Folk music legend Pete Seeger is someone you probably remember, but did you know that one of his musical influences might have been his 'almost' nanny? Although Pete was pretty much on his own by then and housekeeper Elizabeth Cotten wasn't exactly Mary Poppins, she did take care of his younger step-siblings while attending to … Continue reading Elizabeth Cotten – Pete Seeger’s ‘Almost’ Nanny
Tag: Americana
In Appreciation Of Carson Robison
Music history is filled with talented performers who somehow missed the boat on lasting fame. One who would certainly qualify is Carson Robison, a country music pioneer who crossed over into other types of music too; a multi-talented artist and composer who could play several instruments, sing, and yodel. In fact, he was so versatile … Continue reading In Appreciation Of Carson Robison
Goebel Reeves – The Texas Drifter
It might not surprise you to hear that Goebel Reeves, the guy who wrote one of Woody Guthrie's signature tunes, "Hobo's Lullaby," actually did spend some time as a hobo. After all, a lot of the early folk/country singers were ramblin' men, and the guy who sometimes called himself the Texas Drifter (among other things) … Continue reading Goebel Reeves – The Texas Drifter
About That Nostalgia Thing
I was looking back over some of the past GMC posts and it occurred to me that even though everything here is about nostalgia, it's been a long time since I did a nostalgic piece centered around a personal experience. By that I mean posts like: 3D Has Been Around For A Long Time Tonettes … Continue reading About That Nostalgia Thing
Five-Star Favs: A Mysterious Tale
Our newest Special Feature -- Five-Star Favs -- is only up to the third edition but it's already showing some diversity. After spotlighting classic rock in the first one and jazz in the second, today we're taking a look at a song from 1967 that isn't easy to classify. At first glance, "Ode To Billie … Continue reading Five-Star Favs: A Mysterious Tale
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 – The Story Of A Rascal
Even though it's generally considered to be a Jimmie Rodgers Depression-era song, you would probably have to visit a vaudeville house even earlier than that to find the true roots of "In The Jailhouse Now." The first written trace is a 1915 copyright for the team of Davis and Stafford, but it was often performed … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – The Story Of A Rascal
Anatomy Of A Song – The Sound Of Pain And Suffering
One of my favorite movies has been on TV a lot lately, and it's the basis for today's Anatomy Of A Song feature. The film -- O Brother, Where Art Thou? -- starred George Clooney and was broadly based on Homer's Odyssey (in fact, Clooney's character was named Everett Ulysses McGill) but took place in … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – The Sound Of Pain And Suffering
It All Started With Clarence – Or Was It Tom?
One of the things I enjoy most about musical history is how often you can find interesting connections. I ran across one recently while reading a piece about a currently popular folk/country group, Old Crow Medicine Show. It seems that the legendary Doc Watson (who died last year) helped the group get its start. That … Continue reading It All Started With Clarence – Or Was It Tom?
In Appreciation Of The Musical Fruit
I was reading the local newspaper today and noticed that a small nearby town is again holding its annual Bean Dinner, a special festival that has taken place for well over a century. Although my family never lived in that particular town while I was growing up, I can remember that we often made the … Continue reading In Appreciation Of The Musical Fruit
Geezer Music Club 