Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller

Glenn Miller was one of the biggest names around during the the big band era, and he remained an iconic figure even after his tragic death near the end of World War II. But he was also a good friend to many, as Hal McIntye could have attested. Miller not only encouraged his band-mate to … Continue reading Hal McIntyre Got A Boost From Glenn MIller

Connie Hall’s Road To Success

A while back we featured singer/songwriter Jimmie Skinner, who was a force in country music during the 1950s and 1960s, not only as a performer but also behind the scenes. Today we're spotlighting Connie Hall, a lady who got her start as Skinner's singing partner but went on to a brief but successful career as … Continue reading Connie Hall’s Road To Success

The Lifelong Journey Of Jackie & Roy

One of the longest-lasting professional -- and personal -- collaborations in music was the one enjoyed by the jazz duo of Jackie & Roy. It began in the late 1940s, when singer Jackie Cain and singer/pianist Roy Kral first met up and began what would be well over a half-century as a couple, along the way … Continue reading The Lifelong Journey Of Jackie & Roy

A New Special Feature – Earworms!

I have to confess that I haven't been particularly eager to add a new Special Feature to the ol' GMC, especially if I didn't see a way to bring something different on board. But then I woke up today with an earworm, and along with it came inspiration -- it was a natural subject for … Continue reading A New Special Feature – Earworms!

Gene Austin – The Original Crooner

Most of of us consider Rudy Vallée to be the first true crooner, with Bing Crosby closely following as the first modern version. But if you dig into the early years, you'll find that a guy named Gene Austin just might have been the original crooner. And whether that's true or not, the fact remains … Continue reading Gene Austin – The Original Crooner

The Good Fortune Of Lucky Millinder

There's not much information around about how bandleader 'Lucky' Millinder got his nickname. It's possible that it was just a natural progression from his given name of Lucius, but you could make a case that there might be another reason. Even though he sang a little, Lucky Millinder did not play an instrument and couldn't … Continue reading The Good Fortune Of Lucky Millinder

Country Catalyst – It’s In The Cards 

For today's edition of Country Catalyst, the Special Feature that spotlights a classic song in the hope that it might bring more folks to country music, we have a tune that was a huge hit for two different singers, decades apart. And to add to the mix, the song's composer -- who had the first … Continue reading Country Catalyst – It’s In The Cards 

Pretty Perky Peggy King

Octogenarian Peggy King is still singing in selected venues these days, entertaining her fans with some of her best songs while reminiscing about her long career. But even though she's mostly remembered now for her many TV appearances, especially those on the show hosted by George Gobel (who often introduced her as 'pretty perky Peggy … Continue reading Pretty Perky Peggy King

The Crooning Side Of Dick Powell

Most of us remember Dick Powell as a longtime actor, director, and producer, and as the host of his own TV show, but he actually began his career by showcasing his talents as a musician and singer. In fact, for a number of years he was one of the most popular crooners around. When you … Continue reading The Crooning Side Of Dick Powell

Five-Star Favs: A Mysterious Tale

Our newest Special Feature -- Five-Star Favs -- is only up to the third edition but it's already showing some diversity. After spotlighting classic rock in the first one and jazz in the second, today we're taking a look at a song from 1967 that isn't easy to classify. At first glance, "Ode To Billie … Continue reading Five-Star Favs: A Mysterious Tale