When reading about the music world of the 1960s and 1970s, you sometimes see the term 'bubblegum pop' used to describe many of the best-selling records of the era. It refers to a type of music that was characterized by a light, upbeat sound with a catchy melody and the occasional singalong chorus, all meant … Continue reading Bubblegum Pop And The Lemon Pipers
Don Robertson – The Humble Whistler
Pianist and songwriter Don Robertson, who is still around and now in his nineties*, is probably most remembered for his 1956 gold record of "The Happy Whistler." But he always said that he didn't really consider himself an expert whistler, and if you examine the arc of his career there's little doubt that it's been … Continue reading Don Robertson – The Humble Whistler
Diamonds In The Rough – Part VI
I have to confess that Diamonds in the Rough was originally meant to be a limited feature because I didn't think I'd find enough interesting posts from the past to keep it going for too long. As it turns out, we're up to part VI and it probably won't be the last. Of course, the … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part VI
The Shocking Of America
It might surprise you to learn that a tiny European country like the Netherlands has a strong tradition in pop music, but there have been numerous examples through the years. Golden Earring is probably the most famous, with decades of success and lots of hit records, but there have been many other popular groups. Still, … Continue reading The Shocking Of America
Buddy Tate – A Consummate Pro
Today's spotlighted artist was one of the many guys who seemed to operate slightly below the radar in terms of wide-spread fame, but were always respected by their contemporaries and appreciated by knowledgeable fans. During a career that began way back in the 1920s and lasted more than seven decades, saxophonist Buddy Tate found a … Continue reading Buddy Tate – A Consummate Pro
Lorne Greene – A Singer Of Sorts
Early country singers might have originated the 'spoken' or 'recitation' song, but the form blossomed during the post-war years, when best-sellers like "A Deck of Cards" made a big splash on pop charts. Another dimension was added in the early 1960s when Western actor Walter Brennan used the style on several popular records, but even … Continue reading Lorne Greene – A Singer Of Sorts
Jane Harvey – Seven Decades Of Artistry
I've written many times about songbirds -- not the feathered variety but the ladies who sang during the big band era -- and how some of them went on to become solo stars and even movie icons. But I also enjoy writing about someone like Jane Harvey, who didn't quite reach superstar status but still … Continue reading Jane Harvey – Seven Decades Of Artistry
Fantastic Foursome – Shining In New England
Today's Fantastic Foursome song has several unusual qualities. For example, it's one of very few songs with lyrics that don't rhyme -- but each verse is a haiku. (Or so they say -- I'm no expert on the Japanese poetic form.) The lyrics also mention sycamore trees and meadowlarks, neither of which are commonly found … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Shining In New England
Jo Ann Castle – Queen Of The Ragtime Piano
Much of Jo Ann Castle's long career has revolved around Lawrence Welk, who christened her the Queen of the Ragtime Piano when she joined his TV family more than a half-century ago. But even though she was still in her teens when she made her first guest appearance on his show (playing the accordion!) she … Continue reading Jo Ann Castle – Queen Of The Ragtime Piano
The Return Of The Slideshow!
Veterans of the GMC might recall that posts featuring slideshows -- usually filled with pictures of oddities -- used to show up fairly often. I'm not sure why we've neglected them for so long, but I'm happy to report that they're back! Art takes a lot of different forms and some can be unusual and … Continue reading The Return Of The Slideshow!
Geezer Music Club 