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: Kenny Ball - Keepin' It Alive
A one-hit wonder in the U.S. but beloved in Great Britain.
Retro Redux: Acker Bilk - Trad Jazz Master
Trad is short for "traditional" — but the music isn't what you think.
Retro Redux: Norman Greenbaum — A Spirited Life
You'll never guess what he does in his spare time.
Retro Redux: Ben Webster - King Of The Tenors?
One of the best of the early jazz saxophonists.
Retro Redux: Songwriter Turned Star - Eddie Rabbitt
A surprisingly diversified star, he left behind a ton of memorable songs.
Retro Redux: Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade
One of the best-kept secrets in pop music.
Retro Redux: The Many Talents Of Tex Ritter
All about a singing cowboy's career — and his legacy, which included a famous son.
Retro Redux: Gene McDaniels And The BBC
Having a record banned is an odd way to start a career.
Retro Redux: Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Big stars in their day, and the music was pretty good too.
Retro Redux: Bob — The Other Crosby
Although Bing died in 1977 - 16 years before him - Bob probably still felt his presence.
Retro Redux: Kate Smith's Special Song
A pairing of musical legends gave birth to an iconic song.
Retro Redux: Dave Loggins - Kenny's Talented Cousin
A career that has spanned both pop and country music.
Retro Redux: A Porcine Song With A Message
Who would have figured that we could all learn something from the lowly hog?
Retro Redux: One Piece At A Time - Johnny Cash
It's one way to get a new car, but it wouldn't be much help to the ailing auto industry.
Retro Redux: Pondering Julie London
She's not as neatly pigeonholed as you might have thought.
Retro Redux: Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet
He was pretty proud of it, and loved to show it off too.
Retro Redux: Charlie Feathers - Rockabilly's Cranky Pioneer
He was not afraid to speak up about his music.
Retro Redux: The Mystery Of Leon Redbone
An enigma, but instead of being wrapped in a riddle, he sports a Panama suit.
Retro Redux: The Paler George Hamilton
To be honest, he could probably use a little time in the tanning booth.
Retro Redux: Bobby Lewis And The School Of Hard Knocks
We can only imagine how tough it must have been.