Would it surprise you to learn that the very first million-selling record in country music -- "The Wreck of the Old 97" backed by "The Prisoner's Song" -- was made way back in 1924? And would you be even more surprised to hear that the record wasn't made by a legend like Jimmie Rodgers, but … Continue reading A Superstar Named Vernon Dalhart
Category: Boomers
The Lost Voice Of Ann Richards
I've written a lot of posts about various Songbirds -- the ladies who got their start by singing with the big bands -- and even though many of them went through bad times, most managed to persevere and have a nice career. However, that wasn't always the case. Ann Richards seemed to have everything going … Continue reading The Lost Voice Of Ann Richards
Country Catalyst – Heartbroken And Haunted
For today's edition of Country Catalyst, the recurring special feature that's designed to bring new fans to country music, we have a quintessential tearful story-song, something that's always been a mainstay of the genre. First recorded in 1959 by country star Lefty Frizzell in a departure from his usual honky-tonk style, "Long Black Veil" was … Continue reading Country Catalyst – Heartbroken And Haunted
Booker Ervin – What Might Have Been
The music world has always had more than its share of performers who died much too soon, in some cases making their mark in a big way but still leaving their fans wondering what might have been. In many cases drugs or drinking have played a part, but for some it was just having the … Continue reading Booker Ervin – What Might Have Been
Del Reeves – The Doodle-Oo-Doo-Doo Kid
Franklin Delano Roosevelt carried the hopes and prayers of a lot of Americans when he rose to prominence in the midst of the Great Depression, so much so that many new parents named their offspring after him. That was obviously the case with Franklin Delano Reeves, who was born just a few days after FDR … Continue reading Del Reeves – The Doodle-Oo-Doo-Doo Kid
Martha Carson Influenced The King
Elvis Presley always said that one of his strongest influences was a certain lady who specialized in gospel music (which he loved), and the King sometimes even joined her in duets in the early years. In fact, Martha Carson eventually tried her hand at pop music too and had some impact on rock and roll, … Continue reading Martha Carson Influenced The King
Diamonds In The Rough – Part V
The first four editions of our Diamonds In The Rough feature have made their appearance about one month apart, so this time around I guess we're running behind that schedule -- but the purpose of the post is still the same. Below is a list of noteworthy efforts from the past that you might find … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part V
Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy
In October of 1942, Billboard magazine -- which had been tracking best-selling records since 1936 -- added a new chart to its listings, one that it called the Harlem Hit Parade. (It would eventually be renamed the R&B chart.) The very first #1 record on the newly-created chart was "Take It and Git" by Andy … Continue reading Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy
The Multiplicity Of Donnie Brooks
If you're a fan of early rock and roll you might remember the guy who had a Top Ten hit in 1960 with "Mission Bell." You might also recall that the name he used on the record was Donnie Brooks, and that's pretty much who he was from then on, but it wasn't his real … Continue reading The Multiplicity Of Donnie Brooks
Fantastic Foursome – Brrrrr!!
It would be hard to imagine a more appropriate song for today's Fantastic Foursome. With Winter weather doing its best to make us miserable, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is not only very descriptive of current conditions, but might also serve to give us a much-needed chuckle or two. Written in 1944 by Frank Loesser, it … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Brrrrr!!
Geezer Music Club 