He's seldom mentioned these days, and even at his peak never experienced huge record sales. He also didn't have the passionate following of other, more politically-minded folk music artists, but Jimmie Driftwood still left his mark on American music. Born James Corbett Morris in rural Arkansas, he was brought up in an family that included … Continue reading Jimmie Driftwood – A Teacher Who Became A Musical Treasure
Category: Video
Hank Williams And The Hunt For The Elusive Sassafras
It's always been fascinating to me how a piece of music can trigger memories, but I suppose it's really not that surprising. After all, one of the reasons music appeals to us as individuals is its ability to generate moods and feelings, so memories wouldn't be far behind. I was recently listening to an old … Continue reading Hank Williams And The Hunt For The Elusive Sassafras
Bobby Helms Was Something Special
While I was growing up, I often heard adults talking about some of the musicians who were popular at that time, and many of those artists are still pretty well known today. However, there were others who seemed to be huge stars in those days but are now largely forgotten, and sometimes I wonder why. … Continue reading Bobby Helms Was Something Special
The Musical Side Of Desi Arnaz
I can't imagine anyone who's been around for a while who doesn't remember - or at least know about - the hugely successful 1950's TV show, I Love Lucy. It was a true phenomenon, one of the biggest hits in the history of TV and a show that helped popularize the medium at a time … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Desi Arnaz
The Incomparable Erroll Garner
The first time I ever listened to Erroll Garner play, I suddenly had the thought that either the burrito I'd had for lunch was making funny noises in my belly, or there was someone in the room with me. The reason? I was playing a new CD I'd brought home, and mixed in with the … Continue reading The Incomparable Erroll Garner
Appreciating The Gentle Giant – Don Williams
Don Williams (May 27, 1939 – September 8, 2017) Sometimes simpler is better. I've enjoyed listening to a lot of country music singers through the years, and at times my tastes have veered off in strange directions, but when it comes to just kicking back and enjoying the sound of a country crooner, it's tough … Continue reading Appreciating The Gentle Giant – Don Williams
Remembering Elvis — Via Terry Stafford
With the approach of the thirtieth anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, we're inevitably being flooded with articles about the King, even though there's not much left to discover about him. Maybe the way to mark the occasion is from an entirely different perspective, and if imitation is really the sincerest form of flattery, then we … Continue reading Remembering Elvis — Via Terry Stafford
Perry Como’s Answer To Rock & Roll
While I was growing up in the early 1950's and starting to become musically aware, I had no idea that the music I was hearing around our house was in a period of transition. But music is always evolving, even though we might not realize it while we're living through a particular era, and it … Continue reading Perry Como’s Answer To Rock & Roll
Pete Fountain Was Always Welcome At Our House
Pierre Dewey LaFontaine, Jr. (July 3, 1930 – August 6, 2016) I've written before about my attempts at playing the clarinet while I was growing up, and how I was never very good even though I took lessons for years and occupied a chair in various school bands. It might tell you something about my … Continue reading Pete Fountain Was Always Welcome At Our House
Swimmin’ In the Moonlight With Elvis And Tony
Summertime has always been filled with all kinds of outdoor activities, including everything from bungee jumping to extreme skateboarding, but one of the most popular activities is one that requires very little special equipment -- swimming. And when you combine swimming with the right conditions - specifically the addition of moonlight - it forms the … Continue reading Swimmin’ In the Moonlight With Elvis And Tony
Geezer Music Club 