When you get to be an old coot (coot=geezer) you sometimes remember isolated experiences from the past with more accuracy than you do your own phone number. If you're a coot who also writes a blog, chances are good that those old memories will show up there sooner or later because you're also less inhibited. … Continue reading You Snooze You Lose
Does anyone remember when some of the famous big bands would be taken over by a relatively unknown leader when the star retired or died? An example that comes to mind is when Glenn Miller was lost over the English Channel in 1944 and saxophonist/vocalist Tex Beneke took over. It was billed as Tex Beneke … Continue reading Ghost Bands Could Be Scary Good
I used to work with a guy named Cyril. I didn't realize that at first because he was introduced to me by his nickname, Cy, which I heard as Si, the common shortening of Simon. And even though Cyril is pretty ordinary in the UK, that's not the case in the US. I think he's … Continue reading The Tale Of Two Cyrils
This edition of Anatomy of a Song features a selection that revisits the iconic songwriting team of the Gershwins. It was the last song written by George Gershwin before his death in 1937, and brother Ira then added the lyrics as a tribute to his sibling. Although the song didn't get a lot of attention … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – About Staying Power
It seems like I'm always reading or hearing about dad jokes, dad clothes, or dad bodies, and a few other things as well. As I understand it, the description is used to poke a little fun at what the younger crowd considers corny tastes or behavior by older guys like their dads (or grandpas). Of … Continue reading The Music Of “Dad Movies”
I always enjoy watching the Little League World Series this time of the year. Sixteen teams of 10-12 year-olds from around the world gather in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for a double elimination tournament to decide who can call themselves champions for this year. And of course I can't help but compare it to my own checkered … Continue reading Misadventures Of A Little League Bench-Warmer
It's no secret that entertainers often come up with stage names to simplify their real names, but that's not the case with singer Jimmy Jones, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama, as James Jones, so the "Jimmy" was just a natural nickname. We can forgive him for that. Jones was a singer and songwriter, but … Continue reading Jimmy Jones Was For Real
Smokey the Bear, the US Forest Service's lovable mascot, just turned 75. That might not surprise you because it's received a lot of publicity, but did you know Sam Elliott, the gravel-voiced actor who has been Smokey's voice for many years, also turned 75. . . .on the same day? Of course Elliott wasn't the … Continue reading Smokey Is A Geezer
My dad was orphaned as a pre-teen, and I'm not sure what he took away from his early years except one thing. . .his given names. His natural parents gave him the moniker Abraham Lincoln. I don't know if they were history buffs or just admirers of the 16th president, who was and is considered … Continue reading Abraham Lincoln Reversed
I quit smoking over forty years ago, but it's something that comes to mind once in a while. I don't mean that I get the urge (although it took me a long time to lose that) but just things connected to smoking. For example I once wrote about cigarette lighters, and I also wrote about … Continue reading A Treasure In The Junk?
Geezer Music Club 