Author: Ken Hymes

Ken Hymes is a writer and recording artist living in Richmond VA. He’s been gigging and making albums more or less under the radar for three decades. His latest output is "Long Gone," an eclectic journey through American history, told through a mix of originals and public domain material. If you have an old copy of the original Night of the Living Dead, you may have heard his music for the parody film Night of the Living Bread.

Elvis Presley with Scotty Moore and Bill Black

by Ken Hymes December 29, 2021 Comments1

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Scotty Moore: A Founding Father of Modern Guitar

He played alongside a legend, but Scotty Moore’s work on the guitar was also legendary. Here we look at the artist and his contribution to rock music.

Buddy Holly

by Ken Hymes April 12, 2020 Comments2

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Pop Music of the 1950s Was Way Cooler Than You Think

There was certainly a transition in music from the 1950s to the 1960s. But 1950s pop music wasn’t simplistic or sappy as some would have you believe.

Adriano Celentano (Public Domain)

by Ken Hymes March 29, 2020 Comments1

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Was the First Rapper…Italian?

In looking at rap music origins, a song from 1972 by Italian singer Adriano Celentano has some familiar sounds. Listen for yourself.

George Martin with Beatles poster (Getty Images)

by Ken Hymes March 22, 2020 Comments24

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We Are All Together: George Martin and “I Am the Walrus”

Sir George Martin was known for his understated brilliance as producer for The Beatles. “I Am the Walrus” is one song that shows that brilliance.

louis armstrong

by Ken Hymes January 2, 2018 Comments3

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All Roads Still Lead to Louis Armstrong

It’s not just jazz – musician Louis Armstrong’s influence extends to rock, punk, funk, and pretty much everything else, too.