Johnnie Wright Still Remembered By Fans

It might have escaped the notice of most folks, but a recent news article has reported the death of country music pioneer Johnnie Wright, who passed away at age 97 in the Tennessee home that he still shared with his wife of 74 years, country superstar Kitty Wells. Although his famous spouse is probably more … Continue reading Johnnie Wright Still Remembered By Fans

It Seemed So Much Longer At The Time

We're usually pretty herky-jerky here at the ol' GMC. By that I mean that each new post is usually about a completely different subject than the preceding one. But I am going to make an exception here because I'm continuing with the subject of motor homes or trailers, sometimes called caravans by the British. I … Continue reading It Seemed So Much Longer At The Time

Travelin’ In Style

In the spirit of previous posts like Guys Will Be Guys and the memorable Olds Convertibles - Then And Now, today's entry in the slideshow sweepstakes features a look at something truly amazing -- or gauche, depending on your point of view. Once again the pictures were sent in by one of our regulars (thanks, … Continue reading Travelin’ In Style

Robin Luke – Hawaii’s Own Teen Idol

Although he was born in California, Robin Luke grew up in Hawaii and was still attending high school there when he was 'discovered'. Promoters saw him as a possible Ricky Nelson-style teen idol and for a few years he did very well. He's now mostly remembered for his 1958 Top Ten hit "Susie Darlin'," but … Continue reading Robin Luke – Hawaii’s Own Teen Idol

Uncle Dave Macon – The Dixie Dewdrop

When digging through the musical past I sometimes run across a character whose story is too good to pass up, even if they're pretty much unknown to many current music lovers. A good example is Uncle Dave Macon, who was one of the first stars of the Grand Ole Opry and also holds the distinction … Continue reading Uncle Dave Macon – The Dixie Dewdrop

The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern

Despite a singing voice that was sometimes described as limited, Jeri Southern was able to build a good career in the 1950s by becoming the quintessential torch singer, a gal who could deliver a song with impact and verve. And she was also the voice behind a memorable and 'fiery' movie song that I still … Continue reading The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern

A Closer Look At The GMC

One of the most valuable tools I have at my disposal when putting together a new piece is something that is also available to every visitor to the GMC. It's the 'search' function. After more than five years and a total of over 900 pieces -- and in consideration of my spotty memory -- I … Continue reading A Closer Look At The GMC

Two Sides Of Carmen Miranda

Let's face it. When you think of Carmen Miranda, you immediately form a mental picture that is probably like the one shown here: a vibrant performer with a colorful, outlandish costume that often featured lots of fruit, especially bananas. But even though the popular image of the entertainer is somewhat accurate, Carmen Miranda's life wasn't … Continue reading Two Sides Of Carmen Miranda

Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up

Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood, whose long career continued almost up to his death in 1989, is probably most remembered now for originating the much-loved song, "Canadian Sunset." But Heywood's story encompasses so much more, including not only his early experiences in the big band era but also having to overcome bouts of paralysis in his … Continue reading Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up

The Final Frontier Remains Unexplored

Well, I guess I'm not going to the moon, and certainly not to Mars or any other planet in the Solar System for that matter. And it would appear that traveling to distant stars is not going to happen for me either. But there was a time when I was convinced I'd do all that … Continue reading The Final Frontier Remains Unexplored