July 10, 2026 / 9:35 AM EDT
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Viking
We may receive an affiliate commission from anything you buy from this article. In his new book, "Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000" (published by Viking), Barry Walters, a writer for such publications as Rolling Stone and Spin, explores how LGBTQ songwriters, musicians, execs and fans reshaped pop culture in the late 20th century, as queer messages in music became less coded. Read an excerpt below about the influence of singer-songwriter Elton John, and don't miss Barry Walters on "CBS Sunday Morning" July 12!
