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It's your place for engaging stories of the people that make Wisconsin feel like home.
Les Paul was a musical legend whose pioneering work made the sound of rock and roll possible. In honor of his June 9th birthday, Dean Robbins tells us Paul’s story.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Photo: Wikimedia
With the season finale of Saturday Night Live this month, we’re looking back at the Madison start of one of the show’s biggest stars. Dean Robbins has the story.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Photo: Wikipedia/BBC
On January 27, 1908, magician Harry Houdini debuted his sensational milk can escape. It was a challenge he described as his greatest invention. Writer Dean Robbins fell in love with Houdini as a kid, and today, he shares the story of the man who grew up in Appleton.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Photo: Library of Congress
Forty-six years ago, Otis Redding lost his life in Madison. Few events loom as large in city lore. Writer Dean Robbins shares how Redding touched his life.Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
On September 4, 1964, the Beatles played their only show in Wisconsin. Writer Dean Robbins tells us about the madness that greeted them on their first American tour.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Photo: Beatles.com
Liberace is an American – and Wisconsin – original. Even decades after his death, he still attracts attention and was the subject of a recent movie. Dean Robbins shares the story of the flamboyant entertainer.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Photo: Allen Warren
Jackie Robinson’s historic life was recently the subject of the hit film “42.” But there’s a lesser known Robinson story with a Wisconsin connection. Commentator Dean Robbins has the story.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Image: Library of Congress
Today is the anniversary of the death of musical legend Duke Ellington. The most prolific composer of the 20thcentury, Ellington was a musical innovator throughout his life. Commentator Dean Robbins tells us about a piece Ellington wrote just for us.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
What makes an ordinary place extra-ordinary? Discovering that one of your heroes slept there, maybe. Commentator Dean Robbins recently stumbled on a little-known piece of music history.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Madison’s alternative weekly, Isthmus.
Nirvana in Madison:
20 years ago, Nirvana’s album “Nevermind” went to number one on the music charts, bringing alternative rock to a mainstream audience. Commentator Dean Robbins remembers the album’s Wisconsin roots.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Isthmus, Madison’s alternative news weekly.
Martial Arts Elvis:
August 16th marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis’s death. And while many people will make the pilgrimage to Graceland to mark the occasion, commentator Dean Robbins tells us about a place a little closer to home.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Isthmus, Madison’s alternative weekly.
Hank Aaron:
It’s baseball season, and today, commentator Dean Robbins shares a story about a legendary player and a small Wisconsin city.
Dean Robbins is the Editor of Isthmus, Madison’s alternative weekly newspaper.
Buddy Holly:
February is Grammy Awards month, a time to celebrate the best new music of the year. Commentator Dean Robbins rarely misses the Grammys, but February has another meaning for him. A little more than fifty years ago, rock and roll legend Buddy Holly was touring Wisconsin when his small plane went down. He and his tour mates died in the crash, but not before changing the course of rock and roll.
Dean Robbins is the Editor of the Isthmus, Madison’s alternative weekly newspaper.
Paramount Records:
February is Black History month. Today, commentator Dean Robbins uncovers a little-known story, about the Wisconsin roots of some of the late, great, Delta blues musicians.
Dean Robbins is the Editor of Isthmus, Madison’s alternative weekly newspaper.
Bunny Berigan:
75 years ago, a man from Fox Lake did something extraordinary. So extraordinary, that the state of Wisconsin erected a historical marker in his Dodge County hometown, population 14-hundred. Who was he? Commentator Dean Robbins has the story.
Dean Robbins is the editor of Isthmus, Madison’s alternative weekly newspaper.