The Story of Classical is your essential nine-part companion guide to classical music. In each of our commentaries, we unlock the mystery and beauty of every musical period—from the Middle Ages to the present day—by chronicling an encounter between vital figures in music history.
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Music History
For Apple Music 1 host Brooke Reese, whose grandfather emigrated from Mexico when he was 15, music has always been a way to stay connected to family, tradition, and cherished memories. “My mom made sure to always keep me connected to our culture and everything my grandpa sacrificed so we all could have a better life,” Brooke says. “I grew up with mariachis at every family party—it was a must!” But American pop was also a key part of Brooke’s formative mix, and when she’s feeling nostalgic she’ll play artists like John Mayer or Justin Timberlake. “Their music has been the soundtrack to a lot of important moments in my life, both good and bad. I can remember vividly watching *NSYNC’s ‘Tearin’ Up My Heart’ in my mom’s living room when I was in third or fourth grade. I was immediately drawn in.” As the host of Apple Music 1’s The Chart Show, Brooke runs through chart countdowns from around the world, interviews stars at the top, and keeps listeners up to date on what’s new and what’s next. “My show is the only listener-based show on Apple Music 1,” she says. “It’s the songs and artists that listeners go back to over and over again.” Tune in to The Chart Show With Brooke Reese every Monday through Thursday at 6 am LA/9 am NYC/2 pm LDN. Hometown: Riverside, California Earliest musical memory: “In my Latin household, you had to get up early to clean the house and do your chores before you could go outside. I remember my mom blasting Julio Iglesias, Neil Diamond, and Céline Dion. I always loved to sing along, and they always remind me of my mom.” Favorite music video: Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U.” “It was so iconic, and I still know the dance moves to this day.” First song I ever bought or downloaded: Toni Braxton, “Un-Break My Heart.” “I used to play it on my cassette player and sing it at the top of my lungs.” Go-to karaoke song: Madonna, “Like a Virgin.” First tour: *NSYNC Five songs that get me through the day: 1. Miranda Lambert, “Bluebird” 2. Harry Styles, “Golden” 3. “Anything Cher—she is my queen!” 4. “Everything from Taylor Swift's 1989 album.” 5. “Anything by John Mayer.”
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Music Commentary
“Throughout my life music has meant a great deal to me,” His Majesty King Charles III says. “I know that is also the case for so many others. But it has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness and take us to distant places. But perhaps above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree. All the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.” The King’s Music Room—exclusively on Apple Music—is where you can explore this relationship further. From his desk in his office at Buckingham Palace, His Majesty reveals a selection of his favourite songs—featuring artists stretching from crooners to Afrobeats stars, via disco divas and reggae icons. It’s a musical journey that spans 10 decades and reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth and a personal taste shaped by extraordinary experiences around the world. The King also shares stories about meeting some of these artists and reveals why the songs help form the soundtrack to his life.
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Music
Go back to where it all began with Origin Stories, where today’s biggest artists return to the places that built them. Apple Music hosts are there as today's brightest stars head back to their home turf for intimate conversations in studios, schools and more. Meet the people who shaped their stories and the communities that made them who they are today.
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Music
Welcome to 100 Best Albums Radio, where we reveal our definitive list of the greatest albums ever made. Assembled with the help of artists and experts, it’s a love letter to the records that have shaped the world we live and listen in. Below you’ll find the official countdown, daily radio episodes with our hosts’ reactions, and stories behind each of the albums. Dive in, (re)discover some classics, and see if your favorite albums made our list.
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Music
Over a career-spanning five decades, Nile Rodgers has helped write and produce some of the most iconic songs in pop music, both for his pioneering disco band Chic and for superstar collaborators like Diana Ross, David Bowie, and Daft Punk. On his Apple Music show, the composer, record producer, and rhythm guitar legend—a Rock & Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee—invites the most important established and emerging songwriters to discuss the ideas and inspirations behind their work. With each episode digging deep into the stories behind the songs, Rodgers’ candid discussions give invaluable insight into how your favorite music was created.
The best music stories from Apple Music are now available on Apple Podcasts.
Here, you can listen to can’t-miss specials and in-depth artist interviews—interspersed with full songs and hosted by some of the world’s best music experts, like Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Matt Wilkinson, Dotty, and Kelleigh Bannen.
You’ll also find shows hosted by trailblazing musicians such as Nile Rodgers, Alexis Ffrench, Soulection’s Joe Kay, and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, who offer up an inside look at the creative process.
These shows already broadcast across Apple Music’s global radio stations—Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country—but now you can explore them, music and all, alongside a wealth of other creators and storytellers.