Movie Music Monday – The Nutty Professor

Happy 100th Birthday to comedian/actor/director Jerry Lewis! Jerry became a household name when he teamed up with Dean Martin in 1946. For ten years, they dominated the entertainment world. They appeared on radio, on televison and made 16 films together before ending their partnership in 1956. There was plenty of speculation as to whether or … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – The Nutty Professor →

“Fert! Honk! Laaaa Yaaaa Laaa!” (Happy Birthday, Charlie)

To this day, my best friend Jeff and I will leave each other voice mail messages with a variety of wacky noises and such. For years, we've been channeling our inner "Charlie Callas." That has gotten us both in trouble on occasion (especially with substitute teachers). Charlie Callas was one of a kind. The thing … Continue reading “Fert! Honk! Laaaa Yaaaa Laaa!” (Happy Birthday, Charlie) →

Friday Photo Flashback

Every summer I think back to our summer trips up to Caseville. My grandparents had a mobile home up there. As we made the two hour drive up there, my brother and I always looked for the familiar landmarks along the way. Romeo had an old country store with penny candy. Almont had the Almont … Continue reading Friday Photo Flashback →

The Things We Do For a Laugh

This week, I got an unexpected package in the mail. The contents made me laugh out loud. Let me set it up for you... I woke up one morning after having a ridiculous dream. In the dream, I was meeting my old radio buddy, Johnny Molson. I do not know the reason for our meeting. … Continue reading The Things We Do For a Laugh →

The Reunion

48 years ago today, Frank Sinatra did something spectacular. He saw to it that two greats were reunited after not seeing each other for 20 years - Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. He did it on the 1976 Labor Day Telethon. It is a magical thing to watch. Martin and Lewis were huge when they … Continue reading The Reunion →

Happy Birthday, Count!

Today is the 99th birthday of WIlliam "Count" Basie. He was one of many legendary jazz pianists, and big band leaders. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the group for almost 50 years. He is noted for creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Count! →

Happy 79th to Capitol Records

On this day in 1942, Johnny Mercer and Glenn Wallichs launched Capitol Records in the United States. Wallichs was the man who invented the art of record promotion by sending copies of new releases to disc jockeys. It wasn't until 13 years later, in 1955, that the now famous Capitol Records building was built. The … Continue reading Happy 79th to Capitol Records →

Favorite Films – The 90’s

This blog is a continuation of a series I started a week or so ago. Somebody had the idea to post a list was to consist of your favorite films from each year of your life. So, you start with your birth year and move ahead year by year and list all the films from … Continue reading Favorite Films – The 90’s →

Favorite Films – The 80’s

This blog is a continuation of a series I started earlier this week. Somebody had the idea to post a list was to consist of your favorite films from each year of your life. So, you start with your birth year and move ahead year by year and list all the films from each year. … Continue reading Favorite Films – The 80’s →

Tune Tuesday – That’s Amore

It was 66 years ago today that Dean Martin stood in the recording studios at Capitol Records to record a song that he will forever be associated with - That's Amore. In 1953, Dean recorded it with Dick Stabile and his orchestra. The session went from 8:30pm to 12:30am. Also recorded at that session was … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – That’s Amore →