Keener 13

Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying. Upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Sunday, it’s now expected to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm by Wednesday. Currently in the Gulf of Mexico, about 780 miles from Tampa, Milton has sustained winds of 85 mph but is forecast to reach 145 mph before landfall.

The Tigers hope to recover from this weekend’s playoff loss today in game two of their series in Cleveland. Gametime si 4:08pm.

If you’ve been Downtown, you might have noticed the #SpiritofDetroit is getting some routine maintenance, including bronze and gold leaf restoration and patina reapplication. Hopefully, he’s ready by Wednesday to wear a #detroittigers jersey!

“Joker: Folie à Deux” tops the box office but may not have a happy ending. The sequel to the 2019 hit “Joker” opened to a muted $40 million, less than half of its predecessor’s debut. Just weeks ago, projections estimated a $70 million opening. Mixed reviews from its Venice Film Festival premiere, despite a 12-minute standing ovation, have left many wondering how the follow-up to an Oscar-winning, billion-dollar film with the same team fell short.

Keanu Reeves made his professional auto racing debut Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, spinning out but avoiding collision midway through the race. He qualified 31st, ran as high as 21st, and finished 25th. Reeves, 60, is racing in the Toyota GR Cup to promote his graphic novel The Book of Elsewhere. His second race is on Sunday. Previously, Reeves won the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrity race.

Blockbuster is making a comeback through Free Blockbuster, a community-sharing movement offering free DVDs and VHS tapes. Started by former Blockbuster employee Brian Morrison, the initiative repurposes old newspaper boxes painted in Blockbuster’s iconic colors. His next goal is to open a brick-and-mortar Free Blockbuster store.

Today in History:
1959 “Pillow Talk” film directed by Michael Gordon and starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson is first released.
1960 JFK and Richard Nixon’s second presidential debate.
1960 TV series “Route 66” premieres on CBS.
1964 The Beatles appear on episode of “Shindig” (ABC-TV) in the US.
1968 Motion Picture Association of America adopts film rating system.
1968 Jose Feliciano performed a controversial version of The Star Spangled Banner before the fifth game of the World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals.
1971 “The French Connection” directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider and Fernando Rey premieres in the US (Academy Awards Best Picture 1972).
1978 The film soundtrack to ‘Grease’ featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John started a 13 week run at No.1 on the UK chart.
1986 Steve Yzerman is named captain of the Detroit Red Wings, a title he would hold for over 1,300 games.
1989 Paula Abdul went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Forever Your Girl1995 Alanis Morissette went to No.1 on the US album chart with her third album Jagged Little Pill.
2003 California holds gubernatorial recall election – Governor Gray Davis loses and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes governor.
2008 Music, podcast, and video streaming service Spotify is launched by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon.

Today’s Birthdays:
1917 June Allyson (d. 2006)
1927 Al Martino (d. 2009)
1931 Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu (d. 2021)
1939 Climax Blues Band singer Colin Cooper (d. 2008)
1943 Oliver North is 81.
1959 American Idol’s Simon Cowell is 65.
1951 John Cougar Melencamp is 73. The American rock singer-songwriter (“Jack & Diane”; “Small Town”; “Pink Houses”), co-founder of Farm Aid, and actor (Falling From Grace), was born today in Seymour, Indiana.
1951 Styx bass player Ricky Phillips is 73, born today in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
1955 Yo-Yo Ma, Chinese-American cellist is 69.
1967 Singer Toni Braxton is 57.

What’s happening:

The Tigers, Wolverines and Spartans all posted losses this weekend.

Fall is in full swing in Detroit! This weekend, the Annual Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally returns to the Detroit Riverfront. With over 50 food trucks, trick-or-treating alleys, a pumpkin patch, crafts, spooky science, and live music across four stages, it’s the perfect fall celebration. The event, held along the Dequindre Cut Greenway, was voted Detroit’s Best Food Truck Gathering by Metro Times readers. Admission is $8, free for kids under 3, seniors 65+, and military personnel. Open today 11am-8pm.

If you’ve been Downtown, you might have noticed the #SpiritofDetroit is getting some routine maintenance, including bronze and gold leaf restoration and patina reapplication. Hopefully, he’s ready by Wednesday to wear a #detroittigers jersey!

