I've always been fascinated by performers with extended careers who manage to transition into different kinds of music. I suppose that in some ways they're just following trends by giving the public what it wants, but it can't be easy to reinvent yourself and those who did it successfully should be applauded. A while back … Continue reading From Sand To Sunday – The Chordettes
Tag: Video
Mr. Peanut Makes An Appearance
So I was listening to an album that I reviewed several years ago -- Cuban legend Juan Pablo Torres' Romantic Cuba -- and suddenly my ears perked up and I had a strong craving for peanuts. The reason? The last cut on the album is a medley that includes "El Manisero," a piece that's much … Continue reading Mr. Peanut Makes An Appearance
The Sweet Sounds Of Russ Morgan
Once in a while I like to feature one of the less-remembered bandleaders of the big band era, guys who might have been very popular at one time but lacked the lasting fame of a Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey. One who could be described in those terms was another trombonist, Russ Morgan, who had … Continue reading The Sweet Sounds Of Russ Morgan
Eddie Cochran – Shooting Star
In a recent piece about the late Hank Cochran, I mentioned that the veteran singer/songwriter had once formed a rockabilly singing duo with another young performer, Eddie Cochran. Although the two were not related they billed themselves as the 'Cochran Brothers' and did well for a while before going on to separate careers. In Eddie's … Continue reading Eddie Cochran – Shooting Star
Ginny Simms – From College To Kollege
Regular readers will recall that I often write about 'crooners' and 'songbirds' -- the vocalists of the big band era. In fact, if you put either word into the 'search' space on the left side you'll find lots of evidence of my fondness for them. That being the case, I thought maybe it was time … Continue reading Ginny Simms – From College To Kollege
Sakamoto’s Hit Song Was Not About Food
When Japanese pop singer Kyu Sakamoto's ballad "Ue O Muite Aruko (I Look Up When I Walk)" first became a hit in his home country, it had nothing to do with sukiyaki, a familiar meat and vegetable dish. But "Sukiyaki" was the name given to the song by record promoters when it was brought to … Continue reading Sakamoto’s Hit Song Was Not About Food
Hank Cochran Will Be Missed
Country music fans were saddened to hear of the recent passing of singer/songwriter Hank Cochran, who died at age 74 in his home near Nashville. Although he was a polished performer, the long-time associate of Willie Nelson is probably best known for writing hit songs for other singers; including Eddy Arnold's "Make The World Go … Continue reading Hank Cochran Will Be Missed
The Mission Of Lalo Schifrin
Soundtrack music is something that most of us take for granted, but it's vital to the mood and pacing of a film. It also has to do its job while not distracting from the action on the screen, even though in some cases the music might be better than what you're watching. It's not surprising … Continue reading The Mission Of Lalo Schifrin
Reconsidering Roy Head
It probably isn't that unusual for someone to turn in outstanding performances in several types of music and still fall short of sustained stardom. But it is a little surprising that someone as talented as Roy Head, who conquered everything from rock to traditional country to blue-eyed soul, topping the charts with his unforgettable "Treat … Continue reading Reconsidering Roy Head
The Complete Shirley Bassey
Although she has never quite conquered the American market in a consistent way, one of the biggest stars in Great Britain over the past half-century has been Shirley Bassey. Enormously popular in her home country, she remains mostly a mystery to American music fans who only know her as the brassy voice on the familiar … Continue reading The Complete Shirley Bassey
Geezer Music Club 