Most of us have listened to Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" about a gazillion times, but how many of us know anything about the mysterious 'Lotte Lenya' mentioned in the song? Turns out she was not only the composer's muse, but also a well-known entertainer with a long career that stretched all the way from … Continue reading The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
Tag: Music History
Ralph Flanagan Echoed Glenn Miller
Glenn Miller has made several appearances on the GMC, and we've also featured Ray McKinley (In The Footsteps Of Glenn Miller), who took over Miller's reconstituted band in later years. But there was another guy who sort of latched on to the Miller bandwagon; Ralph Flanagan, who led a band that was known for its … Continue reading Ralph Flanagan Echoed Glenn Miller
Remembering Billie Jo Spears
I was sorry to read that Billie Jo Spears died earlier this week at her home in Texas. She was a country music star for many years and was featured here in a piece two years ago. I've reposted it below, along with a different song. ------------------------- Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears (Reposted from Jan … Continue reading Remembering Billie Jo Spears
The Awsome Accordion
It might sound a little silly, but I have always been in awe of accordions and those who play them. Even if my common sense tells me that they are no more difficult to master than many other musical instruments, they just seem so much more complicated and overwhelming. I think it all started during … Continue reading The Awsome Accordion
The Wide Reach Of Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes
Two decades after his death, jazz organist Richard 'Groove' Holmes is still fondly remembered by many fans. His was a career marked by a high level of comfort in every type of jazz from bluesy and funky to sweet and soft. That diversity and reach even extended to his two main centers of activity, allowing … Continue reading The Wide Reach Of Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes
Covering The Holidays
The holiday season is all about traditions, and one that has been around a long time also happens to be an established part of the music world, so it fits in very nicely with what we do here. For many years, musical stars of just about every genre have regularly issued Christmas albums. That being … Continue reading Covering The Holidays
Saying Goodbye To Colonel Potter
I was saddened by the news that veteran character actor Harry Morgan has died at his home in Los Angeles. Morgan, who was 96 when he died, enjoyed a long career with a number of good roles, but will probably be most remembered as Colonel Potter in the classic TV comedy M*A*S*H. Those of us … Continue reading Saying Goodbye To Colonel Potter
Movie Music Maven Maurice Jarre
I've written about movie music a number of times, and not just about its importance to the audience's enjoyment of the film but also about how a lot of it can also be appreciated as stand-alone music. A good example would be just about anything written by French composer Maurice Jarre, a multiple Oscar-winner who … Continue reading Movie Music Maven Maurice Jarre
Not To Rush The Season Or Anything
I'm usually not one to rush the season. In fact, I'm more inclined to turn into a Grinch as the holidays approach. But since I'd already decided that today was a good day for a slideshow, and everywhere you look is Christmas stuff. . .well, you get the idea. Ella Fitzgerald - "Santa Claus Is … Continue reading Not To Rush The Season Or Anything
Whatever Happened To R.B. Greaves?
One of the original goals of the GMC was to provide a place for fans of the music of the past to participate -- not only by reading about the music and the performers (and listening to it!) but also by taking advantage of the 'comment' feature to have lively and informative discussions. A good … Continue reading Whatever Happened To R.B. Greaves?
Geezer Music Club 