Happy 76th birthday to ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons! Billy was born outside of Houston, Texas. Music was a part of his life right from the start. His father was an orchestra leader and concert pianist. When he was five, his mom took him to see Elvis Presley. Two years later, his dad took him to … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Jingle Bell Blues
Author: nostalgicitalian
I'm just a guy who likes the classics. I love Old Time Radio Shows. I love Classic TV. I love Classic Movies. I love songs from the "Great American Songbook". I dig songs from the first decade of Rock and Roll. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to newer things. My musical taste ranges from Classical to Classic Rock and Country to Rap. I love a good book and am always looking for something to read. I tend to lean toward historical fiction, biographies, mysteries, and more.
I have always believed that our past (and the things we've experienced in it) make us who we are today. That being said, after reading through some old My Space blogs (yeah, that's about how long it's been since I blogged regularly), I decided that I should once again write. Welcome to my blog. I hope you find it interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining in some way.
CONTACT ME AT - nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com
Movie Music Monday – The Glenn Miller Story
I have featured this film before, but for a different reason. The last time was the anniversary of Glenn Miller's Chattanooga Choo Choo becoming the first gold record. Today is for a much sadder anniversary. It was on this day in 1944 that Glenn Miller's plane disappeared somewhere over the English Channel. The incident remains … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – The Glenn Miller Story
Oh, Christmas Tree (2025)
*The majority of this blog was written in 2019 and has been updated with additional photos and stories. (2025) The kids were watching some Mickey Mouse holiday special on Disney+ recently. I cannot recall the name of the song, but some of the lyrics are a perfect lead in to this blog: "Every time I … Continue reading Oh, Christmas Tree (2025)
Turntable Talk #44 – That’s What Christmas Means to Me
It is time once again for Turntable Talk, our monthly feature hosted by Dave at A Sound Day. This is round #44 and with it being December, his topic is "That's What Christmas Means to Me". Our instructions this month: This time, just think about Yule time and pick a song - Christmas-themed or not … Continue reading Turntable Talk #44 – That’s What Christmas Means to Me
Friday Photo Flashback
Today is the 110th birthday of "The Chairman of the Board!" Happy Heavenly Birthday to Frank Sinatra. He lives on through the music he left behind. I got to interview a lot of famous people when I worked on the radio, but I wish I could have had the chance to interview him. He was … Continue reading Friday Photo Flashback
Book Recommendation – Kill For Me, Kill For You
I always love when I can write about a book that I really enjoyed. That is the case for Kill For Me Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh. When I saw the title of the book, my thoughts immediately went to Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train. Come to find out, that film inspired the … Continue reading Book Recommendation – Kill For Me, Kill For You
Holiday History (Part 2)
51 years ago on this day, December 10, 1974, my all time favorite Christmas special aired for the first time. Long time readers of this blog are familiar with it for sure - The Year Without a Santa Claus. Back in 2019, I wrote an entire piece on the special for a blog-a-thon. Here it … Continue reading Holiday History (Part 2)
A Holiday Record
Every year around November 1st, the "Defrosting of Mariah Carey" memes start to post on social media. It's become quite the joke. Back in the day, Bing Crosby was the "King of Christmas." I suppose that title today would go to Michael Buble'. However, the undisputed "Queen of Christmas" has got to be Mariah Carey. … Continue reading A Holiday Record
Tune Tuesday – Wind Parade
Today, we shine the light on another hometown hero. Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, better known to the music world as Donald Byrd, was born on this day in 1932. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. His mother introduced him to jazz music, and his uncle gave him his first trumpet. He attended Cass technical … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Wind Parade
Movie Music Monday – Ocean’s Eleven
Happy 100th Birthday to the amazing Sammy Davis Jr.! There was really nothing that he could not do! He could play multiple instruments, he could dance, he could sing, he could act, he was an all around entertainer! As a member of the Rat Pack, Sammy appeared on stage and in movies with Frank Sinatra, … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – Ocean’s Eleven
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 