Top 10 Legendary Rock Couples

[WildHearted]

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/two-of-us-0711-2011/

Oftentimes it seems rock and roll couples fall into one of two categories. On the one hand, there’s the tempestuous relationship that produces music reflective of that turbulence. On the other, there’s the subdued partnership that yields batches of sublime music and love songs, while offering up little fodder for the press. Both sides of that spectrum are represented among the 10 couples below. Please tell us who we missed, but keep in mind that we’ve limited our choices to couples in which both partners make music. Hence, no Sid and Nancy, and no Ozzy and Sharon.

10. Lindsey Buckingham / Stevie Nicks

It’s not often that an imploding relationship serves as the spark behind a landmark album. But that’s exactly what happened with Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 classic, Rumours. Having revitalized Fleetwood Mac two years earlier, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks put forth their romantic difficulties for all to hear in songs such as “Go Your Own Way.” Speaking recently to MTV.com, Nicks said of Buckingham, “… the love is always there, but we’ll never be together. That’s romantic.”

9. Thurston Moore / Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)

Is there any rock couple that exudes more “cool” than Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon. Married for 27 years, the Sonic Youth co-founders have been called the King and Queen of noise rock. In a 2007 interview with Spin, Moore described their marriage in glowing terms. “I can't think of how or where I'd be without Kim's influence,” he said. “We're like any couple that's been together for close to 30 years. There's a genuine psychophysical connection.”

8. Win Butler / Regine Chassagne (Arcade Fire)

Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler was instantly smitten when he saw Regine Chassagne singing jazz standards at a Montreal art exhibit in 2003. The couple’s subsequent romance and songwriting partnership paved the way for Arcade Fire to emerge as one of indie rock’s most critically-acclaimed bands. A multi-instrumentalist, Chassagne is known for the intensity she brings to the group’s live shows. “When I was really young, I saw Jimi Hendrix on television,” she told Popmatters in 2007. “His whole body seemed to be taken over by something. I wanted to know what that feeling was like.”

7. Debbie Harry / Chris Stein (Blondie)

In the early ’70s, Debbie Harry was a member of a girl group trio called The Stilettos. Chris Stein played guitar in their backing band. Together, the two founded Blondie in the mid-’70s, and though they never married, their devotion to one another remained profound for two decades. In the ’80s, Harry put her career aside for several years as Stein recovered from a life-threatening illness.


6. Jack White / Meg White

Perhaps the strangest aspect of the relationship between Jack White and Meg White was the prolonged ruse they pulled upon forming White Stripes in 1997. Although they had married the year before, Jack insisted until 2001 that the couple were siblings. Making matters more confusing was the fact that they had divorced in 2000, just prior to gaining widespread notoriety. In a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone, Jack explained: “When [it’s] brother and sister, you go ‘Oh, that’s interesting,’” he said. “You care more about the music, not the relationship—whether the couple is trying to save their relationship by being in a band.”

5. Ray Davies / Chrissie Hynde

Sometimes relationships that seem meant to be, aren’t. During a 1980 Pretenders tour, Chrissie Hynde met her longtime idol, Ray Davies, and the two fell in love. Later, the couple was set to be married, but the registrar turned them away when they began arguing just prior to the nuptials. On a more positive front, the union produced a daughter, Natalie Ray Hynde. The Pretenders’ frontwoman later married Simple Mind’s Jim Kerr, but the marriage didn’t last.


4. Ike Turner / Tina Turner

No musical couple ever staged a more potent live act than Ike and Tina Turner. With Ike anchoring the proceedings and leading the band like a well-oiled machine, Tina offered up some of the most raw and suggestive R&B music audiences had ever seen. The couple’s personal relationship was fraught with turmoil, but hits like “Proud Mary,” along with lots of provocative concert film footage, assure their legacy is secure.


3. Paul McCartney / Linda McCartney

From the time they were first married, Paul McCartney made it clear he wanted his wife, Linda, involved in his band, so that she would have a role to play when he was on tour. Her contributions to Wings were sometimes maligned by the press, but Ms. Macca was a real trooper, and carried on with unassuming dignity alongside her beloved mate. More importantly, she was the muse behind such McCartney classics as “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “My Love.”

2. Kurt Cobain / Courtney Love

With the exception of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, no rock couple elicited more attention than Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Cobain found the celebrity machine repugnant, and indeed his personal demons were tied in part to that repulsion. Conversely, Love embraced the limelight and seemed to revel in stoking controversy. Both created music that, at its best, reflected sublime artistry.

1. John Lennon / Yoko Ono

John Lennon’s solo career, and perhaps new wave music as well, would have charted a far different course were it not for Yoko Ono’s profound influence. From the searing introspection of Plastic Ono Band to the romantic fare on Double Fantasy, Lennon’s work reflected Ono’s muse-like sway. Furthermore, as a musician in her own right, Ono is revered to this day by legions of rockers who possess an avant-garde slant.


