A while back I wrote a piece about my childhood memories of trying to learn how to throw a knife like guys in movies. At the risk of sounding like someone who is spending way too much time thinking about sharply pointed objects, I thought I'd pass along the fact that I've now recalled another … Continue reading Return Of The Knife Guy
Tag: Music History
Shelley Fabares – The Teen Idol Years
I've always enjoyed well-written TV sitcoms with likable characters, and one of my favorites from the 1990s was Coach, which starred Craig T. Nelson, Shelley Fabares, and Jerry Van Dyke. It has been rerun fairly often through the years and Mrs. BigGeez and I have tuned in a number of times, but she had to … Continue reading Shelley Fabares – The Teen Idol Years
Joe Val – The Voice Of New England Bluegrass
Not every country music performer hails from the rural heartland. Joe Val spent many years as one of the most respected country artists around, and he was an Italian/American (real name: Joseph Valiante) who was born and raised in the Boston area. But New England has always had a strong tradition in country music, including … Continue reading Joe Val – The Voice Of New England Bluegrass
The Long Interlude Of Frank Morgan
I was sorry to read about the death of Etta James, although it wasn't unexpected because she'd been in ill health for quite a while. But even though I was a fan, her life story is being well-covered everywhere so I thought I'd go in a different direction. Thinking about some of the problems she … Continue reading The Long Interlude Of Frank Morgan
Following In The Footsteps Of The Monkees
Most of us remember the Monkees, a 1960s group that was cobbled together for TV and went on to become a veritable hit machine, eventually rising above its origins to become a respected musical combo. But what you might not remember is how music supervisor Don Kirshner went on to create another pop music success, … Continue reading Following In The Footsteps Of The Monkees
The Artistry Of Art Van Damme
Although he might not be as well remembered as the guys we mentioned in a recent piece about accordions (Lawrence Welk and Myron Floren), Art Van Damme had some distinctions of his own. In addition to a long career in radio and TV, he was a respected jazz musician with an international reputation, and he … Continue reading The Artistry Of Art Van Damme
Jody Reynolds’ Classic Tearjerker
One of the mainstays of early rock and roll was the tearjerker song, especially the kind that spoke of a sadly departed lover. There were plenty of memorable ones around, including "Teen Angel" and "Tell Laura I Love Her," but one of the earliest -- and best -- was "Endless Sleep," a million-seller for Jody … Continue reading Jody Reynolds’ Classic Tearjerker
Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
Although I believe that a person's spiritual beliefs are a private thing, I will confess that I'm not a regular church-goer -- in fact, the last time I attempted to sing a hymn my voice probably hadn't yet changed. But I've found that there are certain kinds of gospel music that really appeal to me, … Continue reading Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
Visions Come To Life For The New Year
Those of you who partied a little too much this weekend might be forgiven if you think some things in the pictures below look a little familiar. After all, seeing strange visions is often a part of the whole process of seriously overindulging. (Thanks to 'M' for the pictures.) Frank Sinatra - "It Was A … Continue reading Visions Come To Life For The New Year
A Guy And His Christmas Toy
The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Folks, I'm not gonna kid you. I'm having so much fun playing with my new Christmas toy that I was reluctant to put it down so that I could write this post. (In case you haven't figured it out by now, my … Continue reading A Guy And His Christmas Toy
Geezer Music Club 