The Music Of Giant Tripods

I've always been a big fan of science fiction, and I have fond memories of some of the more colorful movies from my childhood. I was especially crazy about alien invasion movies, and there were plenty of them around in those days. I've written about those fun times before so I won't go into all … Continue reading The Music Of Giant Tripods

Bubbling Along With Shep Fields And – Festus?

It might surprise you to learn that Lawrence Welk wasn't the first bandleader to have a 'bubbling' theme. Although Welk's champagne bubbles eventually became a famous part of his image, Shep Fields preceded him with his Rippling Rhythm orchestra in the Thirties. His group -- one of the 'sweet' bands of the big band era … Continue reading Bubbling Along With Shep Fields And – Festus?

Choosing Young Love

Mrs. Big Geez and I seldom disagree -- or to put it another way, I'm afraid of her. But when we do have a rare difference of opinion, it's usually about something silly like the best version of a particular song. A good example would be a tune that hit the top of the charts … Continue reading Choosing Young Love

Turns Out Mr. Lucky . . . Wasn’t

During my teen years, I was a little unfocused about my musical tastes. Actually I was unfocused about most everything in those days, but we're talking about music here and one thing I do remember is how much I liked the Henry Mancini brand of jazz on the TV's Peter Gunn. The music from that … Continue reading Turns Out Mr. Lucky . . . Wasn’t

Brownsville Station Ruled The Restroom

I've always felt an affinity for Detroit, even though I've only spent a little time there through the years, mostly during my childhood. I've written about those days in a couple of earlier pieces. One was called Riding The Rails To Detroit City, and the other Cuttin' Wax In Post-War Motown, but my subject today … Continue reading Brownsville Station Ruled The Restroom

Happy Bunny Day

Like most holidays, Easter has evolved into a day with various meanings for a lot of different people. To keep it simple, I thought I'd just focus on cute little bunny rabbits. Buddy Rich - "Cotton Tail"  

Remembering The Liltin’ Miss Tilton

Although I've often written about various Songbirds -- the ladies who sang with the big bands -- in no way should it be assumed that I've done so with any kind of priority or ranking. In fact, their stories are all equally fascinating to me, even though some ladies might have found more lasting fame … Continue reading Remembering The Liltin’ Miss Tilton

Doris Day’s Favorite Singing Co-Star

Doris Day, who is in her late eighties and at last report doing just fine, has always been known as a classy lady. She would never actually designate someone as her favorite singing co-star, because she'd figure that saying something like that might disrespect those not chosen. But one thing is certain -- for a … Continue reading Doris Day’s Favorite Singing Co-Star

Vikki Carr – One Of Carson’s Cohorts

On the occasion of the recent dust-up over NBC's Tonight Show, including an eviction of Conan O'Brien and ascension by Jay Leno, my thoughts turned to the history of the show. Specifically, the years during which Johnny Carson made a regular practice of turning over the reins to a parade of 'guest hosts'. The occupants … Continue reading Vikki Carr – One Of Carson’s Cohorts

Wayne Cochran – The White Knight Of Soul

May 10, 1939 - November 21, 2017 I love to explore the history of early rock and roll, digging into the stories behind some of the names that were familiar to me in my teen years. The information we now take for granted on the internet was probably available in those days too, but only … Continue reading Wayne Cochran – The White Knight Of Soul