In the early days she was often billed as 'Miss' Toni Fisher, and DJ Wink Martindale once said that the reason for that was to assure fans that she was indeed a girl, in spite of her powerful voice. Whether that's true or not, she did make a big splash in 1959 with her unforgettable … Continue reading She Was Known As ‘Miss’ Toni Fisher
Five-Star Favs – It’s Disco Time!
You might be a little surprised to find that this edition of Five-Star Favs features a disco song, but I've always said that I like a lot of different kinds of music. And in fact, today's choice is one of the songs that helped create the disco craze back in the 1970s, but I don't … Continue reading Five-Star Favs – It’s Disco Time!
George Morgan Was Destined For Croonerhood
Country music has had its share of crooners through the years, among them guys like Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Roy Drusky, and a host of others. In almost every case they started as traditional country singers and later transitioned to a softer, more mainstream style. But that wasn't the case with George Morgan, who seemed … Continue reading George Morgan Was Destined For Croonerhood
Polly Bergen Loses Battle With Lung Disease
I was sorry to read of the recent passing of singer/actress Polly Bergen, who died at age 84 of complications from emphysema. As has been our custom, I'm reposting our original feature on the star and also temporarily reactivating the music link. ----------- (originally published in May 2013) ---------- The Musical Side Of Polly Bergen … Continue reading Polly Bergen Loses Battle With Lung Disease
Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
I don't play the piano. I tried to learn once but gave up on it. But one thing I do remember is how difficult it was to make my fingers cover all the territory they needed to -- and I have big hands. That made it even more amazing to me when I learned that … Continue reading Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
This is the ninth edition of Diamonds In The Rough, the Special Feature that gives newer visitors to the GMC the chance to see some of our favorite posts from the past. Come to think of it, our regulars might want to take another look at these too. Sometimes things are just as much fun … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Most of us know about Sun Records in Memphis, and how stars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich worked there in the early years -- as did a guy named Elvis. But another Sun veteran isn't quite as well remembered, and yet Bill Justis had a pretty good career too, … Continue reading Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Current country music fans might not recognize Cindy Walker's name, but even though she died at age 87 in 2006, she is still remembered -- and revered -- by many music pros. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, she could hold her own as a performer but her legacy will always be … Continue reading Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
It's about time we had another edition of our oldest Special Feature, Anatomy of a Song, so here we go. Today's choice was popular with fans in two different eras although it had a contrasting style in each. It began life in the mid-1940s as a movie love song that was perfect for crooners, but … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
We haven't featured a jazz musician for a while and today's spotlight falls on one of the best, alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. A contemporary of Charlie 'Bird' Parker -- in fact, he played alongside him in the early years -- Criss was an early bloomer musically, but his career reached a sad and abrupt end … Continue reading Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
Geezer Music Club 