I've written several times about singing sister acts, and there are a lot of fans who still remember the Fontanes, the Andrews Sisters and others. But one of the earliest and best of the sister groups might be a little less familiar, and that's a shame because the Boswell Sisters were supremely talented. The Boswell … Continue reading Don’t Forget The Boswells
Author: BG
Songwriter Turned Star – Eddie Rabbitt
Perhaps more than any other genre, country music has always been filled with singing stars who got their start as songwriters. Many worked behind the scenes for years, surviving by furnishing memorable songs to better-known singers before hitting the big time as a performer. A good example would be a guy who wrote a couple … Continue reading Songwriter Turned Star – Eddie Rabbitt
Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade
I've mentioned before that I like to periodically check the freebies that Amazon and other online music sellers offer. Although some of the tracks they give away are a little iffy, you can also find yourself getting acquainted with good music from someone you might not know too well, like Arthur Greenslade. Arthur Greenslade's name … Continue reading Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade
Marching Along With Flare
I was once again going through some old pictures, and ran across one of myself lined up with the other members of my Boy Scout troop. (I'm the last one in the middle row.) It would date from the early 1950s, and I think we were arranged that way because we were practicing drilling, one … Continue reading Marching Along With Flare
The Many Talents Of Tex Ritter
Maurice Woodward Ritter came by his nickname honestly. Born and raised in the great state of Texas, he had as much right to the name "Tex" as anybody, and it turned out to be an especially good name for someone who would end up having a long career in the public eye. Along the way … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Tex Ritter
REVIEW: Alvin Queen – Mighty Long Way
As a traditionalist -- at least in most things -- I have to admit that finding a new album that's reminiscent of the best in straight-ahead, traditional jazz is a distinct pleasure. It's sort of like running into a rumpled old friend and realizing how much you've missed him. Veteran drummer Alvin Queen's Mighty Long … Continue reading REVIEW: Alvin Queen – Mighty Long Way
In Consideration Of Smooth Jazz
If there is one thing I've learned about today's jazz fans, it's that many of them dismiss the type of music known as contemporary jazz, urban jazz, or -- shudder -- smooth jazz. And yet, there is good music to be heard within the genre. I understand the thinking of many jazz purists, and I'll … Continue reading In Consideration Of Smooth Jazz
Gene McDaniels And The BBC
There is an old adage that says that all publicity is good publicity. I'm not sure that it's always true in today's nutsy world, but there is one type of notoriety that will always boost interest in a book, a movie, or a song -- being banned. Born in Kansas City, Gene McDaniels grew up … Continue reading Gene McDaniels And The BBC
Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Although you seldom see much about the big band era that flourished before and during World War II, many of the names are still familiar. Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman have names that will ring the proverbial bell with most of us, but what about Chick Webb, Larry Clinton, or Claude Thornhill? As … Continue reading Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Games Within Games
I guess I'm all caught up in baseball lately, so am probably not quite as music-oriented as usual. (But I will close with an appropriate tune.) The deadline for non-waiver deals has passed and the number of trades made, coupled with continuing stories about steroids, makes baseball the biggest thing on sports pages this weekend. … Continue reading Games Within Games