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
Category: Retirement
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
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
Don Grady Had A Musical Side Too
I was saddened to read of the recent death of Don Grady, who is probably most remembered as one of Fred MacMurray's boys on the popular, long-running (12 seasons) TV show, My Three Sons. But in addition to his acting career he also had a musical side, and he showed it before, during, and after … Continue reading Don Grady Had A Musical Side Too
Summer Hits Hot And Dry — And Fiery
No, that's not a picture of my back yard. But that's how it seems around here, because we've had a really long, worrisome dry spell. And that's coming from someone who usually doesn't mind a little dry weather because it keeps my lawn from growing too fast. (I've often expressed my dislike for yard-work in … Continue reading Summer Hits Hot And Dry — And Fiery
Rock And Roll – The Early Days
Nailing down the details of the origins of rock and roll has always been a little difficult, but that hasn't stopped anyone from trying (including yours truly, here on the GMC). The truth is that it all came about from a combination of various musical influences, but it is possible to identify key moments, like … Continue reading Rock And Roll – The Early Days