I've written many times about musical performers who died before they could enjoy the kind of long career that their talent deserved. In a lot of cases their own self-destructive behavior led to a tragic end, but some were brought down by fate. The incredible voice of Minnie Riperton was stilled at just age 31 … Continue reading Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
Author: BG
BG (aka The Big Geez) is a retiree who who has spent over a decade generating the Geezer Music Club, where he tries to prove that geezers can stay in touch with today's world. . .and still find time for the trimming of ear hair.
Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
At one time or another I've mentioned coal miners; not only recognizing the part they've played in American history but also writing about how many families (including mine) have had connections to miners at some point. I've also written about the music of coal miners, and that leads us to one of the best instrumentalists … Continue reading Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
In a recent post about Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio, I identified the musical piece played by the gorilla-masked characters -- “Solfeggio” -- but neglected to mention the composer, who actually wrote several better-known songs. Harpist Robert Maxwell, who composed instrumental classics like "Shangri-La" and "Ebb Tide," deserves a closer look. The New York native grew … Continue reading Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
Patsy Montana Did It First
Fans of modern country music are often familiar with the names of many of the earlier stars, but I'd be willing to bet that few would guess the name of the singer who had the first number-one country hit for a female. It wasn't Loretta or Tammy or even Kitty. It was Patsy Montana, who … Continue reading Patsy Montana Did It First
Everything’s Better With Butter
Remember when TV commercials for margarine always compared the product's taste to 'the high-priced spread'? I always wondered why they couldn't just call it 'butter', which I would assume is a generic name that wouldn't have had any trademark protection. Maybe by not using the word they allowed for some wiggle room, just in case … Continue reading Everything’s Better With Butter
Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
Almost a half-century ago, comedian Ernie Kovacs died in an auto crash, one that was said to have been caused by him trying to drive while lighting one of his signature cigars. At the time, he was just 42 and married to beautiful singer/actress Edie Adams, and was finding some success as a busy character … Continue reading Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
REVIEW: Lil’ Pookie – Just Want To Be Me
Those readers who have been around since the earlier days of this blog (which is now over 4 years old) will recall that I used to regularly review new albums. Over the first 3+ years I generated well over 200 reviews, and had reached the point where I was pretty much flooded with review requests … Continue reading REVIEW: Lil’ Pookie – Just Want To Be Me
From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
You probably wouldn't guess that someone born as Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski would become a country music star. But even though his real name contains a clue to his original musical background, it would be his stage name -- Pee Wee King -- that would be remembered by fans. And even though he was a … Continue reading From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
To paraphrase one of James Brown's best-known descriptions, you could make a good case that the Delta Rhythm Boys were 'the hardest working close-rhythm singing group in show business'. Of course, there have been many combos that could make the same claim, but it would be difficult to top the longevity, versatility, and wide range … Continue reading Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
The Max And Les Connection
Although I wasn't born there, I have spent a substantial part of my life in and around the home city of today's subject. In fact, a statue was recently unveiled there to commemorate him -- Hoosier native Max Ehrmann, who died way back in 1945 at age 72. Ehrmann was an attorney and businessman who … Continue reading The Max And Les Connection
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