It’s So Easy: Finding Info on the Oldies

I question myself writing this post, because on one hand, I think this tip is so incredibly obvious that maybe it's not worth mentioning... Then again, I think it's a pretty clever hack! So let's say you want to find something out about a song from yesteryear. (Yesteryear being the 1950's or 60's) You might…

Three Songs for Buddy Holly on The 85th Anniversary of His Birth

Personally, I don't find it makes sense to say "Happy 85th Birthday" to the eternally young man who never made it to his 23rd... So I chose this rather long and awkward title instead. But like I always say, I'm not the average fan. Buddy Holly, Waterloo, IA. Summer, 1958. Buddy Holly was certainly not…

All For Paul: Happy 80th Birthday Paul Anka!

This week Retro Dee's Guide to the Best Era Ever is pleased to wish legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka a Happy 80th Birthday! Paul Albert Anka was born in Ottawa, Canada on July 30, 1941. It would be impossible for me to encapsulate his epic career in the music industry in a short bio. So let…

Three for Ritchie V.

Hi everybody. Today we remember a teenager - possibly the most talented teen to ever exist. His name was Richard Steven Valenzuela... known professionally as Ritchie Valens. Ritchie Valens was born in Pacoima, CA on May 13, 1941. After a short, but wildly successful career in music, Ritchie tragically perished in Clear Lake Iowa on…

Musical Misconceptions: Crying Waiting Hoping

Hi folks and welcome to another edition of Musical Misconceptions. I'm Retro Dee and in this edition we'll be talking about one of the best songs ever written: "Crying Waiting Hoping" by Buddy Holly. There's an old adage that says, "If you don't know where to begin, start at the beginning." So I will. I'll…

A Set For Johnny Burnette

Today we remember another fantastic singer-songwriter who was taken too soon. John Joseph Burnette was born on March 25, 1934 in Memphis, TN. He began his music career in 1952 in a group called The Rhythm Rangers with his brother Dorsey Burnette and their friend Paul Burlison. When the group disbanded, Johnny went to California…

Musical Misconceptions: Oh What A Night!

Hi everyone welcome to musical misconceptions. In this edition, we'll be looking at two very different songs with a very similar name and we'll revisit another one of my "dumb brunette" moments. 🙂 Many years ago when the cousins and I were still kids, the family had a big anniversary party for our Grandparents. And…