For a long time I've been pretty lukewarm about ebook readers. They were awkward single-use gizmos that not only cost a lot initially, but also kept gigging your credit card every time you bought a new book. Nice for the bookstore, but since it's been well established that I'm so tight I squeak there was … Continue reading Decisions, Decisions – Kindle Or Nook?
Category: Nostalgia
Time Keeps Marching On
One of the ways we all mark the passage of time is by looking at pictures from many years ago. If those pictures are of ourselves we can only groan and wonder where the years went, but when they depict others we might have a variety of reactions. Whether we realize it or not, most … Continue reading Time Keeps Marching On
Getting To Know The Triplets
Movie music is an area I've ventured into from time to time, but I don't think I've ever written about a film that I saw a few years ago and loved in spite of the fact that it's in French and I do not speak the language. Of course, I should mention that it's a … Continue reading Getting To Know The Triplets
Dave Pell – The Real Thing
I've mentioned before that I sometimes regret dumping all my old vinyl LPs in favor of CDs (most recently in Bye-Bye To Brubeck Bossa Nova). Another of those missing albums came to mind today. It was an odd-looking one -- transparent gold instead of black -- recorded by a bandleader that I assumed at the … Continue reading Dave Pell – The Real Thing
Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
A familiar name in the history of R&B music is that of the Temptations, a singing group with many years of success and countless adoring fans. But what you might not know is the story of Jimmy Ruffin, who turned down a chance to sing in the group and instead recommended his little brother, but … Continue reading Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
Olds Convertibles – Then And Now
During my teen years, I often rode shotgun with a buddy of mine who had a snazzy sky-blue Oldsmobile convertible. My own car was an old Buick often described as the 'Kitchen Cabinet Special'. (The origin of that name is spelled out in an earlier piece, Rebel Without A Clue.) I have to admit that … Continue reading Olds Convertibles – Then And Now
Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
I've written many times about musical performers who died before they could enjoy the kind of long career that their talent deserved. In a lot of cases their own self-destructive behavior led to a tragic end, but some were brought down by fate. The incredible voice of Minnie Riperton was stilled at just age 31 … Continue reading Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
At one time or another I've mentioned coal miners; not only recognizing the part they've played in American history but also writing about how many families (including mine) have had connections to miners at some point. I've also written about the music of coal miners, and that leads us to one of the best instrumentalists … Continue reading Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
In a recent post about Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio, I identified the musical piece played by the gorilla-masked characters -- “Solfeggio” -- but neglected to mention the composer, who actually wrote several better-known songs. Harpist Robert Maxwell, who composed instrumental classics like "Shangri-La" and "Ebb Tide," deserves a closer look. The New York native grew … Continue reading Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
Patsy Montana Did It First
Fans of modern country music are often familiar with the names of many of the earlier stars, but I'd be willing to bet that few would guess the name of the singer who had the first number-one country hit for a female. It wasn't Loretta or Tammy or even Kitty. It was Patsy Montana, who … Continue reading Patsy Montana Did It First
Geezer Music Club 