Although you seldom hear Lee Wiley's name mentioned now, she was one of the best of the early jazz singers, with a very distinctive voice and style. She was also a pioneer in the practice of recording 'songbook' albums built around a single composer, and even though it's been well over three decades since her … Continue reading Appreciating Lee Wiley
Category: Seniors
The Happenings Are Happening Again
Like so many other 'oldies' groups, the 1960s combo known as The Happenings has been reincarnated in recent years and seems to have found some success, judging from the video below. Some of the original guys are on board (literally, when playing on cruise ships) and are helping recreate the sounds of the past, including … Continue reading The Happenings Are Happening Again
Helen O’Connell – A Fan Favorite
Helen O'Connell's vivacious personality and dimpled cheeks might have helped her get noticed by fans in the big band era, but she could sell a song with the best of them. And even if her voice didn't quite have the range enjoyed by some of her contemporaries, she became one of the most popular songbirds … Continue reading Helen O’Connell – A Fan Favorite
Warner Mack – An Interrupted Journey
Country music fans might remember Warner Mack as a popular singing star with a number-one hit on 1965's "The Bridge Washed Out," but not many will recall that his singing career was stalled by an auto accident that left him severely injured. And even though he slowly worked his way back to a measure of … Continue reading Warner Mack – An Interrupted Journey
Neal Hefti – Before Batman
It all started when Mrs. Big Geez commented about a particular song that seemed to have lyrics that were endlessly repetitive. I don't remember what it was, but it did seem to go over and over the same territory way more than necessary. It also got me to thinking about songs that repeat lyrics, and … Continue reading Neal Hefti – Before Batman
The Voice Of Sue Thompson
I've always been intrigued by performers who managed to extend their careers by transitioning from one kind of music to another. Some those who succeeded are more remembered than others, but many long-time music fans might recall Sue Thompson, who rose to fame as an early 1960s pop star but later returned to her country … Continue reading The Voice Of Sue Thompson
A Good Night’s Sleep
Before I became a geezer myself, it always seemed to me that older people incessantly complained about their inability to get a good night's sleep. In fact, I remember a former father-in-law of mine who insisted that he never slept, period. As I approached my golden years I was sort of expecting that I might … Continue reading A Good Night’s Sleep
An Eye-Opener — Or A Head-Scratcher?
I've been sort of circling around an idea, one that might or might not turn into an occasional feature for us here on the ol' GMC. It has to do with a couple of recent thoughts -- neither of which rise to the level of an epiphany, but are still worth considering. First of all, … Continue reading An Eye-Opener — Or A Head-Scratcher?
The Bel Airs – Early California Surf Sound
I have to admit that the only Bel Air I remember from the early 1960s was the Chevrolet model carrying the name -- although I might have been vaguely aware of the affluent section of Los Angeles that the auto was presumably named for. But it turns out that one of the songs that was … Continue reading The Bel Airs – Early California Surf Sound
Even Elvis Loved Bumper Cars
A bunch of fascinating pictures from one of our regulars (thanks, M!) led to today's feature. Apparently a guy in San Diego has spent a lot of time and effort making fancy, customized, street-ready vehicles from old bumper cars that were salvaged from a defunct amusement park. Although there aren't many of the original bumper … Continue reading Even Elvis Loved Bumper Cars
Geezer Music Club 