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.

Columnists

Big Geez

Articles in this feature

Subscribe to feature RSS

• Retro Redux: Jimmy Day And His Blue Darlin'

  He played alongside everyone from Willie Nelson to Elvis Presley.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 07, 2009

• Retro Redux: A Long Ride For Ray Anthony

  His career transitions several eras in entertainment.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 05, 2009

• Retro Redux: Remembering Mr. & Mrs. Swing

  Although the marriage was short-lived, their musical partnership continued.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Sep 02, 2009

• Retro Redux: Kenny Ball - Keepin' It Alive

  A one-hit wonder in the U.S. but beloved in Great Britain.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 31, 2009

• Retro Redux: Acker Bilk - Trad Jazz Master

  Trad is short for "traditional" — but the music isn't what you think.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 27, 2009

• Retro Redux: Norman Greenbaum — A Spirited Life

  You'll never guess what he does in his spare time.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 25, 2009

• Retro Redux: Ben Webster - King Of The Tenors?

  One of the best of the early jazz saxophonists.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 20, 2009

• Retro Redux: Songwriter Turned Star - Eddie Rabbitt

  A surprisingly diversified star, he left behind a ton of memorable songs.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 17, 2009

• Retro Redux: Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade

  One of the best-kept secrets in pop music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 14, 2009

• Retro Redux: The Many Talents Of Tex Ritter

  All about a singing cowboy's career — and his legacy, which included a famous son.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 10, 2009

• Retro Redux: Gene McDaniels And The BBC

  Having a record banned is an odd way to start a career.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 04, 2009

• Retro Redux: Remembering The B-List Music Stars

  Big stars in their day, and the music was pretty good too.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 02, 2009

• Retro Redux: Bob — The Other Crosby

  Although Bing died in 1977 - 16 years before him - Bob probably still felt his presence.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 30, 2009

• Retro Redux: Kate Smith's Special Song

  A pairing of musical legends gave birth to an iconic song.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 24, 2009

• Retro Redux: Dave Loggins - Kenny's Talented Cousin

  A career that has spanned both pop and country music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 21, 2009

• Retro Redux: A Porcine Song With A Message

  Who would have figured that we could all learn something from the lowly hog?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 20, 2009

• 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.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 15, 2009

• Retro Redux: Pondering Julie London

  She's not as neatly pigeonholed as you might have thought.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 13, 2009

• Retro Redux: Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet

  He was pretty proud of it, and loved to show it off too.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 11, 2009

• Retro Redux: Charlie Feathers - Rockabilly's Cranky Pioneer

  He was not afraid to speak up about his music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 08, 2009