The Life and Musical Works of Richard Hayman

The Life and Musical Works of Richard Hayman

Introduction to Richard Hayman Richard Hayman (born on March 27, 1920) was an American conductor and arranger, having worked with several orchestras and film studios (most known works was for the MGM studios). As a harmonica player, Hayman also joined the Borrah Minnevitch Harmonica Rascals in his early career. Hayman too served … Read more

Robert Knight with “Everlasting Love”

Robert Knight with Everlasting Love

Introduction to Robert Knight Robert Knight is an American soul singer primarily known for his late 60s music era hit single “Everlasting Love.”  Born in Tennessee, he started his professional singing career with the vocal quintet The Paramounts; they released the R&B hit single (a Johnny Preston cover) “Free Me” in 1961.  … Read more

Robin Luke with His Only Hit “Susie Darlin”

Robin Luke

Introduction to Robin Luke Los Angeles, California-born rockabilly singer Robin Luke may be considered a one-hit wonder through late 50s music era song “Susie Darlin’,” which went to the Billboard top 10 charts.  He released a few other singles but none of them duplicated the success of “Susie Darlin’.”  Luke eventually withdrew … Read more

Classic Rock Profiles: Richie Furay

Classic Rock Profiles Richie Furay

Introduction to Richie Furay Richie Furay is an American singer and songwriter who was part of the legendary 60s rock group Buffalo Springfield, and also launched a solo career during the 70s music era. When Buffalo Springfield split in 1968, Furay formed a band called Poco, which released a handful of albums. … Read more

Rocco Granata and His Surprise International Hit “Marina”

Rocco Granata

Introduction to Rocco Granata Rocco Granata (born in Figline Vegliaturo, Italy in 1938) is an Italian-born Belgian accordionist, singer-songwriter, and later a record producer. The son of a coal miner, Granata played accordion and led a band called “The International Quintet” who toured all around Belgium. His only claim to international fame … Read more

Rod Lauren – “If I Had a Girl”

Rod Lauren

Introduction to Rod Lauren Rod Lauren (birth name Roger Lawrence Strunk) was an American actor and singer.  As a singer, he went down to being one of the one-hit wonders via the Billboard Hot 100 charter “If I Had a Girl” in 1960.  Lauren performed that song on The Ed Sullivan Show … Read more

The Life and Music of Ronnie Dyson

The Life and Music of Ronnie Dyson

Introduction to Ronnie Dyson Ronnie Dyson was an American singer and actor, best known for his 1970 Top 10 single “(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can’t I Touch You?” He started his show business career when he snagged a lead part on the Broadway musical Hair, singing … Read more

Ray Bryant and His Prolific Music Career

Ray Bryant

Introduction to Ray Bryant Ray Bryant (born December 24, 1931 – died June 2, 2011) was American jazz pianist and composer who led such groups as the Ray Bryant Combo (also called Ray Bryant and his Combo) and the Ray Bryant Trio. The Pennsylvania-born Bryant was primarily a jazz musician; he could … Read more

Rex Allen, the Arizona Cowboy

Rex Allen

Introduction to Rex Allen Rex Allen (The Arizona Cowboy) was born on December 31, 1920 and passed away on December 17, 1999. He was the last of the movies “singing cowboys.” Rex was born in Wilcox, Arizona and quickly realized that he loved to play the guitar and entertain.  He started his … Read more

Ray Barretto – Puerto Rico’s Musical Pride

Ray Barretto

Introduction to Ray Baretto Ray Barretto (born April 29, 1929, died February 17, 2006) was born in Brooklyn, New York to Puerto Rican parents.  From an early age Ray loved Latin music.  Before becoming a prominent Latin band leader he started as a conga playing studio session musician.  He joined the army … Read more

Renato Carosone — The Father of Canzone Napoletana

Renato Carosone -- The Father of Canzone Napoletana

Introduction to Renato Carosone Renato Carosone was an Italian singer and pianist who is now considered one of the finest figures in Italian music. He is now regarded as the father of the modern canzone napoletana — a traditional genre of music sung in the Neapolitan tongue — with other elements introduced … Read more