Entries by Jack Crutchfield

Brian Jones

Brian Jones ( 1942 – 1969 ) The founder of the Rolling Stones, he was a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, harmonica, and keyboards). Originally the leader of the Stones, he was eventually overshadowed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. His steady drug use caused his role in the band to slowly diminish, and He was asked to […]

Vernon Dalhart

Vernon Dalhart ( 1883 – 1948 ) Born Marion Try Slaughter, he was a popular American singer/songwriter and a major influence on country music. He is in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and if you want to hear some EARLY country music, listen to his stuff on […]

Robert Frost

Robert Frost (1874 – 1963) An American poet and writer, Frost’s work  will make you think. His realistic depictions of life and deep thought , added to his command of the English language are irresistible, to me anyway. Talk about a life plagued with tragedy- His Father died when Frost was 11, His mother when […]

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) A post-impressionist painter, van Gogh’s work is known for it rough beauty and emotional honesty. If you ever see one of his paintings up close, stare at it for a while and you’ll see what people mean when they talk about his work. My two favorites are  “The Potato […]

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896 – 1940) Regarded as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, he was an author and a poet. The Great Gatsby, The Beautiful and the Damned, This Side Of Paradise, Tender is the Night, to name a few, kind of says it all. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” […]

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes (1905 – 1976) A brilliant  business magnate, a pioneer aviator, film producer, philanthropist, he was one of the richest men in the world. A lot of people remember him for the image that was projected of him at the end of his life, but he set speed records, made movies, and built a […]

George Gordon, Lord Byron

George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788 – 1824) The most flamboyant of the romantic poets, Byron lived a life that is almost mythic. Known for his excesses, he lived scandalously(huge debts, countless affairs with both sexes, even a rumored affair with his half sister, radical political beliefs), and lived his life as he wanted, trying(and it […]

“Wild Bill” Hickock

  James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock (1837 – !876) Wild Bill was a gambler, gunfighter, and lawman of the old west. Definitely a folk hero, some of his exploits have been fictionalized. Known for not wanting his back to be unguarded, he ironically died when he was shot in the back of the head and […]

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks (1906 – 1985) Louise was an American dancer and actress. Her first film was an uncredited role in 1925, and she made several silents in America and Europe. She was a wild child for sure, read her autobiography. It’s called “Lulu in Hollywood”, quite a commentary and quite a life. Pandora’s Box is […]

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac (1922 – 1966) A pioneer of the “Beat Generation”, he was an author and poet. His literary prestige grows every year, and all of his works are still in print. He covered just about every topic, and during his life, he was an underground celebrity. Of course now that he is gone the […]