As a long-time fan of big band music, I've found that even though I pretty much like it all, there are some specific types that have always held special appeal. One of my favorite is the music that results when a band plays modern arrangements of timeless classical pieces, a practice that was known in … Continue reading Jazzin’ The Classics With Larry Clinton
Category: Video
Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
The first time I ever became aware of vibes legend Lionel Hampton was when he appeared as himself in The Benny Goodman Story. He was one of several real musicians appearing in the movie, although he had more screen time than most of the others. The movie portrayed him as the proprietor of a diner … Continue reading Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
Although it might be an oversimplification, the term 'blue-eyed soul' has generally been used as a way to describe white pop singers who perform R&B. You can find examples in almost every decade, even the 1940's, when Frankie Laine was often called the first of the blue-eyed soul singers, and it continued into the 1950's, … Continue reading Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
REVIEW: Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys – Keeping The Tradition Alive!
I've reviewed a lot of Cajun/Zydeco albums in the past, and at some point I usually describe them just as I did in the early part of this sentence -- combining them as Cajun/Zydeco. But it's not just me. The people behind the Grammys recently announced a new category: Best Zydeco or Cajun Music. But … Continue reading REVIEW: Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys – Keeping The Tradition Alive!
The Many Sides Of Ferlin Husky
If you set out to build yourself a country music star, one of the most important steps might be choosing a suitable name. You might even pick something like Ferlin Husky, which sounds like the perfect moniker for a country music singer. But it turns out that the fledgling singer born with that name chose … Continue reading The Many Sides Of Ferlin Husky
WWII Servicemen Loved ‘GI Jo’ – Jo Stafford
I've written before about a subject that's always fascinated me, the history of songbirds -- the ladies who sang for the big bands, entertaining fans and at the same time adding a little class to the bandstand. Many of them - such as Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, and Doris Day - went on to solo … Continue reading WWII Servicemen Loved ‘GI Jo’ – Jo Stafford
Detour On The Road To Stardom – Jimmie Rodgers
A while back, I wrote an article that included some info about country music legend Jimmie Rodgers, but there was another Jimmie Rodgers who achieved some fame, but in pop music. In fact, he was a fast-rising, popular star for over a decade -- until a mysterious event in 1967 interrupted his career. The second … Continue reading Detour On The Road To Stardom – Jimmie Rodgers
Dizzy Memories Of Disneyland
My young grandsons are on their way from the frozen Midwest to Disney World in Orlando, a trip they make with their parents - my son and his wife - almost every year. It's an occurrence that inevitably takes me back several decades to memories of family trips to the original -- Disneyland in California. … Continue reading Dizzy Memories Of Disneyland
The Married Singing Duo That Helped Themselves — And Dolly Parton
Husband and wife singing teams are nothing new, even in country music, but usually it's a situation where the duo just gets together occasionally for special performances or recordings. Not many couples have found that only by teaming up were they able to reach stardom -- but that's the case with Carl and Pearl Butler. … Continue reading The Married Singing Duo That Helped Themselves — And Dolly Parton
Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
When I was a teenager in the 1950's, rock and roll was catching the attention of most of my contemporaries. I wasn't immune to its attraction, but while I kept an eye on what was happening in that area I was also beginning to form my lifelong affection for the type of big band music … Continue reading Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
Geezer Music Club 