This is the ninth edition of Diamonds In The Rough, the Special Feature that gives newer visitors to the GMC the chance to see some of our favorite posts from the past. Come to think of it, our regulars might want to take another look at these too. Sometimes things are just as much fun … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
Category: Boomers
Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Most of us know about Sun Records in Memphis, and how stars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich worked there in the early years -- as did a guy named Elvis. But another Sun veteran isn't quite as well remembered, and yet Bill Justis had a pretty good career too, … Continue reading Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Current country music fans might not recognize Cindy Walker's name, but even though she died at age 87 in 2006, she is still remembered -- and revered -- by many music pros. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, she could hold her own as a performer but her legacy will always be … Continue reading Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
It's about time we had another edition of our oldest Special Feature, Anatomy of a Song, so here we go. Today's choice was popular with fans in two different eras although it had a contrasting style in each. It began life in the mid-1940s as a movie love song that was perfect for crooners, but … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
We haven't featured a jazz musician for a while and today's spotlight falls on one of the best, alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. A contemporary of Charlie 'Bird' Parker -- in fact, he played alongside him in the early years -- Criss was an early bloomer musically, but his career reached a sad and abrupt end … Continue reading Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
The Shepherd Sisters Were The Real Thing
Unlike a lot of other sibling singing groups, the Shepherd Sisters were all real-life sisters. And even though the ladies had only one true hit record -- "Alone (Why Must I Be Alone)" in 1957 -- they managed to stick around for a number of years, during which they generated several dozen records, made countless … Continue reading The Shepherd Sisters Were The Real Thing
The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
When he died earlier this year at age 86, Jimmie C. Newman was still making occasional appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, where he'd been entertaining fans for more than a half-century. One of the true legends of country music, he originally made his name on several hit records that featured a traditional style, but … Continue reading The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
We're way overdue for a new edition of Fantastic Foursome, the special feature that presents four different takes on a song (plus a video of the definitive version) and lets you decide which you like best. Of course, voting in the poll is completely voluntary but it's quick, easy, and anonymous.Most of us will remember … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller
Glenn Miller was one of the biggest names around during the the big band era, and he remained an iconic figure even after his tragic death near the end of World War II. But he was also a good friend to many, as Hal McIntye could have attested. Miller not only encouraged his band-mate to … Continue reading Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller
Connie Hall’s Road To Success
A while back we featured singer/songwriter Jimmie Skinner, who was a force in country music during the 1950s and 1960s, not only as a performer but also behind the scenes. Today we're spotlighting Connie Hall, a lady who got her start as Skinner's singing partner but went on to a brief but successful career as … Continue reading Connie Hall’s Road To Success
Geezer Music Club 