They should have been higher on the list, tbh. Some of these people (Arcade Fire, I'm looking at you) shouldn't have even been on there. Also, where are Sonny & Cher?

[MacShadowsBall]

I never heard of several of these couples! So of course(for me, anyway) Lindsey and Stevie should have been higher on the list. At least they made the list, though. :cool:

[mezzoforte]

They should have been higher on the list, tbh. Some of these people (Arcade Fire, I'm looking at you) shouldn't have even been on there. Also, where are Sonny & Cher?

Seconded. And what about Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo? They're still touring together--they should be in the top five at least, in my opinion.

[HejiraNYC]

Seconded. And what about Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo? They're still touring together--they should be in the top five at least, in my opinion.

Uh... James Taylor and Carly Simon. Hullo? Perhaps the one relationship most documented in song. Evah.

[mezzoforte]

Uh... James Taylor and Carly Simon. Hullo? Perhaps the one relationship most documented in song. Evah.

Ooh--yes. Throw in Goffin and King as well.

[chiliD]

Hmmmm...

Where's Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett? They should be #2 right behind John & Yoko.

& "DUH!" Christine McVie & John McVie (were married longer than Ray Davies & Chrissie Hynde)

& where's Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi??

[TrueFaith77]

Where's the Mamas and the Papas!? X?!


...and did Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde ever work together? If not, that leaves open a whole 'nother batch of rock couples not on the list (like Morrissey and Billy Mackenzie: "William, It Was Really Nothing").

[chiliD]

And, Ritchie Blackmore & Candace Night (Blackmore's Night)

Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) & Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) (they were together longer than Chrissie with Ray D. as well)

[caroline79]

They should have been higher on the list, tbh. Some of these people (Arcade Fire, I'm looking at you) shouldn't have even been on there. Also, where are Sonny & Cher?

I don't even know who those people are...:confused:
I agree. Glad they are on but should have been higher.

[Nico]

I am in full agreement with #1 on this list. :nod: Absolutely no question about it.

But there's some missing, LB/SN should have been HIGHER than that Arcade Fire couple (why are they on a LEGENDARY list anyway? They are not legends by any stretch of the imagination...)

:shrug: Meh, can't win them all. But John and Yoko at number 1? Beautiful.

[Nico]

Uh... James Taylor and Carly Simon. Hullo? Perhaps the one relationship most documented in song. Evah.

Ummm, number 1 and number 3 could get it with the "one relationship most documented in song."

And if we were to believe the assumption, LB and SN are no slouches.

[mezzoforte]

Where's the Mamas and the Papas!? X?!


...and did Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde ever work together? If not, that leaves open a whole 'nother batch of rock couples not on the list (like Morrissey and Billy Mackenzie: "William, It Was Really Nothing").

Much as I am utterly devoted to the music and believe it can stand on its own, I can't hold their absence against the writer. "Michelle recently defended John's memory from Mackenzie's allegations of incest" may show loyalty, but it brings in a heaping pile of creepy.:distress:

I'm not sure whether Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde collaborated, but I would have limited the list to couples who not only worked together, but are generally thought to have brought out each other's best music.
That's certainly true of Lindsey and Stevie to a much higher degree than John and Yoko or Paul and Linda, in my eyes. There's a trend in music blogging of putting the Beatles first on any list, regardless of criteria. Here it seems a bit of a stretch...:shrug:

[SteveMacD]

That's certainly true of Lindsey and Stevie to a much higher degree than John and Yoko or Paul and Linda, in my eyes. There's a trend in music blogging of putting the Beatles first on any list, regardless of criteria. Here it seems a bit of a stretch...:shrug:
Paul & Linda only spent one night apart prior to her death, and that's because he was in the clink. There's was what everyone else wishes they could be. It's something to aspire to. Screw Stevie and Lindsey on this one.

[TrueFaith77]

Apparently Ray Davies was gay, so I guess that makes them a very interesting couple after all.

[mezzoforte]

Paul & Linda only spent one night apart prior to her death, and that's because he was in the clink. There's was what everyone else wishes they could be. It's something to aspire to. Screw Stevie and Lindsey on this one.

I agree that they had a great love story, absolutely. Maybe the greatest on the list. I'm just not sure that that should make them the #3 rock couple.
Yes, she was his muse, but I would think couples in which both halves contributed to actively making great music, rather than inspiring it, would be more fitting. :shrug:

Believe me--I don't think Stevie and Lindsey are the greater couple. But as Stevie oft reminds us, they remain musical soul mates. I would think John Lennon and Paul McCartney were more each others' soul mates than Yoko or Linda. In fact, had they put John/Paul as #1 I wouldn't have objected.

