I was saddened to read that Davy Jones, the sole British member of the Monkees and a favorite of many of the pop group's fans, died unexpectedly in Florida after suffering an apparent heart attack. Just 66 at the time of his death, he is survived by his wife and four daughters. The song below … Continue reading Davy Jones Starred With The Monkees
Category: Seniors
Matt Dennis – A Different Kind Of Crooner
Although he was sometimes called a crooner, Matt Dennis didn't really fit the traditional image of a suave performer with a smooth baritone -- in fact, his singing voice was soft and often featured a hint of vibrato. But over the course of a long career that began in the big band era he found … Continue reading Matt Dennis – A Different Kind Of Crooner
1910 Fruitgum Company Helped Define A Musical Era
A quintessential example of a combo from the era of 'bubblegum pop' was the 1910 Fruitgum Company, a group that seemed by its very name to signal the kind of music it performed. And even though that name is not a familiar one now, in its few short years of existence the group was able … Continue reading 1910 Fruitgum Company Helped Define A Musical Era
Ducking Mardi Gras
Well, I guess this year's Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is pretty much in the rear view mirror now. And that means that once again I've managed to avoid going anywhere near the place while the festival was in full swing. I've written more than once about my fondness for the people, the music, … Continue reading Ducking Mardi Gras
Ernie Fields Was Always ‘In The Mood’
One of the most iconic songs from the big band era was Glenn Miller's "In The Mood," which became a national hit for the bandleader just before the start of World War II. But that wasn't the only popular rendition of the song. According to ALLMUSIC, it has generated more than 2500 different recordings through … Continue reading Ernie Fields Was Always ‘In The Mood’
Mabel Mercer Inspired Sinatra And Others
Although she died in 1984 and is probably not a familiar name to current music fans, cabaret singer Mabel Mercer is still fondly remembered by many. She rose from humble beginnings to become a respected and much-admired performer during a colorful career that stretched out for many years. Along the way she influenced countless stars, … Continue reading Mabel Mercer Inspired Sinatra And Others
The Nostalgia Well Might Be Drying Up
Regular visitors to the GMC know that we're mostly about nostalgia and music, with an occasional shot of current events. But one of the situations that arise from something like this being around for so long (six years and a thousand+ posts) is that you start feeling like you're beginning to scrape the bottom of … Continue reading The Nostalgia Well Might Be Drying Up
Eddie Lang – The Father of Jazz Guitar
Throughout musical history, most professional artists have had numerous opportunities to work with some of the best of their contemporaries, sometimes building up an impressive list of collaborators during a long career. But in at least one case, a pioneering jazz guitarist with a tragically shortened career still left behind a legacy that included working … Continue reading Eddie Lang – The Father of Jazz Guitar
Diamonds Might Have Been An Exception To The Rule
It's common knowledge that the early days of rock and roll included many instances of white performers redoing songs originated by black artists, in the belief that it made them more accessible to mainstream music fans. The most often mentioned example is Pat Boone vs Little Richard, and Boone's watered-down renditions did sell a lot … Continue reading Diamonds Might Have Been An Exception To The Rule
Keeping My Fingers And Toes Crossed
I did something similar to this last Winter. The difference then was that we had some ice and snow around but I was just thankful that conditions were nowhere near that shown in the pictures. This time around, I'm happy to report that here in the Central Midwest we're having the mildest Winter I can … Continue reading Keeping My Fingers And Toes Crossed
Geezer Music Club 