The endless news stories about the sour economy and the many problems in the auto industry got me to thinking about an old song I've always liked. Written by Wayne Kemp and recorded by Johnny Cash, it hit number one on country charts in 1976 and crossed over to make a good showing on pop … Continue reading One Piece At A Time – Johnny Cash
Tag: country music
The Paler George Hamilton
I suppose it might be due to the approach of July 4th, but for some reason I found myself thinking today about George Hamilton IV. (And by the way, you do know that I'm not talking about the terrifically tanned guy, right?) Hamilton the musician was one of the pioneers of the early rock and … Continue reading The Paler George Hamilton
Doc Watson Is Still Pickin’
Whew. I just listened to a little piece called "Nashville Pickin'," by a multiple Grammy winner who is among the best to ever pick up a guitar, and yet he remains a relative unknown to many modern country music fans. Maybe that just says something about the direction country music has moved in recent years, … Continue reading Doc Watson Is Still Pickin’
Coal Miners And Country Gentlemen
At one time, several members of my extended family were involved in coal mining at some level, and that's probably true of many of us with rural roots. Along with farming (something my family also knew a little about), mining was one of the most common jobs around in those days. In some cases -- … Continue reading Coal Miners And Country Gentlemen
Tennessee Ernie And The Caravelles
As a young teenager with eclectic music tastes, one of my favorite records was Tennessee Ernie Ford's tribute to coal miners, "Sixteen Tons." Of course, I wasn't the only one who found a lot to like about that song -- after all, it rocketed to the top of both country and pop charts -- but … Continue reading Tennessee Ernie And The Caravelles
In Search Of A Salty Dog
Just browsing through old pictures again, and I happened across one that includes a really cute little fella. No, not me. I'm referring to the puppy I'm holding, although I have to blushingly admit that I did possess a little touch of cuteness myself (long since lost). A lot of dogs and a slew of … Continue reading In Search Of A Salty Dog
Johnny Duncan’s ‘Skiffle’ Inspired The Beatles
If you were to ask current music fans what they know about Johnny Duncan, most would either not recognize the name or would think of the country music star who first rose to prominence in the 1970s. But there was an earlier Johnny Duncan and his story makes for a fascinating tale, one that involves … Continue reading Johnny Duncan’s ‘Skiffle’ Inspired The Beatles
Get Your Kicks On Route 66
One of my favorite nieces (actually they're all favorites) is a talented and entertaining writer whose posts on her own blog often tickle my funny bone. In a recent tale about a road trip she mentioned Route 66, and that's all it took for my memories to rev up to full speed like a super-charged … Continue reading Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Geezer Music Club 