Both of my kids have many talents and I've always been very proud of them, but I don't remember either of them ever doing much singing. To take it a step further, I also don't remember ever singing a duet with either of them. But that's not true in all families, which helps explain how … Continue reading The Kendalls – An Unusual Duet
Tag: Video
The Two Careers Of Len Barry
A relatively common occurrence in early rock and roll --and in most other types of music too, for that matter -- is when a key member of a successful musical group breaks off and goes solo. It sometimes proves to be a bad idea, but in many cases the newly-minted soloist does find some success, … Continue reading The Two Careers Of Len Barry
Getting To Know The Triplets
Movie music is an area I've ventured into from time to time, but I don't think I've ever written about a film that I saw a few years ago and loved in spite of the fact that it's in French and I do not speak the language. Of course, I should mention that it's a … Continue reading Getting To Know The Triplets
Dave Pell – The Real Thing
I've mentioned before that I sometimes regret dumping all my old vinyl LPs in favor of CDs (most recently in Bye-Bye To Brubeck Bossa Nova). Another of those missing albums came to mind today. It was an odd-looking one -- transparent gold instead of black -- recorded by a bandleader that I assumed at the … Continue reading Dave Pell – The Real Thing
Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
A familiar name in the history of R&B music is that of the Temptations, a singing group with many years of success and countless adoring fans. But what you might not know is the story of Jimmy Ruffin, who turned down a chance to sing in the group and instead recommended his little brother, but … Continue reading Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
I've written many times about musical performers who died before they could enjoy the kind of long career that their talent deserved. In a lot of cases their own self-destructive behavior led to a tragic end, but some were brought down by fate. The incredible voice of Minnie Riperton was stilled at just age 31 … Continue reading Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
At one time or another I've mentioned coal miners; not only recognizing the part they've played in American history but also writing about how many families (including mine) have had connections to miners at some point. I've also written about the music of coal miners, and that leads us to one of the best instrumentalists … Continue reading Don Stover’s Banjo Spoke To Miners
Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
In a recent post about Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio, I identified the musical piece played by the gorilla-masked characters -- “Solfeggio” -- but neglected to mention the composer, who actually wrote several better-known songs. Harpist Robert Maxwell, who composed instrumental classics like "Shangri-La" and "Ebb Tide," deserves a closer look. The New York native grew … Continue reading Robert Maxwell – Beyond Gorilla Music
Patsy Montana Did It First
Fans of modern country music are often familiar with the names of many of the earlier stars, but I'd be willing to bet that few would guess the name of the singer who had the first number-one country hit for a female. It wasn't Loretta or Tammy or even Kitty. It was Patsy Montana, who … Continue reading Patsy Montana Did It First
Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
Almost a half-century ago, comedian Ernie Kovacs died in an auto crash, one that was said to have been caused by him trying to drive while lighting one of his signature cigars. At the time, he was just 42 and married to beautiful singer/actress Edie Adams, and was finding some success as a busy character … Continue reading Nairobi Trio Gave A Classic Performance
Geezer Music Club 