Not every country music performer hails from the rural heartland. Joe Val spent many years as one of the most respected country artists around, and he was an Italian/American (real name: Joseph Valiante) who was born and raised in the Boston area. But New England has always had a strong tradition in country music, including … Continue reading Joe Val – The Voice Of New England Bluegrass
Tag: Video
The Long Interlude Of Frank Morgan
I was sorry to read about the death of Etta James, although it wasn't unexpected because she'd been in ill health for quite a while. But even though I was a fan, her life story is being well-covered everywhere so I thought I'd go in a different direction. Thinking about some of the problems she … Continue reading The Long Interlude Of Frank Morgan
Knife-Throwing Tougher Than It Looks
Like most kids of my generation, I was always fascinated by the knife-throwing scenes that seemed to show up regularly in the action movies I watched. Whether flipped by an evil assassin lurking in the shadows or the valiant hero acting in desperation, it seemed as if almost anybody could grab any kind of knife … Continue reading Knife-Throwing Tougher Than It Looks
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
The Artistry Of Art Van Damme
Although he might not be as well remembered as the guys we mentioned in a recent piece about accordions (Lawrence Welk and Myron Floren), Art Van Damme had some distinctions of his own. In addition to a long career in radio and TV, he was a respected jazz musician with an international reputation, and he … Continue reading The Artistry Of Art Van Damme
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
Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
Although I believe that a person's spiritual beliefs are a private thing, I will confess that I'm not a regular church-goer -- in fact, the last time I attempted to sing a hymn my voice probably hadn't yet changed. But I've found that there are certain kinds of gospel music that really appeal to me, … Continue reading Appreciating Gospel Music For Its Own Sake
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
The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
Most of us have listened to Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" about a gazillion times, but how many of us know anything about the mysterious 'Lotte Lenya' mentioned in the song? Turns out she was not only the composer's muse, but also a well-known entertainer with a long career that stretched all the way from … Continue reading The Fascinating Lotte Lenya
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
Geezer Music Club 