Matt Trzcinski’s career in journalism began in high school when he started writing for local newspapers. He’s been a film critic since 2012 and joined the Showbiz Cheat Sheet team in 2019 where he specializes in classic rock and pop music. He loves the larger-than-life personalities in both genres, which provide ample fodder in books and interviews for behind-the-scenes information our readers want to know. Matt has expertise in acts such as The Beatles and The Monkees.
Matt is a Tufts University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies. In his free time, he participates in the Boston Horror Society, a group devoted to horror films. He also enjoys reading the work of critics including Roger Ebert and Chuck Klosterman and authors J.D. Salinger, Edgar Allen Poe, and Franz Kafka. See more of Matt’s work on Screen Rant, Cinema Axis, Taste of Cinema, American Songwriter, and his Muck Rack profile.
Jason Derulo sampled Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" in "Whatcha Say." "Whatcha Say" was inspired by Derulo's brother. The song became popular in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Ringo Starr said fans viewed him differently than other Beatles. Ringo felt The Beatles had an advantage over Elvis Presley. The Beatles and Elvis were huge in the United Kingdom.
Sammy Davis Jr. released a version of "The Candy Man" from 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' that he didn't promote. It became a hit that multiple artists covered.
Junkie XL had to remix Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" in five hours. Priscilla Presley had a strong reaction to the remix, which became a hit.
Paul Williams wrote a song that Tiny Tim and David Bowie recorded. Williams had a strong opinion of Bowie. The song appeared on Bowie's hit album 'Hunky Dory.'
Mick Jagger likes The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday." Ruby Tuesday restaurants founder Samuel E. Beall III is not a Rolling Stones fan. The song "Ruby Tuesday" was a hit.
Elvis Presley's "Always on My Mind" was inspired by a phone call. A country music producer didn't appreciate the song. "Always on My Mind" became a hit.
George Harrison's son, Dhani Harrison, said there were similarities between The Beatles' songs and 'All Things Must Pass.' A song from that album made him cry. The album was popular.
David Bowie said The Beatles' John Lennon could do one thing better than anyone. Bowie copied part of a song from The Beatles' hit album 'Sgt. Pepper' in 'Ziggy Stardust.'
Elton John’s "Candle in the Wind 1997” was about Princess Diana. Someone involved in Diana's funeral felt the song should be part of the ceremony. The song was a hit.
Davy Jones from The Monkees revealed The Beatles and The Byrds helped inspire The Monkees' name. Jones stopped The Monkees from having a certain gimmick. The Monkees were popular.
The Jackson 5 became incredibly popular. The members of The Jackson 5 were told "ABC" might not be a hit like "I Want You Back." "ABC" was an international hit.
The music video for Maroon 5's "Animals" was controversial, but Adam Levine defended it. The song was a hit in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Beatles' 'A Hard Days Night' inspired The Monkees' show. The Monkees' Davy Jones felt one 'Monkees' scene copied the film. 'A Hard Day's Night’ included some popular music.