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
Tag: Video
The Musical Side Of Orlon
Recently I ran across a picture of myself as a teenager (so it had to be an old one, right?) and noticed that I was wearing what I seem to remember was one of my favorite sweaters. Keeping in mind that my memory is often uncharted territory, I think that it was Orlon and I … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Orlon
The REAL Eddy Duchin Story
Although his orchestra was enormously popular in its day, Eddy Duchin would probably not be a recognizable name to most current music fans except for one thing. A few years after his death, Hollywood star Tyrone Power portrayed him in The Eddy Duchin Story, a very colorful tale of his life that even today occasionally … Continue reading The REAL Eddy Duchin Story
The Lion Sleeps More Than Once
I guess most of us probably remember the Tokens' big hit song from 1962, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," but what you might not remember is that it wasn't the last time this particular lion made an appearance on the charts. It was also a Top Ten hit a number of years later for singer Robert … Continue reading The Lion Sleeps More Than Once
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
Van McCoy — Disco And More
Dig out your white three-piece suit and get ready to hit the dance floor -- it's disco time! But in spite of the image that might have popped into your head, I'm not going to write about John Travolta or the Bee Gees. Instead, I thought I'd feature another performer from the era, and his … Continue reading Van McCoy — Disco And More
Remembering The REAL True Grit
Recently I read that a re-make of True Grit, the 1969 Western movie that won John Wayne an Oscar, is due to hit theaters in December. Jeff Bridges has taken over the role of Rooster Cogburn, and it's said that the new film is a much more serious version, with none of the tongue-in-cheek moments … Continue reading Remembering The REAL True Grit
The Talents Of Horace Heidt
Unlike most of the entertainers I've written about, swing-era bandleader Horace Heidt's talents didn't depend on his own musical abilities. Although he could play piano, he usually left the keyboard to others. And he was never really known as a composer or arranger, like so many of his contemporaries. But he did have two things … Continue reading The Talents Of Horace Heidt
Gwyneth Tackles The Country Side
Something a little different today. I don't often write about current performers, but one who fascinates me is the Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who -- after receiving beauty and acting talent in the genetic lottery -- apparently got back in line and picked up a good portion of singing ability too. I first noticed her … Continue reading Gwyneth Tackles The Country Side
Keeping Up With The Tymes
Sorry about the title of this piece, but I couldn't resist. For those who might have forgotten, the Philly-based R&B group known as the Tymes made a big splash in the early 1960s, hitting the top of the charts with "So Much In Love." Original members Donald Banks, Albert Berry, Norman Burnett, and George Hilliard … Continue reading Keeping Up With The Tymes
Geezer Music Club 