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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• Retro Redux: Doin' The Yam With Fred Astaire

  Fred didn't want any part of it at first, but Ginger was willing.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 29, 2010

• Retro Redux: Glenn Yarbrough - Still In Strong Voice

  His distinctive, lilting singing voice has shown up in some surprising places.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 25, 2010

• Retro Redux: Charlie Byrd's Inspiration Led The Way

  It seemed like a good idea. Turned out it was a great idea.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 22, 2010

• Retro Redux: Early Phil Spector Project - Curtis Lee

  Whatever your feelings about him, Spector did influence pop music for many years.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 16, 2010

• Retro Redux: The Kitty Who Became A Songbird - Kitty Kallen

  The list of bandleaders she worked with reads like a who's who of the big band era.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 13, 2010

• Retro Redux: Rex Allen - Best Of The Singing Cowboys?

  But what would Gene and Roy say?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 11, 2010

• Retro Redux: Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears

  A popular entertainer for years in the US, she's even more beloved in the UK.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 05, 2010

• Retro Redux: Remembering Dee Clark

  Get the new year off to a good start by remembering one of the talented stars of the past.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jan 01, 2010

• Retro Redux: The Sixth Passenger - Hawkshaw Hawkins

  His best-selling record hit the top of the charts and stayed there for weeks, but he wasn't around to enjoy it.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 29, 2009

• Retro Redux: Connections - The Castells And Beyond

  If you played 'six degrees of..." with this group, it would include the Beach Boys and Glenn Campbell.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 22, 2009

• Retro Redux: Maxine Sullivan - Swingin' To Loch Lomond

  It was her signature song, but she probably never actually saw the lake — er, loch.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 20, 2009

• Retro Redux: Tony Martin — Crooner Or Cowboy?

  Sometimes a singer should stick to singing.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 17, 2009

• Retro Redux: Chattanooga Has Inspired Classic Songs

  Two different songs, or just variations on the same theme? You be the judge.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 15, 2009

• Retro Redux: Letting It All Hang Out — The Hombres

  Venturing into the strange world of pop music in the sixties.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 11, 2009

• Retro Redux: Laura Lives On - Musically

  It's a timeless tune, but the movie was pretty good too.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 07, 2009

• Retro Redux: Puttin' My Cat Clothes On

  Rockabilly legend Carl Perkins had the right idea — you need to look especially cool if you want to rock.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 04, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Arbors Found Their Path To Success

  It took a while, but they finally found the secret to career longevity.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Dec 02, 2009

• Retro Redux: Jack Jones - Son To The Father

  Sinatra called him "one of the major singers of our time."

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 30, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Mystery Of Karen Chandler

  She had at least three different names, but her voice was for real.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 24, 2009

• Retro Redux: Allan Jones - Father To The Son

  Taking a look at the origins of a crooner.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 22, 2009