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Old King Tut

  For listeners of a certain age, a song about King Tutankhamen immediately brings Steve Martin to the mind’s theater. His “King Tut” mock-reprimanded the commercialization of the Treasures of Tutankhamen exhibit that toured from 1976 to ’79.  But this one, “Old King Tut”, was recorded in 1923, the year AFTER the ancient Pharaoh’s tomb was ...

September 22, 2023
When Dear Old Summer Goes

Man oh man…where does the time go?

September 20, 2023
Anchors Aweigh

You’re listening to Anchors Aweigh by the United States Naval Academy Band, and… You’re on the Sound Beat. Spelling seldom makes for great radio, but “Aweigh” in this case is spelled “A-W-E-I-G-H”, and it means that the anchors have been raised, and the ship is ready for action. It also makes this the perfect fight song for ...

September 20, 2023
Beethoven Hearts Bach

Johannes Sebastian Bach’s first published piece

September 18, 2023
Caldonia!

In his hit “Caldonia,” Louis Jordan wasn’t singing about his wife Fleecie Moore’s “hard head”, but, you know, he could have been.

September 15, 2023
Django!

One of the most influential guitarists in jazz, and indeed all of music history.

September 15, 2023
Square Dancing

Now grab your partner by the hand…

September 13, 2023
The Biggest Aspidistra in the World

A big old hit about a big old plant.

September 12, 2023
The Big Grand Coulee Dam

Woody Guthrie, with just a “dam” good song.

September 11, 2023
In The Mood

No matter what mood you’re in, this one will get you movin’.

September 8, 2023