When a performer becomes known by a moniker like Willie 'The Lion' Smith, you might think he'd find it a little long and cumbersome to drag around. But that probably wasn't the case with the legendary jazz pianist, an early star who specialized in the 'stride piano' style*, because when he was born in turn-of-the-century … Continue reading Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith Inspired The Duke
Category: Video
The Essex – The Sound Of Singin’ Marines
A common thread among many performers has always been how they sharpened their musical skills while in the armed forces, and then made a career for themselves in the years following. But a R&B group known as The Essex did things a little differently. The members of the combo were all United States Marines, and … Continue reading The Essex – The Sound Of Singin’ Marines
The Saga Of Little Georgie Gobel
I would imagine that most of us remember comedian George Gobel, even though he died over two decades ago. Often introduced as 'Lonesome' George Gobel, he was a fixture on TV for many years beginning in the early 1950s. He even hosted his own show for a while, and later appeared in movies and on … Continue reading The Saga Of Little Georgie Gobel
Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
Although she performed under a variety of names earlier in her career, jazz singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln certainly didn't suffer from any kind of identity crisis. Sometimes billed under her real name - Anna Marie Wooldridge - or as Anna Marie, Gaby Lee, and even Gaby Woolridge, she eventually became Abbey Lincoln, and by the time … Continue reading Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
Ohio’s Official Rock Song Had Hoosier Roots
Although a lot of states have official songs, Ohio might be the only one to have an official 'rock' song. In 1985, the Ohio General Assembly gave that designation to "Hang on Sloopy," the familiar 1960s hit by the McCoys, described as a Dayton group at the time. The only problem was that the McCoys … Continue reading Ohio’s Official Rock Song Had Hoosier Roots
The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
A talented trumpeter who at times led a very successful orchestra of his own, Billy May is probably most remembered now as a composer and arranger, one of the best ever. During a decades-long career that began in the swing era, the Grammy-winner worked with a staggering list of stars; among them Glenn Miller, Frank … Continue reading The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
Bluegrass Western Style – Vern Williams
I love bluegrass music and especially enjoy the sound of a mandolin, an instrument that has come to be closely identified with it. In fact, guys like Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, and Jethro Burns (of Homer & Jethro) have turned the instrument into a familiar part of all kinds of country music, but one of … Continue reading Bluegrass Western Style – Vern Williams
Dick Clark – It All Began With American Bandstand
A little honesty is called for here. Whenever a familiar name from the musical world dies, if it's someone that I've written about before then I often repost the previous piece, with an introduction explaining why I'm doing so. But it's not quite that simple with Dick Clark, who died recently. He wasn't a musical … Continue reading Dick Clark – It All Began With American Bandstand
Jimmie Noone Inspired The King Of Swing
Regular visitors to the GMC know that I've always had a soft spot for clarinet legend Benny Goodman. The Chicago native has shown up in several pieces, including the one that is probably my favorite, Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?, but I don't think I've ever written about his early influences, and at least one … Continue reading Jimmie Noone Inspired The King Of Swing
Skeets McDonald VS Perry Como
I've written before about how certain songs seem so familiar that I'm convinced we had the record around the house while I was growing up. A good example would be Perry Como's "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes," which topped the pop charts in 1952. But even though his version is the one … Continue reading Skeets McDonald VS Perry Como
Geezer Music Club 