Feature: Retro Redux

In his continuing quest to prove that the music of the past has a lot to offer today's music lovers, Big Geez takes time off from his busy duties as a hammock tester to write RETRO REDUX. For those who remember the songs, it's a journey into musical nostalgia that will take you to places you haven't been for a while -- not only revisiting many of your favorite songs (even those you might have forgotten), but also telling the often surprising stories of the people who made the music. For those music lovers who might have come along a little too late to have actually experienced the music of the past, it's an opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

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Big Geez

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• Retro Redux: Swayze's Ghost Revived An Old Song

  Over 500 different versions have been recorded but some of them are seldom heard.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 27, 2008

• Retro Redux: Xavier Cugat - The Godfather Of Latin Pop Music

  Surrounded by beautiful women and his music, he had the last laugh on critics.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 23, 2008

• Retro Redux: Arranging As An Art - Fletcher Henderson

  Smart bandleaders knew that a great arranger could mean the difference between success and failure for their band.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 19, 2008

• Retro Redux: The Rivieras - California Beach Music Hoosier Style

  Only that new British group with the odd name could have kept the Rivieras from topping the charts.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 15, 2008

• Retro Redux: Confessions Of A Multiple-Music Addict

  We all know about how technology has changed the way we collect music, but are you a multiple-music addict?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 11, 2008

• Retro Redux: Remembering Karen Carpenter — As A Singer

  When she sang, the warmth of her voice surprised - and charmed - listeners.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 07, 2008

• Retro Redux: Bing Crosby Gets A Mulligan

  Their family fireworks were no secret, but Gary's book furnished the details.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Apr 03, 2008

• Retro Redux: Crankin' Out The Classics - Country Style

  Generating musical classics is not restricted to the likes of Wolfgang or Ludwig.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 30, 2008

• Retro Redux: Remember The Music — Not The Tragedy

  Although Uncle Louie met an early and tragic end, the spirit of his music is worth remembering.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 26, 2008

• Retro Redux: Music Works Its Magic On Stress

  Sometimes you REALLY need a break.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 18, 2008

• Retro Redux: A Musical Chick Flick Is Still A Chick Flick

  She had a life that was custom-made for a special kind of movie.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 14, 2008

• Retro Redux: Jazzin' The Classics With Larry Clinton

  Although a lot of purists didn't like the practice, it's been pretty common among jazz musicians for years.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 10, 2008

• Retro Redux: March Madness — Rock & Roll Style

  In March, thoughts turn to basketball and — rock and roll?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 06, 2008

• Retro Redux: Revisiting Elvis In Hawaii

  If only I'd saved that Hawaiian shirt...

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Mar 02, 2008

• Retro Redux: Swimming To Catalina With The Four Preps

  Their music helped influence Brian Wilson in his creation of the Beach Boys sound.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 25, 2008

• Retro Redux: Johnny Long Tried To Straddle The Line

  Proving once again that you can't be both 'sweet' and 'hot'.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 21, 2008

• Retro Redux: Lionel Hampton Got The Job - And Became A Legend

  The fictionalized job interview was movie silliness — but the bottom line is that a future legend got his key break.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 16, 2008

• Retro Redux: Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond - The Box Tops

  The group wasn't around for long, but it topped 1967 rock charts — and its young lead vocalist became a star.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 11, 2008

• Retro Redux: Cuttin' Wax In Post-War Motown

  An adventure in Detroit with the original one-hit wonder.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 07, 2008

• Retro Redux: WWII Servicemen Loved 'GI Jo' - Jo Stafford

  One of the most gifted singers around, she moved easily from pop to jazz and beyond.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Feb 01, 2008