century

Al Williamson Tribute

0

Alfonso “Al” Williamson shared a birthday with me.  I wish I had shared in some of his talent.

Al was one of the all-time great comic artists and was rightly recognized as such early on in his career.

He was a friend and collaborator of Frank Frazetta and his body of work included many of the big titles of the 20th century — Flash Gordon, Tarzan, the EC horror comics of the 50s and the Star Wars comic books.

Al’s artwork was dynamic and action-packed, like Burne Hogarth and Alex Raymond before him. It could be beautiful and intricate, like Hal Foster and John Cullen Murphy.

Flash Gordon scene from Al Williamson

RIP: Alfonso “Al” Williamson (March 21, 1931 – June 12, 2010)

WADE

TAGS: Al Williamson, artist, comics, newspaper, Flash Gordon, Star Wars, Tarzan

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under Vintage Comics by on . Comment. #

Tin Pan Alley – Home to New York’s Music Publishers

0

Starting in the late 19th century, the major product sold by the music industry was the piano roll.  There were no radios, TV, record players or movies.

singer with sheet music and victrolaBut most homes had a piano, and even though a great number of people learned to play the piano in those days, the piano roll gave them the opportunity to hear many styles of music and virtuosos.

As popular music gained strength in the entertainment world — eclipsing classic and religious music — music publishers flourished and cultivated songwriters.  The area of New York where most held offices was called Tin Pan Alley.

Here is a brief article about this magical place and its role in popular music — after the jump.

WADE

Read more on Tin Pan Alley – Home to New York’s Music Publishers…

Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under Songwriting by on . Comment. #