'Can't Sing, Can't Act. Balding. Can Dance a Little.' You might recognize that as the oft-quoted evaluation from an early talent scout, giving his opinion about the then-young performer Fred Astaire. The punch line, of course, is that he became one of the biggest stars of all time; and while his career was certainly anchored … Continue reading Doin’ The Yam With Fred Astaire
Category: Video
Glenn Yarbrough – Still In Strong Voice
Glenn Robertson Yarbrough (January 12, 1930 – August 11, 2016) I've always enjoyed writing about musical artists who have managed long, successful careers that have continued even into their 'senior' years. A good example is Glenn Yarbrough, who has had many years of success, both as a member of the Limeliters and as a solo … Continue reading Glenn Yarbrough – Still In Strong Voice
Charlie Byrd’s Inspiration Led The Way
I've been a fan of Latin jazz for many years. I can remember as a child hearing Pérez Prado or Xavier Cugat records (or later watching Desi Arnaz perform "Babalu" on TV) so the stage was set early. But I'd guess that the strongest influence on me was what occurred in the Sixties -- the … Continue reading Charlie Byrd’s Inspiration Led The Way
Carl Smith Was Known As ‘Mr. Country’
Although I wrote about Carl Smith just a few months ago, it seems appropriate to repost that piece (see below) because the legendary country music star died recently, at his home near Nashville. I also thought I'd offer up another song -- one of his best early hits, 1955's "There She Goes." It's one that … Continue reading Carl Smith Was Known As ‘Mr. Country’
Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee
I thought I'd cash a mental check I wrote to myself a while back, when I told the story of early pop star Ray Peterson ("Tell Laura I Love Her"). At that time I mentioned that Ray eventually moved into producing, working with the then-young (and presumably trouble-free) Phil Spector to promote other performers. One … Continue reading Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee
The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
A while back I was listening to a song on an outstanding blog, Days Of Transition, and it got me to thinking -- always a perilous undertaking, but one that I keep attempting in spite of the danger. Anyhow, the song -- "We'll Meet Again," performed by British songbird Vera Lynn -- was so perfectly … Continue reading The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?
Rex Allen the best singing cowboy? It's certainly a startling thought, especially when you figure that most people would vote for Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. But here's the thing -- Autry himself called Allen the best cowboy among them, and Rogers said he was the best singer by far. So if you add up … Continue reading Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?
Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears
A country songbird I've always enjoyed listening to is Billie Jo Spears, who has had a long career specializing in a blend of honky-tonk and pure country blues. Although she's probably best known for her 1975 chart-topping hit "Blanket on the Ground," she's had several decades of solid success -- albeit with a few snags … Continue reading Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears
Remembering Dee Clark
One of the realities of the music world is that some stars are less remembered than others, even when their level of talent is head and shoulders over that of many of the bigger names. A good example might be Dee Clark, who was one of the best R&B singers of the Fifties and Sixties … Continue reading Remembering Dee Clark
The Sixth Passenger – Hawkshaw Hawkins
I've written before about the 1959 plane crash at Clear Lake, which claimed the lives of three rock and roll stars -- Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. I've also written about an eerily-similar accident that occurred a few years later, one involving country music headliners Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline. But there … Continue reading The Sixth Passenger – Hawkshaw Hawkins
Geezer Music Club 