Years later, one of the trio's original members said she couldn't remember how they chose the name for their group, and she also couldn't explain the odd spelling. But whatever the case, the Murmaids scored a huge hit in 1963 with "Popsicles and Icicles," a song that fit right into the pop music sounds of … Continue reading The Murmaids Surfaced In The 1960s
Tag: Oldies
Barbara George Was A Shooting Star
I've always felt a little sorry for performers who get labeled as a 'one-hit wonder', but the story of Barbara George is especially poignant. When her 1961 record of "I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)" became a giant hit on both R&B and pop charts, she seemed to have an unlimited future. But … Continue reading Barbara George Was A Shooting Star
Country Catalyst – A Battle Song For The Ages
For our latest edition of Country Catalyst, the special feature that presents a country music classic in the hope that it might make some new fans for the genre, we present a song with a historical subject. Originally written by country/folk legend Jimmy Driftwood, "The Battle Of New Orleans" became a huge crossover hit in … Continue reading Country Catalyst – A Battle Song For The Ages
JFK In Dallas – The Pop Music Connection
It's common knowledge that President Kennedy's assassination occurred fifty years ago this week, and those of us who were around in 1963 can usually remember what we were doing when we first heard the news, but for many people the connection is even stronger. When the presidential motorcade passed in front of a Dallas hotel … Continue reading JFK In Dallas – The Pop Music Connection
The Innocents Struck Gold With Kathy Young
Even though they had moderate success in the late 1950s, a singing group known as The Innocents didn't really strike gold until 1960, when they teamed up with singer Kathy Young for "A Thousand Stars." But there's a lot more to the story. For one thing, Kathy Young was - er - young, only 15 … Continue reading The Innocents Struck Gold With Kathy Young
The Many Lives Of Eddie Hodges
I thought I'd try something different today. It might be unappealing to those who aren't fond of videos (or don't have the fast internet connection they require) but the endless number of videos that are now available help make something like today's post possible. It's a look at Eddie Hodges, who has led an amazingly … Continue reading The Many Lives Of Eddie Hodges
The Surprising Johnny Crawford
I guess it's because of constant reruns, but I can pretty easily visualize Johnny Crawford appearing as Chuck Conners' young son on the 1950s TV Western, The Rifleman. What I didn't remember (until I ran across it recently) is that he was later promoted as a teen singing idol. But what's really surprising is that … Continue reading The Surprising Johnny Crawford
Marvin Rainwater’s Musical Journey Is Over
Once again, I'm saddened to report that someone we've previously featured on the GMC has passed on. Marvin Rainwater, an early rockabilly star who also found a lot of success in country music, died recently in Aitken, Minn. He was 88. You can read more about him in the post below, which was originally published … Continue reading Marvin Rainwater’s Musical Journey Is Over
Billy & Lillie Rocked Dick Clark
Billy Ford was in his thirties and already a veteran of the music business as a trumpeter and singer when he teamed up with teenager Lillie Bryant in the late 1950s. He'd had a couple of underwhelming records of his own, but when he latched onto young Lillie it turned out to be a good … Continue reading Billy & Lillie Rocked Dick Clark
Fever Tree Sprouted During Psychedelic Era
I can't really lay claim to having much interest in the music of the Psychedelic age during its peak years. I was a young family man at that time and my musical tastes were decidedly different. But I have learned to appreciate some of it in the many years since, and I especially like learning … Continue reading Fever Tree Sprouted During Psychedelic Era
Geezer Music Club 