[Nico]

I would have limited the list to couples who not only worked together, but are generally thought to have brought out each other's best music.
That's certainly true of Lindsey and Stevie to a much higher degree than John and Yoko or Paul and Linda, in my eyes. There's a trend in music blogging of putting the Beatles first on any list, regardless of criteria. Here it seems a bit of a stretch...:shrug:

Oh really? Well, John Lennon's songwriting changed dramatically once Yoko came into his life. She inspired him intensely: romantically, in his political outlook, his attitude towards women, and his self-expression.All of this came out in his music, and she was very much his muse. For his part, he motivated and inspired her to channel her avant garde leanings into pop/rock music, which she would never have done without John's influence. Remixes of her singles she made with him have charted on the dance charts in the past decade. I'd say that's a huge feat for a lady who's art has never had the biggest mainstream appeal.

Plus, they were a beautiful couple who loved one another passionately. John put everything on the line for Yoko, and she as well. After he was killed, she has devoted her life to protecting his legacy with great love and admiration. She was asked recently if she would ever remarry and she replied, "After John, how could I?"

I'm with SteveMacD. I really adore LB&SN and they should have been higher on the list, but the Beatles placements belongs exactly where they are.

[Nico]

I would think John Lennon and Paul McCartney were more each others' soul mates than Yoko or Linda. In fact, had they put John/Paul as #1 I wouldn't have objected.

:lol: Now that is a thought...I remember reading an article on how John and Linda were probably the greatest loves of Paul's life. I don't know...they were absolutely an unmatchable, untouchable team John and Paul. And kind of gorgeous together in a sense...

But still, John and Yoko FTW.:nod: And it's not my place to say who was the "greatest love story" on the list but I'd say it'd be them as well. They beat a lot of odds and took a lot of risks for their love. And no one can deny what they had was special.

[HejiraNYC]

Ummm, number 1 and number 3 could get it with the "one relationship most documented in song."

And if we were to believe the assumption, LB and SN are no slouches.

What I meant specifically was that James and Carly were two artists with enormous solo careers who wrote songs about both sides of the relationship- both his story and her story. Yes, John obligingly gave Yoko half the songs and credit on his albums. But Yoko was hardly an artist in her own right. Come on... am I the only one who bought a John/Yoko album and made a cassette version that edited out all of the Yoko songs? I am sure I am one of a gazillion! :lol:

There's a trend in music blogging of putting the Beatles first on any list, regardless of criteria. Here it seems a bit of a stretch...:shrug:

That's no trend; that has always been the case, especially when it came to Rolling Stone. Even during the 80s, when Paul McCartney was churning out sh** album after sh** album, it was almost as if he could walk on water.

Apparently Ray Davies was gay, so I guess that makes them a very interesting couple after all.

So does this mean he is no longer born that way? :shrug:

I agree that they had a great love story, absolutely. Maybe the greatest on the list. I'm just not sure that that should make them the #3 rock couple.
Yes, she was his muse, but I would think couples in which both halves contributed to actively making great music, rather than inspiring it, would be more fitting. :shrug:


Precisely. It's about rock couples, which means both members of the couple need to be musicians. John/Yoko did not deserve to be #1 because Yoko was pretty much a charity case. She had/has absolutely no business recording music. I call B.S. on all of the female singers she has supposedly inspired. Yma Sumac, much? If she did not serendipitously glom onto John back in the day, I suspect she would still be siphoning off her family's trust fund whilst making art installations that people don't buy.

For his part, he motivated and inspired her to channel her avant garde leanings into pop/rock music, which she would never have done without John's influence. Remixes of her singles she made with him have charted on the dance charts in the past decade. I'd say that's a huge feat for a lady who's art has never had the biggest mainstream appeal.

So are you saying that John facilitating the recording of Yoko's caterwauling and off-key singing is somehow a gift to the world? :eek:


Plus, they were a beautiful couple who loved one another passionately.

Two words: Lady Bic.


I'm with SteveMacD. I really adore LB&SN and they should have been higher on the list, but the Beatles placements belongs exactly where they are.

Again, in the case of the Beatles, we are talking about rock star dudes who elevated their wives into the spotlight via nepotism. These ladies were not really musicians. Any monkey can be taught to play a few chords on the keyboard (which was turned way down in the sound mix). And we have all heard the raw recordings of Linda McCartney singing live. :eek: I am sure Linda and Yoko were/are lovely women who have accomplished wonderful things in their lives, not the least of which being the raising of families and providing companionship to their rock star hubbies. But that is no reason to elevate them to some kind of vaunted status within rock stardom. Stevie and Lindsey, James and Carly, Richard and Linda Thompson- these are real rock stars/rock couples.

[sushud82]

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/two-of-us-0711-2011/
They should have been higher on the list, tbh. Some of these people (Arcade Fire, I'm looking at you) shouldn't have even been on there. Also, where are Sonny & Cher?

I'm just happy to see Lindsey and Stevie mentioned (entire websites devoted to their coupledom, after all). Perhaps "legendary" was not the most fitting word for this scattered list, but it looks to me like they are just trying to include couples from many generations to reach a broader audience. Kim Deal is legendary to a lot of 30 year old survivors of the grunge era. 10 couples isn't a lot to work with so I'm sure some good choices got left out.

