This week, Americans celebrate our independence by grilling burgers and hot dogs, drinking domestic beer, and setting off explosions in the sky. I don’t quite get it either, but it’s the American Way. And I do love me some ice cold Miller High Life! I could descend into a lengthy rant about the current state … Continue reading Marilyn, Fireworks, and the Fourth
Category: 1950s
Calendar Girl: Julie London for July
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
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
Calendar Girl: Julie London for April
When Julie London sings “I’ll remember April and I’ll smile,” I can relate. April is an important month to me. Not only does it signal the first real steps towards spring awakening after the winter doldrums have long overstayed their welcome, but it’s also the month I sprung forth into the world. Favorites like Michelle … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for April
Play Ball
Before the Super Bowl I waxed nostalgic about growing up watching football with my father and how the sport doesn’t hold a lot of appeal to me since he passed away. The same holds true for “America’s pastime,” baseball. In 1951, Marilyn Monroe, know as “the Blonde Bombshell” batted a stellar .327 with 28 home … Continue reading Play Ball






