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?
Category: Nostalgia
The Tornadoes – Not The Tornados
If you're a fan of guitar instrumentals from the early 1960s, you might remember a group known as the Tornados, a British combo that had a #1 record with "Telstar" in 1962. But we're instead going to spotlight the Tornadoes, an American band that also had a couple of hits (although not as highly charted), … Continue reading The Tornadoes – Not The Tornados
Eddie Albert Was A Singer?
Although most would now remember Eddie Albert as the actor who played the city-bred farmer on TV's Green Acres in the late 1960s, some of us will also recall that he had a long career that stretched from big movie roles in the 1940s and 1950s to countless TV appearances well into the 1990s. But … Continue reading Eddie Albert Was A Singer?
Hutch Hutchinson – High Society’s Favorite Gigolo
One of the most fascinating stories from the early jazz age would have to that of Leslie 'Hutch' Hutchinson, who left behind a budding career in the US in fear of the Ku Klux Klan, only to become a star in Europe. In fact, during the 1920s and 1930s he was one of the biggest cabaret … Continue reading Hutch Hutchinson – High Society’s Favorite Gigolo
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
Deanna Durbin’s Dust-Up With Judy
In terms of singing ability, one of the best of the actresses who sang was Deanna Durbin, who was classically trained and could handle just about everything from opera to pop tunes. Although she had a relatively short career, the Canadian-born performer left her mark in Hollywood with a number of strong performances. (Even though … Continue reading Deanna Durbin’s Dust-Up With Judy
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
Freddie And The Dreamers – Dancin’ The Freddie
In the early 1960s, the pop music flood that was the British Invasion included several bands that tried to present something a little different from what was being offered by the likes of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. One of the groups that seemed to be having a lot of fun was Freddy and the … Continue reading Freddie And The Dreamers – Dancin’ The Freddie
Anatomy Of A Song – Revisiting The Gershwins
Another Gershwin classic is in the spotlight today, joining three others we've featured in the past -- but for a different Special Feature. All of the previous tunes appeared on our Fantastic Foursome feature. (You can see them here: "I've Got a Crush on You" - "Summertime" - "'S Wonderful") However, today's offering is showing … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Revisiting The Gershwins
Jane Wyman – The Singer
Mostly remembered as an Oscar-winning actress (and former wife of Ronald Reagan) Jane Wyman was also a pretty good singer. Although she was never a major recording star, she was talented enough to work as a songbird -- a big band singer -- early in her career, and she found a lot of musical spots … Continue reading Jane Wyman – The Singer
Geezer Music Club 