Country music has had its share of crooners through the years, among them guys like Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Roy Drusky, and a host of others. In almost every case they started as traditional country singers and later transitioned to a softer, more mainstream style. But that wasn't the case with George Morgan, who seemed … Continue reading George Morgan Was Destined For Croonerhood
Category: Seniors
Polly Bergen Loses Battle With Lung Disease
I was sorry to read of the recent passing of singer/actress Polly Bergen, who died at age 84 of complications from emphysema. As has been our custom, I'm reposting our original feature on the star and also temporarily reactivating the music link. ----------- (originally published in May 2013) ---------- The Musical Side Of Polly Bergen … Continue reading Polly Bergen Loses Battle With Lung Disease
Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
I don't play the piano. I tried to learn once but gave up on it. But one thing I do remember is how difficult it was to make my fingers cover all the territory they needed to -- and I have big hands. That made it even more amazing to me when I learned that … Continue reading Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
This is the ninth edition of Diamonds In The Rough, the Special Feature that gives newer visitors to the GMC the chance to see some of our favorite posts from the past. Come to think of it, our regulars might want to take another look at these too. Sometimes things are just as much fun … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
It's about time we had another edition of our oldest Special Feature, Anatomy of a Song, so here we go. Today's choice was popular with fans in two different eras although it had a contrasting style in each. It began life in the mid-1940s as a movie love song that was perfect for crooners, but … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
When he died earlier this year at age 86, Jimmie C. Newman was still making occasional appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, where he'd been entertaining fans for more than a half-century. One of the true legends of country music, he originally made his name on several hit records that featured a traditional style, but … Continue reading The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
We're way overdue for a new edition of Fantastic Foursome, the special feature that presents four different takes on a song (plus a video of the definitive version) and lets you decide which you like best. Of course, voting in the poll is completely voluntary but it's quick, easy, and anonymous.Most of us will remember … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller
Glenn Miller was one of the biggest names around during the the big band era, and he remained an iconic figure even after his tragic death near the end of World War II. But he was also a good friend to many, as Hal McIntye could have attested. Miller not only encouraged his band-mate to … Continue reading Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller
Connie Hall’s Road To Success
A while back we featured singer/songwriter Jimmie Skinner, who was a force in country music during the 1950s and 1960s, not only as a performer but also behind the scenes. Today we're spotlighting Connie Hall, a lady who got her start as Skinner's singing partner but went on to a brief but successful career as … Continue reading Connie Hall’s Road To Success
The Lifelong Journey Of Jackie & Roy
One of the longest-lasting professional -- and personal -- collaborations in music was the one enjoyed by the jazz duo of Jackie & Roy. It began in the late 1940s, when singer Jackie Cain and singer/pianist Roy Kral first met up and began what would be well over a half-century as a couple, along the way … Continue reading The Lifelong Journey Of Jackie & Roy
Geezer Music Club 