Music history is filled with stories of performers who died much too young. And it seems especially cruel when it happens to one of the many female vocalists who early in their careers took time off to raise families. But in spite of all that, when Irene Kral died in 1978 at just age 46 … Continue reading A Voice Stilled Too Soon – Irene Kral
Category: Retirement
What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Regular visitors to the GMC will have figured out by now that I sometimes write something related to books or movies I've recently enjoyed, although it can sometimes be a little challenging to find a musical connection. Lately I've been reading The Last Gunfight, a new book by Jeff Guinn that takes another look at … Continue reading What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Dorsey’s Hit Got A Doo-Wop Makeover
Sometimes you can pretty clearly identify transitional events in music history, or at least a moment when an old favorite becomes something newer. A good example occurred in 1960, when a doo-wop singing group known as the Chimes had a big hit with an updated version of an old standard, one that had been a … Continue reading Dorsey’s Hit Got A Doo-Wop Makeover
The Music Of The Rat Race
As a retiree, I guess I'm not as susceptible to the hazards of the dreaded rat race that so many people have to face on a daily basis. But I certainly recall a time when I did often feel like a rat racing through a maze, and I also remember a movie of the same … Continue reading The Music Of The Rat Race
Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
One of the most respected country music songwriters of all time would have to be Harlan Howard, who composed over 4,000 songs during his long career, many of them classics. But he would have been the first to give credit to DJ turned singer Charlie Walker, who helped give a boost to the songwriter's early … Continue reading Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
Mystery Sculptures
Once in a while, as a change of pace, I like to include one of those slideshow gizmos. Many of the shows I've featured in the past have consisted of pictures of sculptures that have been created by artists with some unusual ideas for materials. Just off the top of my head, I can remember … Continue reading Mystery Sculptures
Lester Young – AKA Prez
The ol' GMC is five years old, and anyone who has spent some time here has probably noticed that I enjoy shining a spotlight on some of the less-remembered musical stars of the past. Of course, I've devoted plenty of space to the big names too, but I especially like to dig into artists who … Continue reading Lester Young – AKA Prez
Impossible To Ignore
I know I've brought up baseball a time or two here, and I've also mentioned that I've been a St. Louis Cardinal fan for many years, going back to my early childhood memories of sitting on the porch with my Dad, listening to them on the radio. But since I'm always sensitive to the fact … Continue reading Impossible To Ignore
Keely Smith Sings
Dorothy Jacqueline Keely (March 9, 1928 – December 16, 2017) One of the most popular acts of the 1950s was the husband and wife team of bandleader Louis Prima and singer Keely Smith. Their show included music mixed with comedy and was especially suited for Vegas clubs, but the twosome often appeared on TV and … Continue reading Keely Smith Sings
Australia Has More Than Its Share Of Nasty Critters
Something a little different today. I received a long and descriptive email from one of our regulars -- Peter Tibbles in Australia -- relating to the 'spider' post that I wrote a while back. His cautionary tale of dangerous Aussie creatures is so full of good info -- and fun -- that I had to … Continue reading Australia Has More Than Its Share Of Nasty Critters
Geezer Music Club 