Category Archives: Music

Charlie Rich loved the blues more than country music

Posted on December 14, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Charlie Rich, who was born on this day ninety years ago, was one of the biggest names in country music. His recordings of ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and ‘Most Beautiful Girl’ made him an international smash on … Continue reading →

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Stuart Margolin and James Garner: ‘a perfect friendship’

Posted on December 12, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Stuart Margolin, who died today aged 82, was one of the great screen sidekicks working regularly with James Garner. Traditionally, in film and on TV, there have been two kinds of heroes – loners and … Continue reading →

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Recalling Little Richard, rock’n’roll’s greatest

Posted on December 5, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The first recording I ever bought was a 78rpm double-A side single of ‘Long Tall Sally’ and ‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard, who was born 90 years ago today.

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Jerry Lee Lewis was no rock’n’roll hero to me

Posted on November 5, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Now that he has been laid to rest, it’s time to offer some balance to the hysterical reaction to the death of Jerry Lee Lewis. Given that today an artist can be cancelled on the basis … Continue reading →

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Giggling over lunch with the great Cleo Laine

Posted on October 28, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – It was lunchtime at the Hotel Pontchartrain  in Detroit and things were getting a bit silly. Cleo Laine, who turns 95 today, was talking about Kurt Weill and the Berliner Ensemble when someone mentioned Monty … Continue reading →

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When Nancy Ames invited me to her show …

Posted on September 30, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – American singer Nancy Ames, who turns 85 today, once said she was my biggest fan. It began when I went to interview her for The Windsor Star in Canada and fell in love.

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When two ‘hippy’ reporters crossed the U.S. border

Posted on August 4, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – With the death on August 2 of my former Windsor Star colleague Bill Twaddle, aged 74, I’m reminded of a memorable escapade we had fifty-odd years ago. Inspired by Woodstock, many venues in Canada and … Continue reading →

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Composer Lalo Schifrin on fads and favorites

Posted on June 21, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Argentinian composer Lalo Schifrin, who turns 90 today, is known for his concerts, recordings, film scores such as ‘Bullitt’, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ and ‘Dirty Harry’ and TV shows such as ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Mannix’ but … Continue reading →

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How ‘Oz’ made Judy Garland a legend

Posted on June 10, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Judy Garland was born 100 years ago today and died more than half a century ago but her legend lives on. Mostly, that is thanks  to the enduring popularity of  ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and … Continue reading →

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Why Elmer Bernstein smiled about Richard Strauss

Posted on April 4, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – American composer Elmer Bernstein, who would have turned 100 today, wrote wonderful film music and he was terrific company with a fine wit. He was an early favourite of mine with scores for pictures such … Continue reading →

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