It might be hard to believe, but it's been almost a month since our last Fantastic Foursome. (For those who are new to the GMC, that's the completely silly name I've given to a post that features four different versions of a song and then asks for your vote.) This time around it's an old … Continue reading And Here We Go Again
Category: Video
Frances Langford – The Accidental Songbird
Although she didn't spend a large part of her multifaceted career fronting for a big band, songstress Frances Langford knew her way around a bandstand, and was one of the best songbirds around. But the singer who was so beloved by World War II servicemen that she was called 'The Sweetheart of the Fighting Fronts' … Continue reading Frances Langford – The Accidental Songbird
The Versatility Of Adam Wade
A lot of crooners have shown up on the ol' GMC, but one of the most versatile would have to be Adam Wade. A skilled drummer and a smooth and silky singer in the mold of Johnny Mathis, he has had a fascinating life that includes everything from academia to acting -- and he also … Continue reading The Versatility Of Adam Wade
Roy Smeck – The Wizard Of The Strings
By the time he died in 1994, Roy Smeck was in his nineties and many years removed from his heyday as a performer, which began in the 1920s. But the guy known as the 'Wizard Of The Strings' was still a legend to several generations of musicians, who were not only inspired by his virtuosity … Continue reading Roy Smeck – The Wizard Of The Strings
Saying Goodbye To Andy Williams
Although I don't go out of my way to scan the daily obituaries, you might have noticed that I occasionally mark the passing of a performer by reposting an earlier article I've written about them. But some of the biggest stars have never been featured on the GMC, because -- as I've said before -- … Continue reading Saying Goodbye To Andy Williams
Born To Be Wild — But On A Trike?
I couldn't resist writing about this. I used to tease Mrs. BigGeez about how I'd like to someday buy a big fancy Harley so that her and I could travel the country. Of course, I was kidding and she knew it -- but she still usually responded by threatening me with a big knife. But … Continue reading Born To Be Wild — But On A Trike?
Raphael de Leon – The Roaring Lion Of Calypso
I don't believe we've featured a lot of calypso here on the ol' GMC, although Harry Belafonte did make an appearance at one time. But when writing recently about Jimmy Soul, whose music was often calypso-flavored (although he was from North Carolina), I discovered an interesting fact. Jimmy's big hit -- “If You Wanna Be … Continue reading Raphael de Leon – The Roaring Lion Of Calypso
Charline Arthur Was Something Else
When considering the female side of the early days of rockabilly, names like Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin come readily to mind. But one of the earliest -- and feistiest -- was a lady named Charline Arthur, whose career even included a boost from Colonel Tom Parker (before he became the force behind Elvis Presley). … Continue reading Charline Arthur Was Something Else
Bing Crosby’s British Rival Met A Tragic End
When legendary crooner Bing Crosby was first rising to stardom in the 1930s, he wasn't the only guy vying for the adoration of music fans. In fact, one of his contemporaries was a British singer who was often compared to him. But even though Al Bowlly had a world of talent and seemed to have … Continue reading Bing Crosby’s British Rival Met A Tragic End
The Perfect Song For Geezers
I thought it was about time for us to do another Fantastic Foursome -- four different versions of the same song, with an opportunity to vote for your favorite. This time around, the song of choice is a perfect one for geezers -- "Funny How Time Slips Away." Written by Willie Nelson more than fifty … Continue reading The Perfect Song For Geezers
Geezer Music Club 