Michael Miller

Michael Miller

Michael Miller is a popular and prolific writer. He has authored more than 200 nonfiction books that have collectively sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. His bestselling book is Music Theory Note-by-Note (formerly The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory) for DK.

“Summer” (War)

Summer, War

It’s a full week of summer songs here at the Classic Song of the Day blog, and today’s classic summer song of the day is the aptly named “Summer” by the band War. “Summer” was written by the entire band—Lonnie…

“Surf City” (Jan and Dean)

Surf City, Jan and Dean

This week we’re celebrating summer with a bevy of summer-themed songs. When you think of summer, you think of cool cars on the strip, hot girls on the beach, surfing, and California—and there’s no band that more represents the California…

“Color Him Father” (The Winstons)

Color Him Father, the Winstons

Today is Father’s Day, so it’s only fitting that today’s classic Father’s Day song of the day is “Color Him Father” by the Winstons. This song is about the singer’s appreciation of his stepfather, who stepped in when his real…

“Heroes and Villains” (The Beach Boys)

Heroes and Villains, Beach Boys

Still honoring the late Brian Wilson, today’s classic song of the day is the Beach Boys’ “Heroes and Villains,” which may be Brian’s most complex and sophisticated tune—even more so than the group’s previous release, “Good Vibrations.” Brian Wilson wrote…