Month: January 2019
Today in Keenerland 1/15
Lots of good stuff on this morning’s show: We remember Carol Channing. Oz is back in theaters & the Who tours again. Happy birthday to The Cavern Club, Dr. King & Charo. Plus much more music from The Buckinghams, Chase and The Mamas & Papas.
So long Dolly. Remembering the incomparable Carol Channing, who left us today at age 97. Nine actresses would try to recreate Carole’s magic as the original lead in the Broadway musical “Hello Dolly“. None we’re better. From Wikipedia: “As a film actress, she won the Golden Globe Award and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967). Other film appearances include The First Traveling Saleslady (1956) and Skidoo (1968). On television, she appeared as an entertainer on variety shows, from The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s to Hollywood Squares. She had a standout performance as The White Queen in the TV production of Alice in Wonderland (1985), and had the first of many TV specials in 1966, An Evening with Carol Channing.” Here’s Louis Armstrong‘s version of the title song, which displaced the Beatles at number one in 1964. (Video)
We’re off to see the Wizard, again. The perennial television favorite, “The Wizard of Oz” returns to theaters for a brief 80th anniversary run later this month. At right, a 1939 set shot of the Kansas farmhouse where the Gales lived. That bicycle parked outside means the nasty Miss Almira Gulch is visiting. Photo via Steve Crum an essential follow if you are on Facebook.
The Who will be touring North America again, commencing with a May 7th concert in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Billboard Magazine reports that original members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend will be joined by guitarist/singer Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button and drummer Zak Starkey (son of the Beatles’ Ringo Starr), on the Moving On! tour. The band plans to release their first new CD collection in 13 years later this summer. BTW. It was on this date in 1965 when the Who’s first single, “I Can’t Explain” was released in England. (Video)
Quick Takes:
- Facebook bets $300M on local news.
- Are you having iPhone battery problems? Apple replaced over 11 million last year. Our 10Xs seem to be rock solid but older models have been dying.
- This is how the government shut down will end; at the airports. TSA staff who have been working without pay are finally starting NOT to show up for work.
- Are you afraid of robots? American culture has a different outlook on AI tech compared to Japan.
- Workers uniting at Google and Facebook to end mandatory arbitration.
Today in History:
In 1948, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre“, film based on B. Traven’s novel, directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart premiere. It’s famous for adding, “Badges? We don’t need no stinking badges!” to the lexicon. A very young Robert Blake appears uncredited as a young boy selling lottery tickets
In 1957, The Cavern Club opened in Liverpool. It became the home base for many Liverpool bands including The Beatles who appeared there 292 times. Over the years a wide variety of popular acts appeared at the club, including The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Hollies, The Kinks, Elton John, Black Sabbath, Queen, The Who and John Lee Hooker.
We talked yesterday about Diana Ross‘ swan song with the Supremes in Las Vegas on January 14, 1970. Nine years earlier, on this date in 1961 the trio signed with Motown Records.
Today in 1971 George Harrison releases “My Sweet Lord” in the UK. It would become a worldwide hit and get the former Beatle into legal trouble due to the tunes similarity to the Ronnie Mack song “He’s So Fine“, a 1963 hit for the New York girl group the Chiffons. (Wikipedia) (Video)
In 1973, Bruce Springsteen appeared at Philadelphia’s Villanova University, to an audience of 25 people. Due to a strike at the time by Villanova’s school newspaper The Villanovan, the concert went unadvertised. It was probably the smallest crowd Bruce and The E Street Band have ever played in front of.
Today in 1974, Ritche, Potsie, Malph and the Fonz entered our vocabulary as “Happy Days” began an 11 year run on ABC. The pilot was shot in 1972 but it wasn’t until George Lucas cast Ron Howard as the lead in his 1973 hit film “American Graffiti” that the network got interested in the show.
In 1981 “Hill Street Blues” premieres on NBC. Mary Tyler Moore‘s MTM Enterprises developed the series on behalf of NBC, with Steven Bochco producing. In its first season, the show won eight Emmy Awards, a record surpassed only by The West Wing.
On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was forced to crash-land his aircraft in the Hudson River. All the passengers lived to tell the tale. The remarkable event now known as “The Miracle on the Hudson.” Here’s WNYC’s recounting of the story that was turned into a Hollywood hit staring Tom Hanks.
