Folk music legend Pete Seeger is someone you probably remember, but did you know that one of his musical influences might have been his 'almost' nanny? Although Pete was pretty much on his own by then and housekeeper Elizabeth Cotten wasn't exactly Mary Poppins, she did take care of his younger step-siblings while attending to … Continue reading Elizabeth Cotten – Pete Seeger’s ‘Almost’ Nanny
Category: Country
What, Another Singing Actor?
We might seem to be in a bit of a rut by featuring yet another actor/singer, but the story of Bill Hayes is a lot different from that of a recent GMC subject, Eddie Albert. For one thing, in 1955 he charted a #1 hit record -- "Ballad Of Davy Crockett" -- and for another, … Continue reading What, Another Singing Actor?
Saluting Silly Songs – A Puzzle In Purple
I don't think there's any doubt that "Purple People Eater" is a song that qualifies for our Saluting Silly Songs feature. In case you don't remember, it was a huge #1 record for singer/songwriter Sheb Wooley in 1958. But it's also been sort of misunderstood through the years, because the question arose: was the alien … Continue reading Saluting Silly Songs – A Puzzle In Purple
In Appreciation Of Carson Robison
Music history is filled with talented performers who somehow missed the boat on lasting fame. One who would certainly qualify is Carson Robison, a country music pioneer who crossed over into other types of music too; a multi-talented artist and composer who could play several instruments, sing, and yodel. In fact, he was so versatile … Continue reading In Appreciation Of Carson Robison
Let’s Call This A Half-Day Off
Gonna be a quick one today, so I guess that's why I'm calling it a 'half-day off'. I had minor surgery on one of my sasquatch-size feet (15EEE) and it's pretty tough to work on the computer while keeping my foot elevated. (Although I am using my tablet for a few simpler things..) Anyhow, I … Continue reading Let’s Call This A Half-Day Off
Everly Brothers Helped With Bob Luman’s Big Decision
One of the many rockabilly stars who later embraced country music, Bob Luman had a solid career that included several Top Ten records, including his biggest hits, "Let's Think About Living" and "Lonely Women Make Good Lovers." But he almost left music behind for another career -- as a professional baseball player -- before the Everly … Continue reading Everly Brothers Helped With Bob Luman’s Big Decision
The Musical Side Of Leonard Nimoy
Most of those who are reading this are aware that Leonard Nimoy recently died at age 83. He was best known as Star Trek's Mr. Spock, but his accomplishments weren't limited to helping create his iconic character. In addition to a long acting career on stage, screen, and TV, he was a director, a writer, … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Leonard Nimoy
Country Catalyst – A Challenge For ‘Pickers’
Today's edition of Country Catalyst, our periodic attempt to bring new fans to country music, spotlights a song that has been recorded many times, both with and without lyrics. But it's as an instrumental that it reaches its full impact, making "Sugar Foot Rag" a classic challenge for virtuoso guitarists in its more than sixty … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Challenge For ‘Pickers’
Old And In The Way
In spite of what you might think -- especially given the fact that this blog is mostly for and about geezers -- the title of this piece does not refer to a pathetic old guy who is feeling a little unappreciated. It is instead about a short-lived 1970s bluegrass band of that name led by … Continue reading Old And In The Way
Baltimore’s Own Ronnie Dove
Over the course of Ronnie Dove's long career, which began well over a half-century ago, the talented singer has been a little hard to classify. In his later years he's often been called a country crooner, but he was also an important part of the early days of pop music. And even though he officially … Continue reading Baltimore’s Own Ronnie Dove
Geezer Music Club 