By the time he died in 1994, Roy Smeck was in his nineties and many years removed from his heyday as a performer, which began in the 1920s. But the guy known as the 'Wizard Of The Strings' was still a legend to several generations of musicians, who were not only inspired by his virtuosity … Continue reading Roy Smeck – The Wizard Of The Strings
Category: Boomers
Saying Goodbye To Andy Williams
Although I don't go out of my way to scan the daily obituaries, you might have noticed that I occasionally mark the passing of a performer by reposting an earlier article I've written about them. But some of the biggest stars have never been featured on the GMC, because -- as I've said before -- … Continue reading Saying Goodbye To Andy Williams
Born To Be Wild — But On A Trike?
I couldn't resist writing about this. I used to tease Mrs. BigGeez about how I'd like to someday buy a big fancy Harley so that her and I could travel the country. Of course, I was kidding and she knew it -- but she still usually responded by threatening me with a big knife. But … Continue reading Born To Be Wild — But On A Trike?
Raphael de Leon – The Roaring Lion Of Calypso
I don't believe we've featured a lot of calypso here on the ol' GMC, although Harry Belafonte did make an appearance at one time. But when writing recently about Jimmy Soul, whose music was often calypso-flavored (although he was from North Carolina), I discovered an interesting fact. Jimmy's big hit -- “If You Wanna Be … Continue reading Raphael de Leon – The Roaring Lion Of Calypso
Cribbage Is Not Just For Geezers
I haven't written lately about my Kindle Fire tablet, but I'm still happily using it and also continuing to try new apps, as I wrote about a while back. I recently picked up a new one that not only caught my interest but also triggered my sense of nostalgia. (More later about that.) It's a … Continue reading Cribbage Is Not Just For Geezers
Charline Arthur Was Something Else
When considering the female side of the early days of rockabilly, names like Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin come readily to mind. But one of the earliest -- and feistiest -- was a lady named Charline Arthur, whose career even included a boost from Colonel Tom Parker (before he became the force behind Elvis Presley). … Continue reading Charline Arthur Was Something Else
Bing Crosby’s British Rival Met A Tragic End
When legendary crooner Bing Crosby was first rising to stardom in the 1930s, he wasn't the only guy vying for the adoration of music fans. In fact, one of his contemporaries was a British singer who was often compared to him. But even though Al Bowlly had a world of talent and seemed to have … Continue reading Bing Crosby’s British Rival Met A Tragic End
The Perfect Song For Geezers
I thought it was about time for us to do another Fantastic Foursome -- four different versions of the same song, with an opportunity to vote for your favorite. This time around, the song of choice is a perfect one for geezers -- "Funny How Time Slips Away." Written by Willie Nelson more than fifty … Continue reading The Perfect Song For Geezers
The Inspiration Of Stoney Edwards
As everyone knows, country music has never been highly populated with black performers. Charley Pride has built a long and solid career and is probably the best known, and there have been a few others, including Al Downing and the legendary DeFord Bailey, who was around in the early days of the Grand Ole Opry. … Continue reading The Inspiration Of Stoney Edwards
Jimmy Soul – The Wonder Boy
Pop music has always been filled with stories of prematurely shortened careers -- and lives -- and we've featured our share of them on the GMC. Another good example would be Jimmy Soul, who was known as the 'Wonder Boy' during his childhood. (More later about that.) As an adult performer he hit the top … Continue reading Jimmy Soul – The Wonder Boy
Geezer Music Club 