I thought I should start with a confession. Until a few years ago, I didn't really remember much about Joe Tex. His name might have been a little familiar to me, but if pressed I'd probably have guessed that Joe Tex was the name given to the giant robotic cowboy who greets visitors at the … Continue reading Joe Tex Was Not A Giant Robotic Cowboy
Tag: R&B
Remembering Dee Clark
One of the realities of the music world is that some stars are less remembered than others, even when their level of talent is head and shoulders over that of many of the bigger names. A good example might be Dee Clark, who was one of the best R&B singers of the Fifties and Sixties … Continue reading Remembering Dee Clark
Thoughts Of Cold Fingers
Thinking about the approach of Winter weather always reminds me of the title of one of my favorite songs. Even though the subject matter of Tony Joe White's "Cold Fingers" has nothing to do with frigid weather and the numb digits it creates, the song still seems to pop into my mind whenever I start … Continue reading Thoughts Of Cold Fingers
The Story Of Esquerita – aka Eskew Reeder
Let's say you were around in the early days of rock and roll, and one night you just happened to catch the act of a flamboyantly-pompadoured black performer, pounding on the piano and singing with utter abandon. Little Richard? Not necessarily. You might have been watching Steven Quincy Reeder, performing as his alter ego, Esquerita. … Continue reading The Story Of Esquerita – aka Eskew Reeder
Gene McDaniels And The BBC
There is an old adage that says that all publicity is good publicity. I'm not sure that it's always true in today's nutsy world, but there is one type of notoriety that will always boost interest in a book, a movie, or a song -- being banned. Born in Kansas City, Gene McDaniels grew up … Continue reading Gene McDaniels And The BBC
REVIEW: Buckwheat Zydeco -Lay Your Burden Down
Stanley Dural, Jr. November 14, 1947 - September 24, 2016 It's probably an overused expression, but it's difficult to avoid the label of "living legend" when describing someone like Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, Jr. The Louisiana native, whose stage name is also the name of his group -- Buckwheat Zydeco -- is still going strong after … Continue reading REVIEW: Buckwheat Zydeco -Lay Your Burden Down
Bobby Lewis And The School Of Hard Knocks
It's an expression that we've all heard countless times and one that certainly could be applied to a lot of musicians, but when it comes to being a graduate of the school of hard knocks, Bobby Lewis definitely qualifies. The R&B singing star, whose recording of "Tossin' And Turnin'" rose to the number-one spot on … Continue reading Bobby Lewis And The School Of Hard Knocks
Geezer Music Club 