Proving once again that just having talent and good looks isn't necessarily enough to make it big in show business, we offer the case of Nan Wynn. A gorgeous gal with a soft and sweet singing style, she had a nice career that included time spent as a big band songbird and radio entertainer, along … Continue reading Nan Wynn’s Near Miss
Category: Boomers
Tommy Edwards’ Big Hit Was A Do-Over
One of my favorite records of all time is Tommy Edwards' 1958 chart-topper, "It's All In The Game." It was by far his biggest hit and is still a very familiar song to most music fans even though Edwards died in 1969. But did you know that he recorded a very different version way back … Continue reading Tommy Edwards’ Big Hit Was A Do-Over
Bat These Around For A While
Now that I'm once again fully involved in the new baseball season (it takes me a while) I thought I'd feature a special kind of sculpture in a slideshow. It's dedicated to all the guys who are swinging their bats. Of course, a few of them need to be sent back to the minors. Django … Continue reading Bat These Around For A While
The Musical Side Of Fred MacMurray
Although he died more than two decades ago, I would think that most of us remember Fred MacMurray pretty well. He was a major star during a long career that included memorable appearances in movies like Double Indemnity, The Egg And I, and The Caine Mutiny, and he also had a long run as the … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Fred MacMurray
Hatfields & McCoys Strike A Familiar Chord
We watched and enjoyed the recent TV mini-series about the Hatfields & McCoys, and apparently we weren't the only ones. It set all kinds of records for a cable program, which surprised a lot of people. I guess it just shows you how fascinating hillbillies are to watch. Or maybe it was all the feudin' … Continue reading Hatfields & McCoys Strike A Familiar Chord
The Marvelettes Had A Troubled But Memorable Run
For a girl group with a relatively short lifespan and a constantly changing lineup, the Marvelettes generated a surprising number of hits in the 1960s. Originally a quintet but at times a quartet or even a trio, the group had at least seven different members at one time or another, and is now mostly remembered … Continue reading The Marvelettes Had A Troubled But Memorable Run
Mr. Country Rock – Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock
One of many early rockabilly performers who later transitioned to the country side, Billy 'Crash' Craddock earned the title of 'Mr. Country Rock' during a long career that continues even now. His biggest hits -- songs like "Rub It In" and "Broken Down in Tiny Pieces" -- had a definite country flavor, but he started … Continue reading Mr. Country Rock – Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock
The Little Sparrow – Édith Piaf
A few people were startled when a relatively unknown French actress named Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for her lead performance in the 2007 film, La Vie en Rose. But there's little doubt that she nailed the role of Édith Piaf, the legendary singer whose life story was certainly worthy of a movie. Still beloved in … Continue reading The Little Sparrow – Édith Piaf
Cat Anderson Soared Above The Rest
In the world of jazz, high-note trumpeters are much admired -- not just for their skill, but for their audacity. It takes a lot of courage to specialize in a type of playing that is very appealing to most listeners but is reminiscent of fingernails on a blackboard to others. One of the best at … Continue reading Cat Anderson Soared Above The Rest
The Legacy Of Doc Watson
I was saddened to read that country music legend Doc Watson, who popularized the flatpicking style of guitar play, has passed away at age 89. He was the subject of a GMC piece several years ago, so I have repeated it below and reactivated the music in the left column. (The following was originally posted … Continue reading The Legacy Of Doc Watson
Geezer Music Club 