I thought maybe our weekend post should be a light one. The world has plenty of problems to deal with so maybe we just all need to stop and smile. Perry Como - "When You're Smiling"
Category: Nostalgia
Frankie Lymon Inspired Michael Jackson
Although he died more than four decades ago, Frankie Lymon's name is still familiar to many music fans. But they might not realize how much Lymon inspired later R&B musicians, including many who became part of the Motown revolution -- among them Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, whose style was very similar. Lymon's life … Continue reading Frankie Lymon Inspired Michael Jackson
Snooky Lanson Had Lots Of Fans
Since we recently profiled Dorothy Collins, the sweetheart of TV's musical program Your Hit Parade, it seems only fitting that we follow up with the guy who often teamed up with her on the show. And even if Snooky Lanson wasn't quite as memorable as Collins (except for his improbably-cute name), he had plenty of … Continue reading Snooky Lanson Had Lots Of Fans
In Appreciation Of The Musical Fruit
I was reading the local newspaper today and noticed that a small nearby town is again holding its annual Bean Dinner, a special festival that has taken place for well over a century. Although my family never lived in that particular town while I was growing up, I can remember that we often made the … Continue reading In Appreciation Of The Musical Fruit
Hank Penny Wore A Lot Of Different Hats
For much of his career, Hank Penny was a Western Swing performer in the style of Bob Wills and Spade Cooley -- in fact, he worked with Cooley for a while -- but Herbert Clayton Penny was a lot of other things too. During a long career that began in the Depression era and lasted … Continue reading Hank Penny Wore A Lot Of Different Hats
Billy Butterfield Had The Perfect Name
I get silly ideas sometimes. For example, I've always thought that jazz trumpeter Billy Butterfield's mellifluous moniker seemed to perfectly suit his lush, smooth playing style. You might not agree, but even if you think I'm all wet you have to admit that it is a great name for a performer. Like many of his … Continue reading Billy Butterfield Had The Perfect Name
Rock And Roll Pioneer Hardrock Gunter
Any discussion of the early days of rock and roll should include a guy whose 1950 breakout hit, "Birmingham Bounce," is considered by many to be one of the earliest examples of the genre. But Hardrock Gunter (whose nickname is not music-related, but more later about that) has something going for him that most rock … Continue reading Rock And Roll Pioneer Hardrock Gunter
Another Foursome To Consider
I thought maybe it was time to spotlight another song. This time around I've picked a song that came to life in the 1930s and soon became a standard, recorded by an endless list of performers. Written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, "The Way You Look Tonight" won the Academy Award for best song … Continue reading Another Foursome To Consider
Charlie Spivak – Playing Sweet And Straight
Orchestras in the big band era were often labeled in one of two ways. They were either 'hot' -- which meant cutting-edge music that often featured improvised solos -- or 'sweet', which perfectly describes the smooth and straight-ahead sound offered by bandleaders like Charlie Spivak. Although his origins were a little fuzzy -- he either … Continue reading Charlie Spivak – Playing Sweet And Straight
Lucky Strike Sweetheart Dorothy Collins
Those who remember Your Hit Parade from 1950s TV will also recall that it featured an ensemble cast, but there's little doubt that the heart and soul of the show was Dorothy Collins. In addition to being the spokesperson for sponsor Lucky Strike cigarettes, she was front and center on many of the best songs, … Continue reading Lucky Strike Sweetheart Dorothy Collins
Geezer Music Club 