Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that Country Catalyst is a Special Feature that presents classic songs in an attempt to bring new fans into country music. Today's candidate is about an unforgettable horse, and it was written by legendary troubadour Jimmie Driftwood, who also wrote a song that was the subject of a … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Very Special Steed
Category: Seniors
Joe Dowell Picked Elvis’ Pocket
It didn't happen often, but singer/songwriter Joe Dowell managed to pull off a surprising feat in 1961. Relatively unknown at the time, he cut a record of a sweet little song from one of Elvis Presley's most popular movies. The song -- "Wooden Heart" -- was on the soundtrack album of G.I. Blues, and RCA … Continue reading Joe Dowell Picked Elvis’ Pocket
The Other Four Seasons – The Sandpipers
I would imagine that most regular visitors to the GMC, when reading a headline about a 1960s group called the Four Seasons, would immediately think of Frankie Valli and his Jersey boys. But there was another group around in those days that called itself the Four Seasons, at least for a while. In spite of … Continue reading The Other Four Seasons – The Sandpipers
The Many Talents Of Art Lund
You might or might not remember Art Lund, but I'm willing to bet that you'd recognize his 1947 chart-topping "Mam’selle" if you heard it. (And you can, below.) But Lund was in no way a one-hit wonder. He was actually a multi-talented guy with a long performing life that began with success as a big-band … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Art Lund
Five-Star Fav: Turning To The Cool Side
Since the debut edition of Five-Star Favs offered up classic rock, I thought I'd change gears this time around and present one of my top favorites from the world of cool jazz. After all, one of the guiding principles of the GMC has always been proving that geezers like all kinds of music. (Well, most … Continue reading Five-Star Fav: Turning To The Cool Side
The Delightful Dolly Dawn
Most of us probably don't remember a songbird named Dolly Dawn, even though she was very well known during the 1930s and 1940s and was a fan favorite. However, you might remember her biggest hit -- "You're a Sweetheart" -- which was one of the most popular songs in the U.S. for a while, not … Continue reading The Delightful Dolly Dawn
Florian ZaBach And His Very Warm Feathered Friend
Not many classically-trained violinists have managed to crack the upper reaches of the pop music charts, but that's exactly what happened in 1951 when Florian ZaBach had a million-selling record with a tune about a bird. But "The Hot Canary" wasn't his only foray into bringing light classics to the masses. In addition to selling … Continue reading Florian ZaBach And His Very Warm Feathered Friend
Anatomy Of A Song – Dreaming Of Distant Lands
I always enjoy putting together Anatomy Of A Song posts because digging into the background of classic old songs often leads to interesting discoveries. For example, today's spotlighted song is a very familiar one that was a solid hit for many singers, but none of them took it all the way to #1 on the … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Dreaming Of Distant Lands
Al Trace – From Silly To Slightly Serious
The subject of silly songs has come up from time to time here on the GMC, beginning as early as 2006 with a post about some of the best practitioners of the art. That post also mentioned a goofy tune that was a hit for several bands, including one led by today's spotlighted artist. But … Continue reading Al Trace – From Silly To Slightly Serious
Jerry Vale Will Be Missed By His Many Fans
It has been reported that singer Jerry Vale died over the weekend at his home in Palm Desert, California. He was 83 and had been in ill health for some time. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. This post is kind of short because I … Continue reading Jerry Vale Will Be Missed By His Many Fans
Geezer Music Club 