Although Richard Maltby started his musical career as a trumpeter, it wasn't long before the skills he became known for came to the forefront. Over the course of a long career that began in the 1930s, he made his mark as one of the best composers, arrangers, and bandleaders around. He was especially known for … Continue reading Richard Maltby – A Pro’s Pro
Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
When country singer/songwriter Mel McDaniel moved to Alaska early in his career, he'd already picked up a lot of performing experience and had even made several records for a regional label in his home state of Oklahoma. But after trying his luck in Nashville and finding marginal success, he'd decided he needed a change of … Continue reading Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
Eileen Barton And Her Unlikely Chart-Topper
Every so often I run across a song that just flat-out takes me back to my childhood. It's usually because we had the record around the house, but it helps if it was a song with a goofy component that appealed to a kid. It also helps if the title becomes a catchphrase that we … Continue reading Eileen Barton And Her Unlikely Chart-Topper
Five-Star Favs – A New Special Feature
Welcome to the first edition of a new GMC Special Feature that I'm calling Five-Star Favs. Here's the scoop: like many of the folks who have a lot of music on their computer, I use the 'rating' capability of my media player (MusicBee - highly recommended) to assign each song a value of one to … Continue reading Five-Star Favs – A New Special Feature
The Elegants Struck Gold With A Star
As I said in a recent post, I've changed my thinking about the use of the term 'one-hit wonder'. I know that it's always been meant as a put-down and I'm sure it's perceived as such by the artist, but it doesn't have to be. After all, they've achieved something that countless others haven't -- … Continue reading The Elegants Struck Gold With A Star
Country Catalyst – A Western Swing Classic
For today's edition of Country Catalyst, the GMC Special Feature that tries to bring new fans into country music, we have a Western Swing classic from the king, Bob Wills. In fact, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" became such a popular hit for Wills and his Texas Playboys in 1941 that his biggest rival, Spade … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Western Swing Classic
The Many Talents Of Bobby Sherwood
Bobby Sherwood's "Elks Parade" has always been one of my favorites from the big band era and it's probably the best known song from his bandleader days. But it was just the tip of the iceberg for this multi-talented performer, who could play many different instruments, sing and dance like the vaudeville trouper he once … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Bobby Sherwood
Introducing Evelyn Knight
You would think that a singer who had two #1 hits in the same year would be a familiar name, but I have to confess that I didn't know much about Evelyn Knight until I ran across her story recently. Of course, I was pretty young when she rose to fame in the post-war years, … Continue reading Introducing Evelyn Knight
Armstrong Twins Had Something Special
Although there have been a lot of brother acts in country music, the talented bluegrass duo of Floyd and Lloyd Armstrong shared at least one special distinction -- they were identical twins. And after a long career that started when they were just six years old, if they're still around (more later about that) they … Continue reading Armstrong Twins Had Something Special
Anatomy Of A Song – An Exotic Beginning
It might surprise you to learn that "What a Diff'rence a Day Made" (sometimes known as "What a Difference a Day Makes") actually began as a song written in Spanish by a very talented lady who'd previously relocated from Mexico to New York City. Of course, it didn't become a familiar song to most of … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – An Exotic Beginning
Geezer Music Club 