Welcome to the eighth edition of Diamonds in the Rough, the Special Feature that offers links to a variety of posts from the past that I think you might find interesting. They're definitely some of my favorites, but then that's kind of the whole idea. Regular visitors to the GMC might recognize a few of … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough — Part VIII
The Detergents Spoofed The Shangri-Las
I've always enjoyed a good 'answer' or 'response' song, a special type of piece that's sometimes put together following a hit record. It's something that has always been especially popular in country music -- examples include records by Goldie Hill and Kitty Wells -- but it occurs in pop music too. One of the cleverest … Continue reading The Detergents Spoofed The Shangri-Las
Jimmie Skinner Was A Go-Getter
I'm not sure if the expression is common everywhere, but I've often heard the term 'go-getter' applied to an ambitious, hard-working, driven person. That would certainly describe country music dynamo Jimmie Skinner, who had a long and diversified career, not only as a performer and songwriter but also as the co-founder of a record company … Continue reading Jimmie Skinner Was A Go-Getter
Fantastic Foursome – A Funny Face Redux
It's been quite a while since our last Fantastic Foursome, so for the benefit of newer visitors I'll explain that it's our Special Feature that allows you the chance to hear four different versions of a classic song. Then - if you like - you can vote for your favorite. (You can find links to … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – A Funny Face Redux
Mindy Carson’s Solo Flight
Mindy Carson had an interesting and varied career, one that only lasted a couple of decades but included her radio debut with the King of Jazz, singing for a big band, and even starring in her own radio show. She also spent some time as a regular on an early TV show before later becoming … Continue reading Mindy Carson’s Solo Flight
Art Mooney Found The Magic Formula
Bandleader Art Mooney led one of the most popular orchestras around during the post-war years, but his biggest success came after he changed styles. He'd led a solid swing band for a few years, but found the magic formula to widespread popularity when he changed to a feel-good type of music, one that featured sweet … Continue reading Art Mooney Found The Magic Formula
Country Catalyst – A Very Special Steed
Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that Country Catalyst is a Special Feature that presents classic songs in an attempt to bring new fans into country music. Today's candidate is about an unforgettable horse, and it was written by legendary troubadour Jimmie Driftwood, who also wrote a song that was the subject of a … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Very Special Steed
Joe Dowell Picked Elvis’ Pocket
It didn't happen often, but singer/songwriter Joe Dowell managed to pull off a surprising feat in 1961. Relatively unknown at the time, he cut a record of a sweet little song from one of Elvis Presley's most popular movies. The song -- "Wooden Heart" -- was on the soundtrack album of G.I. Blues, and RCA … Continue reading Joe Dowell Picked Elvis’ Pocket
The Other Four Seasons – The Sandpipers
I would imagine that most regular visitors to the GMC, when reading a headline about a 1960s group called the Four Seasons, would immediately think of Frankie Valli and his Jersey boys. But there was another group around in those days that called itself the Four Seasons, at least for a while. In spite of … Continue reading The Other Four Seasons – The Sandpipers
The Many Talents Of Art Lund
You might or might not remember Art Lund, but I'm willing to bet that you'd recognize his 1947 chart-topping "Mam’selle" if you heard it. (And you can, below.) But Lund was in no way a one-hit wonder. He was actually a multi-talented guy with a long performing life that began with success as a big-band … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Art Lund
Geezer Music Club 