When digging through the musical past I sometimes run across a character whose story is too good to pass up, even if they're pretty much unknown to many current music lovers. A good example is Uncle Dave Macon, who was one of the first stars of the Grand Ole Opry and also holds the distinction … Continue reading Uncle Dave Macon – The Dixie Dewdrop
Category: Video
The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Despite a singing voice that was sometimes described as limited, Jeri Southern was able to build a good career in the 1950s by becoming the quintessential torch singer, a gal who could deliver a song with impact and verve. And she was also the voice behind a memorable and 'fiery' movie song that I still … Continue reading The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Two Sides Of Carmen Miranda
Let's face it. When you think of Carmen Miranda, you immediately form a mental picture that is probably like the one shown here: a vibrant performer with a colorful, outlandish costume that often featured lots of fruit, especially bananas. But even though the popular image of the entertainer is somewhat accurate, Carmen Miranda's life wasn't … Continue reading Two Sides Of Carmen Miranda
Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood, whose long career continued almost up to his death in 1989, is probably most remembered now for originating the much-loved song, "Canadian Sunset." But Heywood's story encompasses so much more, including not only his early experiences in the big band era but also having to overcome bouts of paralysis in his … Continue reading Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
Count Five Could Only Total One Hit
Although seldom discussed now, Count Five (or Count V as they were sometimes billed) had a brief moment in the spotlight during the pop music smorgasbord that existed in the 1960s. Nearly reaching the top of the charts with the addictive "Psychotic Reaction" got the band off to a great start, but it never really … Continue reading Count Five Could Only Total One Hit
The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
I've always had a little bit of a soft spot for the flute. My daughter played one during her school years, and I've also always enjoyed the mix of classics and lighter music that James Galway has performed so well -- his collaborations with Mancini on movie themes and pop tunes are some of my … Continue reading The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
Chasing Memories Leads To Kentucky Colonels
I've been in a kind of funny place lately -- musically, I mean. I keep running across pictures or films of rural folk from years ago, many of the men in bib overalls and playing banjos, fiddles, or harmonicas, and I flash back to my own early childhood. But here's the catch -- although the … Continue reading Chasing Memories Leads To Kentucky Colonels
A Century Of Orrin Tucker
Although his name might not be a familiar one to current music fans, Orrin Tucker led a very popular orchestra during the big band era. Those who do remember him might also recall that his biggest hit was "Oh Johnny," with vocal by 'Wee' Bonnie Baker. It was just one of the band's half-dozen million-selling … Continue reading A Century Of Orrin Tucker
Lennons Transcended Lawrence Welk’s Square Universe
Although Lawrence Welk has shown up here on the ol' GMC more than once, his appearances have mostly been in a supporting role, as in When Lawrence Welk Became Cool, a piece about jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges. I've always maintained that during my teen years I pretty much considered Welk and his music hopelessly square, … Continue reading Lennons Transcended Lawrence Welk’s Square Universe
Happily Hurricaneless
As a lifelong resident of the Midwestern United States, my exposure to hurricanes is minimal. We have been known to get thunderstorms that can occur in fringe areas after hurricanes run their course, but for the most part we're not directly affected. I do have a Chicago friend who has a second home on the … Continue reading Happily Hurricaneless
Geezer Music Club 