(Above: Art having fun at WCFL, circa 1951.) Sad news from the world of Chicagoland radio: Art Hellyer, longtime radio and television host, passed away last night. He was 95. Art held the distinction of being my oldest Facebook friend. Before becoming ill earlier this year, he was in the habit of sharing Facebook live … Continue reading Rest in peace, Art Hellyer: Ray Charles, “America the Beautiful” (1972)
1950s
Rest in peace, D.J. Fontana: Elvis Presley, “My Baby Left Me” (1956)
(Above: D.J. Fontana and the singer that he's best associated with.) Word spread this morning that Dominic Joseph Fontana passed away peacefully last night at the age of 87. There is no question that you have heard him play the drums. D. J. Fontana was recruited to accompany Elvis Presley along with Scotty Moore and … Continue reading Rest in peace, D.J. Fontana: Elvis Presley, “My Baby Left Me” (1956)
The gift that kept on giving: My first 45s, 45 years later (Part 2)
(Above: Clearly Mom wanted the records in the basement. That's usually where they end up.) In the last post I explained that I received my first record player 45 years ago, and started rifling through my parents' records. This past weekend I went through a few thousand 45s, found the original records I inherited, and … Continue reading The gift that kept on giving: My first 45s, 45 years later (Part 2)
The gift that kept on giving: My first 45s, 45 years later (Part 1)
(Above: The box of records that used to belong to my parents. I've had it for 45 years.) Think back to when you were a kid. What was the one gift that you received that you remember more than any of the others? The one that, though you didn't know it at the time, changed … Continue reading The gift that kept on giving: My first 45s, 45 years later (Part 1)
Christmas on the air: The songs I hated – and loved – to play
In the last post, I talked about working in both retail and in radio. In both careers I got to deal with people, often at their worst. I also worked on or around Christmas in both jobs, and it is for that reason that I think I never truly appreciated the holiday like I did … Continue reading Christmas on the air: The songs I hated – and loved – to play
Rest in peace, Fats Domino: “Lady Madonna” (1968)
Word circulated yesterday that Antoine "Fats" Domino, regarded by many as one of the godfathers of rock and roll, passed away yesterday at the age of 89. Fats was a survivor in the literal sense of the word. When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, Domino remained in his 9th ward home, riding the … Continue reading Rest in peace, Fats Domino: “Lady Madonna” (1968)
Rest in peace, Jimmy Beaumont: The Skyliners, “Since I Don’t Have You” (1959)
(Above: Sheet music for "Since I Don't Have You.") Read this morning that Jimmy Beaumont passed away in Pennsylvania at the age of 76. That might not be a name that you immediately recognize, but you more than likely have heard his work. He's also the subject of a great article/obit in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. … Continue reading Rest in peace, Jimmy Beaumont: The Skyliners, “Since I Don’t Have You” (1959)
RIP Dave Pell: “I’m an Old Cowhand” (1957)
(Above: The LP jacket for Swingin' In the Old Corral) Word filtered to me that jazz saxophonist Dave Pell passed away in May on 2017 at the age of 92. Dave Pell is not a household name, except perhaps to those who collect the "lounge" music of the 1950s. In the 1990s Capitol released a … Continue reading RIP Dave Pell: “I’m an Old Cowhand” (1957)
Re-collecting a collection: Various artists (1950s)
(Above: Carol Holmes' box of records, circa 1958) The 45s in my collection fall into three categories: a) The original records I inherited from my folks when I got my first record player at age 4. There's maybe 30 or 40 of these. b) Records that I bought new. There's hundreds of these. c) Records … Continue reading Re-collecting a collection: Various artists (1950s)
Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
(Above: The author, 31 years ago, leaving high school.) I've been to a lot of graduation ceremonies. From eighth grade through earning my PhD last year I've had the opportunity to participate in several. In my role as a faculty member at GVSU I'm invited to attend them every term. I don't go every time, … Continue reading Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 