I guess it's because of constant reruns, but I can pretty easily visualize Johnny Crawford appearing as Chuck Conners' young son on the 1950s TV Western, The Rifleman. What I didn't remember (until I ran across it recently) is that he was later promoted as a teen singing idol. But what's really surprising is that … Continue reading The Surprising Johnny Crawford
Diamonds In The Rough – Part II
I thought it might be time for the 2nd edition of our newest special feature, Diamonds In The Rough. You might recall that its purpose is to present a list of interesting older posts that you might have missed, and rescue them from fading sadly into the mists. I hope you'll find them entertaining because … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part II
The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Even if you're not familiar with jazz vocalist and writer Susannah McCorkle, the title of this piece has probably already made you suspect a tragic end to her life, and you would be right. The very talented singer suffered from depression for years and finally took her own life in 2001, but she left behind … Continue reading The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
I guess the headline is a little misleading because the Fantastic Foursome hasn't really been gone, but it has been AWOL for almost two months so we're certainly due for another installment. (A little info for new visitors; the Fantastic Foursome is a GMC special feature that offers a chance to hear - and vote … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
One thing I've learned from years of putting together pieces about musical performers is that there is usually some degree of popularity that crosses borders. For example, someone who was a big star in the UK was usually well-known in America and elsewhere too, even if not quite to the same level of fame. But … Continue reading The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
Country Catalyst – Motor City Sorrow
Once again we present an edition of our special feature known as Country Catalyst. I think I've said before that Country Catalyst is sort of a a variation on our older special feature called Anatomy Of A Song, but one designed for a specific purpose -- presenting a song that I think might intrigue a … Continue reading Country Catalyst – Motor City Sorrow
Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
As you know, if a performer we've featured in a previous GMC article passes on I usually put together a little tribute and also direct visitors to the previous article. (As I did recently for Marvin Rainwater.) But in a reversal of sorts, I started writing about today's featured artist -- Grammy-winning jazz pianist Marian … Continue reading Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
Marvin Rainwater’s Musical Journey Is Over
Once again, I'm saddened to report that someone we've previously featured on the GMC has passed on. Marvin Rainwater, an early rockabilly star who also found a lot of success in country music, died recently in Aitken, Minn. He was 88. You can read more about him in the post below, which was originally published … Continue reading Marvin Rainwater’s Musical Journey Is Over
Snuffy Jenkins Inspired Many Banjo Greats
I always enjoy writing about musicians who were still active in their later years. Although making good music is a lot tougher than anything I do (like maintaining the GMC) I have to applaud anyone who keeps doing what they enjoy for as long as they can. Which brings us to Snuffy Jenkins, a legendary … Continue reading Snuffy Jenkins Inspired Many Banjo Greats
Anatomy Of A Song – A Classic About ‘Things’
This edition of Anatomy Of A Song offers up one that has always been a favorite of jazz musicians as an instrumental, but actually started life as a show tune. With a melody by Jerome Kern and words by Oscar Hammerstein II, "All the Things You Are" made its first appearance in the 1939 stage … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Classic About ‘Things’
Geezer Music Club 