One of the mainstays of early rock and roll was the tearjerker song, especially the kind that spoke of a sadly departed lover. There were plenty of memorable ones around, including "Teen Angel" and "Tell Laura I Love Her," but one of the earliest -- and best -- was "Endless Sleep," a million-seller for Jody … Continue reading Jody Reynolds’ Classic Tearjerker
Category: Boomers
I Don’t Miss Smoking, But. . .
I quit smoking over thirty years ago, and even though the urge hung around for a surprisingly long time I eventually got to the point where I didn't miss it. And I can confidently say that I still don't, but I realized something the other day -- I kind of miss the gadgety aspect of … Continue reading I Don’t Miss Smoking, But. . .
Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
Although I believe that a person's spiritual beliefs are a private thing, I will confess that I'm not a regular church-goer -- in fact, the last time I attempted to sing a hymn my voice probably hadn't yet changed. But I've found that there are certain kinds of gospel music that really appeal to me, … Continue reading Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
A New Year’s Day To Remember
The start of a new year inevitably makes me think of a memorable occasion about a dozen years ago. If you've done the math, then you know I'm referring to Y2K -- January 1st, 2000 -- when the world was nervously awaiting the arrival of the dreaded Millennium Bug. I was right in the middle … Continue reading A New Year’s Day To Remember
Visions Come To Life For The New Year
Those of you who partied a little too much this weekend might be forgiven if you think some things in the pictures below look a little familiar. After all, seeing strange visions is often a part of the whole process of seriously overindulging. (Thanks to 'M' for the pictures.) Frank Sinatra - "It Was A … Continue reading Visions Come To Life For The New Year
Ohio Express Specialized In Bubblegum Pop
One of the many genres bouncing around the music scene in the 1960s was something known as 'bubblegum pop', a light and frothy sound that seems a little silly now but often featured some surprisingly addictive tunes. One that might qualify is a million-seller from a group known as Ohio Express, an instantly recognizable song … Continue reading Ohio Express Specialized In Bubblegum Pop
A Guy And His Christmas Toy
The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Folks, I'm not gonna kid you. I'm having so much fun playing with my new Christmas toy that I was reluctant to put it down so that I could write this post. (In case you haven't figured it out by now, my … Continue reading A Guy And His Christmas Toy
The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
Most of us have listened to Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" about a gazillion times, but how many of us know anything about the mysterious 'Lotte Lenya' mentioned in the song? Turns out she was not only the composer's muse, but also a well-known entertainer with a long career that stretched all the way from … Continue reading The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Natalie & Nat King Cole - "The Christmas Song"
In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
I sometimes scratch my head at the bad reputation fruitcakes seem to have. Through the years they've become the butt of jokes and even a subject for song parodies (like those below). But even though I know there have been a lot of -- let's say iffy -- fruitcakes produced through the years, someone needs … Continue reading In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
Geezer Music Club 