of the '80s.

Fact #10

The spelling reflects the local accent, while its iconic beat samples the 1978 funk hit. Chuck Brown received songwriting credits, cementing his influence on this early 2000s party anthem.

Fact #11

Inspired by Beyoncé’s creativity, the song won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance and anchored their 'Survivor' album, which debuted at #1 in 2001 and went 4× Platinum. Its iconic music video earned Best R&B Video at the MTV VMAs, cementing its legacy.

Fact #12

Exploring themes of enlightenment and discovery, the album drew inspiration from Adelaide Anne Procter’s poem The Lost Chord. Its eclectic instrumentation, from sitar to Mellotron, mirrored the psychedelic era's push for artistic and spiritual exploration.

Fact #13

Music gave Duff a way to express herself beyond acting, challenging Hollywood's typecasting. Recently, she hinted at reviving her music. Meanwhile, her sister Haylie lent her voice to The Lizzie McGuire Movie and collaborated on various soundtracks.

"Let's make music!"