The swing band era that began in the 1930s was echoed by a similar process in country music, when some of the groups then around began to perform in a style that came to be known as Western Swing. It would prove to be a ticket to stardom for guys like Bob Wills and Spade … Continue reading Leon’s Lone Star Cowboys And Beyond
Category: Country
The Many Talents Of Rosalie Allen
At the beginning of her career Rosalie Allen performed as a singing and yodeling cowgirl, a style inspired by earlier stars like Patsy Montana. In fact, her first hit record in 1946 was an update of Patsy's iconic "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart." But before she eventually retired to raise her family she … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Rosalie Allen
Goebel Reeves – The Texas Drifter
It might not surprise you to hear that Goebel Reeves, the guy who wrote one of Woody Guthrie's signature tunes, "Hobo's Lullaby," actually did spend some time as a hobo. After all, a lot of the early folk/country singers were ramblin' men, and the guy who sometimes called himself the Texas Drifter (among other things) … Continue reading Goebel Reeves – The Texas Drifter
The Multi-Talented Melba Montgomery
Like many country music stars, Melba Montgomery -- who recently turned 78 and is still active -- can look back on a career that was remarkably diversified. She's a talented songwriter who has also found a lot of success as a singer, not only as a part of several different duos but also as a … Continue reading The Multi-Talented Melba Montgomery
Zeke Manners And The Beverly Hillbillies
I couldn't resist including the 'Beverly Hillbillies' in the title of this piece, but I should confess a couple of things. First of all, I'm not referring to the TV show, but rather a Western swing band that actually called itself the Beverly Hill Billies (although some sources do spell it 'Hillbillies'). I should also … Continue reading Zeke Manners And The Beverly Hillbillies
Country Catalyst – A Kentucky Keepsake
Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that the Special Feature known as Country Catalyst is my humble effort to bring new fans to the genre by spotlighting a classic song. Today's choice might be familiar to many because it's been a hit in several different styles, but "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" has kept its … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Kentucky Keepsake
George Morgan Was Destined For Croonerhood
Country music has had its share of crooners through the years, among them guys like Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Roy Drusky, and a host of others. In almost every case they started as traditional country singers and later transitioned to a softer, more mainstream style. But that wasn't the case with George Morgan, who seemed … Continue reading George Morgan Was Destined For Croonerhood
Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Current country music fans might not recognize Cindy Walker's name, but even though she died at age 87 in 2006, she is still remembered -- and revered -- by many music pros. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, she could hold her own as a performer but her legacy will always be … Continue reading Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
When he died earlier this year at age 86, Jimmie C. Newman was still making occasional appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, where he'd been entertaining fans for more than a half-century. One of the true legends of country music, he originally made his name on several hit records that featured a traditional style, but … Continue reading The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
Connie Hall’s Road To Success
A while back we featured singer/songwriter Jimmie Skinner, who was a force in country music during the 1950s and 1960s, not only as a performer but also behind the scenes. Today we're spotlighting Connie Hall, a lady who got her start as Skinner's singing partner but went on to a brief but successful career as … Continue reading Connie Hall’s Road To Success
Geezer Music Club 