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
Tag: country music
The Singing Side Of Clint Walker
Here's something you might not know. Like many actors, western star Clint Walker (who is still around, and in his eighties) occasionally tried his hand at singing. And even though it wasn't a big part of his career, he did demonstrate a pleasing baritone while vocalizing in various TV and movie appearances, and he also … Continue reading The Singing Side Of Clint Walker
The Persistence Of Wesley Tuttle
You have to give a lot of credit to Wesley Tuttle. He enjoyed a pretty good career as a country music performer, racking up several hit records and even enjoying a chart-topper on "With Tears in My Eyes" in 1945. He also wrote some good songs, worked alongside stars like Merle Travis and Tex Ritter, … Continue reading The Persistence Of Wesley Tuttle
Jimmie Skinner Was A Go-Getter
I'm not sure if the expression is common everywhere, but I've often heard the term 'go-getter' applied to an ambitious, hard-working, driven person. That would certainly describe country music dynamo Jimmie Skinner, who had a long and diversified career, not only as a performer and songwriter but also as the co-founder of a record company … Continue reading Jimmie Skinner Was A Go-Getter
Country Catalyst – A Very Special Steed
Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that Country Catalyst is a Special Feature that presents classic songs in an attempt to bring new fans into country music. Today's candidate is about an unforgettable horse, and it was written by legendary troubadour Jimmie Driftwood, who also wrote a song that was the subject of a … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Very Special Steed
Diamonds In The Rough — Part VII
As I was writing this -- the seventh edition of our special feature known as Diamonds In The Rough -- it occurred to me that the process needed just a little fine-tuning. Nothing drastic, mind you. After all, the basic idea of giving new visitors (and veterans with spotty memories) the chance to take a … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough — Part VII
Goldie Hill’s Answer To Perry Como
Although she died nearly a decade ago and retired from performing long before that, country singer Goldie Hill is still fondly remembered by many fans. Some might recall that she was the long-time spouse of country star Carl Smith, but she was a solid performer in her own right and helped pave the way for later … Continue reading Goldie Hill’s Answer To Perry Como
Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
When country singer/songwriter Mel McDaniel moved to Alaska early in his career, he'd already picked up a lot of performing experience and had even made several records for a regional label in his home state of Oklahoma. But after trying his luck in Nashville and finding marginal success, he'd decided he needed a change of … Continue reading Mel McDaniel – North To Alaska And Back
Country Catalyst – A Western Swing Classic
For today's edition of Country Catalyst, the GMC Special Feature that tries to bring new fans into country music, we have a Western Swing classic from the king, Bob Wills. In fact, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" became such a popular hit for Wills and his Texas Playboys in 1941 that his biggest rival, Spade … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Western Swing Classic
Armstrong Twins Had Something Special
Although there have been a lot of brother acts in country music, the talented bluegrass duo of Floyd and Lloyd Armstrong shared at least one special distinction -- they were identical twins. And after a long career that started when they were just six years old, if they're still around (more later about that) they … Continue reading Armstrong Twins Had Something Special
Geezer Music Club 