So does anyone remember playing the Tonette in elementary school? I'm sure that I remember having one, and unless my memory is playing tricks (which it often does) I think I can even remember the little oilcloth case that came with it. The small plastic end-blown flutes known as Tonettes are a simpler version of … Continue reading Tonettes Two Ways
Category: Seniors
Bessie Smith – The Empress Of The Blues
I doubt that anyone reading this actually remembers hearing Bessie Smith in her prime. After all, the lady known as the 'Empress of the Blues' died way back in 1937. But she is a much-revered member of the Grammy Hall Of Fame (established to honor artists from the early days) and is now recognized as … Continue reading Bessie Smith – The Empress Of The Blues
Crop Circles Were Just The Beginning
About a year ago I put up a brief post that featured a picture of a decorative crop circle, but I thought I'd revisit the subject today for a couple of reasons. For one thing I now have the slideshow gizmo at my disposal, which allows me to show a whole series of pictures instead … Continue reading Crop Circles Were Just The Beginning
Canadian Bard Gordon Lightfoot Still Entertaining Fans
Canadian folk singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has built up a large fan base through the years, and many of his hits come immediately to mind. Songs like "If You Could Read My Mind," "Carefree Highway," and "Sundown" have all been big sellers for Lightfoot, who is now in his 70s. But even though those are all … Continue reading Canadian Bard Gordon Lightfoot Still Entertaining Fans
Charlie Christian – An Inspiration To Generations Of Guitarists
Django Reinhardt might be the patron saint of all jazz guitarists, but for many of those who built careers on playing electric guitars, Charlie Christian was the inspiration. And even though he had a very short career and has been gone for nearly 70 years, he is still revered by many. The Texas-born (but Oklahoma-raised) … Continue reading Charlie Christian – An Inspiration To Generations Of Guitarists
A Couple Of Easter Treats
Nothing too serious today. Just a light-hearted and silly song that I remember from my childhood, followed by a three-part video that tells the story of the classic movie, Easter Parade. Rosemary Clooney - "Peter Cottontail" (Sorry, videos removed at source.)
Danny Davis – Bringing The Brass To Country
Depending on your point of view, you either applaud Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass for helping bring country music to a mainstream audience, or you think that they pulled it too far away from its traditions. I guess I'm on the fence with this one, but I do have to point out that country … Continue reading Danny Davis – Bringing The Brass To Country
Jess Stacy’s Unforgettable Moment
In a recent piece about early jazz singer Lee Wiley I mentioned that she'd had a short and troubled marriage to pianist/bandleader Jess Stacy, but his career makes for an interesting story too. He was a very respected veteran of the big band era who first rose to fame with Benny Goodman and played alongside … Continue reading Jess Stacy’s Unforgettable Moment
Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
One of the best stories from the early days of rock and roll might be that of the brother and sister rockabilly act known as the Collins Kids. When the Oklahoma-born siblings first joined radio's Town Hall Party in 1954, Larry (Lawrence) was just ten and Lorrie (Lawrencine) a couple of years older, but they wowed … Continue reading Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
The Return Of My Nemesis
Nothing too profound today (unlike normal days when my profundity is breathtaking to behold) but I did want to report that I'm starting to get that feeling of unease that occurs every year about this time. You know the one I mean -- fear of the rapidly growing grass and subsequent lawn care. Regular readers … Continue reading The Return Of My Nemesis
Geezer Music Club 