As most long-time music fans know, early rock and roll was filled with examples of cutting-edge music being reissued in less 'threatening' versions, the intent being to make them accessible to a wider audience. Even though there were sometimes other factors, the key component in the process was usually the race of the performers. One … Continue reading Sh-Boomin’ Up The Charts
Tag: Oldies
Fuzzy Memories Of Rockabilly
As someone who was a teenager during the years that rockabilly was rising in popularity, it's kind of funny that I don't remember hearing the term at that time. I recall that we often called country music 'hillbilly', and I certainly remember everyone talking about rock and roll, but to actually give the name 'rockabilly' … Continue reading Fuzzy Memories Of Rockabilly
When Ricky Nelson Followed Little Peggy
As most of us know, a cover version of a song is one that features a new or different performer following in the footsteps of someone who had earlier success with that particular piece. Sometimes a few changes are required, as was the case when Ricky Nelson followed Little Peggy March, turning her signature song, … Continue reading When Ricky Nelson Followed Little Peggy
The Hidden Side Of Stevie Wonder
There's not much doubt that Stevie Wonder has reached iconic status as an innovative performer and composer in his long career. The multiple Grammy-winner, who is now 60 years old, has been a force in music since he was 'Little Stevie Wonder' in the early 1960s, and along the way he's covered just about every … Continue reading The Hidden Side Of Stevie Wonder
The Fascination Of Sand Sculptures
Earlier this year, I posted a piece that included a picture of a thought-provoking sand sculpture. That particular work of art exhibited some of the qualities that I've always found most fascinating about this type of sculpture. It's a given that it begins with the talent and skill of the artist, but another facet I've … Continue reading The Fascination Of Sand Sculptures
In Search Of Tweedle Dee
Taking into account the recent success of the 3D remake of Alice In Wonderland, most would assume that the title of this piece refers to the roly-poly twins -- Tweedledee and Tweedledum -- who were featured in that story. But we're mostly about music here, and my focus is actually on a silly but memorable … Continue reading In Search Of Tweedle Dee
Two Sides Of Smooth – Jerry Wallace
Rock and roll's rise in popularity during the 1950s helped create an exciting -- if confusing -- time for musicians, as they tried to find their place in the midst of all that was going on. Many of those with a country background began to gradually move away from the music of the heartland, looking … Continue reading Two Sides Of Smooth – Jerry Wallace
Bobby Fuller And The Law
There is probably more than a touch of irony in the story of Bobby Fuller, the early rocker who is now mostly remembered for "I Fought The Law (And The Law Won)." After all, the circumstances surrounding the rising young star's death in 1966 have always been the subject of speculation, and there are many … Continue reading Bobby Fuller And The Law
Skeeters I Have Known
As I've written before, I've never been a big fan of mosquitoes. But I did once know a girl who had the nickname 'Skeeter', which is one of the many slang terms that have been applied to the blood-sucking insects. However, as far as I know she wasn't actually a blood-sucker -- unless she was … Continue reading Skeeters I Have Known
The Musical Side Of Orlon
Recently I ran across a picture of myself as a teenager (so it had to be an old one, right?) and noticed that I was wearing what I seem to remember was one of my favorite sweaters. Keeping in mind that my memory is often uncharted territory, I think that it was Orlon and I … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Orlon
Geezer Music Club 