There's never been a shortage of outstanding instrumentalists in country music, but through the years there have been a select few who seem to be in a special class. One of those would have to be Joe Maphis, who never met a stringed instrument he didn't like. Often called 'The King of the Strings', Maphis … Continue reading The Flying Fingers Of Joe Maphis
Tag: Video
The Dee-Lightful Lenny Dee
To many, organist Lenny Dee was the ultimate lounge performer. And for many years he played to that image, with a popular live act and a number of successful albums with goofy covers and titles like Dee-lightful and Double Dee-light. But he was also a very skilled instrumentalist, one who is still celebrated for his … Continue reading The Dee-Lightful Lenny Dee
The Music Of Giant Tripods
I've always been a big fan of science fiction, and I have fond memories of some of the more colorful movies from my childhood. I was especially crazy about alien invasion movies, and there were plenty of them around in those days. I've written about those fun times before so I won't go into all … Continue reading The Music Of Giant Tripods
Bubbling Along With Shep Fields And – Festus?
It might surprise you to learn that Lawrence Welk wasn't the first bandleader to have a 'bubbling' theme. Although Welk's champagne bubbles eventually became a famous part of his image, Shep Fields preceded him with his Rippling Rhythm orchestra in the Thirties. His group -- one of the 'sweet' bands of the big band era … Continue reading Bubbling Along With Shep Fields And – Festus?
Choosing Young Love
Mrs. Big Geez and I seldom disagree -- or to put it another way, I'm afraid of her. But when we do have a rare difference of opinion, it's usually about something silly like the best version of a particular song. A good example would be a tune that hit the top of the charts … Continue reading Choosing Young Love
In The Sunshine With Gale Garnett
I try to get out and walk every day because I need the exercise, but the weather doesn't always cooperate. I do have a treadmill for fallback, but it's not the same as walking along in the fresh air, listening to music on my little music player. Luckily, it's been sunny and warm lately -- … Continue reading In The Sunshine With Gale Garnett
Joe Tex Was Not A Giant Robotic Cowboy
I thought I should start with a confession. Until a few years ago, I didn't really remember much about Joe Tex. His name might have been a little familiar to me, but if pressed I'd probably have guessed that Joe Tex was the name given to the giant robotic cowboy who greets visitors at the … Continue reading Joe Tex Was Not A Giant Robotic Cowboy
Turns Out Mr. Lucky . . . Wasn’t
During my teen years, I was a little unfocused about my musical tastes. Actually I was unfocused about most everything in those days, but we're talking about music here and one thing I do remember is how much I liked the Henry Mancini brand of jazz on the TV's Peter Gunn. The music from that … Continue reading Turns Out Mr. Lucky . . . Wasn’t
Brownsville Station Ruled The Restroom
I've always felt an affinity for Detroit, even though I've only spent a little time there through the years, mostly during my childhood. I've written about those days in a couple of earlier pieces. One was called Riding The Rails To Detroit City, and the other Cuttin' Wax In Post-War Motown, but my subject today … Continue reading Brownsville Station Ruled The Restroom
Good Ol’ Boys – The Musical Kind
Even though we mostly lived in town while I was growing up, I spent plenty of time in the country because we had lots of relatives living in rural areas. Having regular visits with them meant lots of opportunities for me to see 'good ol' boys', a term that was meant as a compliment. You … Continue reading Good Ol’ Boys – The Musical Kind
Geezer Music Club 