Tune Tuesday – Jerome Kern

Born on this day 141 years ago, one of the great contributors to the Great American Songbook - Jerome Kern. He was born January 27, 1885. Jerome Kern was one of the most important American theatre composers of the early 20th century. He wrote more than 700 songs that were used in over 100 stage … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Jerome Kern →

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 →

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 →

Movie Music Monday – Play Misty For Me

When I got into radio, I asked one of the DJ's if he had any advice for me. "Don't get involved with a listener!" was his reply. I asked him why and his response was, "Haven't you ever seen Play Misty for Me?" I hadn't. So I rented it. It starred Clint Eastwood and Jessica … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – Play Misty For Me →

Happy 79th Birthday, Pop!

If you have read my blogs in the past, you know that it consists of a mixture of pop culture things (like movie, TV and music thoughts) and personal things (radio stories, school memories, and things from my childhood). As I thought about today's blog topic, I realized that without this man in my life … Continue reading Happy 79th Birthday, Pop! →

Halloween Repost

I know that this may step on the toes of Dave over at A Sound Day as his feature Turntable Talk this month will feature write ups about "Spooky Hits." What follows is a piece I wrote about DJing Halloween Parties and the "must have" songs. It shouldn't ruin Dave's feature much, as all I … Continue reading Halloween Repost →

Torme’ Centennial

Happy 100th birthday to the late, great Mel Torme'!! Melvin Howard Tormé was an American musician, singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. He was a jazz icon. He won two Grammy Awards and was nominated a total of 14 times. Mel grew up in a largely black neighborhood and was heavily influenced by jazz. He was a … Continue reading Torme’ Centennial →

Tune Tuesday – Call Me Irresponsible

Happy 50th birthday to Michael Buble'! Michael is often referred to as a crooner. This is because he helped to renew public interest and appreciation for the Great American Songbook and those traditional pop standards. He readily admits that he is a "great cover artist." His albums feature him covering the likes of Frank Sinatra, … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Call Me Irresponsible →

Happy 85th Birthday to Billboard

The first Billboard singles chart was published on this day in 1940. It was 85 years ago that Billboard began compiling and publishing the National Best Selling Retail Records chart. It became the first official national music chart. Wiki says: Debuting in the issue dated July 27, it marked the beginning of the magazine's nationwide tracking … Continue reading Happy 85th Birthday to Billboard →