Living Colour created ‘Cult of Personality’ in two hours

The Brooklyn-based band Living Colour composed their hit single ‘Cult of Personality’ in approximately two hours during a rehearsal session. The track was the second single from their debut album, Vivid, released in May 1988.

Following its release, the song reached number 13 on the charts, marking the band's first Top 40 hit. The track earned a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, and its music video received two Moonman trophies at the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Group Video and Best New Artist.

Frontman Corey Glover noted that the band realized they had created something unique after performing the song for the first time at CBGBs shortly after its creation.