Recently I read that a re-make of True Grit, the 1969 Western movie that won John Wayne an Oscar, is due to hit theaters in December. Jeff Bridges has taken over the role of Rooster Cogburn, and it's said that the new film is a much more serious version, with none of the tongue-in-cheek moments … Continue reading Remembering The REAL True Grit
Category: Country
Decorating Your Divorce
Although the dissolution of a marriage is usually a traumatic event, a lot of people seem to find some relief by using a little black humor to mark the occasion. That can take many different forms, but for a lot of folks -- mostly women, it appears -- a party is just the thing. But … Continue reading Decorating Your Divorce
Gwyneth Tackles The Country Side
Something a little different today. I don't often write about current performers, but one who fascinates me is the Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who -- after receiving beauty and acting talent in the genetic lottery -- apparently got back in line and picked up a good portion of singing ability too. I first noticed her … Continue reading Gwyneth Tackles The Country Side
The Kendalls – An Unusual Duet
Both of my kids have many talents and I've always been very proud of them, but I don't remember either of them ever doing much singing. To take it a step further, I also don't remember ever singing a duet with either of them. But that's not true in all families, which helps explain how … Continue reading The Kendalls – An Unusual Duet
Olds Convertibles – Then And Now
During my teen years, I often rode shotgun with a buddy of mine who had a snazzy sky-blue Oldsmobile convertible. My own car was an old Buick often described as the 'Kitchen Cabinet Special'. (The origin of that name is spelled out in an earlier piece, Rebel Without A Clue.) I have to admit that … Continue reading Olds Convertibles – Then And Now
Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
At one time or another I've mentioned coal miners; not only recognizing the part they've played in American history but also writing about how many families (including mine) have had connections to miners at some point. I've also written about the music of coal miners, and that leads us to one of the best instrumentalists … Continue reading Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
Patsy Montana Did It First
Fans of modern country music are often familiar with the names of many of the earlier stars, but I'd be willing to bet that few would guess the name of the singer who had the first number-one country hit for a female. It wasn't Loretta or Tammy or even Kitty. It was Patsy Montana, who … Continue reading Patsy Montana Did It First
From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
You probably wouldn't guess that someone born as Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski would become a country music star. But even though his real name contains a clue to his original musical background, it would be his stage name -- Pee Wee King -- that would be remembered by fans. And even though he was a … Continue reading From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
A Crooner Named Clint Eastwood
In a recent piece about James Darren, I mentioned that many of the rising young actors of the era were also promoted as singing stars, but one that might surprise you is a guy who is now better known as a legendary superstar and director. That's right, folks. Clint Eastwood was once one of those … Continue reading A Crooner Named Clint Eastwood
Hitting The Target With Pure Prairie League
Album covers have always been a tried and true way to attract the attention of potential buyers, so it's not surprising that a lot of attention is paid to designing and composing them. The right kind of cover can really hit the target with potential buyers, and if it's successful enough it might even spawn … Continue reading Hitting The Target With Pure Prairie League
Geezer Music Club 