August 7, 2023
Goins publishes latest article on iconic rock group
Submitted by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Wayne Goins, university distinguished professor of music, published "Badfinger's Tragic Story Begins" in the July 2023 issue of PMA, The Power of Music and Audio, a premier online journal that focuses on the human experience and interaction with recorded music and audio.
In this ninth installment of his 10-part series, "Rock Chronicles," Goins explores the exploits of the legendary band that was embraced by all four members of the Beatles and was one of the first to be exclusively signed to Apple Records. The band was promoted by Paul McCartney while the Beatles were in the midst of recording their classic "Abbey Road" album. McCartney produced Badfinger's biggest hit, "If You Want It," followed by Beatles guitarist George Harrison producing music for their first album and including them on his tour and recording sessions for the "Concert For Bangladesh." Meanwhile, drummer Ringo Starr invited Badfinger to participate in his film, "The Magic Christian," which led to the band's first album under the new name of Badfinger, originally called the Iveys.
Goins sheds light on a series of classic rock albums directly connected in a manner that can essentially be viewed as "six degrees of separation." During the process of discovery of these classics, Goins offers expositions on such artists as Eric Clapton, Elton John, George Harrison, Duane Allman, Steve Winwood, Leon Russell, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, Bobby Whitlock, Billy Preston and more. Goins reveals the common thread between these specific albums and the sequence of events that led to their individual evolution which collectively formed one of the most influential periods in the history of rock music.
Goins, who serves as a regular contributing writer to the magazine, combines intense music research with in-depth details of his use of mono, stereo and high-end digital equipment for playback of his extensive music collection in 45s, LPs and CD formats.
Goins is the director of jazz studies at Kansas State University. He has performed with such greats as legendary guitarist Kenny Burrell, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson, trumpeter Clark Terry, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, organist Jimmy McGriff and many others. He has authored a number of award-winning books and articles. Learn more about Goins.