Tommy at 50: The Mood, the Music, the Look, and the Legacy of The Who’s Legendary Rock Opera - by Chris Charlesworth
Mike McInnerney
For the 50th anniversary of The Who?s most legendary album, Tommy, comes the definitive illustrated guide to the album, featuring a foreword from Pete Townshend as well as new interviews with the legend himself and showcasing original art from the artist of the album's iconic case. On May 23, 1969, The Who released their breakthrough album, Tommy. It was their fourth studio album and would sell more than twenty million copies, receive wide critical acclaim, and be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Now, in honor of the album?s fiftieth anniversary, acclaimed music journalist, Who expert and memorabilia collector, and friend of the band Chris Charlesworth has teamed up with Mike McInnerney, a longtime friend of Pete Townshend and the artist for Tommy?s original album cover, to create an extraordinary keepsake volume that is a tribute to the unforgettable album and its namesake song. With eye-opening text and two hundred color photos, Tommy at 50 considers the album Tommy from four distinct angles, examining the mood of its creation, the origins and content of its music, the look of its iconic artwork, and the album?s enduring legacy. It draws on new interviews from key players in the story, including Pete Townshend, and features art created exclusively for the book by McInnerney. An insightful guide and collector?s edition volume for all fans of The Who, Tommy at 50 offers an unparalleled window into The Who?s finest hour.
Ray LaMontagne will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of his seminal debut album, Trouble, with a special remastered vinyl edition. Additionally, LaMontagne will embark on the Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the album in its entirety for the first time since its release.
Legendary musician, artist, record label executive, and philanthropist Herb Alpert will release a special 60th Anniversary Edition of his seminal album Whipped Cream & Other Delights on April 25th, 2025.
David Rothenberg, a theatre producer, playwright, and Broadway press agent, will release Manhattan Mayhem, a collection of short fiction, inspired by his nine decades in the entertainment industry. Manhattan Mayhem will be officially released April 2.
Music Theatre International (MTI) and Broadway Education Alliance Inc. has announced that the American Camp Association NY/NJ Conference, that MTI will begin offering The Camp Broadway Collection, an all-new, customizable, experiential learning program designed to teach children the fundamentals of musical theatre.
International conductor Dr. Elizabeth Askren has released the first volume of her new opera comic book series Volume One: The Magic Flute, available on Amazon.
KIM DAVID SMITH has released the new single from his upcoming album Mostly Marlene. “Illusions” – a studio duet with Tony-nominated playwright and performer Charles Busch. Listen now!
Thirty Saints Productions has announced the worldwide licensing release of The Holiday Songbook, the first installment of the company's highly acclaimed Songbook Series.
Clarinetist Sam Sadigursky and accordionist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Koci have set the release of the next two volumes of The Solomon Diaries for April 11th.
On April 18, 2025, Mercury Studios will release a 3LP package of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert. The album features performances of fan favorites from the South Park TV series and films created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Varèse Sarabande and Craft Recordings have announced the long-awaited vinyl debut of Lost: Season Two (Original Television Soundtrack), featuring Michael Giacchino’s score in its entirety.
Craft Recordings celebrates the enduring, 75-year legacy of PEANUTS, with an expanded reissue of Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown. Arriving April 4th, the collection features 11 never-before-heard outtakes plus the original album.
International Literary Properties, the global company that invests in, acquires, and manages literary estates, has acquired Ellen Raskin’s literary estate. Learn more!
The physical CD and two vinyl editions of the Swept Away album, titled “Rough Seas” and a limited edition “Devil’s In My Head” Blood Moon red pressing, will be released this spring. Learn more!
Pianist and composer Danny Wright has released his latest album, 'Stage To Screen,' featuring piano renditions of beloved movie and Broadway songs. Learn more about Wright and the album!
University Press of Kentucky plans to release a revised, third edition of 'Trapped! The Story of Floyd Collins' by the late historian Robert K. Murray and renowned cave explorer Roger W. Brucker, on April 15.
Stage and screen star Josh Gad has put pen to paper to tell his story. His new memoir, In Gad We Trust, is a heartfelt and hilarious collection of essays about his career highlights and all of the inbetweens. Watch in this video!
South Street Seaport Museum's monthly book club will continue in February. Seaport Museum staff and special guests will stir up lively discussions informed by our shared love of literature, history, and preservation.
Red Lyric Productions will release the original Off-Broadway/NY Fringe Cast Album of Urban Momfare. The musical had a run at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival, where it received a Best Musical Award.
Precious Days Records has released the debut recording of Gretchen Cryer and Gracie Hyland’s new musical HOUSE ON FIRE in streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the album and the upcoming concert presentation.
The world premiere recording of Lisa Bielawa’s song cycle Centuries in the Hours will be released on a new album from mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm titled Watching glass, I hear you.
Gretchen Cryer recently wrote a new musical with her granddaughter, Gracie Hyland, titled House on Fire. We have your exclusive first listen to a song from the show. Listen to “Early Teenage Crisis” here!
Broadway-lovers know that the legendary Palace Theatre has gone through quite a transformation over the last several years. What happened at the Palace before now? Watch in this video as Lane chats with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge about the venue's incredible history
After a sold out run at the 2024 Twin Cities Horror Festival, the script for the camp horror comedy Let's Summon a Demon at Debbie's written by Brandon Monokian has been published by 1319 Press. Learn more!
The new album Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival, is available on CD today. Learn more.
Rachel Potter, known for her roles on Broadway as well as her appearance on The X Factor, has revealed the full list of featured artists for her upcoming album, Stages.
An event featuring OVER THE SHOULDER: A Freelancer's Guide to Telling Stories and Editing Films by Mark Solomon, will be presented at The Drama Bookshop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Drama Book Shop in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications will present 'How To Sing Without Thinking' with Gabriel Weiner, a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording. Learn more!
Ari Axelrod's A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway – is available on CD and digital formats now. Learn more about the album and about Axelrod's upcoming performances.