Musical Imports — The Swingle Singers

In the midst of all the musical chaos of the 1960s, an era when several different genres were fighting for dominance in the pop music world, there was always room for something a little different. That would certainly describe the Grammy-winning Swingle Singers, a French (and later English) import led by an American. Ward Swingle … Continue reading Musical Imports — The Swingle Singers

Remembering Hank Locklin

One of the best signs of the level of fame reached by a musical artist is the number of recordings appearing on the charts, but when a country music star also demonstrates the ability to cross over and show up repeatedly on the pop charts, you can bet that he's special. That was the case … Continue reading Remembering Hank Locklin

REVIEW: The Rippingtons – Modern Art

When a musical group with two decades of success releases album number eighteen, you have to figure that the guys making up the group are pretty much on top of their game. That would be an accurate description of the Rippingtons, and the group's new album, Modern Art, is now out on the Peak Records … Continue reading REVIEW: The Rippingtons – Modern Art

The Sound Of Waters

If you've enjoyed listening to any of the numerous lady singers who have performed "Am I Blue" through the years, then you might be interested to find out that it all started with a very special songbird. She introduced it in 1929 in  a film called On With The Show, which was not only one … Continue reading The Sound Of Waters

From Poolrooms To Bandstands – Remembering Fats

Recently I happened to catch one of my favorite old movies on TV -- The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason -- and it made me reminisce a little about the first time I saw it and how it affected me. The simple fact is that even though Gleason's Minnesota Fats ended up being … Continue reading From Poolrooms To Bandstands – Remembering Fats

REVIEW: Linda Presgrave – Inspiration

When St. Louis native Linda Presgrave moved to New York about a decade ago, she'd already built a nice career as a respected jazz artist. But it might have been the catalyst that helped the talented pianist and composer begin to find wider success, because she soon signed a recording contract and began a string … Continue reading REVIEW: Linda Presgrave – Inspiration

The Jive Five — Keepin’ It Alive

The 1950s were volatile years in pop music (although the same could be said of most decades). Everything seemed to be in transition, with early rock and roll evolving from R&B, rockabilly and other influences, and beginning to find an identity of its own. By the end of the decade a lot of popular acts … Continue reading The Jive Five — Keepin’ It Alive

Another Appearance From Mr. O

I'd like to welcome back Mr. Obvious, who is making yet another guest appearance on the GMC. Regular readers might remember that Mr. O sometimes shows up here just for the purpose of helping me make a point, or in some cases beat it to death. Anyhow, this time around I was going through some … Continue reading Another Appearance From Mr. O

REVIEW: Carol Fredette – Everything In Time

Carol Fredette is a perfect example of an undiscovered treasure. Or at least undiscovered by a wide audience, because she's been a fixture on the New York club scene for many years and has built a following of loyal fans, some of whom are her fellow artists. She's been called 'a musician's singer,' and jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Carol Fredette – Everything In Time

In Search Of The Real ‘Hot Lips’

Just a quick question. If I asked you who comes to mind when you hear the nickname 'Hot Lips', wouldn't you think of Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan, the character in M*A*S*H? To be honest I'd probably think of her too, but there was a real 'Hot Lips' who not only wasn't a sexy, kooky blond, … Continue reading In Search Of The Real ‘Hot Lips’