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
Category: Video
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
Goldie Hill’s Answer To Perry Como
Although she died nearly a decade ago and retired from performing long before that, country singer Goldie Hill is still fondly remembered by many fans. Some might recall that she was the long-time spouse of country star Carl Smith, but she was a solid performer in her own right and helped pave the way for later … Continue reading Goldie Hill’s Answer To Perry Como
Francis Craig And A Double Dose Of Nostalgia
As regular visitors to the GMC know, I sometimes write about how I've stumbled upon a tune that's very familiar from my childhood. Today's subject is a guy who was responsible for two of those, songs that were big hits in the post-war years even though his breakthrough didn't come until he was more than … Continue reading Francis Craig And A Double Dose Of Nostalgia
Fantastic Foursome – Sinatra’s Epitaph
For this edition of our Special Feature known as Fantastic Foursome, we're taking a look at a song that was written for Tony Bennett, but ended up becoming one of Frank Sinatra's favorites. In fact, "The Best is Yet to Come" was the last song he performed in public and it was also engraved on … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Sinatra’s Epitaph
Richard Maltby – A Pro’s Pro
Although Richard Maltby started his musical career as a trumpeter, it wasn't long before the skills he became known for came to the forefront. Over the course of a long career that began in the 1930s, he made his mark as one of the best composers, arrangers, and bandleaders around. He was especially known for … Continue reading Richard Maltby – A Pro’s Pro
Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
When country singer/songwriter Mel McDaniel moved to Alaska early in his career, he'd already picked up a lot of performing experience and had even made several records for a regional label in his home state of Oklahoma. But after trying his luck in Nashville and finding marginal success, he'd decided he needed a change of … Continue reading Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
Geezer Music Club 