I've written before about my days as a radio DJ (HERE's one example) but I was recently reminded of a strange road trip that occurred during my earliest days in radio. It all started with turntables for a new radio station that I was helping my boss get started. Big, heavy-duty turntables were a necessity … Continue reading Dodging Turntables On The Turnpike
Category: Country
The OTHER Johnny Mathis
One of the busiest posts on the GMC -- in both visits and comments -- has always been my 2006 review of a special 50th anniversary release from Johnny Mathis. The beloved singer has a ton of fans and is still a world-famous entertainer whose name is familiar to almost everybody. That's why I was … Continue reading The OTHER Johnny Mathis
The Pure Sound Of Molly O’Day
Modern country music doesn't much resemble what I remember coming out of the radio during my childhood, but I don't have a big problem with it. In fact, some of it is pretty good. But it would be a shame if the slick, packaged music of today caused modern listeners to run away from the … Continue reading The Pure Sound Of Molly O’Day
Dealing With A Trio Of Deadlines
Lately I've found myself in the clutches of a very diverse trio of approaching deadlines, which means that I'm three times as cranky as usual. But at least two of the three seem to be getting resolved. The first deadline is being taken care of right now, by the act of writing this. You've probably … Continue reading Dealing With A Trio Of Deadlines
Getting Relief From The Heat
With triple-digit temperatures everywhere you look, my thoughts have turned to ways to stay cool. I think that might be at least one reason for my attention being caught by pictures of a huge new statue in Chicago. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) It's a delightfully realistic Marilyn Monroe in her iconic … Continue reading Getting Relief From The Heat
Classic Bluegrass – Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
It's been a while since we featured country music on the ol' GMC, and even longer since the sub-genre known as bluegrass has made an appearance. That being the case, it seems only fitting to take a look at one of the best of the traditional bluegrass acts, a husband and wife team that also … Continue reading Classic Bluegrass – Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
Music Legends Inspired By ‘Blackface’ Entertainer
With our modern sensibilities it can be a little jarring to look at a picture like the one below, but 'blackface' performers are a part of music history, and most of us will recall reading about early minstrel shows or will remember Al Jolson, who specialized in blackface for many years. But in at least … Continue reading Music Legends Inspired By ‘Blackface’ Entertainer
The Contrarian Strikes Again
Always proudly contrary, I thought I'd post some pictures of unusual wedding cakes today, since I already covered divorce cakes in a previous piece. But to be even more contrary, I decided to show pictures of just the little figurines they put on top of wedding cakes. They're called -- appropriately enough -- toppers. And … Continue reading The Contrarian Strikes Again
What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Regular visitors to the GMC will have figured out by now that I sometimes write something related to books or movies I've recently enjoyed, although it can sometimes be a little challenging to find a musical connection. Lately I've been reading The Last Gunfight, a new book by Jeff Guinn that takes another look at … Continue reading What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
One of the most respected country music songwriters of all time would have to be Harlan Howard, who composed over 4,000 songs during his long career, many of them classics. But he would have been the first to give credit to DJ turned singer Charlie Walker, who helped give a boost to the songwriter's early … Continue reading Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
Geezer Music Club 