For someone who's been called one of the least-appreciated jazz guitarists of the modern era, Grant Green left behind an amazing amount of material. But he did seem to fly below the radar for much of his career, which was often stalled by drug-related causes. In the years since he died in 1979 (at just … Continue reading Grant Green’s Legacy Has Endured
Tag: Music History
Barry Mann – Talent Times Two
It might surprise those who don't know the whole story but Barry Mann, who teamed up with wife Cynthia Weil to write some of the most popular songs around, also made a splash early in his career as a performer. That's right, the guy who helped create memorable songs like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" … Continue reading Barry Mann – Talent Times Two
Johnnie Wright Still Remembered By Fans
It might have escaped the notice of most folks, but a recent news article has reported the death of country music pioneer Johnnie Wright, who passed away at age 97 in the Tennessee home that he still shared with his wife of 74 years, country superstar Kitty Wells. Although his famous spouse is probably more … Continue reading Johnnie Wright Still Remembered By Fans
It Seemed So Much Longer At The Time
We're usually pretty herky-jerky here at the ol' GMC. By that I mean that each new post is usually about a completely different subject than the preceding one. But I am going to make an exception here because I'm continuing with the subject of motor homes or trailers, sometimes called caravans by the British. I … Continue reading It Seemed So Much Longer At The Time
Robin Luke – Hawaii’s Own Teen Idol
Although he was born in California, Robin Luke grew up in Hawaii and was still attending high school there when he was 'discovered'. Promoters saw him as a possible Ricky Nelson-style teen idol and for a few years he did very well. He's now mostly remembered for his 1958 Top Ten hit "Susie Darlin'," but … Continue reading Robin Luke – Hawaii’s Own Teen Idol
Uncle Dave Macon – The Dixie Dewdrop
When digging through the musical past I sometimes run across a character whose story is too good to pass up, even if they're pretty much unknown to many current music lovers. A good example is Uncle Dave Macon, who was one of the first stars of the Grand Ole Opry and also holds the distinction … Continue reading Uncle Dave Macon – The Dixie Dewdrop
Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood, whose long career continued almost up to his death in 1989, is probably most remembered now for originating the much-loved song, "Canadian Sunset." But Heywood's story encompasses so much more, including not only his early experiences in the big band era but also having to overcome bouts of paralysis in his … Continue reading Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
Count Five Could Only Total One Hit
Although seldom discussed now, Count Five (or Count V as they were sometimes billed) had a brief moment in the spotlight during the pop music smorgasbord that existed in the 1960s. Nearly reaching the top of the charts with the addictive "Psychotic Reaction" got the band off to a great start, but it never really … Continue reading Count Five Could Only Total One Hit
The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
I've always had a little bit of a soft spot for the flute. My daughter played one during her school years, and I've also always enjoyed the mix of classics and lighter music that James Galway has performed so well -- his collaborations with Mancini on movie themes and pop tunes are some of my … Continue reading The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
Chasing Memories Leads To Kentucky Colonels
I've been in a kind of funny place lately -- musically, I mean. I keep running across pictures or films of rural folk from years ago, many of the men in bib overalls and playing banjos, fiddles, or harmonicas, and I flash back to my own early childhood. But here's the catch -- although the … Continue reading Chasing Memories Leads To Kentucky Colonels
Geezer Music Club 