Much More Music:
One of the things that used to drive me nuts as a DJ was the poor stereo mixes of some of the classic 60s tunes I loved. Case in point. This Mamas & Papas tune is much better in mono. Here’s “I Saw Her Again” from 1966. (Video)
In 1967, The Buckinghams record “Don’t You Care.” (Video)
In 1971, Chase records “Get It On.” (Video)
In 1974, Brownsville Station‘s “Smokin’ In The Boys’ Room” is certified Gold. (Video)
in 1977, Leo Sayer‘s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” hits #1. (Video)
Happy Birthday to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1929 (d. 1968); Bobby Bloom (Montego Bay), 1946 (d. 1974); Ronnie Van Zant, 1948 (d. 1977); Charo, 1951; Mario Van Peebles, 1957
Today’s Quote Worth Re-Quoting: “Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path.”
We leave you with the number one song from this week in 1967, “Itchycoo Park” the only US hit for The Small Faces. The song got its name from the stinging nettles that grew in Suburban London’s Little Ilford Park.
Today in Keenerland 1/14
Today’s highlights: Happy Birthday, “Today”, the debut of Led Zeppelin’s first LP, a look back on the Consumer Electronics Show and how it’s impacting the Detroit Auto Show. We meet the woman who programmed the Apollo software, and hear how Curious George escaped the Nazis.
Led Zeppelin’s debut album was released in United States 50 years ago today. The group, born out of the remnants of the Yardbirds , took 36 hours and spent less than £2,000 to complete the LP. Eva Von Zeppelin, a relative of the creator of the famed dirigible, did not like the album art. It featured the Hindenburg crashing in flames at Lakehurst, New Jersey. She threatened legal action.
In the wake of a very mobile focused Consumer Electronics Show, the last Winter Detroit Auto Show opens today in the Motor City. It will feature lots of heavy trucks, SUVs and sports cars as the sedan continues to recede from popularity. Next year, it will happen in the summertime.
BTW: Axios says that the predicted smaller tax refunds this year may negatively impact auto sales. How do you typically invest yours?
Speaking of CES: What was the coolest gadget there? According to radio programming guru, Fred Jacobs, “I’ve learned that these past few years at CES, it’s been less about that one breakthrough innovation, and more about the confluence of all this technology, and what it means to our lives and the workplace.”
Fun Factoids from the Web:
Meet Margaret Hamilton (No not the wicked witch Margaret Hamilton) the working mom and unsung MIT math wizard who literally wrote the code for the Apollo Missions and won a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Bet you didn’t know: Margaret and H.A. Rey, authors of the beloved children books featuring Curious George, escaped the Nazis and the Holocaust by bicycle. They rode 439 miles from Paris to the Spain border with little else besides their unpublished manuscript.
What’s the current all-time most popular image on Instagram? The one at left. Currently, it has over 257 million likes. The photo finally answers, once and for all, the perennial question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg.
Today in History:
Today in 1952, The Today Show, starring Dave Garroway, debuts on NBC TV. The program is WAY different today than it was then. (Video)
In 1972 “Sanford & Son” premieres. Redd Fox becomes a household name. (Vide0)
On this date in 1981 Radio begins its downhill slide as the FCC frees stations to air as many commercials an hour as they wish. Naturally broadcasters overdo it.
Happy Birthday to: Clarence Carter (Patches, Strokin), 1936; Allen Toussaint (Producer), 1938 (d. 2015); Faye Dunaway, 1941; Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), 1948; LL Cool J, 1968; Dave Grohl, 1969
Much More Music:
Today in 1970, was Diana Ross’ last appearance with The Supremes at The Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas.She introduced Jean Terrell, who would sing lead on 7 more hits for Motown, including ‘Up The Ladder To The Roof‘. (Video)
On this date in 1973 Elvis Presley’s “Aloha from Hawaii – Via Satellite” becomes the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer. Here’s “Suspicious Minds” from that show. (Video)
Birthday Boy Clarence Carter turns 82 today. Here he is, singing his first hit, “Patches“. The tune was originally recorded by The Chairmen of the Board and written by the band’s lead singer, General Johnson with his songwriting partner Ronald Dunbar. The tune about a sharecroppers son in Alabama became Clarences biggest hit. (Video)
Today’s Quote Worth Re-quoting: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” ~ JK Rowling
We leave you with the Number One song from this date in 1966. It was written and recorded by Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, better known to his fans as Lou Christie . His record label, MGM reportedly disliked the tune that Christy and his long time writing partner, Twyla Herbert penned, but radio airplay in California launched the record on its way to the stratosphere.
