Maurice Woodward Ritter came by his nickname honestly. Born and raised in the great state of Texas, he had as much right to the name "Tex" as anybody, and it turned out to be an especially good name for someone who would end up having a long career in the public eye. Along the way … Continue reading The Many Talents Of Tex Ritter
Tag: Music History
Gene McDaniels And The BBC
There is an old adage that says that all publicity is good publicity. I'm not sure that it's always true in today's nutsy world, but there is one type of notoriety that will always boost interest in a book, a movie, or a song -- being banned. Born in Kansas City, Gene McDaniels grew up … Continue reading Gene McDaniels And The BBC
Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Although you seldom see much about the big band era that flourished before and during World War II, many of the names are still familiar. Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman have names that will ring the proverbial bell with most of us, but what about Chick Webb, Larry Clinton, or Claude Thornhill? As … Continue reading Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Bob — The Other Crosby
Something that has always fascinated me is how often two or more members of the same family find musical fame, even if in varying degrees. I suppose it's not that unusual for offspring, siblings, cousins, and the like to gravitate to the field that has provided success for others in the family, whether it's music, … Continue reading Bob — The Other Crosby
Kate Smith’s Special Song
As most baseball fans know, since the events of September 11, 2001, a lot of games now feature the singing of "God Bless America" at the 7th inning break. I was watching a game on TV the other day, and as the music was performed I began thinking about the origins of the song itself … Continue reading Kate Smith’s Special Song
Dave Loggins – Kenny’s Talented Cousin
I've written before about how some of the lesser-known relatives of big stars have had nice careers of their own, even if not to the heights of their famous kin. Johnny Cash's brother Tommy is one, and another would be Dave Loggins, whose famous cousin Kenny has certainly made a bigger splash, with countless hit … Continue reading Dave Loggins – Kenny’s Talented Cousin
A Porcine Song With A Message
We can all understand the importance of self-reliance, but how we express the need to take care of ourselves can sometimes be a little baffling to those unfamiliar with a particular idiom. A good example is an expression that's been around for many generations, one that has become so firmly entrenched that it has even … Continue reading A Porcine Song With A Message
One Piece At A Time – Johnny Cash
The endless news stories about the sour economy and the many problems in the auto industry got me to thinking about an old song I've always liked. Written by Wayne Kemp and recorded by Johnny Cash, it hit number one on country charts in 1976 and crossed over to make a good showing on pop … Continue reading One Piece At A Time – Johnny Cash
Pondering Julie London
How someone is remembered -- as an actress who also sang or a singer who also acted -- is a question that has occurred to me more than once. It's not always easy to answer when considering the many ladies who have dipped a toe in both ponds. And just to muddy that pond water … Continue reading Pondering Julie London
Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet
In spite of his name and his Iowa origins, there's no evidence that jazz great Art Farmer ever plowed the back forty. In fact, his implement of choice for a significant part of his career was not a plow but a flugelhorn; and to be even more precise, a "flumpet" -- a cross between a … Continue reading Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet
Geezer Music Club 