If you were a fan of Arthur Godfrey when he was a popular radio and TV host in the 1940s and 1950s, you probably remember the volatile star's on-air firing of popular crooner Julius La Rosa. What you might have forgotten is the name of his musical director in those days, a guy who had … Continue reading Archie Bleyer Joined La Rosa In Godfrey’s Doghouse
Category: Video
Move Over, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers
I've written before about singing cowboys, including one piece that compared Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. I've also profiled Rex Allen and a few others, but there was another guy who was not just a singing cowboy but also a respected band vocalist, a Broadway star, and a character actor with a long career in … Continue reading Move Over, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers
Doin’ The Hucklebuck With The OTHER Paul Williams
You might have noticed that entertainer/songwriter Paul Williams has been in the news this Summer as the subject of an award-winning documentary titled Paul Williams: Still Alive. But there is another Paul Williams deserving of some attention, a guy who was a rock and roll pioneer. His claim to fame was something called the Hucklebuck. … Continue reading Doin’ The Hucklebuck With The OTHER Paul Williams
The Enigma Of Annette Hanshaw
I'm always fascinated by the odd and interesting details that turn up when I dig into the stories of entertainers from the past. A good example is vocalist Annette Hanshaw, who was considered one of the best of the early jazz singers. Turns out she was also someone who fibbed about her age by a … Continue reading The Enigma Of Annette Hanshaw
Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
I was saddened to read that Kitty Wells, known as the 'Queen of Country Music', has died at age 92. She was preceded in death by long-time husband Johnnie Wright, who died last year at age 97. Kitty was featured several years ago on the GMC and I've reposted that piece below. I've also reactivated … Continue reading Kitty Wells – Fans Mourn The Queen
Bert Weedon – Beloved By Brits
American music fans probably paid little notice when British guitarist Bert Weedon died in April at age 91. He was really never a household name in the U.S. during a long career that began all the way back to the late 1930s. But Weedon did reach a measure of stardom in his native land, and … Continue reading Bert Weedon – Beloved By Brits
Marlene Dietrich The Singer
Although we mostly think of Marlene Dietrich as an exotic and mysterious actress who began appearing in films way back in the 1920s, she had a surprising amount of success as a vocalist too. Although her singing voice might have been somewhat of an acquired taste for listeners, it was certainly distinctive, and music would … Continue reading Marlene Dietrich The Singer
John Davidson Still Doing His Thing
I thought I'd dedicate this one to my sister, who happened to mention John Davidson over coffee at a local java cafe recently. Although he was never a big singing star, Davidson was a familiar presence on TV for many years on shows like That's Incredible and Hollywood Squares, and is still entertaining fans even … Continue reading John Davidson Still Doing His Thing
Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Most of us have probably read that Andy Griffith just died at age 86, and news stories have naturally focused on his memorable roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. But a lot of people might have forgotten that before he showed up in Mayberry, his career had already included huge record sales, Broadway … Continue reading Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Another of the many tragedies that seem to occur too frequently in music is the fate of singer Beverly Kenney, who was a rising jazz star in the 1950s. She seemed to have a lot going for her -- an outstanding voice and a singing style that meshed perfectly with the type of cool jazz … Continue reading Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Geezer Music Club 