Today in Keenerland 1/11
Today’s highlights: Hamilton premieres in Puerto Rico, the FBI investigates The Kingsmen, blowing up the Tappan Zee Bridge, farewell Mrs. Wormer, the hidden talent behind famous rock recordings, surfing with dolphins and “much more music” from Johnny Rivers, Johnny Cash and the Shocking Blue.
As Paul Harvey used to day, “Hello Americans! It’s Friday!” Whenever this 5th day of the week comes along, I’m always drawn back to 1966 and “Friday On My Mind” from the one hit wonder band The Easybeats. Most people assume that the group was part of the British invasion. They were actually from Australia. (Video)
Happening Tonight: The Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical “Hamilton” premieres in Puerto Rico. Lin Manuel Miranda is reprising his lead role to raise money for hurricane relief.
Today in 1964, ‘Louie Louie‘ by The Kingsmen is No.1. The song was written and composed by Richard Berry in 1955 and first recorded by his group The Pharaohs. The Kingsmen made it their own 9 years later. It’s a recording that became one of the most controversial tunes of its time, ultimately the subject of a two year investigation by the FBI. What was lead singer Jack Ely really saying in those hard to understand lyrics? This cool New Yorker piece from 2015 explains
Many of us have traversed the iconic Tappan Zee Bridge. The span that bisects the Hudson River was completed in 1955. A replacement was finished last year. Tomorrow, the state will blow up the original. Watch this space for video of that event on Monday!
Actress Verna Bloom had many great roles on film. But she will be most remembered for her iconic performance as Marion Wormer, Dean Vernon Wormer’s sex starved wife in the film “National Lampoon’s Animal House“. Verna Bloom passed away on January 9th at age 80. Perhaps as repentance for her tryst with Tim Matheson,’s “Otter”, Her final film appearance was as the mother of Jesus in the 1988 film “The Last Temptation of Christ“. We imagine her entering the pearly gates, saying, “Cut the crap. Get me a drink.”
There are many unsung heroes in the music business. Ron Hicklin and his band of backup singers are perhaps the best known. Clydie King, is another. the woman Bob Dylan called his “ultimate singing partner” died on Monday at age 75. A few of her backup credits include Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good,” Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans,” Graham Nash’s “Chicago,” and Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.” She also with Steely Dan, Humble Pie, Joe Walsh, Phil Ochs, Carly Simon, Neil Diamond and Ringo Starr. Here’s Rolling Stone Magazine’s remembrance.
Pick a number between 1 & 10. What one did college kids picked most? It’s “7”, according to CollegePulse.com
Remember reading about how Amazon is deploying buttons you can press to automatically reorder stuff you use often? They are popping up on washing machines, refrigerators and even in automobiles. But not in Germany. Here’s why.
Were you a fan of the ABC TV series “Love American Style“? Today in 1974, the final episode aired. The light hearted anthology series was an early precursor to “The Love Boat” and was a place where many stars appeared to keep their brand in front of eyeballs. Today’s trivia question: Who sang the theme song? Answer: The Cowsills. (Video)
Today’s Video Worth Sharing: Surfing with the dolphins off the Southern California coast. Go to our @ScottOwensShow Twitter feed to see it.
