Looking back on the pop music scene of the 1960s, we now realize that it was one of the most diverse eras in history. Most of those variations still influence today's music, but a group known as the Left Banke was something a little different. The band's two big hits -- "Walk Away Renee" and … Continue reading Something Different From The Left Banke
Tag: pop music
Davy Jones Starred With The Monkees
I was saddened to read that Davy Jones, the sole British member of the Monkees and a favorite of many of the pop group's fans, died unexpectedly in Florida after suffering an apparent heart attack. Just 66 at the time of his death, he is survived by his wife and four daughters. The song below … Continue reading Davy Jones Starred With The Monkees
The Silly Saga Of Alley Oop
Even if you think about the sheer number of silly songs that have shown up in pop music through the years, you still have to classify 1960's "Alley Oop" as one of the most unusual. The idea came from producer/musicians Gary Paxton and Kim Foley, a couple of experienced pros who'd formed a studio band … Continue reading The Silly Saga Of Alley Oop
Shelley Fabares – The Teen Idol Years
I've always enjoyed well-written TV sitcoms with likable characters, and one of my favorites from the 1990s was Coach, which starred Craig T. Nelson, Shelley Fabares, and Jerry Van Dyke. It has been rerun fairly often through the years and Mrs. BigGeez and I have tuned in a number of times, but she had to … Continue reading Shelley Fabares – The Teen Idol Years
Following In The Footsteps Of The Monkees
Most of us remember the Monkees, a 1960s group that was cobbled together for TV and went on to become a veritable hit machine, eventually rising above its origins to become a respected musical combo. But what you might not remember is how music supervisor Don Kirshner went on to create another pop music success, … Continue reading Following In The Footsteps Of The Monkees
Ohio Express Specialized In Bubblegum Pop
One of the many genres bouncing around the music scene in the 1960s was something known as 'bubblegum pop', a light and frothy sound that seems a little silly now but often featured some surprisingly addictive tunes. One that might qualify is a million-seller from a group known as Ohio Express, an instantly recognizable song … Continue reading Ohio Express Specialized In Bubblegum Pop
In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
I sometimes scratch my head at the bad reputation fruitcakes seem to have. Through the years they've become the butt of jokes and even a subject for song parodies (like those below). But even though I know there have been a lot of -- let's say iffy -- fruitcakes produced through the years, someone needs … Continue reading In Defense Of The Humble Fruitcake
The Musical Journey Of Marvin Rainwater
Now in his eighties and still entertaining fans, Marvin Rainwater can look back on a long career that has included everything from rockabilly to pop music, and a persona that often took 100% advantage of the fact that he is 25% Cherokee. Although he is probably most remembered now for his 1957 country-pop hit, "Gonna … Continue reading The Musical Journey Of Marvin Rainwater
Shakin’ With Johnny Kidd
Although many music fans might remember it from a performance at Woodstock in 1969 by the British group The Who, the addictive rock song "Shakin' All Over" was actually a bigger hit a few years earlier for the Canadian band known as The Guess Who (originally Chad Allan & the Reflections). But both groups owed … Continue reading Shakin’ With Johnny Kidd
Barry Mann – Talent Times Two
It might surprise those who don't know the whole story but Barry Mann, who teamed up with wife Cynthia Weil to write some of the most popular songs around, also made a splash early in his career as a performer. That's right, the guy who helped create memorable songs like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" … Continue reading Barry Mann – Talent Times Two
Geezer Music Club 