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: Remembering Randy And The Rainbows

  If doo-wop is your thing, you'll definitely remember their big song.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 18, 2009

• Retro Redux: Jeanne Black Had The Answer

  But what was the question?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 16, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Croonerhood Of Mel Carter

  So what's your definition of a crooner?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 12, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Smooth Sound Of The Fleetwoods

  A couple of unforgettable songs have kept the group's legacy alive.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 06, 2009

• Retro Redux: Joanie Sommers - Finding Her Musical Path

  Although being known as the "Pepsi Girl" had its advantages, it wasn't her only claim to fame.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Nov 03, 2009

• Retro Redux: Steve Allen - Modern Renaissance Man

  Most of us would be happy to possess just one of his many talents.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 30, 2009

• Retro Redux: Vic Dana Topped Them All

  You'll know the song, but the singer might surprise you.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 26, 2009

• Retro Redux: Bent Fabric Is For Real

  The name he now uses when performing wouldn't ring a bell with fans of his hit from the Sixties.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 22, 2009

• Retro Redux: Kitty Wells - The Queen Still Rules

  Her song struck a blow for women everywhere.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 19, 2009

• Retro Redux: Al Martino Will Be Remembered

  Six decades of crooning with the best of them.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 15, 2009

• Retro Redux: Teddy Wilson - Smoother Than Silk

  The consummate pro, he complemented Benny, Billie, and his other musical partners, but he also sparkled as a soloist.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 12, 2009

• Retro Redux: Upping The Bid With Leroy Van Dyke

  You wouldn't want to bid against him in any auction.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 09, 2009

• Retro Redux: Echoes Of The Beach Boys

  There was something very familiar about that East Coast song's sound.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Oct 05, 2009

• Retro Redux: Franck Pourcel And His French Fiddlers

  A success in multiple genres and on both sides of the Atlantic.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 29, 2009

• Retro Redux: Country Songbird Connie Smith

  One of the legends of country music, she's still a knockout performer.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 28, 2009

• Retro Redux: Jersey's Answer To The Beatles

  The decade of the Sixties was a musical smorgasbord with lots of choices — some tastier than others.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 23, 2009

• Retro Redux: Carl Smith - Anything But Ordinary

  One of the biggest honky-tonk stars, he married into country music royalty.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 22, 2009

• Retro Redux: Chicago's Faux-British Buckinghams

  The group was named for a Chicago landmark, but if fans thought of a certain palace, that was OK too.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 16, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Story Of Esquerita - aka Eskew Reeder

  A true original, he had a different persona for every kind of music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 14, 2009

• Retro Redux: Walter Murphy - Bringing Beethoven To Disco

  Everybody remembers Travolta in his white suit, dancing to the Bee Gees — but that wasn't the only music around.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 09, 2009