Much More Music:
Today in 1963 Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens. It becomes the first bar to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Jonny Rivers recorded several iconic hits there including our featured tune of the day, “Secret Agent”. (Video)
Today in 1964, “Ring Of Fire The Best of Johnny Cash” became the first No.1 album when Billboard Magazine debuted their Country Album Chart. In 2004, co-writer Merle Kilgore, who shares a writing credit with Cash’s wife, June Carter-Cash on Ring of Fire proposed licensing the song for a Preparation H hemorrhoid cream commercial. The family vetoed that idea. (Video)
No. 1 today in 1970. “Venus” by Holland’s The Shocking Blue. It was a tune that popped up again in the Summer of 1982 when another Dutch studio band, Stars on 45 put it in front of a medley of faithfully recreated hits. Both “Stars” and Shocking Blue had a very brief prime, but their ability to leverage catchy musical hooks to sell records is still the holy grail of every modern day pop wanna be. (Video)
Today’s Quote Worth Re-quoting:
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie
Happy Birthday to: Alexander Hamilton, 1755 (d. 1804); Rod Taylor (Actor), 1930 (d. 2015); Clarence Clemons, 1942 (d. 2011); Tony Kaye (Yes), 1946; Lee Ritenour, 1952; Mary J Blige, 1971
Today in Keenerland 1/10
From today’s morning show, sing along with Queen, we miss David Bowie, “Baby Shark” breaks into the Hot 100, The Sopranos at 20, The Beatle’s rare first US LP, Don Knotts pre-Mayberry ventriloquism, remembering Super Mario Brothers, a Summer of Love birthday and “much more music” videos.
If you are from my generation, you probably remember trekking to the local movie theater for a midnight showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show“. It was a true audience participation experience. Now, the AP reports that the smash hit film “Bohemian Rhapsody” will have a sing-along version in movie houses on Friday, complete with lyrics on the screen. Head banging, Wayne and Garth style is allowed.
It’s not too early to be thinking about where you might want to get away in 2009. The New York Times listed 52 fascinating vacation destinations. Me? I’d go back to London in a heartbeat. Meet you at the Covent Garden Cocktail Club!
Quick Takes:
Graphic of the day: Pixar‘s 22 rules of storytelling. Few do it better.
Are your kids / grandkids singing the “Baby Shark” song ad nauseum, like ours are? It’s now a hit on the Billboard charts.
From our “Now I Feel Old” department. The Sopranos debuted 20 years ago tonight. Rolling Stone‘s Alan Sepinwall picks his 10 favorite episodes.
Getting married this year? If you are a millennial, you likely spent over $3K on the ring.
According to a 60 minutes report artificial intelligence may take over 40% of our jobs in 15 years. What’s your plan B? Guy Kawasaki of Apple fame shared this link this morning on Twitter with some first steps to take you there.
On the other end of the spectrum, did you know that the video game, Super Mario Bros, was so popular that 33 1/3 years ago that Japan’s highest-selling book that year was a strategy guide on how to beat the game? It’s true.
Much More Music:
Need a little love today? How bout this 1967 tune from Scott McKenzie, born on this date in 1939. “San Francisco, Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair” peaked at No. 4 during “The Summer of Love” and was featured on the main stage at The Monterey Pop Festival. It was Scott’s only hit. From the “I bet you didn’t know” department: McKenzie also was one of the many who auditioned for The Monkees (Video)
Missing David Bowie, who died from liver cancer on January 10, 2016 at his New York home. Just two days earlier, he released the album Blackstar on his 69th birthday. Let’s listen again to “Space Oddity”, his first top 20 US hit. (Video)
Many people think that Capitol Records’ “Meet the Beatles“, a shortened version of the UK “With the Beatles” collection, was the 4 lads first US LP? Hard core fans remember that today in 1964, The first US Beatles album was “Introducing The Beatles“. Through a quirk in the legal process, it was released on Vee-Jay Records and featured a group picture before Ringo donned the signature mop top hairstyle. There were actually two versions. One was a battle of the bands themed item vs The Four Seasons. The label finally ended up on court and had to stop selling the disc by the end of the year because. By then over 1.3 million copies had been sold. Still have yours?
“Want some Fries with that?” At the height of the CB radio craze, we were all watching Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in “Smokey and the Bandit” and listening to the 1976, CW McCall novelty hit, “Convoy”. It was at No. 1 on the US charts on this date, spawning a film starring Kris Kristofferson. CW McCall was in fact an advertising executive whose real name was Bill Fries. (Video)
Can you identify the man in this picture? This guy had a stand-up act as a ventriloquist before he became famous as a nervous Mayberry cop. He later played a fish, a reluctant astronaut and “The Shakiest Gun in the West”. His dummy’s name? “Hootch”. If you guessed Andy Griffith Show co-star, Don Knotts, you are correct.
