Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that I've always had a fondness for clarinetists, having been one myself (a bad one) and even claiming a sort of spiritual link to Benny Goodman. We've also featured a lot of masters of the licorice stick, but it's been a while since our last so I thought … Continue reading Buster Bailey Blew A Mean Licorice Stick
Hylo Brown Earned His Nickname
When 'Hylo' Brown died a decade ago his name was not a familiar one to most, but he had gained the respect of knowledgeable fans. A bluegrass pioneer who had paved the way for countless performers, his talents included a singing voice with wide range -- the inspiration for his nickname. Born and raised in … Continue reading Hylo Brown Earned His Nickname
Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
It's been a while since our last Fantastic Foursome, so I'll remind everybody how it works. I pick a classic song and tell you a little about it, and I usually include the definitive version of the song. Then I present four alternative performances and give you the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Today's … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
Billie Anthony Chased Rosie Up The Charts
I would imagine that most of us remember "This Ole House," a song that was a chart-topper for Rosemary Clooney -- and one she apparently didn't hate. (An earlier 'house' hit -- "Come On-a My House"-- was notoriously NOT her favorite song.) But even if you remember Rosie's classic, did you know that British singer … Continue reading Billie Anthony Chased Rosie Up The Charts
A Slight Adjustment
I'm not egocentric enough to think that visiting the GMC is a big part of everyone's day, but I just wanted to let our regular visitors know about a change. It concerns something from my first post of 2013, which took the form of a New Year's resolution. In that post I said that I … Continue reading A Slight Adjustment
Germans Loved The Lords
A couple of years back, I spotlighted Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, a British group that's best remembered now for a song that became a rock and roll classic, "Shakin' All Over." I also mentioned that a couple of other bands had hits with the song in those days, but there was one that I … Continue reading Germans Loved The Lords
Terrifying Train Trestles
Although we don't travel as much as we used to, Mrs. BG and I have taken a few train trips through the years. I've been a train buff for a long time and even though she's not the fan as I am, I think she's enjoyed most aspects of our trips. But there is one … Continue reading Terrifying Train Trestles
Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy’s Request
It might be hard to believe that a Cole Porter song sat virtually unused for its first decade of life, but that's pretty much what happened to the tune we're featuring today. In fact, that might be one of the reasons why Porter said it was his least favorite composition. But "Don't Fence Me In" … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Cowboy’s Request
A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
As I've said before, the big musical stars have all had plenty of stuff written about them, but what about those who were just as talented -- maybe even more so -- but never got the recognition? Guys like saxophonist Toots Mondello, who was one of the best but remains relatively unknown to most music … Continue reading A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
The Fallacy Of The Famous Dueling Banjos
I've always been interested in musical oddities; things that just seem a little out of line. It's difficult to describe exactly what I mean but I've written before about quirky happenings, and I thought I'd provide another example today. Who knows, maybe this will eventually develop into another Special Feature. A lot of people like … Continue reading The Fallacy Of The Famous Dueling Banjos
Geezer Music Club 