(Above: A man who has sold a lot of product.) December 6th is the Feast of Saint Nicholas. The story "A Visit from St. Nicholas" has been a longtime Christmas classic. From these events, we got Santa Claus, who has had an important role in the marketing of the Christmas season. Santa has also figured … Continue reading 12+ Blogs of Christmas: It Must Be Saint Nick
1950s
Rest in peace, Herb Kent: The Kool Gents, “I Just Can’t Help Myself” (1956)
Radio lost a true legend on October 22 when Herbert Kent passed away at the age of 88. Herb was known to generations of radio listeners in and around Chicago as "The Cool Gent." His night show on WVON was rated second only to WLS in its powerhouse AM days in the 1960s. It's hard … Continue reading Rest in peace, Herb Kent: The Kool Gents, “I Just Can’t Help Myself” (1956)
Happy 90th birthday, Chuck Berry: “You Can’t Catch Me” (1956)
Chuck Berry turns 90 today. If we have to pick one figure in American pop to whom the charts have not been kind, my vote likely goes to him. You certainly know the story of Chuck: born in St. Louis, went to Chicago, cut a few important sides for Chess in the 50s, faded out, … Continue reading Happy 90th birthday, Chuck Berry: “You Can’t Catch Me” (1956)
Check your stylus: George Hamilton IV, “A Rose and a Baby Ruth” (1956)
(Above: The sort of thing you find in my house.) Now that my dissertation on 1960s radio and race is completed, I finally get to read things that I want to read rather than sticking to research that I need to do. Sometimes, I get lucky, and find a book that serves both masters, in … Continue reading Check your stylus: George Hamilton IV, “A Rose and a Baby Ruth” (1956)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 