On this day 16 years ago…on Oct. 6, 2008, the Book-Cadillac Hotel was reborn as the Westin Book Cadillac. The once-proud landmark had stood abandoned since 1984 and many doubted that it would ever be revived.

Today in History:
1927 “The Jazz Singer”, directed by Alan Crosland, starring Al Jolson and May McAvoy, released, 1st film with a soundtrack (Honorary Academy Award 1928).
1960 “Spartacus”, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier, premieres in NYC
1964 The Beatles spent the afternoon recording ‘Eight Days A Week’ at Abbey Road studios in London. Late evening was spent at The Ad Lib Club, London, partying with The Ronettes and Mick Jagger.
1965 The Supremes release single “I Hear a Symphony”
1965 Gary Lewis and the Playboys recorded “She’s Just My Style.”
1966 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is first declared illegal in state of California, other states follow
1969 George Harrison’s song ’Something’ was released as the “A” side of a Beatles’ 45, a first for Harrison. Along with Lennon and McCartney’s ‘Come Together’, the single went on reach No.1 on the US chart the following month. Both tracks were lifted from the Abbey Road album
1969 Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Mike Nesmith appeared on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. This was the last televised appearance of The Monkees as a group in the 60s.
1970 Henry Mancini with His Orchestra & Chorus recorded “Theme From Love Story.”
1973 Cher started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Half-Breed’, the singer’s second US No.1. The single which didn’t chart in the UK was recorded with instrumental backing by L.A. sessions musicians from the Wrecking Crew.
1987 “Faith” single released by George Michael (Billboard Song of the Year 1988)
2000 The first episode of the drama series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” starring William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, George Eads, Paul Guilfoyle, Jorja Fox, and Gary Dourdan, aired on CBS-TV.
2010 The cast of TV’s “Glee” surpassed the Beatles for most appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 by a non-solo act, placing 75 songs to the Beatles’ 71.

Keener birthdays:
1908 Carole Lombard [Jane Alice Peters], American actress (My Man Godfrey, In Name Only), born in Fort Wayne, Indiana (d. 1942)
1948 – Millie Small (My Boy Lollypop)
Britt Ekland is 81. born in Stockholm, Sweden
Kevin Cronin Of REO Soeedwagon is 73.
Elisaberh Schu is 61. American actress (Cocktail, Back to the Future Part II), born in Wilmington, Delaware
Jeremy Sisto is 50. American actor (Six Feet Under), born in Grass Valley, California

Did you know:
The longest one-syllable word in the English language is screeched.

QOTD:
It’s a funny thing about getting older. Your eyesight may weaken, but you see things more clearly.

More dangerous weather for the storm ravaged Florida Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Milton is currently located 845 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with sustained winds of 50 miles per hour. The storm is moving east at 5 miles per hour and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by tonight. The storm could bring 5 to 8 inches of rain to an already waterlogged Florida, with localized totals up to 12 inches, increasing the risk of flooding. Life-threatening rip currents are also expected along the Gulf Coast early next week.

We all become bionic men and women eventually. Elton John shares that he’s missing his tonsils, adenoids, appendix, prostate, 2 knees, and a hip. He also admitted to an audience recently that he’s having trouble seeing.

New data indicates Detroit traffic has now surpassed pre-COVID levels. Traffic in the Detroit area has increased by 5.9%. It could be worse. Indianapolis and Columbus, increased by 13% and 16%, respectively.

The Tigers pulled off another magic act yesterday, scoring four runs in the eighth inning for a series-ending, 5-2 win over the Houston Astros. In our first playoff appearance since 2014, Detroit advanced to the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Game 1 of the best-of-five series is Saturday at 1:08pm at Progressive Field on TBS.

GM CEO Mary Barra leads Fortune’s list of the 100 most powerful women in business, released yesterday. The list is based on “company size and health, their career path, influence beyond their organization, and how they wield power.”

Little Caesars Arena will host Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games in the 2028 men’s NCAA Tournament. Ford Field was previously announced as the site of the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Feel the force at one of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s performances this weekend with the music from the “Star Wars” saga. Today through Sunday at Orchestra Hall.\Tickets start at $20.

Keener Birthdays: Chubby Checker is 83• Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is 75.

MEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN WOMEN TO BE ‘VERY SCARED’ OF BUGS _ A survey shows 64 percent of adults are scared of bugs. Interestingly, men were more likely than women to be “very scared” of bugs

Today in 2003, School of Rock opens in theaters, starring Jack Black as a musician who poses as a substitute teacher and forms a band with the students.

