It seems like Frank Sinatra is showing up here a lot lately, but I happened to run across a couple of tidbits that sort of connected. While working up a piece on a close-harmony singing group called the Hi-Lo's, I found that Ol' Blue Eyes had encountered the guys a time or two -- and … Continue reading The Hi-Lo’s Meet Sinatra
Tag: Video
Dakota Staton – Beyond George Shearing
The recent death of George Shearing was noted in a number of articles, and some of the more detailed pieces mentioned various performers who recorded with the legendary jazz pianist. Among them was a singer whose name might not be quite as familiar as Shearing's -- but his 1958 pairing with singer Dakota Staton on … Continue reading Dakota Staton – Beyond George Shearing
Happy Traum And The Origin Of Dylan Classics
I didn't watch the Grammy awards telecast, and really haven't paid that much attention to it other than reading that there were some surprising winners. I also noticed that Bob Dylan performed to mixed reviews, and it got me to thinking about the legendary singer/songwriter and his history. Although his singing is not for everybody, … Continue reading Happy Traum And The Origin Of Dylan Classics
In Appreciation Of Sue Raney
I've written before about musical artists who somehow fall short of super-stardom, even though they might be more talented than some of their more-famous contemporaries. Another good example would be jazz vocalist Sue Raney, a gorgeous lady with an even more beautiful voice, who over the course of her long career has been a favorite … Continue reading In Appreciation Of Sue Raney
Sinatra On My Kindle
I haven't written much about my Kindle lately, even though I'm as happy as can be with it. One reason I haven't mentioned it is that I mostly try to write about musical things, and even though it does play MP3 files I'm not sure if that counts as music related. But I do know … Continue reading Sinatra On My Kindle
Nothing Small About The Talent Of Little Jimmy Dickens
One of the longest running careers in country music belongs to a guy who also has one of the most unusual signature songs in any genre. 'Little' Jimmy Dickens, who has been entertaining folks for over 70 years, will always be best known for his number-one hit, "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your … Continue reading Nothing Small About The Talent Of Little Jimmy Dickens
Ben Pollack Was The Real Thing
I've written before about a couple of movies that told the Hollywood version of the lives of two stars from the big band era -- The Benny Goodman Story and The Glenn Miller Story (video below) -- but something occurred to me today. Each film included a number of real musicians from the era appearing … Continue reading Ben Pollack Was The Real Thing
Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
Signature songs are a long-time tradition in the world of music. Almost every musician or group that has ever managed to attain a measure of fame can point to one special song that became their best known and most loved by fans. But in at least one instance, a song became the signature for two … Continue reading Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
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
America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Although his name might draw a blank with the younger generation, I think just about everyone else will be at least a little familiar with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. Most will recall Waring as the leader of a musical ensemble that included a lot of choral pieces, but the man who was sometimes called … Continue reading America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Geezer Music Club 