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

Articles in this feature

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• Retro Redux: Whippoorwills And Whippersnappers

  Hank Williams and Johnny Cash — masters of a special kind of country music song.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Aug 04, 2008

• Retro Redux: A Twist Of Fate - Teresa And Joan

  Sometimes a career - and a life - can turn on simple timing.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 31, 2008

• Retro Redux: Stormy Weather - Part Deux

  Mother Nature and the power company — a potent combination.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 27, 2008

• Retro Redux: Amping It Up With Johnny and The Hurricanes

  They had a specialty — and it led to a lot of record sales.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 20, 2008

• Retro Redux: Bulldog Songs - They Grab On And Won't Let Go

  Ever have a song sink its teeth into you?

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 16, 2008

• Retro Redux: Johnny Ace - Promising Start Leads To Senseless End

  Another of the tragic stories that have always been part of the history of music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 11, 2008

• Retro Redux: Banned From Radio Play - Nervous Norvus

  Being prohibited by many radio stations probably helped make his song a best-seller.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 08, 2008

• Retro Redux: The Grinch Makes A Rare Summer Appearance

  It turns out that the Hulk isn't the only green guy lurking around.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jul 03, 2008

• Retro Redux: Perry Como And The Singing Sisters

  Musical memories can be very deceiving.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 29, 2008

• Retro Redux: Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too

  Driving a cab in the days before Travis Bickle made it scary.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 26, 2008

• Retro Redux: Joni James - What's In A Name?

  For one unforgettable decade, she was the biggest thing around.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 22, 2008

• Retro Redux: Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin'

  Memories - and a chuckle or two - from a simpler time.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 18, 2008

• Retro Redux: Kentucky's Other Music — The Hilltoppers

  You gotta love a singing group that wore beanies.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 13, 2008

• Retro Redux: Goin' To Kansas City With Wilbert Harrison

  An early rock and roll pioneer, he was from North Carolina but will always be associated with the city in his song.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 10, 2008

• Retro Redux: Ridin' Out The Storm With The Duke

  Music has always had a connection with certain types of weather.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on Jun 06, 2008

• Retro Redux: Ivory Joe Joins The Revolution

  Early rock and roll was a perfect fit for the performer, who'd already conquered other musical genres.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on May 29, 2008

• Retro Redux: The Perfect Song For The Holiday Weekend

  Accompanying a favorite weekend activity with a song that was made to order.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on May 24, 2008

• Retro Redux: Lee Konitz - Playing Fast, Sweet And High

  There might be bigger names among jazz saxophonists, but few can match his long career of excellence in music.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on May 21, 2008

• Retro Redux: Billy Vaughn - Thriving In The Rock And Roll Era

  In the 1950's and 1960's he dominated pop music charts.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on May 16, 2008

• Retro Redux: Kay Starr's Answer To Rock And Roll

  How did she handle the rock and roll revolution? Her solution might surprise you.

  Opinion by Big Geez — on May 13, 2008