Today in 1981 Rod Stewart brings out special guest Tina Turner to join him on (what else) “Hot Legs” during his appearance on Saturday Night Live.

On this date in 1961, the first episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show aired. It ran for five seasons, producing 158 half-hour episodes.

Today in 1969: The Beatles ‘release Abbey Road’ in the US. While Let It Be would be their last LP release, Abbey Road was their final studio album together.

Keener Number 1s today:
(1964) Baby Love, Supremes
(1965) Keep on Dancing, Gentrys
(1966) Wipe Out, Surfaris
(1967) To Sir With Love, Lulu
(1968) Hey Jude/Revolution, Beatles
(1969) Mind Body & Soul, Flaming Ember
(1970) I’ll Be There, Jackson 5
(1971) Gyspys Tramps & Thieves, Cher

Today in History:
1934 Outside Chicago’s Biograph Theatre, “Public Enemy No. 1” John Dillinger is mortally wounded by FBI agents.
1959 Ed Wood’s cult classic “Plan 9 From Outer Space”, called one of the worse films ever, premieres.
1963 The Beach Boys released the single “Surfer Girl.”
1967 The Vanilla Fudge rock cover of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” peaks at #67 in America as the band play their first concert, supporting The Byrds at the Village Theater (later the Fillmore East) in New York City.
1969 Elvis Presley’s NBC-TV Special soundtrack (a/k/a “The ’68 Comeback Special”) is certified gold.
2019 Marvel superhero film “Avengers: Endgame” becomes the world’s highest-grossing film overtaking “Avatar” earning $2.9 billion
Birthdays:
1930 Boxer Sonny Liston. (d. 1970)
1934 Actress Louise Fletcher. (d. 2022)
1940 Game show host Alex Trebek (d. 2020) Hosted Jeopardy for 36 years (1984 -20200
1941 Estelle Bennett (of The Ronettes) is born in New York. Her younger sister is Ronettes lead singer Ronnie Spector. She’s 83.
1941 George Clinton, American funk-rock singer, songwriter, producer and bandleader (Parliament-Funkadelic), born in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
1943 Bobby Sherman is born in Santa Monica, California. He becomes a teen idol in the late ’60s with a string of pop hits, including the million-selling “Little Woman.” He’s 81.
1944 Supertramp vocalist/keyboard player Rick Davies is born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. He’s 80.
1946 Actor Danny Glover is 78.
1947 Albert Brooks, comedian (Broadcast News, Lost in America), born in Los Angeles, California, is 77.
1947 Don Henley, American rock drummer, singer, and songwriter (Eagles – “Desperado”; “Hotel California”; solo – “Boys Of Summer”), born in Linden, Texas, is 77.
1955 Willem Dafoe, American actor (Platoon; The Last Temptation of Christ; Mississippi Burning), born in Appleton, Wisconsin, is 69.
1964 David Spade, American comedian and actor (SNL; Tommy Boy; Black Sheep; : Just Shoot Me!), born in Birmingham, Michigan, is 60.
1992 Actress Selena Gomez is 32.

Have you marked your calendars for the April 8 eclipse? While Detroit won’t experience the full eclipse, the city is close to the path of totality. This proximity is leading to increased interest in eclipse-related events and travel to areas with better views. Delta Airlines even offered a special flight from Texas to Michigan to see the eclipse.

Today in History:

1962, Bob Dylan‘s self-titled debut album was released in the US by Columbia Records. Produced by the legendary John Hammond – who discovered Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and Bruce Springsteen – it was largely ignored on its release. Its disappointing sales saw Columbia executives describe it as “Hammond’s Folly.”

1964, Sean Connery begins shooting the James Bond film “Goldfinger”

1974 , Jefferson Airplane re-named the group and became Jefferson Starship. The new line-up included Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, drummer Johnny Barbata, David Freiberg, Peter Kaukonen, Cragi Chaquico and Papa John Creach.

1975, Led Zeppelin played the first of two sold-out nights at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada. Tickets cost $7.50. The set list included: ‘Rock And Roll’, ‘Stairway To Heaven’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Heartbreaker’.

1977, Last episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” premieres on CBS, with a group hug searching for a box tissues, then singing “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.”

