Canadian folk singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has built up a large fan base through the years, and many of his hits come immediately to mind. Songs like "If You Could Read My Mind," "Carefree Highway," and "Sundown" have all been big sellers for Lightfoot, who is now in his 70s. But even though those are all … Continue reading Canadian Bard Gordon Lightfoot Still Entertaining Fans
Tag: Music History
Charlie Christian – An Inspiration To Generations Of Guitarists
Django Reinhardt might be the patron saint of all jazz guitarists, but for many of those who built careers on playing electric guitars, Charlie Christian was the inspiration. And even though he had a very short career and has been gone for nearly 70 years, he is still revered by many. The Texas-born (but Oklahoma-raised) … Continue reading Charlie Christian – An Inspiration To Generations Of Guitarists
Danny Davis – Bringing The Brass To Country
Depending on your point of view, you either applaud Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass for helping bring country music to a mainstream audience, or you think that they pulled it too far away from its traditions. I guess I'm on the fence with this one, but I do have to point out that country … Continue reading Danny Davis – Bringing The Brass To Country
Jess Stacy’s Unforgettable Moment
In a recent piece about early jazz singer Lee Wiley I mentioned that she'd had a short and troubled marriage to pianist/bandleader Jess Stacy, but his career makes for an interesting story too. He was a very respected veteran of the big band era who first rose to fame with Benny Goodman and played alongside … Continue reading Jess Stacy’s Unforgettable Moment
Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
One of the best stories from the early days of rock and roll might be that of the brother and sister rockabilly act known as the Collins Kids. When the Oklahoma-born siblings first joined radio's Town Hall Party in 1954, Larry (Lawrence) was just ten and Lorrie (Lawrencine) a couple of years older, but they wowed … Continue reading Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
The Happenings Are Happening Again
Like so many other 'oldies' groups, the 1960s combo known as The Happenings has been reincarnated in recent years and seems to have found some success, judging from the video below. Some of the original guys are on board (literally, when playing on cruise ships) and are helping recreate the sounds of the past, including … Continue reading The Happenings Are Happening Again
Helen O’Connell – A Fan Favorite
Helen O'Connell's vivacious personality and dimpled cheeks might have helped her get noticed by fans in the big band era, but she could sell a song with the best of them. And even if her voice didn't quite have the range enjoyed by some of her contemporaries, she became one of the most popular songbirds … Continue reading Helen O’Connell – A Fan Favorite
Warner Mack – An Interrupted Journey
Country music fans might remember Warner Mack as a popular singing star with a number-one hit on 1965's "The Bridge Washed Out," but not many will recall that his singing career was stalled by an auto accident that left him severely injured. And even though he slowly worked his way back to a measure of … Continue reading Warner Mack – An Interrupted Journey
Neal Hefti – Before Batman
It all started when Mrs. Big Geez commented about a particular song that seemed to have lyrics that were endlessly repetitive. I don't remember what it was, but it did seem to go over and over the same territory way more than necessary. It also got me to thinking about songs that repeat lyrics, and … Continue reading Neal Hefti – Before Batman
The Voice Of Sue Thompson
I've always been intrigued by performers who managed to extend their careers by transitioning from one kind of music to another. Some those who succeeded are more remembered than others, but many long-time music fans might recall Sue Thompson, who rose to fame as an early 1960s pop star but later returned to her country … Continue reading The Voice Of Sue Thompson
Geezer Music Club 