I love to look at old pictures, but most photos taken prior to the midpoint of the twentieth century are in black and white. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I do like the realism of color and I don't think I'm alone in that feeling. That's probably the main reason why the … Continue reading Bringing Nostalgia To Life
Category: Music
Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
Signature songs are a long-time tradition in the world of music. Almost every musician or group that has ever managed to attain a measure of fame can point to one special song that became their best known and most loved by fans. But in at least one instance, a song became the signature for two … Continue reading Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
Reporting From The Frozen Midwest
Apparently there's an honest difference of opinion revolving around the question of whether it is worse to be visited by a big load of snow or fall victim to an ice storm. As someone who resides in an area that is currently experiencing the latter, I'm leaning toward ice as the scariest problem. Please don't … Continue reading Reporting From The Frozen Midwest
Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette
A recent news article about cigarette smokers finding a cheaper way to feed their habit caught my attention, reminding me again how lucky I am to have stopped smoking over thirty years ago. I don't mean to sound smug about it because I have plenty of other bad habits, and since I was never a … Continue reading Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette
Etch A Sketch Of Love
I thought maybe it was time to include one of those little whizbangs that I'm fond of calling the 'slideshow thingy'. You might recall that I've used it on everything from unusual sculptures to humorous, heart-warming -- or strange -- pictures. (If you'd like to see some of them again, just put 'slideshow' into the … Continue reading Etch A Sketch Of Love
America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Although his name might draw a blank with the younger generation, I think just about everyone else will be at least a little familiar with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. Most will recall Waring as the leader of a musical ensemble that included a lot of choral pieces, but the man who was sometimes called … Continue reading America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Angels’ Demo Became Signature Song
The making of demos has been a part of the music scene for a long time. Traditionally, struggling musicians make a tape or even scrape together the funds to go into a rental studio and make a record, and then go around trying to impress radio stations and/or major record companies, hoping to jump-start a … Continue reading Angels’ Demo Became Signature Song
Gary Stewart – Talented But Troubled
As I've said before, there's something about the music business that seems to create tortured performers, and a lot of them come to sad endings. Guys like Gary Stewart, who was an outstanding singer as well as a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, but fought his demons for decades before finally taking his own life in … Continue reading Gary Stewart – Talented But Troubled
Lion Tacos Raise Hackles
I was a little startled to read that a restaurant in Arizona is adding lion tacos to its menu. Apparently this place is known for serving exotic foods, and has previously filled its tacos with everything from alligator to kangaroo. But still -- lion meat? Even though it's upsetting to a lot of folks (including … Continue reading Lion Tacos Raise Hackles
Glenn Miller’s Favorite Singing Group
I have to admit that the title of this piece represents an assumption on my part, but I would guess it's probably accurate. Since the Modernaires played an important role in the band's success during Glenn Miller's biggest years, you'd have to draw that conclusion, even if he might have secretly coveted Tommy Dorsey's Pied … Continue reading Glenn Miller’s Favorite Singing Group
Geezer Music Club 