I like to think of myself as someone who is reasonably knowledgeable about the music of the past, but for a long time I didn't realize how popular country music was in the first half of the 20th century. I always knew that both jazz and blues were vital parts of the musical landscape in … Continue reading From Honky-Tonks To Pop Stardom — Al Dexter
Category: Country
Saying Adios To Monte Hale
I was sorry to see that veteran cowboy movie star Monte Hale has died. I've written before about my childhood fondness for Saturday matinees with Western movies, and even though he wasn't one of the bigger stars I remember him well. The funny thing is that he's now described as a 'singing cowboy' and I … Continue reading Saying Adios To Monte Hale
Leon Payne – The Multi-Talented Texan
There have been many blind musicians through the years and I'm sure that a few come to mind as you read this. But one that is mostly remembered as a songwriter -- if he's remembered at all -- was actually an amazingly skilled multi-instrumentalist and a very popular singer in his day. Texan Leon Payne … Continue reading Leon Payne – The Multi-Talented Texan
Remembering Hank Locklin
One of the best signs of the level of fame reached by a musical artist is the number of recordings appearing on the charts, but when a country music star also demonstrates the ability to cross over and show up repeatedly on the pop charts, you can bet that he's special. That was the case … Continue reading Remembering Hank Locklin
Tommy Cash – Singin’ In The Shadow
You have to hand it to Tommy Cash. Johnny's younger brother has managed to forge a pretty nice career for himself, even if much of it has been spent overshadowed by his superstar sibling (who died in 2003). I've written before about musical brothers, mostly focusing on those in early jazz, but it's obvious that … Continue reading Tommy Cash – Singin’ In The Shadow
REVIEW: Ray Landry & Friends – Mes Racines Cadien Sont Creux
In the last few years I've reviewed a lot of albums filled with Louisiana music, including Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp Pop, R&B, Country-Rock, and probably a few I've forgotten. Some of those albums even included more than one variety of the area's music. But a new issue From Ray Landry and Friends on the Swallow label … Continue reading REVIEW: Ray Landry & Friends – Mes Racines Cadien Sont Creux
Respecting The Art Of Yodeling
For most listeners, yodeling is something that causes one of two reactions. Either they make fun of it, or they scratch their heads in puzzlement. Those who laugh will probably always find yodeling silly, but as for the latter - those who just don't understand it - maybe I can help. Thoughts of yodeling came … Continue reading Respecting The Art Of Yodeling
Rebel Without A Clue
I've often written about how the familiar sounds of an old song can instantly transport me to a different time and place, and that was certainly the case with one I ran across recently. Johnny Bond's "Hot Rod Lincoln" took me back to a time when my friends and I had some hot rod adventures … Continue reading Rebel Without A Clue
Reality vs The Waltons
Recently I was scanning with the TV remote - a skill most men master at an early age, but one that has become more difficult with the proliferation of cable channels - and I happened to run across an episode of The Waltons, the TV show about a Depression-era family in rural Virginia. This particular … Continue reading Reality vs The Waltons
Granddad and the Victrola
When I look at old pictures, I sometimes see beyond the obvious subject matter and sort of re-imagine it. Or to be more accurate, I guess I should say that I combine what I see in the picture with selected memories, and throw in a touch of guesswork. The result can be interesting. Recently I … Continue reading Granddad and the Victrola
Geezer Music Club 