1979, US House of Representatives begins live TV broadcasts via C-SPAN

Singles Released Today: 

* 1965 • Martha & The Vandellas • Nowhere To Run [UK]
* 1965 • Herb Alpert • Whipped Cream [UK]
* 1965 • The Supremes • Stop! In The Name Of Love [UK]
* 1971 • Jethro Tull • Hymn 43
* 1971 • Brewer & Shipley • One Toke Over The Line [UK]
* 1974 • Aerosmith • Same Old Song And Dance
* 1974 • The O’Jays • For The Love Of Money
* 1975 • America • Sister Golden Hair
* 1980 • Ambrosia • Biggest Part Of Me

Miss-heard Lyrics:

Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ by Fifth Dimension
– Misheard: “This is the dawning of the Age of Asparagus”
– Correct: “This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius”

‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen
– Misheard: “Kicking your cat all over the place”
– Correct: “Kicking your can all over the place”

‘I’m a Believer’ by The Monkees
– Misheard: “Then I saw her face, now I’m gonna leave her”
– Correct: “Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer”

‘Blinded by the Light’ by Bruce Springsteen
– Misheard: “Wrapped up like a douche, another rumor in the night”
– Correct: “Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night”

‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ by Billy Joel
– Misheard: “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, said the worst attorney”
– Correct: “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning”

‘Desperado’ by The Eagles
– Misheard: “You’ve been outright offensive, for so long now”
– Correct: “You’ve been out riding fences, for so long now”

‘Big Yellow Taxi’ by Joni Mitchell
– Misheard: “If it ain’t paradise, then put up a parking lot”
– Correct: “They paved paradise to put up a parking lot”

‘Stairway to Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin
– Misheard: “There’s a wino down the road”
– Correct: “And as we wind on down the road”

‘Purple Haze’ by Jimi Hendrix
– Misheard: “Excuse me while I kiss this guy”
– Correct: “Excuse me while I kiss the sky”

‘Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds’ by The Beatles
– Misheard: “The girl with colitis goes by”
– Correct: “The girl with kaleidoscope eyes”

Dan Gilbert’s skyscraper on the old Hudson’s department store site remains unnamed as its opening nears. The project faces trademark challenges for the historic “Hudson’s” name, prompting speculation about potential alternatives. While some experts favor incorporating “Hudson’s” for its legacy, the possibility of selling naming rights to large tenants remains open.

It’s never too late. It sounds incredible, but Carole King only recently earned her first platinum single for the iconic song “It’s Too Late”. Several other Tapestry tunes are now achieving RIAA certifications reflecting their continued popularity and sales.

10cc is finally returning to the US for the first time in over 30 years with their Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour. The tour starts this July, hitting major cities across the country. So far, Detroit isn’t on the trip-tik, with Cinci and Indy being the closest venues to Motown. Fans can snag VIP tickets and meet-and-greet packages during the pre-sale – check out 10cc.world for more info.

July 24: Montclair, NJ @ Welmont Theatre
July 25: New York, NY @ Sony Hall
July 26: Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
July 27: Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
July 29: Ocean City, NJ @ Ocean City Music Pier
July 30: Kent, OH @ Kent Stage
Aug. 1: St. Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre
Aug. 2: Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
Aug. 3: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Aug. 4: Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
Aug. 5: Indianapolis, IN @ Toby Theater at Newfields
Aug. 6: Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Aug. 8: Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
Aug. 9: San Antonio, TX @ Empire Theatre
Aug. 10: Austin, TX @ ACL Live at Moody Theater
Aug. 12: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
Aug. 15: Los Angeles, CA @ The United Theater on Broadway
Aug. 17: San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts

Neil Young is returning his music to Spotify after a two-year boycott prompted by Joe Rogan’s podcast spreading vaccine misinformation. Young’s decision comes as Rogan’s podcast expands to other platforms, making a Spotify-exclusive boycott difficult. Despite his return, Young remains critical of Spotify’s audio quality.

Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom and other Michiganders were rescued from Haiti by helicopter in an operation led by Florida U.S. Rep. Cory Mills. Albom was visiting an orphanage run by his charity when he became trapped in the country. Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain worked to facilitate the rescue.

Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera has a new role this year as special assistant to GM Scott Harris. Even though he’s retired, Cabrera took the field in Lakeland yesterday during Detroit’s first day of spring training. (Free Press)

March 13 is being celebrated as 313 day in Detroit, in honor of the iconic Michigan telephone area code. Axios note that events today include:

– The Siren Hotel downtown is hosting art and local DJs while Ash Bar, on the second floor, serves Detroit classics like Coney dogs, hani, bumpy cake and wing dings.
– East-side bar Spot Lite is holding an art raffle worth $313 as DJ Blaaqgold spins all night long.
– TV Lounge is celebrating the city’s music until 2am with a lineup of DJs.

A Deeper Dive: 20 One-Hit Wonders From the ’70s: Where Are They Now? –

Todays Keener Birthdays: Neil Sedaka is 85. (“Breaking Up is Hard to Do”; “Love Will Keep Us Together”), born in Brooklyn, New York/ William H. Macy (Shameless, Jurassic Park III) is 74 (in 2024). Dana Delaney (Hand of God, Body of Proof) is 68 (in 2024), Adam Clayton of U2 is 64 (in 2024) •

Christopher Nolan’s biggest reward for helping “Oppenheimer” was a payday estimated to be just south of $100 million. The film’s success has sparked speculation about Nolan’s next project, which some say might be a remake of the 60s television series, “The Prisoner,” with potential suitors including Warner Bros. and Universal. This month in 2009: some bungling burgers’ bid to steal thousands from a bank ended in farce as they mistakenly drilled into an empty office next door, earning them the title of Britain’s worst bank robbers.

A Keener Health Tip: Better Report suggests it’s better to brush your teeth before breakfast since plaque builds up while you sleep. Dentists also suggest flossing before you brush for best results.

Today in history:

1877 American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15

1965 Eric Clapton, concerned that the band is becoming too commercial, leaves The Yardbirds. His replacement is Jeff Beck.

1976 The Four Seasons hit #1 in America with “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” making them the only act to chart #1 hits before, during and after The Beatles.

1999 Cher becomes the oldest woman to top the Hot 100 with “Believe.” It spent four weeks at number one when she was fifty-three.

2006 Isaac Hayes quits the TV series South Park after an episode airs mocking his religion, Scientology.

Keener Number ones this week:

(1964) Suspicion, Terry Stafford
(1965) Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat, Herman’s Hermits
(1966) These Boots Are Made For Walking, Nancy Sinatra
(1967) Happy Together, Turtles
(1968) Love is Blue, Paul Mauriat
(1969) Dizzy, Tommy Roe
(1970) Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Simon & Garfunkle
(1971) What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye
(1972) Without You, Nilsson

What’s Happening:

Tickets for the Ford Field Lions watch party sold out on Monday in less than 12 hours. StubHub still has tix. You can check out the entire Ford Field seating chart here.

See Father of the Bride is on stage at Meadowbrook tonight at 6pm. Details at Ticketmaster.com

Check out Dinosaur World Live at The Fisher Theater 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit – Today at 3pm. Details and video at DinosaurWorldLive.com

Winterfest on Bell Isle Nature Center happens today from 11am till 4pm. Admission is free with details at detroitzoo.org

Get that heart rate up at Skates and Salads today at 5:30 at the Campus Martius Rink followed by healthy eats at 7Greens Salads. Details at AllEvents.

Congrats to new Michigan Football head coach Sherrone Moore. Jim Harbaugh’s successor already has six wins to his credit.

You say it – Keener plays it:

We’re playing faves from this week in 1968 all day on Keener13.com. What are yours? Pick em and we’ll play em. Kick the request box.

“I was a pre-teen AM rock enthusiast living in West Bloomfield, MI and couldn’t get enough of “The Motown Sound” and Stax, which pleased my parents as they liked R&B, but then came that second wave of British invasion. That included Cream and Small Faces from the above list. I STILL can’t get enough all that, which is now ‘classic rock’.” – Adrienne Daley – West Bloomfield.

“I remember Spookey. Great Tune.” – Bob Naismith – Flint.

“The year of the Tiger!” – Christine Hibbard – Livonia

Born Today:

1885 – Jerome Kern: Prolific theater, film, and music composer with over 700 songs. Notable works include “Ol’ Man River” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” Died at 60 on 11/11/1945.

1919 – David Seville (Ross Bagdasarian): Armenian-American actor, pianist, and creator of Alvin & The Chipmunks. Notable songs include “Witch Doctor” and “The Chipmunk Song.” Died at 52 on 1/16/1972.

