It's been a while since our last Fantastic Foursome, so I'll remind everybody how it works. I pick a classic song and tell you a little about it, and I usually include the definitive version of the song. Then I present four alternative performances and give you the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Today's … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
Category: Video
Billie Anthony Chased Rosie Up The Charts
I would imagine that most of us remember "This Ole House," a song that was a chart-topper for Rosemary Clooney -- and one she apparently didn't hate. (An earlier 'house' hit -- "Come On-a My House"-- was notoriously NOT her favorite song.) But even if you remember Rosie's classic, did you know that British singer … Continue reading Billie Anthony Chased Rosie Up The Charts
Germans Loved The Lords
A couple of years back, I spotlighted Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, a British group that's best remembered now for a song that became a rock and roll classic, "Shakin' All Over." I also mentioned that a couple of other bands had hits with the song in those days, but there was one that I … Continue reading Germans Loved The Lords
Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy’s Request
It might be hard to believe that a Cole Porter song sat virtually unused for its first decade of life, but that's pretty much what happened to the tune we're featuring today. In fact, that might be one of the reasons why Porter said it was his least favorite composition. But "Don't Fence Me In" … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy’s Request
A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
As I've said before, the big musical stars have all had plenty of stuff written about them, but what about those who were just as talented -- maybe even more so -- but never got the recognition? Guys like saxophonist Toots Mondello, who was one of the best but remains relatively unknown to most music … Continue reading A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
The Fallacy Of The Famous Dueling Banjos
I've always been interested in musical oddities; things that just seem a little out of line. It's difficult to describe exactly what I mean but I've written before about quirky happenings, and I thought I'd provide another example today. Who knows, maybe this will eventually develop into another Special Feature. A lot of people like … Continue reading The Fallacy Of The Famous Dueling Banjos
John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
In spite of its name, the big band era always had room for smaller outfits. Sometimes they'd be formed from the members of a bigger band and become part of the show, as was the case with Benny Goodman's trio and quartet. But in other cases a smaller group would do just fine on its … Continue reading John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
Remembering The Crests
Although there were several integrated groups during the golden age of doo-wop, the Crests stood out as one of the most diversified. Now mostly remembered for the 1959 mega-hit "16 Candles," the Crests included an Italian-American, a Puerto Rican, and -- in the beginning -- three African-Americans, one of them a lady. Formed in New … Continue reading Remembering The Crests
Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
If you're old enough to remember, or if you know a little something about the music of the past, the title of of this piece might ring a bell. But no harm done if you don't recognize it, because I'm about to tell you more. It was the catchphrase of a very popular 'sweet' band … Continue reading Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
There are many ways to vocalize in jazz, with variations all the way from straight vocals to the nonsensical improvising of scat singing, but one of the more unusual types would have to be something known as vocalese. It's generally defined as the addition of lyrics to well-known instrumental solos, often as a tribute to … Continue reading Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
Geezer Music Club 