In a recent post about Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio, I identified the musical piece played by the gorilla-masked characters -- “Solfeggio” -- but neglected to mention the composer, who actually wrote several better-known songs. Harpist Robert Maxwell, who composed instrumental classics like "Shangri-La" and "Ebb Tide," deserves a closer look. The New York native grew … Continue reading Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
Tag: Music History
Patsy Montana Did It First
Fans of modern country music are often familiar with the names of many of the earlier stars, but I'd be willing to bet that few would guess the name of the singer who had the first number-one country hit for a female. It wasn't Loretta or Tammy or even Kitty. It was Patsy Montana, who … Continue reading Patsy Montana Did It First
Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
Almost a half-century ago, comedian Ernie Kovacs died in an auto crash, one that was said to have been caused by him trying to drive while lighting one of his signature cigars. At the time, he was just 42 and married to beautiful singer/actress Edie Adams, and was finding some success as a busy character … Continue reading Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
You probably wouldn't guess that someone born as Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski would become a country music star. But even though his real name contains a clue to his original musical background, it would be his stage name -- Pee Wee King -- that would be remembered by fans. And even though he was a … Continue reading From Polkas To Honky-Tonk – Pee Wee King
Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
To paraphrase one of James Brown's best-known descriptions, you could make a good case that the Delta Rhythm Boys were 'the hardest working close-rhythm singing group in show business'. Of course, there have been many combos that could make the same claim, but it would be difficult to top the longevity, versatility, and wide range … Continue reading Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
The Max And Les Connection
Although I wasn't born there, I have spent a substantial part of my life in and around the home city of today's subject. In fact, a statue was recently unveiled there to commemorate him -- Hoosier native Max Ehrmann, who died way back in 1945 at age 72. Ehrmann was an attorney and businessman who … Continue reading The Max And Les Connection
The Tragedy Of Little Willie John
Tragic stories have always been a part of music history, and have played out in almost as many varieties as there are performers who've lived them. But one of the most most poignant types of tragedies is when a performer throws away his opportunity, and that would be the case with R&B pioneer Little Willie … Continue reading The Tragedy Of Little Willie John
The Reluctant Crooner – Rudy Vallée
Yes folks, I'm writing about crooners again. It's a subject that has always fascinated me, and my interest has resulted in a number of articles that date all the way back to my Crooner Conundrum piece from four years ago. But today's subject -- Rudy Vallée -- was a different kind of crooner. For one … Continue reading The Reluctant Crooner – Rudy Vallée
A Crooner Named Clint Eastwood
In a recent piece about James Darren, I mentioned that many of the rising young actors of the era were also promoted as singing stars, but one that might surprise you is a guy who is now better known as a legendary superstar and director. That's right, folks. Clint Eastwood was once one of those … Continue reading A Crooner Named Clint Eastwood
Hitting The Target With Pure Prairie League
Album covers have always been a tried and true way to attract the attention of potential buyers, so it's not surprising that a lot of attention is paid to designing and composing them. The right kind of cover can really hit the target with potential buyers, and if it's successful enough it might even spawn … Continue reading Hitting The Target With Pure Prairie League
Geezer Music Club 