Music history is filled with stories of performers who died much too young. And it seems especially cruel when it happens to one of the many female vocalists who early in their careers took time off to raise families. But in spite of all that, when Irene Kral died in 1978 at just age 46 … Continue reading A Voice Stilled Too Soon – Irene Kral
Tag: Music History
What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Regular visitors to the GMC will have figured out by now that I sometimes write something related to books or movies I've recently enjoyed, although it can sometimes be a little challenging to find a musical connection. Lately I've been reading The Last Gunfight, a new book by Jeff Guinn that takes another look at … Continue reading What Really Happened In Tombstone?
Dorsey’s Hit Got A Doo-Wop Makeover
Sometimes you can pretty clearly identify transitional events in music history, or at least a moment when an old favorite becomes something newer. A good example occurred in 1960, when a doo-wop singing group known as the Chimes had a big hit with an updated version of an old standard, one that had been a … Continue reading Dorsey’s Hit Got A Doo-Wop Makeover
The Music Of The Rat Race
As a retiree, I guess I'm not as susceptible to the hazards of the dreaded rat race that so many people have to face on a daily basis. But I certainly recall a time when I did often feel like a rat racing through a maze, and I also remember a movie of the same … Continue reading The Music Of The Rat Race
Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
One of the most respected country music songwriters of all time would have to be Harlan Howard, who composed over 4,000 songs during his long career, many of them classics. But he would have been the first to give credit to DJ turned singer Charlie Walker, who helped give a boost to the songwriter's early … Continue reading Charlie Walker – From DJ To Country Music Star
Lester Young – AKA Prez
The ol' GMC is five years old, and anyone who has spent some time here has probably noticed that I enjoy shining a spotlight on some of the less-remembered musical stars of the past. Of course, I've devoted plenty of space to the big names too, but I especially like to dig into artists who … Continue reading Lester Young – AKA Prez
Keely Smith Sings
Dorothy Jacqueline Keely (March 9, 1928 – December 16, 2017) One of the most popular acts of the 1950s was the husband and wife team of bandleader Louis Prima and singer Keely Smith. Their show included music mixed with comedy and was especially suited for Vegas clubs, but the twosome often appeared on TV and … Continue reading Keely Smith Sings
Tommy Roe – Beyond Buddy Holly
More than once I've written about performers who were either contemporaries of Buddy Holly or seemed to echo his style in the years following his tragic death in 1959, but there's always room for one more story. Like the tale of singer/songwriter Tommy Roe, who even now continues to entertain fans after a long career … Continue reading Tommy Roe – Beyond Buddy Holly
Taking Another Look At The Holiday
I'm still a little behind from the power outage, so thought I'd repost a Memorial Day piece from a few years back. (I've reactivated the music file, too.) -------------------- The Perfect Song For The Holiday Weekend When I think about Memorial Day weekend, all the usual things related to the holiday come to mind -- … Continue reading Taking Another Look At The Holiday
Zager & Evans Struck Gold With Strange Song
I've always resisted describing a musical act as a 'one-hit wonder'. After all, if someone has the talent and good fortune to have a hit record, it should be applauded, not dismissed because it's a one time deal. And besides that, the label is often mis-applied to artists whose one big song just nudged into … Continue reading Zager & Evans Struck Gold With Strange Song
Geezer Music Club 