Although he was born in California, Robin Luke grew up in Hawaii and was still attending high school there when he was 'discovered'. Promoters saw him as a possible Ricky Nelson-style teen idol and for a few years he did very well. He's now mostly remembered for his 1958 Top Ten hit "Susie Darlin'," but … Continue reading Robin Luke – Hawaii’s Own Teen Idol
Tag: pop music
Kingsmen Inspired By Fabulous Wailers
I probably should begin by apologizing for the awkward title of this piece but it is a reasonably accurate statement, even if it needs further elaboration. The Kingsmen, a fractious group that has existed in one form or another in almost every decade since its inception in the 1950s, is most remembered for "Louie, Louie." … Continue reading Kingsmen Inspired By Fabulous Wailers
The Return Of My Nemesis
Nothing too profound today (unlike normal days when my profundity is breathtaking to behold) but I did want to report that I'm starting to get that feeling of unease that occurs every year about this time. You know the one I mean -- fear of the rapidly growing grass and subsequent lawn care. Regular readers … Continue reading The Return Of My Nemesis
Kalin Twins Reminiscent Of Everlys
Although the Kalin Twins were contemporaries of the early Everlys and might have had some things in common with the legendary duo, they came up short in most ways related to music. But Herbert and Harold Kalin -- who both died a few years back -- did enjoy a nice career, peaking with their 1958 … Continue reading Kalin Twins Reminiscent Of Everlys
The Three Stages Of Molly Bee
Although she's now mostly just remembered by her loyal fans, singer Molly Bee, who died in 2009, enjoyed a varied if sometimes troubled career that stretched across five decades. Along the way, she was at stages a child star, a teen idol, and a successful country music singer. Born in Oklahoma as Mollie Gene Beachboard, … Continue reading The Three Stages Of Molly Bee
Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette
A recent news article about cigarette smokers finding a cheaper way to feed their habit caught my attention, reminding me again how lucky I am to have stopped smoking over thirty years ago. I don't mean to sound smug about it because I have plenty of other bad habits, and since I was never a … Continue reading Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette
Wheels, Wheels, Wheels
Although I've written about automobiles a number of times, and a while back even featured a slide show in a piece called Olds Convertibles - Then And Now, I thought I'd make one more trip to the proverbial well. Or maybe a better metaphor would be that I'm making one more visit to the garage. … Continue reading Wheels, Wheels, Wheels
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
From Pom-Poms To Vampires – Toni Basil
Although I occasionally write holiday-themed pieces, a lot of special days pretty much pass with minimal notice on the ol' GMC. I guess I'm just enough of a contrarian to not follow what is a pretty universal practice in blogdom. Having said that, I thought maybe today I'd write a Halloween piece. I guess you … Continue reading From Pom-Poms To Vampires – Toni Basil
Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
I've written many times about musical performers who died before they could enjoy the kind of long career that their talent deserved. In a lot of cases their own self-destructive behavior led to a tragic end, but some were brought down by fate. The incredible voice of Minnie Riperton was stilled at just age 31 … Continue reading Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
Geezer Music Club 