1930 – Bobby “Blue” Bland: R&B/soul-blues-gospel singer, Lifetime Grammy winner. Notable track “That’s The Way Love Is.” Died at 83 on 6/23/2013.

1937 – Bruce Tate: Founding member and tenor vocals for The Penguins. Notable hit “Earth Angel.” Died at 36 on 6/20/1973.

1943 – Thom Bell: Jamaican-American musician, key architect of “Philly Soul.” Notable works with The Delfonics, The Spinners, and The Stylistics. Died at 79 on 12/22/2022. Some of his hits include: Betcha by Golly, Wow, Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), I’ll Be Around, La-La (Means I Love You), The Rubberband Man, Then Came You, Mama Can’t Buy You Love.

1946 – Nedra Talley: Backing vocals for The Ronettes, known for “Be My Baby.”

1948 – Kim Gardner: Bassist in The Thunderbirds and Ashton, Gardner & Dyke. Died at 53 on 10/24/2001. We have video of Resurrection Shuffle, live on Top of the Pops.

1951 – Brian Downey: Drummer for Thin Lizzy, known for “The Boys Are Back In Town.”

1951 – Seth Justman: Keyboards and vocals for J. Geils Band, wrote “Centerfold.”

1952 – G.E. Smith: Guitarist, bandleader, and session musician. Played with Hall & Oates, Saturday Night Live, Bob Dylan, and others.

Actor Alan Alda is 88. Humorist Mo Rocca is 55. Actor Elijah Wood is 43.

Singles Released Today:

1956 – Elvis Presley – “Heartbreak Hotel”
1967 –Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – “The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage”
1973 – Electric Light Orchestra  – “Roll Over Beethoven”

Today in History:

In 1956, Elvis Presley made his first national TV appearance on “Stage Show,” a CBS program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. We have video.

In 1962, with “The Twist” at #1 in America, two San Francisco DJs sell out the Cow Palace in San Francisco with a “Twist Party” headlined by Chubby Checker.

In 1970, John Lennon wrote, recorded, and mixed his new single ‘Instant Karma!’ in one day at London’s Abbey Road Studios, making it one of the fastest-released songs in pop music history, hitting stores just ten days after its creation. We have video.

In 1973, a cease-fire officially went into effect in the Vietnam War, a day after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords by the United States, North Vietnam and South Vietnam.

In 1973, Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” featuring a drum beat originated by Jeff Beck, became his second No.1 single in the US, 10 years after his first No.1 hit, and despite being initially offered to Beck, Berry Gordy insisted that Wonder himself record it first. We have video of Stevie and Jeff performing Superstition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary celebration.

In 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe.

Weekend Extra: 22 Songs That Mention Michigan

• “America” – Simon and Garfunkel – LYRIC: “Michigan seems like a dream to me now”
• “Back in ’72” – Bob Seger – LYRIC: “But we got homesick for Lincoln Park”
• “Brass In Pocket” – Pretenders- LYRIC: “Been driving, Detroit leaning”
• “Dancing In Lansing” – Ronnie Hernandez
• “Dancing In The Street” – Martha & The Vandellas – LYRIC: “Can’t forget the Motor City”
• “Detroit Breakdown” – J. Geils Band
• “Detroit City” – Bobby Bare
• “Detroit Made” – Bob Seger
• “Detroit Rock City” – Kiss
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey -LYRIC: “Born and raised in South Detroit”
• “Heart Of Rock & Roll” – Huey Lewis & The News -LYRIC: “DETROIT!”
• “Heat Is On” – Glenn Frey – From the film “Beverly Hills Cop” which takes place in Michigan.
• “I Care About Detroit” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
• “I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo” – Glenn Miller
• “Inner City Blues” – Marvin Gaye“Makin’ Thunderbirds” – Bob Seger
• “Michigan Blackhawk” – The Monkees
• “Night Moves” – Bob Seger
• “Panic In Detroit” – David Bowie
• “Saginaw, Michigan” – Lefty Frizzell
• “She Was Hot” – Rolling Stones – LYRIC: “Detroit was smoky grey”
• “Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” – Gordon Lightfoot -LYRICS: “The searchers all say they’d have made Whitefish Bay,” “Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings,” “Old Michigan steams like a young man’s dreams,” “And farther below Lake Ontario takes in what Lake Erie can send her,” “In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed,” “Superior, they said, never gives up her dead.”