I've been an Arcade Fire fan since their humble beginnings playing in tiny clubs and I find the them fascinating. Win & Regine are like the mom and dad of a big crazy family, they make great music together, came on the scene very mysteriously (similar to Jack & Meg White), and they're both incredibly driven. Arcade Fire has not yet reached "legendary" status, but having just won their first Grammy I think they might be on their way!

Other couples I've seen mentioned, i.e. Pat Benetar and Neil Geraldo, cetainly earn legendary status for managing to stay married in the biz but I think their domestic bliss maybe resulted in sacrificing huge successes. Similar to what Stevie says now about sacrificing love & happiness for fame. I saw Pat Benetar in concert a few years ago for free at a small town 4th of July festival. She rocked! But it doesn't seem to me that drama is the name of her game. The listed couples all had/have tumultuous, emotional, possibly violent, and/or intense relationships and created some heavy hitting stuff as a result. Just my opinion though. :o

[chiliD]

But Yoko was hardly an artist in her own right. Come on... am I the only one who bought a John/Yoko album and made a cassette version that edited out all of the Yoko songs? I am sure I am one of a gazillion! :lol:



That's no trend; that has always been the case, especially when it came to Rolling Stone. Even during the 80s, when Paul McCartney was churning out sh** album after sh** album, it was almost as if he could walk on water.
John/Yoko did not deserve to be #1 because Yoko was pretty much a charity case. She had/has absolutely no business recording music. I call B.S. on all of the female singers she has supposedly inspired. Yma Sumac, much? If she did not serendipitously glom onto John back in the day, I suspect she would still be siphoning off her family's trust fund whilst making art installations that people don't buy.



So are you saying that John facilitating the recording of Yoko's caterwauling and off-key singing is somehow a gift to the world? :eek:

Again, in the case of the Beatles, we are talking about rock star dudes who elevated their wives into the spotlight via nepotism. These ladies were not really musicians. Any monkey can be taught to play a few chords on the keyboard (which was turned way down in the sound mix). And we have all heard the raw recordings of Linda McCartney singing live. :eek: I am sure Linda and Yoko were/are lovely women who have accomplished wonderful things in their lives, not the least of which being the raising of families and providing companionship to their rock star hubbies. But that is no reason to elevate them to some kind of vaunted status within rock stardom. Stevie and Lindsey, James and Carly, Richard and Linda Thompson- these are real rock stars/rock couples.


Keep going, I want to read more of your completely ignorant views regarding Yoko.

[HejiraNYC]

Keep going, I want to read more of your completely ignorant views regarding Yoko.

How precious (and ironic)- a so-called "musician" with a tin ear. :wavey:

[Nico]

How precious (and ironic)- a so-called "musician" with a tin ear. :wavey:

Yikes. Hejira, your opinions about Yoko's music are absolutely understandable. She is not exactly the most accessible musical artist, but to say "Yoko was hardly an artist in her own right" is absolutely incorrect. Yoko was a classicaly trained pianist who was part of the 1960's Fluxus Movement and was a legitimately respected artist in the avant garde world BEFORE she met John Lennon. It was to her career detriment that she hooked up with one of the biggest superstars in rock music, and instead of his status adding credence to her accomplishments people just mocked and ridiculed her.

I can only speak for myself, but much of Yoko's music and art is inspirational. I have studied art and in the late 90's I purchased a career retrospective on her. Yoko Ono is a formidable talent in her genre, whether you want to believe it or not. And her music was not always based on "caterwauling," as she has many beautiful and poignant pieces. Her resurgence on the dance charts- which you sort of ignored in your response- is something to take note of. Those singles, for the most part, were made with John Lennon. He played on those records, and some of the best playing in his career actually.

But in any case, I don't want to besmirch your opinions as you have every right to them. I look at this list and see it's called "legendary" and think that it makes perfect sense that two of the Beatles would be so high. As far as legends go, they can't really be touched.:shrug:

[Villavic]

I can't say L&S should be in a higher place, because I'm a fan and can't be impartial. :lol::lol:

Ok, the article says "both partners make music". Based on that, I really believe Ike & Tina should be higher, no matter how much attention they eclicted, they contributed far more, as a couple, than Paul & Linda. I repeat, as a couple. Wings were Wings because of Paul, IMHO, or maybe because Paul and members, but not because Paul and Linda. I mean without Linda, Wings would have been far less succesful? I don't think so. But without Ike (or Tina).. and of course without Lindsey (or Stevie)... hummm.

And of course where is Pat and Neil?? James and Carly?? and all other couples you mentioned.

[Nico]

I can't say L&S should be in a higher place, because I'm a fan and can't be impartial. :lol::lol:

Ok, the article says "both partners make music". Based on that, I really believe Ike & Tina should be higher, no matter how much attention they eclicted, they contributed far more, as a couple, than Paul & Linda. I repeat, as a couple. Wings were Wings because of Paul, IMHO, or maybe because Paul and members, but not because Paul and Linda. I mean without Linda, Wings would have been far less succesful? I don't think so. But without Ike (or Tina).. and of course without Lindsey (or Stevie)... hummm.

