Our society is so star-obsessed that we sometimes forget that the evolution of music also depends on lesser-known performers. Guys like Tibby Edwards, who was never a big star but still managed to be in the middle of things during the early years of rock and roll. In fact, at one point he shared the … Continue reading Shining A Spotlight On Tibby Edwards
Tag: rockabilly
Link Davis Changed With The Times
I never cease to be amazed by the diversity of sounds that influenced early rock and roll, a diversity that even existed within each of the genres themselves. For example, what we now call rockabilly had room for rising young blues rockers like Elvis Presley alongside country music veterans like Link Davis, who first appeared … Continue reading Link Davis Changed With The Times
Charline Arthur Was Something Else
When considering the female side of the early days of rockabilly, names like Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin come readily to mind. But one of the earliest -- and feistiest -- was a lady named Charline Arthur, whose career even included a boost from Colonel Tom Parker (before he became the force behind Elvis Presley). … Continue reading Charline Arthur Was Something Else
Rock And Roll Pioneer Hardrock Gunter
Any discussion of the early days of rock and roll should include a guy whose 1950 breakout hit, "Birmingham Bounce," is considered by many to be one of the earliest examples of the genre. But Hardrock Gunter (whose nickname is not music-related, but more later about that) has something going for him that most rock … Continue reading Rock And Roll Pioneer Hardrock Gunter
Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Most of us have probably read that Andy Griffith just died at age 86, and news stories have naturally focused on his memorable roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. But a lot of people might have forgotten that before he showed up in Mayberry, his career had already included huge record sales, Broadway … Continue reading Andy Griffith – The Early Years
Battling The Heat Of Memorial Day Weekend
As I write this, weathermen are predicting daytime temperatures in our part of the Midwestern US to hit the high nineties and maybe even triple digits. Unseasonably warm, but the weather seems to be much more unpredictable than it once was. In any case, I wanted to show some pictures of 'cool' snow sculptures to … Continue reading Battling The Heat Of Memorial Day Weekend
Warren Smith – Talent To Burn
Most fans of early rock and roll know about Sun Records in Memphis and how it helped give starts to guys like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. But there was at least one talented Sun alumnus -- Warren Smith -- who was just as good as … Continue reading Warren Smith – Talent To Burn
Jody Reynolds’ Classic Tearjerker
One of the mainstays of early rock and roll was the tearjerker song, especially the kind that spoke of a sadly departed lover. There were plenty of memorable ones around, including "Teen Angel" and "Tell Laura I Love Her," but one of the earliest -- and best -- was "Endless Sleep," a million-seller for Jody … Continue reading Jody Reynolds’ Classic Tearjerker
Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
One of the best stories from the early days of rock and roll might be that of the brother and sister rockabilly act known as the Collins Kids. When the Oklahoma-born siblings first joined radio's Town Hall Party in 1954, Larry (Lawrence) was just ten and Lorrie (Lawrencine) a couple of years older, but they wowed … Continue reading Ricky Nelson Loved The Collins Kids
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
Geezer Music Club 