I was sorry to read of the recent passing of singer/actress Polly Bergen, who died at age 84 of complications from emphysema. As has been our custom, I'm reposting our original feature on the star and also temporarily reactivating the music link. ----------- (originally published in May 2013) ---------- The Musical Side Of Polly Bergen … Continue reading Polly Bergen Loses Battle With Lung Disease
Tag: Nostalgia
Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
I don't play the piano. I tried to learn once but gave up on it. But one thing I do remember is how difficult it was to make my fingers cover all the territory they needed to -- and I have big hands. That made it even more amazing to me when I learned that … Continue reading Johnny Guarnieri – Small Hands But Big Talent
Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
This is the ninth edition of Diamonds In The Rough, the Special Feature that gives newer visitors to the GMC the chance to see some of our favorite posts from the past. Come to think of it, our regulars might want to take another look at these too. Sometimes things are just as much fun … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part IX
Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Most of us know about Sun Records in Memphis, and how stars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich worked there in the early years -- as did a guy named Elvis. But another Sun veteran isn't quite as well remembered, and yet Bill Justis had a pretty good career too, … Continue reading Bill Justis – A Rock And Roll Pioneer
Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Current country music fans might not recognize Cindy Walker's name, but even though she died at age 87 in 2006, she is still remembered -- and revered -- by many music pros. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, she could hold her own as a performer but her legacy will always be … Continue reading Cindy Walker – A Favorite Of Many Stars
Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
It's about time we had another edition of our oldest Special Feature, Anatomy of a Song, so here we go. Today's choice was popular with fans in two different eras although it had a contrasting style in each. It began life in the mid-1940s as a movie love song that was perfect for crooners, but … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Differing Styles But Same Song
Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
We haven't featured a jazz musician for a while and today's spotlight falls on one of the best, alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. A contemporary of Charlie 'Bird' Parker -- in fact, he played alongside him in the early years -- Criss was an early bloomer musically, but his career reached a sad and abrupt end … Continue reading Sonny Criss – Talented But Tragic
The Shepherd Sisters Were The Real Thing
Unlike a lot of other sibling singing groups, the Shepherd Sisters were all real-life sisters. And even though the ladies had only one true hit record -- "Alone (Why Must I Be Alone)" in 1957 -- they managed to stick around for a number of years, during which they generated several dozen records, made countless … Continue reading The Shepherd Sisters Were The Real Thing
The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
When he died earlier this year at age 86, Jimmie C. Newman was still making occasional appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, where he'd been entertaining fans for more than a half-century. One of the true legends of country music, he originally made his name on several hit records that featured a traditional style, but … Continue reading The Legacy Of Jimmy C. Newman
Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
We're way overdue for a new edition of Fantastic Foursome, the special feature that presents four different takes on a song (plus a video of the definitive version) and lets you decide which you like best. Of course, voting in the poll is completely voluntary but it's quick, easy, and anonymous.Most of us will remember … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – A Very Friendly Song
Geezer Music Club 