And of course where is Pat and Neil?? James and Carly?? and all other couples you mentioned.

I think we should all compile our own Top 10 Rock Star couple list and discuss it. This list is obviously causing quite a stir! :laugh:

[HejiraNYC]

Yikes. Hejira, your opinions about Yoko's music are absolutely understandable. She is not exactly the most accessible musical artist, but to say "Yoko was hardly an artist in her own right" is absolutely incorrect. Yoko was a classicaly trained pianist who was part of the 1960's Fluxus Movement and was a legitimately respected artist in the avant garde world BEFORE she met John Lennon. It was to her career detriment that she hooked up with one of the biggest superstars in rock music, and instead of his status adding credence to her accomplishments people just mocked and ridiculed her.


I meant musical artist, if we're going to be that fastidiously picky about wording. Yoko Ono is/was not a musical artist in her own right. And just because you took some piano lessons, it doesn't automatically make you a musical artist, let alone a musician.


I can only speak for myself, but much of Yoko's music and art is inspirational. I have studied art and in the late 90's I purchased a career retrospective on her. Yoko Ono is a formidable talent in her genre, whether you want to believe it or not. And her music was not always based on "caterwauling," as she has many beautiful and poignant pieces. Her resurgence on the dance charts- which you sort of ignored in your response- is something to take note of. Those singles, for the most part, were made with John Lennon. He played on those records, and some of the best playing in his career actually.

The dance remix that you mentioned features plenty of caterwauling. And success on the dance charts is kind of a dubious feat. I mean, I suppose it comes with some bragging rights. But there are plenty of nobodies with a Casio keyboard and an iMac that produce dance hit records all the time. :shrug: I think it's great that you find inspiration in her music; one needs inspiration to live. For myself personally, I physically cannot tolerate atonal wobbly vibratos that are microtones off-pitch; I don't have perfect pitch, but I think I am close to it. And this is really personal, but when I hear Yoko shrieking, I hear my mother shrieking- it's a distinctly Asian sound, I guess. :lol:


But in any case, I don't want to besmirch your opinions as you have every right to them. I look at this list and see it's called "legendary" and think that it makes perfect sense that two of the Beatles would be so high. As far as legends go, they can't really be touched.:shrug:

Well, I appreciate your civilized approach to offering a countering view (unlike some knuckledraggers around here). While I do agree that John and Paul are/were probably the greatest songwriting duo in history, since we are on the topic of romantic couples, I think their collective greatness is vastly diluted by their pairing with decidedly less (non-) talented wives. Now if John Lennon hooked up with Joni Mitchell, I would agree unconditionally that they were the greatest, most legendary rock couple ever.

[Villavic]

Yoko was a classicaly trained pianist who was part of the 1960's Fluxus Movement and was a legitimately respected artist in the avant garde world BEFORE she met John Lennon....
....
I can only speak for myself, but much of Yoko's music and art is inspirational.

I do think history (or media) has been unfair with Yoko Ono, the "woman who broke up the Beatles". I think Beatles would break up anyway, sooner or later.

But I wouldn't like to know more about Yoko's music. What you say sounds interesting, maybe I judged too fast, but the only song I remember was one from 1982, something about my man, when she was singing Babalu-babalu-babalu, I love you, I love you. Babalu-babalu-babalu, I love you, I love you. I mean what was that?? Her voice sounded like Minnie Mouse, as I remember. And the video was ridiculously funny, sorry. So that song didn't make me research about Yoko other music works (I usually listen to a song and sometimes it makes look for the complete works of that band/singer. That happened to me with Pink Floyd, Simply Red, Pretenders, Annie Lennox, etc.. and of course Fleetwood Mac)

What I do thing it was great was the story about how John met Yoko. It describes a Yoko's art work that I do agree with John it was beautiful. I would have loved to see the full exhibition:

The viewer is invited to climb a white ladder, where at the top a magnifying glass, attached by a chain, hangs from a frame on the ceiling. The viewer uses the reading glass to discover a block letter "instruction" beneath the framed sheet of glass – it says "Y E S." It was through this work that Ono met her third husband and longtime collaborator, John Lennon." Lennon, when relating this story to Dick Cavett on his talk show in 1971, explained that if the word had been "no," he would have left the gallery and not come back, but was so moved by its positivity that he had to get to know Yoko.

I'm not an artist but I agree with John. And I would have liked to see more of Yoko's art (sculptures, paints, but no music)

[AncientQueen]

Hey Sonny, have you seen Cher? Anyone?

[WildHearted]

Hey Sonny, have you seen Cher? Anyone?

My thoughts exactly. How they didn't make this list completely baffles me.

