It's been a while since we've had a slideshow, and I thought that the continuing heat wave might create the need for something cool. (Aside from the regular coolness that is always present on the GMC, of course.) I did something similar on Memorial Day, but in that case the pictures were of snow sculptures. … Continue reading Cooling Off With Ice Of A Different Color
Category: Nostalgia
The Enigma Of Annette Hanshaw
I'm always fascinated by the odd and interesting details that turn up when I dig into the stories of entertainers from the past. A good example is vocalist Annette Hanshaw, who was considered one of the best of the early jazz singers. Turns out she was also someone who fibbed about her age by a … Continue reading The Enigma Of Annette Hanshaw
Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
I was saddened to read that Kitty Wells, known as the 'Queen of Country Music', has died at age 92. She was preceded in death by long-time husband Johnnie Wright, who died last year at age 97. Kitty was featured several years ago on the GMC and I've reposted that piece below. I've also reactivated … Continue reading Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
Bert Weedon – Beloved By Brits
American music fans probably paid little notice when British guitarist Bert Weedon died in April at age 91. He was really never a household name in the U.S. during a long career that began all the way back to the late 1930s. But Weedon did reach a measure of stardom in his native land, and … Continue reading Bert Weedon – Beloved By Brits
Coping By Camping
After a series of days with high temperatures of 100 or more (peaking at 109 on one very memorable day), our part of the Midwest has cooled off to the mid 90s. Funny, that used to seem hot. But even with the cooler temperatures, we're still under drought conditions and there is no sign of … Continue reading Coping By Camping
Marlene Dietrich The Singer
Although we mostly think of Marlene Dietrich as an exotic and mysterious actress who began appearing in films way back in the 1920s, she had a surprising amount of success as a vocalist too. Although her singing voice might have been somewhat of an acquired taste for listeners, it was certainly distinctive, and music would … Continue reading Marlene Dietrich The Singer
John Davidson Still Doing His Thing
I thought I'd dedicate this one to my sister, who happened to mention John Davidson over coffee at a local java cafe recently. Although he was never a big singing star, Davidson was a familiar presence on TV for many years on shows like That's Incredible and Hollywood Squares, and is still entertaining fans even … Continue reading John Davidson Still Doing His Thing
Discovering Beegie Adair
I have a confession to make. I have the TV on and tuned to the cable music channels a lot, especially if I'm reading. But that's not what my confession is about. My guilty secret is that by doing so, I often discover - or rediscover - performers who make perfect subjects for write-ups on … Continue reading Discovering Beegie Adair
Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Most of us have probably read that Andy Griffith just died at age 86, and news stories have naturally focused on his memorable roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. But a lot of people might have forgotten that before he showed up in Mayberry, his career had already included huge record sales, Broadway … Continue reading Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Another of the many tragedies that seem to occur too frequently in music is the fate of singer Beverly Kenney, who was a rising jazz star in the 1950s. She seemed to have a lot going for her -- an outstanding voice and a singing style that meshed perfectly with the type of cool jazz … Continue reading Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Geezer Music Club 