Whenever I see pictures or films that depict early scenes from Appalachia I always feel a kinship with the people shown, even though I can't really be sure whether my family roots stretched that far. But my ancestral history includes lots of folks from Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, and Eastern Kentucky is considered to be … Continue reading Appalachian Memories Of The Imagined Kind
Category: Video
Something Different From The Left Banke
Looking back on the pop music scene of the 1960s, we now realize that it was one of the most diverse eras in history. Most of those variations still influence today's music, but a group known as the Left Banke was something a little different. The band's two big hits -- "Walk Away Renee" and … Continue reading Something Different From The Left Banke
Warren Smith – Talent To Burn
Most fans of early rock and roll know about Sun Records in Memphis and how it helped give starts to guys like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. But there was at least one talented Sun alumnus -- Warren Smith -- who was just as good as … Continue reading Warren Smith – Talent To Burn
The Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Shermans
I'm not a songwriter and would never pretend to understand all that goes into being a successful one, but I would think that you would want to shy away from using big, long, complicated words. And yet, that's exactly what the talented Sherman brothers did when they composed "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" for the movie, Mary Poppins, and … Continue reading The Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Shermans
Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson Named For His Misadventure
It's been twenty years since director Spike Lee's Malcolm X appeared in theaters and went on to win a number of awards for both Lee and the star of the film, Denzel Washington. One scene that I still remember well was when Malcolm (Washington) decided to undergo a lye hair-straightening treatment at the hands of … Continue reading Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson Named For His Misadventure
The Forgotten Songbird – Mary Ann McCall
Not every female vocalist from the big band era went on to a big solo career. Although former songbirds like Doris Day and Dinah Shore became major stars, there were a ton of talented singers who just never seemed to get the key breaks. A good example was Mary Ann McCall, who was good enough … Continue reading The Forgotten Songbird – Mary Ann McCall
Matt Dennis – A Different Kind Of Crooner
Although he was sometimes called a crooner, Matt Dennis didn't really fit the traditional image of a suave performer with a smooth baritone -- in fact, his singing voice was soft and often featured a hint of vibrato. But over the course of a long career that began in the big band era he found … Continue reading Matt Dennis – A Different Kind Of Crooner
1910 Fruitgum Company Helped Define A Musical Era
A quintessential example of a combo from the era of 'bubblegum pop' was the 1910 Fruitgum Company, a group that seemed by its very name to signal the kind of music it performed. And even though that name is not a familiar one now, in its few short years of existence the group was able … Continue reading 1910 Fruitgum Company Helped Define A Musical Era
Ducking Mardi Gras
Well, I guess this year's Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is pretty much in the rear view mirror now. And that means that once again I've managed to avoid going anywhere near the place while the festival was in full swing. I've written more than once about my fondness for the people, the music, … Continue reading Ducking Mardi Gras
Ernie Fields Was Always ‘In The Mood’
One of the most iconic songs from the big band era was Glenn Miller's "In The Mood," which became a national hit for the bandleader just before the start of World War II. But that wasn't the only popular rendition of the song. According to ALLMUSIC, it has generated more than 2500 different recordings through … Continue reading Ernie Fields Was Always ‘In The Mood’
Geezer Music Club 