Most of us have listened to Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" about a gazillion times, but how many of us know anything about the mysterious 'Lotte Lenya' mentioned in the song? Turns out she was not only the composer's muse, but also a well-known entertainer with a long career that stretched all the way from … Continue reading The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
Category: Video
In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
I sometimes scratch my head at the bad reputation fruitcakes seem to have. Through the years they've become the butt of jokes and even a subject for song parodies (like those below). But even though I know there have been a lot of -- let's say iffy -- fruitcakes produced through the years, someone needs … Continue reading In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
Ralph Flanagan Echoed Glenn Miller
Glenn Miller has made several appearances on the GMC, and we've also featured Ray McKinley (In The Footsteps Of Glenn Miller), who took over Miller's reconstituted band in later years. But there was another guy who sort of latched on to the Miller bandwagon; Ralph Flanagan, who led a band that was known for its … Continue reading Ralph Flanagan Echoed Glenn Miller
Remembering Billie Jo Spears
I was sorry to read that Billie Jo Spears died earlier this week at her home in Texas. She was a country music star for many years and was featured here in a piece two years ago. I've reposted it below, along with a different song. ------------------------- Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears (Reposted from Jan … Continue reading Remembering Billie Jo Spears
The Awsome Accordion
It might sound a little silly, but I have always been in awe of accordions and those who play them. Even if my common sense tells me that they are no more difficult to master than many other musical instruments, they just seem so much more complicated and overwhelming. I think it all started during … Continue reading The Awsome Accordion
The Wide Reach Of Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes
Two decades after his death, jazz organist Richard 'Groove' Holmes is still fondly remembered by many fans. His was a career marked by a high level of comfort in every type of jazz from bluesy and funky to sweet and soft. That diversity and reach even extended to his two main centers of activity, allowing … Continue reading The Wide Reach Of Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes
Movie Music Maven Maurice Jarre
I've written about movie music a number of times, and not just about its importance to the audience's enjoyment of the film but also about how a lot of it can also be appreciated as stand-alone music. A good example would be just about anything written by French composer Maurice Jarre, a multiple Oscar-winner who … Continue reading Movie Music Maven Maurice Jarre
Whatever Happened To R.B. Greaves?
One of the original goals of the GMC was to provide a place for fans of the music of the past to participate -- not only by reading about the music and the performers (and listening to it!) but also by taking advantage of the 'comment' feature to have lively and informative discussions. A good … Continue reading Whatever Happened To R.B. Greaves?
Johnny Cash’s Surprising OOPS
Although he died in 2003, Johnny Cash is still a favorite for those of us who have always enjoyed his music while also finding his erratic path through life a little fascinating. But even though Cash was known to have gone through a few rough patches along the way, his fans might be surprised to … Continue reading Johnny Cash’s Surprising OOPS
The Musical Journey Of Marvin Rainwater
Now in his eighties and still entertaining fans, Marvin Rainwater can look back on a long career that has included everything from rockabilly to pop music, and a persona that often took 100% advantage of the fact that he is 25% Cherokee. Although he is probably most remembered now for his 1957 country-pop hit, "Gonna … Continue reading The Musical Journey Of Marvin Rainwater
Geezer Music Club 