When a performer becomes known by a moniker like Willie 'The Lion' Smith, you might think he'd find it a little long and cumbersome to drag around. But that probably wasn't the case with the legendary jazz pianist, an early star who specialized in the 'stride piano' style*, because when he was born in turn-of-the-century … Continue reading Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith Inspired The Duke
Category: Boomers
The Essex – The Sound Of Singin’ Marines
A common thread among many performers has always been how they sharpened their musical skills while in the armed forces, and then made a career for themselves in the years following. But a R&B group known as The Essex did things a little differently. The members of the combo were all United States Marines, and … Continue reading The Essex – The Sound Of Singin’ Marines
The Saga Of Little Georgie Gobel
I would imagine that most of us remember comedian George Gobel, even though he died over two decades ago. Often introduced as 'Lonesome' George Gobel, he was a fixture on TV for many years beginning in the early 1950s. He even hosted his own show for a while, and later appeared in movies and on … Continue reading The Saga Of Little Georgie Gobel
Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
Although she performed under a variety of names earlier in her career, jazz singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln certainly didn't suffer from any kind of identity crisis. Sometimes billed under her real name - Anna Marie Wooldridge - or as Anna Marie, Gaby Lee, and even Gaby Woolridge, she eventually became Abbey Lincoln, and by the time … Continue reading Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
Ohio’s Official Rock Song Had Hoosier Roots
Although a lot of states have official songs, Ohio might be the only one to have an official 'rock' song. In 1985, the Ohio General Assembly gave that designation to "Hang on Sloopy," the familiar 1960s hit by the McCoys, described as a Dayton group at the time. The only problem was that the McCoys … Continue reading Ohio’s Official Rock Song Had Hoosier Roots
The Legacy Of Joe Muranyi
I was sorry to hear of the passing (at age 84) of jazz musician Joe Muranyi, who was for many years one of the best clarinetists around. He is probably most remembered now for being a part of Louis Armstrong's last group in the late 1960s, and for his solid dixieland jazz career in the … Continue reading The Legacy Of Joe Muranyi
Just So You’ll Know
Nothing too complicated today. I just thought I'd explain something that might have piqued your curiosity. You might have noticed that the music samples I post (for a limited time) have been presented in a number of different ways, and there's a reason for that. WordPress does an excellent job of hosting the GMC, but … Continue reading Just So You’ll Know
The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
A talented trumpeter who at times led a very successful orchestra of his own, Billy May is probably most remembered now as a composer and arranger, one of the best ever. During a decades-long career that began in the swing era, the Grammy-winner worked with a staggering list of stars; among them Glenn Miller, Frank … Continue reading The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
Bluegrass Western Style – Vern Williams
I love bluegrass music and especially enjoy the sound of a mandolin, an instrument that has come to be closely identified with it. In fact, guys like Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, and Jethro Burns (of Homer & Jethro) have turned the instrument into a familiar part of all kinds of country music, but one of … Continue reading Bluegrass Western Style – Vern Williams
Look Here If You Need A Smile
A while back I posted a slideshow of funny, unusual sculptures. Today I thought I'd go for funny again, but the subject is goofy signs. Judging from the large number of pictures of them available on the internet, they're pretty popular -- and definitely funny. (Be sure to check the fine print at the bottom … Continue reading Look Here If You Need A Smile
Geezer Music Club 