Elvis Presley always said that one of his strongest influences was a certain lady who specialized in gospel music (which he loved), and the King sometimes even joined her in duets in the early years. In fact, Martha Carson eventually tried her hand at pop music too and had some impact on rock and roll, … Continue reading Martha Carson Influenced The King
Diamonds In The Rough – Part V
The first four editions of our Diamonds In The Rough feature have made their appearance about one month apart, so this time around I guess we're running behind that schedule -- but the purpose of the post is still the same. Below is a list of noteworthy efforts from the past that you might find … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part V
Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy
In October of 1942, Billboard magazine -- which had been tracking best-selling records since 1936 -- added a new chart to its listings, one that it called the Harlem Hit Parade. (It would eventually be renamed the R&B chart.) The very first #1 record on the newly-created chart was "Take It and Git" by Andy … Continue reading Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy
The Multiplicity Of Donnie Brooks
If you're a fan of early rock and roll you might remember the guy who had a Top Ten hit in 1960 with "Mission Bell." You might also recall that the name he used on the record was Donnie Brooks, and that's pretty much who he was from then on, but it wasn't his real … Continue reading The Multiplicity Of Donnie Brooks
Fantastic Foursome – Brrrrr!!
It would be hard to imagine a more appropriate song for today's Fantastic Foursome. With Winter weather doing its best to make us miserable, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is not only very descriptive of current conditions, but might also serve to give us a much-needed chuckle or two. Written in 1944 by Frank Loesser, it … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Brrrrr!!
Marion Harris – Queen of the Blues
One of the earliest recording stars, a lady who was sometimes billed as the Queen of the Blues, was churning out hit records as early as 1917. Many of those who bought her records assumed she was black even though her style was a little more mainstream than singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. … Continue reading Marion Harris – Queen of the Blues
Anatomy Of A Song – Inspired By A Namesake
My namesake (for my given names) was early American composer Stephen Foster, so I was interested to discover that he apparently inspired the songwriters for the subject of today's Anatomy Of A Song. It seems that a note was found on him after his 1864 death, and it was addressed to 'Dear friends and gentle … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Inspired By A Namesake
A Fast Start For The Impalas
Among the many doo-wop groups that were based in Brooklyn during the 1950s and 1960s, only a few were racially mixed. One of those was a quartet called the Impalas, which had a huge hit with 1959's "Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home)." Unfortunately, the group would never manage to replicate the success of … Continue reading A Fast Start For The Impalas
Mamma Mia! Morgana King’s Singing Side
Here's something the average person probably doesn't know. The actress who played Vito Corleone's wife Carmela in the first two Godfather movies (you know, the good ones) was also a very respected and influential jazz vocalist. Now in her eighties, Morgana King was a serious singer for many years before - and after - she … Continue reading Mamma Mia! Morgana King’s Singing Side
Country Catalyst – A Rededication
Of the four varieties of 'special features' that show up from time to time on the GMC (they're listed in the left column) the Country Catalyst is probably the trickiest for me to put together. It started off as an offshoot of the well-established Anatomy Of A Song feature, but one with a specific purpose … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Rededication
Geezer Music Club 