Shows
George Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 21: John DenverJohn Denver, born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico, was an American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and humanitarian whose heartfelt folk-pop music and environmental advocacy left a lasting legacy. His life and career were marked by remarkable success, personal struggles, and a deep commitment to social causes. Below is a detailed overview of his life, career, and some lesser-known facts.
### Early Life
- **Childhood and Upbringing**: Denver was born to a military family, with his father, Henry John Deutschendorf Sr., serving as a U.S. Air Force officer. His family moved frequently, which...2025-07-261h 00George Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 20: Loretta LynnLoretta Lynn (April 14, 1932 – October 4, 2022) was an American country music singer-songwriter born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, to a coal miner father. One of eight children, she grew up in poverty in rural Appalachia. At 15, she married Oliver "Doolittle" Lynn, and they had six children. Her husband encouraged her musical talent, leading her to start singing professionally in the late 1950s. Lynn’s breakthrough came with her 1960 single "I’m a Honky Tonk Girl," and she rose to fame with hits like "Coal Miner’s Daughter," "You Ain’t Woman Enough," and "Fist City," known for their raw honesty about working-class life, love...2025-07-1946 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 19: Jerry Lee LewisJerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935 – October 28, 2022) was a pivotal figure in rock 'n' roll, known for his wild piano-playing, energetic performances, and controversial life. A key participant in the 1956 Million Dollar Quartet session, here’s a concise overview:
### Early Life and Rise
- **Born**: Ferriday, Louisiana, in a poor, religious family.
- **Musical Roots**: Learned piano young, blending gospel, country, and blues from church, radio, and local juke joints.
- **Sun Records**: Moved to Memphis in 1956, signed with Sam Phillips’ Sun Studio, where he joined peers like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins.
...2025-07-1241 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 18: Jim CroceJim Croce (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American folk and rock singer-songwriter born in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a middle-class Italian-American family, he developed an early interest in music, learning guitar and performing in local bands. After graduating from Villanova University in 1965, Croce pursued music full-time, playing gigs in coffeehouses and small venues. His breakthrough came with the 1972 album *You Don’t Mess Around with Jim*, featuring hits like “Time in a Bottle” and the title track. Known for his soulful voice, storytelling lyrics, and blend of folk, rock, and blues, Croce released three albums, including *Life and Times* and *I G...2025-07-0239 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 17: John PrineJohn Prine (October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter known for his poignant, witty, and heartfelt folk and country music. Born in Maywood, Illinois, he began his career in the early 1970s Chicago folk scene, gaining acclaim with his self-titled debut album featuring songs like "Sam Stone" and "Angel from Montgomery." His conversational style and keen storytelling captured the human condition with humor and empathy, earning him a devoted following and praise as a "songwriter's songwriter." Over five decades, Prine released 19 studio albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died in 2020 from CO...2025-06-3028 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 16: Brian Wilson of The Beach BoysBrian Wilson, born June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys. Raised in Hawthorne, California, he showed early musical talent, influenced by his father, Murry Wilson, and 1950s vocal groups like The Four Freshmen. With brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, he formed The Beach Boys in 1961, crafting their signature surf rock sound with hits like "Surfin' USA" and "I Get Around."
Wilson's genius shone in the mid-1960s with intricate harmonies and innovative production...2025-06-2338 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 15: Keith WhitleyIn this episode we dive into the tragically short life and career of Kieth Whitley. Enjoy!
2025-06-1248 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 14: Tammy WynetteIn this episode we dive into the life and career of Tammy Wynette. Enjoy!
2025-06-041h 04George Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 13: Acuff Rose Publishing CompanyIn this episode we dive into a brief history of the Acuff Rose Publishing Company and it's giant impact on the early music industry in Nashville. Enjoy!
2025-05-3125 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 12: Kris KristoffersonIn this weeks episode we dive into the life and career of Kris Kristofferson. Enjoy!
2025-05-2344 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 11: Waylon JenningsIn this weeks episode we dive into the life and career of Waylon Jennings. Enjoy!
2025-05-1457 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 10: George JonesIn this week's episode we dive into the life and career of George Jones. Enjoy!
2025-05-0751 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 9: Marty Robbins, Don't Worry About MeIn this episode we dive into the life and career of Marty Robbins. Enjoy!
2025-04-3043 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 8: Billie Jean Horton, The widow of country musicIn this episode we dive into the life of Billie Jean Horton and her connections to Hank Williams, Faron Young, Johnny Horton, and Johnny Cash
2025-04-2343 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 7: Merle HaggardIn this week's episode we dive into the life of Merle Haggard. Enjoy!
2025-04-2152 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 6: Buck Owens, The Streets of BakersfieldIn this episode we dive into the life and music of Buck Owens. Subscribe for more!
2025-04-1042 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 5: Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison BluesIn this episode, George dives into the life of Johnny Cash up to his performance at Folsom Prison in 1968
2025-04-0948 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowGCAMS Episode 4: Gentle On My Mind
"Gentle on My Mind" is a classic song written by John Hartford in 1967. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of American music that blends elements of country, folk, and pop, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of freedom, love, and nostalgia. Hartford reportedly wrote the song in about 20 minutes after watching the film Doctor Zhivago, inspired by the themes of fleeting romance and emotional connection.
The song tells the story of a wandering man reflecting on a woman who remains "gentle on his mind." It’s not about a conventional, tied-down relationship but rather a sense of a...2025-03-2827 minGeorge Croft’s American Music ShowCrazy by Patsy ClineThe story of how Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline came together to create one of country music's most iconic songs.
2025-02-2546 min