In spite of its name, the big band era always had room for smaller outfits. Sometimes they'd be formed from the members of a bigger band and become part of the show, as was the case with Benny Goodman's trio and quartet. But in other cases a smaller group would do just fine on its … Continue reading John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
Remembering The Crests
Although there were several integrated groups during the golden age of doo-wop, the Crests stood out as one of the most diversified. Now mostly remembered for the 1959 mega-hit "16 Candles," the Crests included an Italian-American, a Puerto Rican, and -- in the beginning -- three African-Americans, one of them a lady. Formed in New … Continue reading Remembering The Crests
Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
If you're old enough to remember, or if you know a little something about the music of the past, the title of of this piece might ring a bell. But no harm done if you don't recognize it, because I'm about to tell you more. It was the catchphrase of a very popular 'sweet' band … Continue reading Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
There are many ways to vocalize in jazz, with variations all the way from straight vocals to the nonsensical improvising of scat singing, but one of the more unusual types would have to be something known as vocalese. It's generally defined as the addition of lyrics to well-known instrumental solos, often as a tribute to … Continue reading Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
Country Catalyst – Remembering A Dreamy Song
Seems to me that we're overdue for another edition of Country Catalyst. For those who don't know or remember, CC is the newest of our Special Features, and it offers the chance to spotlight classic country songs that had something extra -- the ability to make new fans among folks who usually don't care for … Continue reading Country Catalyst – Remembering A Dreamy Song
She Was Known As ‘Gorgeous’ Georgia Carroll
As I've said before, during the big band era the bandleaders were the superstars of their day, and just like today's big-name musical performers they often matched up romantically with glamorous actresses. In fact, Artie Shaw almost single-handedly conquered Hollywood, but today we're talking about the lady who charmed bandleader Kay Kyser. Actress/model/singer Georgia Carroll … Continue reading She Was Known As ‘Gorgeous’ Georgia Carroll
Genial Rusty Draper Had Wide Appeal
Like many others in his era, red-haired singer Farrell 'Rusty' Draper found success over the course of his long career by appealing to fans of more than one kind of music. Beginning with his rise to fame in the early 1950s, Draper had a number of good selling records that straddled the line between pop … Continue reading Genial Rusty Draper Had Wide Appeal
Playing Catch Up
Sorry folks, but today's post is going to be a short one. Rolling thunderstorms combined with high winds caused an extended power outage, which eventually made the ol' GMC get behind schedule. Hopefully we'll be able to get back into the usual thing next time. Johnny Hodges w/ Wild Bill Davis - "Stormy Weather"
Anatomy Of A Song – A Texas Favorite
Something I saw while watching an old Gunsmoke rerun on TV inspired today's edition of Anatomy of a Song. It surprised me at the time -- not because I didn't already know about it, but because those old Gunsmokes seldom ventured into subjects that didn't really have a lot to do with the action on … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – A Texas Favorite
The Odyssey Of Mickey Baker
In an earlier post about the Bonnie Sisters, I mentioned that they'd been helped along by Mickey Baker, a talented guitarist who would later be part of the R&B duo Mickey & Sylvia. But even though he and his performing partner struck gold in 1957 with "Love Is Strange," Mickey Baker might have been a … Continue reading The Odyssey Of Mickey Baker
Geezer Music Club 