July is known for its scorching temperatures, so it’s only fitting Julie London brings the heat with her smokey vocals on “Sleigh Ride in July.” Not sure why she’s sleigh riding in July, but I’d listen to her sing about making hot apple cider in the middle of a heatwave, so who cares? I found … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for July
Category: 1950s
Random Image Dump #10
For the tenth edition of this series, I’ve gathered together a cornucopia of vintage photographs and art to celebrate. This post is positively sizzling hot and worthy of being the tenth in a series that allows me to look at pretty pictures and (mostly) take a break from writing! In that spirit, and without further … Continue reading Random Image Dump #10
Calendar Girl: Julie London for June
With June’s track from Calendar Girl, “Memphis in June,” our monthly crush Julie London sings of shady verandas under Sunday blue skies, cousin Amanda’s rhubarb pie, and sweet oleander blowing perfume through the air. Using those sultry pipes, London paints a picturesque view of a lazy, beautiful early summer day and night in Memphis. Looking … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for June
Stella
Born in Mississippi, raised in Memphis, Tennessee, actress, model, producer, director, and all-around star Stella Stevens died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease in February of this year in Los Angeles, California. I’m a little late with this tribute but I wanted to do it nevertheless because Stevens was always a welcome presence in movies and … Continue reading Stella
Calendar Girl: Julie London for May
For May’s Calendar Girl track, Julie London sings wistfully of how “People Born in May” love deeply, consequences be damned. They’re also apparently always searching for someone born in July. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s another delightful tune made memorable by Ms. London’s trademark smoky, sexy vocals. Her May pinup … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for May
Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Well, Bettie fans, the day is finally here. If Bettie Page (1923–2008) was still with us, she’d be celebrating her 100th birthday today, April 22. Over the last eight or nine months, during the lead up to Bettie’s centennial milestone, I’ve been blogging regularly about various aspects of Bettie’s iconic life and work while sharing … Continue reading Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Queen Bettie: Bangin’
[Photographer Jerry Tibbs was] the one who got me wearing bangs. For years I had my hair parted down the middle in a ponytail, tucked down around the sides. But he said to me, "Bettie, you've got a very high forehead. I think you'd look good if you cut some bangs to cover it." Well, … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Bangin’






