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: Jimmie Rodgers - Detour On The Road To Stardom

  14 gold records and 4 gold albums, but how much did that fateful night on the highway affect his career?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 28, 2008

• Retro Redux: Adventures In Radio — 1960's Style

  Our listeners had no idea what was going on behind the scenes.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 22, 2008

• Retro Redux: Burl Ives - Not Just Sam The Snowman

  A multi-talented performer who should be remembered for more than a cartoon snowman.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 16, 2008

• Retro Redux: Origins of Rock & Roll - Jivin' With Jordan

  He was an inspiration to Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and many others.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 14, 2008

• Retro Redux: In Search Of Singing Cowboys

  Whatever ever happened to cowpokes singing around the campfire?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 09, 2008

• Retro Redux: Vaughn Monroe - aka Old Leather Tonsils

  He was sometimes called "The Voice With Hairs On Its Chest."

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 06, 2008

• Retro Redux: Sleepin' In The Country

  A monkey in a lab will never sleep as well as a small boy in a feather-bed.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 04, 2008

• Retro Redux: Artie Shaw's Funk Paves Way For Tony Pastor

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 26, 2007

• Retro Redux: Johnny Carson And The Music Of The Tonight Show

  The house band was a great gig for sidemen, while the show itself provided a showcase for guest stars.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 21, 2007

• Retro Redux: In Search Of Christmas Carolers

  Holiday traditions aren't always what they seem.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 17, 2007

• Retro Redux: Canned Heat - Definitely Deluxe Bell-Ringers

  What's a bell-ringer and why is deluxe better than ordinary?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 12, 2007

• Retro Redux: Commander Cody - Silly Songs and Beyond

  Their biggest hit was a tune that captured the imagination of the listening public (especially teenage boys).

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 10, 2007

• Retro Redux: Transistors, Rock & Roll, And — Polkas?

  He was like a thirsty deacon in a tavern — even though he knew he should resist, temptation was tough to overcome.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 06, 2007

• Retro Redux: Mule Skinners - From Jimmie Rodgers To Van Morrison

  A song that's been recorded by just about everybody, including Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, and Van Morrison.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 03, 2007

• Retro Redux: Dodging The Doofus Preceded Dancing With The Stars

  Misadventures on the dance floor.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 28, 2007

• Retro Redux: Lee Dorsey And The Monday Morning Song

  His signature song's irresistible sound - complete with clanking chains - is still fun to hear.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 25, 2007

• Retro Redux: Turkey, Trimmings — And Straw?

  Once the men were sated and groaning, the women would sit in their places and eat with less urgency...

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 21, 2007

• Retro Redux: Claude King - Still Climbing That Mountain

  Small-town radio in the 1960's could be quite an adventure.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 17, 2007

• Retro Redux: John Gary - His Voice Dazzled

  His voice and his unique singing abilities were the envy of his contemporaries.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 12, 2007

• Retro Redux: Eddie Fisher's Other Wife - Connie Stevens

  After a broken marriage (and a romance with Elvis) Connie found herself courted by Eddie.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 09, 2007