Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke (music), John La Touche and Ted Fetter, (lyrics), and published in 1940. It was introduced in 1940 on Broadway in the show Cabin in the Sky, a production notable for its all black cast, and … Continue reading →

There aren’t many things on my bucket list, but getting “that sound” on the tenor sax is way up there. It’s called a growl or some such thing. I’m getting close. Anyway, it’s in this cut. “Shotgun” is a 1965 … Continue reading →

“Lonesome Valley” is a traditional American gospel folk song, first recorded in the 1920s. It has for a long time been pretty standard fare for country artists, including the Carter Family early on, and then the Monroe Brothers and the … Continue reading →

For fans of country rock, and I am definitely one, Bustin’ Out, the second album released by Pure Prairie League, is a classic. The odd thing about it is that it was released in 1972 but didn’t get much notice … Continue reading →

“It Might As Well Be Spring” is a Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein classic from the 1945 film State Fair, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song that year. Jeanne Crain performed it in the movie, but the voice was dubbed … Continue reading →

Johnny Otis (1921-2012) had quite the resume: singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader, talent scout, disc jockey, record producer, television show host, artist, author, journalist, minister, and impresario. Beside being a major influence on R&B and rock and roll, his various … Continue reading →

“I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store)” was written by Harry Warren (music) and Mort Dixon and Billy Rose (lyrics), and published in 1931.  It was introduced in the 1931 Broadway musical Billy Rose’s Crazy Quilt where it was sung … Continue reading →

Congratulations to all. Contemporary roots album of the year Traditional roots album of the year Blues album of the year