[TrueFaith77]

I agree that they had a great love story, absolutely. Maybe the greatest on the list. I'm just not sure that that should make them the #3 rock couple.
Yes, she was his muse, but I would think couples in which both halves contributed to actively making great music, rather than inspiring it, would be more fitting. :shrug:

Believe me--I don't think Stevie and Lindsey are the greater couple. But as Stevie oft reminds us, they remain musical soul mates. I would think John Lennon and Paul McCartney were more each others' soul mates than Yoko or Linda. In fact, had they put John/Paul as #1 I wouldn't have objected.


If you haven't seen Nowhere Boy, see it! see it!! see it!!! see it!!!!

[Nico]

If you haven't seen Nowhere Boy, see it! see it!! see it!!! see it!!!!

I've seen Nowhere Boy and I highly recommend it as well. I really came to understand John as a man and many of the things that made him such a complex and fascinating person. It all stemmed from his childhood. I recommend it to anyone, even people who could give a snit about the Beatles.

[Nico]

But I wouldn't like to know more about Yoko's music. What you say sounds interesting, maybe I judged too fast, but the only song I remember was one from 1982, something about my man, when she was singing Babalu-babalu-babalu, I love you, I love you. Babalu-babalu-babalu, I love you, I love you. I mean what was that?? Her voice sounded like Minnie Mouse, as I remember. And the video was ridiculously funny, sorry. So that song didn't make me research about Yoko other music works (I usually listen to a song and sometimes it makes look for the complete works of that band/singer. That happened to me with Pink Floyd, Simply Red, Pretenders, Annie Lennox, etc.. and of course Fleetwood Mac)

Oh that's good! I think some of you may be misunderstanding my point in defending Yoko's artistic credibility. I'm not persuading you to be a fan of hers or even give her a listen, but at least acknowledge that she had an artistic career prior to her life with John. The above song you referenced is called "My Man" and I don't care for it. I believe it was about her late husband and son and it's just a cute little thing she put together. My points of reference to Yoko's compelling music is her albums Approximately Infinite Universe, Season Of Glass, Rising, and Between My Head and The Sky. I have her box set and there's a huge mixture of styles, some I'm positive people would :shocked: at. But within that mix is some truly amazing stuff. I am very serious. She is far too oft maligned and unfairly lambasted for her musical career, but it's OK. :) Believe me, I get it.

What I do thing it was great was the story about how John met Yoko. It describes a Yoko's art work that I do agree with John it was beautiful. I would have loved to see the full exhibition:

The viewer is invited to climb a white ladder, where at the top a magnifying glass, attached by a chain, hangs from a frame on the ceiling. The viewer uses the reading glass to discover a block letter "instruction" beneath the framed sheet of glass – it says "Y E S." It was through this work that Ono met her third husband and longtime collaborator, John Lennon." Lennon, when relating this story to Dick Cavett on his talk show in 1971, explained that if the word had been "no," he would have left the gallery and not come back, but was so moved by its positivity that he had to get to know Yoko.

I'm not an artist but I agree with John. And I would have liked to see more of Yoko's art (sculptures, paints, but no music)

Yes, that is part of what fascinates me most about them as a couple. John married his first wife extremely young and as a result of extraneous circumstances. Although everyone will say: wow, he had this pretty blonde wife and sweet family and he goes off with THIS crazy woman? I think there was something about her that amazed him. He and his wife were very different and had grown distant before Yoko even came into the picture. Not to justify things, but **** happens. And in this case he turned his back on a very sweet, conventional life for unknown territory- AND he didn't give a dang what people thought. He was besotted and no one got it. It sort of entrances me.

[sodascouts]

There's a trend in music blogging of putting the Beatles first on any list, regardless of criteria. Here it seems a bit of a stretch...:shrug:

Agreed. Yoko Ono's musical stylings may be appreciated by some, but they are... an acquired taste, shall we say? Linda McCartney had the kind of passable voice you can find in any karaoke bar - not horrific, but not that special. It's only because their husbands were members of the sacrosanct Beatles that this list deems their musical talents "legendary." Even the magazine description admits that Linda's most important "contribution" was as the inspiration for a couple good McCartney tunes.

I agree that SnL should have been higher but, like others, I'm just glad they're on the list. The more visibility they get, the better.

[darklinensuit]

Also, where are Sonny & Cher?

Agreed, but given the state of the music business & how these kinds of rankings typically go these days, I'm thinking we should count our lucky stars that this list does not include Justin & Britney. :rolleyes:

- Jake

[jbrownsjr]

Now if John Lennon hooked up with Joni Mitchell, I would agree unconditionally that they were the greatest, most legendary rock couple ever.

If Joni hooked up with John Lennon, she would have conked him on the head with Wayne Shorter's soprano sax and left him just like she left 1/2 CSN and most of the Court and Spark session players.. ;)

[Nico]

It's only because their husbands were members of the sacrosanct Beatles that this list deems their musical talents "legendary."

