I've written before about a subject that's always fascinated me, the history of songbirds -- the ladies who sang for the big bands, entertaining fans and at the same time adding a little class to the bandstand. Many of them - such as Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, and Doris Day - went on to solo … Continue reading WWII Servicemen Loved ‘GI Jo’ – Jo Stafford
Category: Boomers
REVIEW: Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra – Invitation
Nothing against Bruce Eskovitz, but 'The Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra' has to be one of the most unwieldy names around. That's probably why the group led by the multi-talented instrumentalist commonly goes by the name BEJO, and since lazy is my middle name I think I'll save some keystrokes and go with BEJO too. Flying … Continue reading REVIEW: Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra – Invitation
Detour On The Road To Stardom – Jimmie Rodgers
A while back, I wrote an article that included some info about country music legend Jimmie Rodgers, but there was another Jimmie Rodgers who achieved some fame, but in pop music. In fact, he was a fast-rising, popular star for over a decade -- until a mysterious event in 1967 interrupted his career. The second … Continue reading Detour On The Road To Stardom – Jimmie Rodgers
Dizzy Memories Of Disneyland
My young grandsons are on their way from the frozen Midwest to Disney World in Orlando, a trip they make with their parents - my son and his wife - almost every year. It's an occurrence that inevitably takes me back several decades to memories of family trips to the original -- Disneyland in California. … Continue reading Dizzy Memories Of Disneyland
REVIEW: Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Morning In Paris
Sathima Bea Benjamin is not a name that leaps to mind when considering jazz songbirds of the last several decades, but the South African singer is a very respected artist who has put together a nice career. That aside, the possibility of an unfulfilled musical destiny will always be part of her story. That subject … Continue reading REVIEW: Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Morning In Paris
Adventures In Radio — 1960’s Style
As a veteran of early 1960's radio, I sometimes find myself amazed at the current state of radio operations. Of course, I haven't actually been inside a radio station for decades, but judging by what I glimpse in magazine articles or on TV, modern operations are fully computerized -- sometimes even automated -- and in … Continue reading Adventures In Radio — 1960’s Style
The Married Singing Duo That Helped Themselves — And Dolly Parton
Husband and wife singing teams are nothing new, even in country music, but usually it's a situation where the duo just gets together occasionally for special performances or recordings. Not many couples have found that only by teaming up were they able to reach stardom -- but that's the case with Carl and Pearl Butler. … Continue reading The Married Singing Duo That Helped Themselves — And Dolly Parton
REVIEW: Ricky Nelson -Greatest Love Songs
It's not often that I sit down to review a new album and find that it includes a song that I not only remember, but can clearly recall where and when I first heard it -- 50 years ago. But that's exactly the case with a new release from Capitol, Greatest Love Songs, a collection … Continue reading REVIEW: Ricky Nelson -Greatest Love Songs
Burl Ives – More Than Just Sam The Snowman
Legendary folk-singer, Oscar-winning actor, star of radio, TV and Broadway, but someone who in recent years is probably most often heard during the holidays. Burl Ives was a multi-talented performer but will forever be known as the voice of the snowman narrator of the animated Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, a perennial video favorite. The character … Continue reading Burl Ives – More Than Just Sam The Snowman
Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
When I was a teenager in the 1950's, rock and roll was catching the attention of most of my contemporaries. I wasn't immune to its attraction, but while I kept an eye on what was happening in that area I was also beginning to form my lifelong affection for the type of big band music … Continue reading Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
Geezer Music Club 