Any discussion of the early days of rock and roll should include a guy whose 1950 breakout hit, "Birmingham Bounce," is considered by many to be one of the earliest examples of the genre. But Hardrock Gunter (whose nickname is not music-related, but more later about that) has something going for him that most rock … Continue reading Rock And Roll Pioneer Hardrock Gunter
Category: Country
The One And Only Tex Williams
Country music has always been replete with guys named 'Tex', and I'm not even going to begin to try to list them. (But if you're any kind of fan I bet you've already thought of a few). You can also find quite a few performers whose last name was Williams, but as near as I … Continue reading The One And Only Tex Williams
Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
I was saddened to read that Kitty Wells, known as the 'Queen of Country Music', has died at age 92. She was preceded in death by long-time husband Johnnie Wright, who died last year at age 97. Kitty was featured several years ago on the GMC and I've reposted that piece below. I've also reactivated … Continue reading Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
Coping By Camping
After a series of days with high temperatures of 100 or more (peaking at 109 on one very memorable day), our part of the Midwest has cooled off to the mid 90s. Funny, that used to seem hot. But even with the cooler temperatures, we're still under drought conditions and there is no sign of … Continue reading Coping By Camping
Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Most of us have probably read that Andy Griffith just died at age 86, and news stories have naturally focused on his memorable roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. But a lot of people might have forgotten that before he showed up in Mayberry, his career had already included huge record sales, Broadway … Continue reading Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Roscoe Holcomb Personified Old-Time Country Music
Once in a while I just get in the mood for some real, authentic, good old country music. You know the kind I mean -- lots of strummin' and pickin' and fiddlin', usually accompanied by a twangy-voiced singer. The kind of music that guys like Roscoe Holcomb were known for. Holcomb (whose family name was … Continue reading Roscoe Holcomb Personified Old-Time Country Music
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
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 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
The Barbarian Is Back
Today I thought I'd once again indulge one of my pet peeves, the ridiculous amounts paid in auction for works of art. But this time I'm just doing it with a slideshow, because I covered my feelings on this subject in a previous piece titled Call Me A Barbarian. Just like that one, today's effort … Continue reading The Barbarian Is Back
Geezer Music Club 