But isn't it a legendary coupledom and not necessarily their individual musical talents? I'm confused by the criteria for this listing. I hear ya, though. I adore the Beatles like no other, but they pretty much always own any type of listing. It's just sort of expected.


If Joni hooked up with John Lennon, she would have conked him on the head with Wayne Shorter's soprano sax and left him just like she left 1/2 CSN and most of the Court and Spark session players.. ;)

Yeah, she got around, eh? I have a John book where she came into one of his album sessions (when he was separated from Yoko) and was giving him the stare down and stalking him around the room. Apparently he wasn't too impressed by her. :shrug:

[michelej1]

Hey Sonny, have you seen Cher? Anyone?

I've been a Sonny and Cher fan forever, but it didn't occur to me to wonder why they weren't on the list, because I don't consider them "rock" really. I guess I think of them as pop. This became even truer when they mellowed and entered the seventies (All I Ever Need Is You) than it was when they rose to fame in the sixties.

Sonny apprenticed with Phil Specter, but I guess I never thought most of his creations were rock.

Although The Beat Goes On certainly is and I'm as proud and thrilled about it's place in history as I am anything FM has ever done.

Cher made a rocker out of Bang, Bang My Baby Shot Me Down, for sure. But Sinatra covered the same song in a very different manner.

Of course, a rocker has performed Needles and Pins, but I still don't know if it's a rock song.

Anyway, when I saw this list, I never wondered why Sonny and Cher weren't included myself -- though I'd include them in most everything.

Michele

[aleuzzi]

Another great couple: Elton John and Bernie Taupin

[darklinensuit]

Another great couple: Elton John and Bernie Taupin

They were a couple? Had no idea. I thought they were together only professionally.

- Jake

[RickRobert]

They were a couple? Had no idea. I thought they were together only professionally.

- Jake

:lol: You thought correctly, Taupin is straight!

[jbrownsjr]

Another great couple: Elton John and Bernie Taupin

hahahaha!!

[Villavic]

For those interested in Yoko Ono music, I recall this thread when I read few days ago about a new Yoko album. Again it creates controversial opinions...

http://www.jambands.com/news/2012/06/21/yoko-ono-announces-new-album-with-members-of-sonic-youth

Yoko Ono will release a collaborative album with Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore on September 25 via Chimera Music. The six-track album, titled YOKOKIMTHURSTON, comes following last October’s news that Gordon and Moore were calling an end to their 27-year marriage, putting Sonic Youth on indefinite hiatus.

[aleuzzi]

Delaney and Bonnie should have definitely been on this list, as should have the most obvious rock couple of them all:

Mick Fleetwood and John McVie


http://www.google.com/imgres?q=mick+fleetwood+and+john+mcvie&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1131&bih=699&tbm=isch&tbnid=gv_tezwwTbIfBM:&imgrefurl=http://www.american-buddha.com/rollingstoneB.127.htm&docid=1epoWB1KXDz9xM&imgurl=http://www.american-buddha.com/historyrock136a.gif&w=1010&h=1222&ei=QdHrT_vXBOnF6gGc_tjbBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=522&sig=102636210533098833607&page=1&tbnh=169&tbnw=163&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:78&tx=117&ty=125

[michelej1]

Oh No They Didn't

10:23 pm - 08/26/2012
Strange Love: Rock's Unlikeliest Couples

Read more at ONTD: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/71467297.html#ixzz24llRF8Oo

Stevie Nicks and Don Henley

After splitting with her Fleetwood Mac bandmate Lindsay Buckingham, Stevie Nicks quietly had a two-year relationship with the Eagles' Don Henley, which culminated in their collaborative hit "Leather & Lace." The love affair reportedly ended when Nicks aborted her and Henley's baby, an event that inspired the Tusk track "Sara."

[WildHearted]

I don't see how Stevie and Don are all that strange of a couple.

[michelej1]

I don't see how Stevie and Don are all that strange of a couple.

True. If she had been dating one of the guys from KISS that would be strange. Michele

[fairydust75]

I agree, how are Stevie & Don an unlikely couple. It would have been more unlikely if they had never hooked up. I think it was so unnecessary, to bring up a very private matter in a silly, meaningless Top Ten List.

[Villavic]

After splitting with her Fleetwood Mac bandmate Lindsay Buckingham, Stevie Nicks quietly had a two-year relationship with the Eagles' Don Henley, which culminated in their collaborative hit "Leather & Lace." The love affair reportedly ended when Nicks aborted her and Henley's baby, an event that inspired the Tusk track "Sara."

Was that long? First time it lasted 2 years, and first time I read that alleged incident inspired Sara.

True. If she had been dating one of the guys from KISS that would be strange. Michele

So it would be strange on Stevie but not on Cher or Diana Ross??? :laugh:
Gene Simmons formerly had live-in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross (Wikipedia)

[michelej1]

So it would be strange on Stevie but not on Cher or Diana Ross??? :laugh:


That article did mention Cher's "strange" pairing with both Ritchie Sambora and Gregg Allmann, but not Gene Simmons, so I guess whoever wrote it didn't think Cher and Gene were an odd couple.

