It might surprise you to learn that a tiny European country like the Netherlands has a strong tradition in pop music, but there have been numerous examples through the years. Golden Earring is probably the most famous, with decades of success and lots of hit records, but there have been many other popular groups. Still, … Continue reading The Shocking Of America
Category: Video
Buddy Tate – A Consummate Pro
Today's spotlighted artist was one of the many guys who seemed to operate slightly below the radar in terms of wide-spread fame, but were always respected by their contemporaries and appreciated by knowledgeable fans. During a career that began way back in the 1920s and lasted more than seven decades, saxophonist Buddy Tate found a … Continue reading Buddy Tate – A Consummate Pro
Lorne Greene – A Singer Of Sorts
Early country singers might have originated the 'spoken' or 'recitation' song, but the form blossomed during the post-war years, when best-sellers like "A Deck of Cards" made a big splash on pop charts. Another dimension was added in the early 1960s when Western actor Walter Brennan used the style on several popular records, but even … Continue reading Lorne Greene – A Singer Of Sorts
Jane Harvey – Seven Decades Of Artistry
I've written many times about songbirds -- not the feathered variety but the ladies who sang during the big band era -- and how some of them went on to become solo stars and even movie icons. But I also enjoy writing about someone like Jane Harvey, who didn't quite reach superstar status but still … Continue reading Jane Harvey – Seven Decades Of Artistry
Fantastic Foursome – Shining In New England
Today's Fantastic Foursome song has several unusual qualities. For example, it's one of very few songs with lyrics that don't rhyme -- but each verse is a haiku. (Or so they say -- I'm no expert on the Japanese poetic form.) The lyrics also mention sycamore trees and meadowlarks, neither of which are commonly found … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Shining In New England
Jo Ann Castle – Queen Of The Ragtime Piano
Much of Jo Ann Castle's long career has revolved around Lawrence Welk, who christened her the Queen of the Ragtime Piano when she joined his TV family more than a half-century ago. But even though she was still in her teens when she made her first guest appearance on his show (playing the accordion!) she … Continue reading Jo Ann Castle – Queen Of The Ragtime Piano
Teddy Randazzo Persevered
Brooklyn-born Teddy Randazzo was certainly in the right place at the right time to make it as a rock and roll star in the 1950s. Every street corner seemed to be filled with talented, good-looking guys determined to make it big and Randazzo was no exception, but he just never seemed to click in a … Continue reading Teddy Randazzo Persevered
The Two Sides Of Hugo Winterhalter
I came up with the title of this piece -- and the picture -- by borrowing from one of Hugo Winterhalter's best albums because I thought it was pretty descriptive of the talented musical director, who flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. The idea of The Two Sides Of Winterhalter (now out of stock) was … Continue reading The Two Sides Of Hugo Winterhalter
Rethinking One-Hit Wonders
I've always said that I dislike the 'one-hit wonder' label, but a couple of things have occurred to me lately. First of all, writing about lesser-known musical artists is a big part of what the GMC is all about, and it's almost impossible to do that without including one-hit wonders. The other thing is that … Continue reading Rethinking One-Hit Wonders
Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy Legend
The subject of today's Anatomy of a song is a Western classic that has had several different names during its 65 years of life. Mostly it's been known as "Ghost Riders in the Sky" or "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky," but its official ASCAP title omits the 'Ghost'. On the other hand, it has sometimes … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy Legend
Geezer Music Club 