Cher and David Geffen were a strange item who should have made the list as well.

Michele

[Villavic]

Cher and David Geffen were a strange item who should have made the list as well.

Michele

And Prince & Kim Bassinger (if that was true)

[vivfox]

Cher and David Geffen were a strange item who should have made the list as well.


Why David G.? He owned a record company.

[WildHearted]

Was that long? First time it lasted 2 years, and first time I read that alleged incident inspired Sara.

I think maybe it would be more accurate to say their relationship <i>spanned</i> two years... It's pretty well documented that she was dating several other people in the same time span, no? And I've heard that theory regarding the inception of Sara tons - Don himself has also alleged it, if I remember correctly.

[michelej1]

Why David G.? He owned a record company.

To me, he was a lot smarter than her and unlike someone like Jerry Brown who, true, was a politician but had this airy, hippie persona (I guess he's outgrown that today) when he was with Ronstadt, Geffen seemed more business minded and humorless. So, although he was in the music business, he seemed corporate to me. She was going on and on about what a svengali Sonny was and I felt that Geffen was much more controlling than Sonny. Of course, I was a Sonny Bono fan and biased against Geffen who stuck his nose into the divorce.

Michele

[AncientQueen]

...but to say "Yoko was hardly an artist in her own right" is absolutely incorrect. Yoko was a classicaly trained pianist who was part of the 1960's Fluxus Movement and was a legitimately respected artist in the avant garde world BEFORE she met John Lennon. It was to her career detriment that she hooked up with one of the biggest superstars in rock music, and instead of his status adding credence to her accomplishments people just mocked and ridiculed her.

I can only speak for myself, but much of Yoko's music and art is inspirational. I have studied art and in the late 90's I purchased a career retrospective on her. Yoko Ono is a formidable talent in her genre, whether you want to believe it or not. And her music was not always based on "caterwauling," as she has many beautiful and poignant pieces. Her resurgence on the dance charts- which you sort of ignored in your response- is something to take note of. Those singles, for the most part, were made with John Lennon. He played on those records, and some of the best playing in his career actually.

Thank you so much! :) I find Yoko Ono one of the most underrated artists of all time. She deserves so much more.

[cliffdweller]

Paul & Linda only spent one night apart prior to her death, and that's because he was in the clink. There's was what everyone else wishes they could be. It's something to aspire to. Screw Stevie and Lindsey on this one.

Ummmm, I don't think so. We're talking about famous MUSICIAN couples. Linda wasn't a musician. Yes, their relationship was something of great beauty, truly, I do really admire them as a couple, but they were not even close to equals as far as being in a band is concerned. I think L & S are much more closely matched as colleagues in the same band. As far as Yoko goes, she's cool as ****. She deserves to be right there next to John. Love her.

[vivfox]

Ummmm, I don't think so. We're talking about famous MUSICIAN couples. Linda wasn't a musician.


She played keyboards in the band Wings. That usually makes one a musician.

[cliffdweller]

She played keyboards in the band Wings. That usually makes one a musician.

No, she "played" keyboard in Wings. Christine McVie she is not.

[vivfox]

No, she "played" keyboard in Wings. Christine McVie she is not.


I don't get it?

[michelej1]

NME

http://www.nme.com/photos/from-john-and-yoko-to-kurt-and-courtney-23-of-the-coolest-couples-in-music/365531#/photo/1

From John and Yoko to Kurt and Courtney: 23 Of The Coolest Couples In Music

Buckingham Nicks’ Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham: Before they joined Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham made music together as the excellent Buckingham Nicks. They only released one album, back in 1973, but it’s as good as any of their later work, solo and with the classic rockers.

Read more at http://www.nme.com/photos/from-john-and-yoko-to-kurt-and-courtney-23-of-the-coolest-couples-in-music/365531/1/1#sj6WJsXdbV8PRP7d.99

[michelej1]

Brisbane Times, by Kylie Northover

Love and record sales: memorable musical couples

Date March 8, 2015 - 2:28PM

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/love-and-record-sales-memorable-musical-couples-20150308-13y8xk.html#ixzz3Tq6mseXf

Rock and roll history has seen many couples in bands - but few have happy endings...

1. Fleetwood Mac

Easily the messiest of all intra-band relationships. Formed in 1967, the band was Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. Christine McVie was married to John McVie from 1968–1976 and they very publicly divorced during the band's infamous Rumours tour. Buckingham and Nicks were in a relationship for six years, but the pressures of the band interfered. Nicks then went on to have an affair with Mick Fleetwood, who was married at the time.

There might be a joke somewhere here about Nicks' infamous cocaine habit and the song Wake Up, Lachy, but we wouldn't do that. The Mac might be one of the few couple-heavy bands who still tour today.