Happy Birthday to: Scott McKenzie, 1939 (d. 2012); Frank Sinatra, Jr., 1944 (d. 2016); Jim Croce, 1943 (d.1973); Rod Stewart, 1945; Aynsley Dunbar (Jefferson Starship), 1946; Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), 1948; George Foreman, 1949; Pat Benatar, 1953.
Today’s Quote Worth Re-quoting: “Some days you may feel worthless, but to someone, you will always be priceless.”
We leave you with the number one song from this week in 1967. It was composed by Neil Diamond and produced by Jeff Berry for The Monkees. Micky Dolenz sang lead on “I’m a Believer” which hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending December 31, 1966 and remained there for seven weeks, becoming the last No. 1 hit of 1966 and the biggest-selling record for all of 1967. (Wikipedia)
Today in Keenerland 1/9
Today’s highlights, Dion & the Belmonts debut on American Bandstand – We have the video. Stars we love who are turning 30 this year. Songs we love to sing in the car. Whats hot and what’s missing at the Consumer Electronics Show. And much more music!
Here’s some context as we watch the new gadgets come out at the Consumer Electronics Show. Today in 2001, Apple introduces the iTunes media player. Six years later, Steve Jobs shows off the first iPhone. With all the “things” that are being introduced this year, our good friends at Jacobs Media talks about the one thing that’s missing.
Today in 1963, Charlie Watts joined The Rolling Stones after leaving Blues Incorporated & his gig as a graphic designer.
Today in 1959. Dion & The Belmonts perform “A Teenager In Love” on American Bandstand. They don’t make em like this anymore. (Video)
Back when I was growing up, our young selves used to say, “Don’t trust anyone over 30.” Haven’t heard that one in a long time. In any event, we still love these folks.
What tunes do you sing out loud whenever you hear them on your car radio? From 2014. Journey‘s “Don’t Stop Believin'” tops a best car song poll conducted by Insurance dot com. Queen‘s “Bohemian Rhapsody” & AC/DC‘s “You Shook Me All Night Long” round out the Top 3. “Highway To Hell,” Golden Earring‘s “Radar Love” & “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar top write-ins. (Video – Don’t Stop Believin’ Live)
Today in 1975, five years after The Beatles break up, the group’s partnership is officially dissolved in court. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney and Wings start work on the “Venus And Mars” album in New Orleans. Heres the one big hit from that LP: “Listen to What the Man Said”. (Video)
Feeling the need to apologize? Here are 4 ways to do it via TED.
From the Hollywood Reporter: Tom Hanks will present Alan Alda with this years Screen Actors Guild “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Happy Birthday to: Richard Nixon, 1913 (d. 1994); Bob Denver (Gilligan), 1935 (d. 2005); Joan Baez, 1941; Jerry Yester (Lovin’ Spoonful), 1943; Scott Walker (Walker Brothers), 1943; Jimmy Page, 1944; Bill Cowsill, 1948 (d. 2006); Crystal Gayle, 1951; Dave Matthews, 1967
We leave you with this Wee Five classic from 1965. Beverly Bivens sings lead. Michael Stewart the brother of John Stewart of Kingston Trio fame was the leader of the group. “You Were On My Mind” was originally and Ian & Sylvia tune.
Today in Keenerland 1/8
Today’s highlights include: Happy Birthday, Elvis, Billboard hits – then and now, remembering Op Art, the New Seekers & the Coke ad in the last episode of Mad Men, fewer commercials on NBC, Donny Osmond’s 62nd album & how to go invisible on the Internet.
Oh the things that used to bug us! Today in 1969, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were barred from an exclusive hotel for wearing “Op Art” pants. The optical illusion must have been too much for the hotel staff to take. They were both asked to leave the Hotel Crillen in Lima, Peru after refusing to change clothes.
NBCUniversal says it’s reducing the amount of ads its serves during prime-time even further, and it’s looking now at other times throughout the day to do the same. Seems like a good idea, with audiences deserting their network for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Now if we could just get the bankrupt radio companies like iHeart to do the same thing.
Elvis Presley is on our birthday list. He would be 83 today, born at his parent’s home, a two-room house that was built by his father at 306 Old Saltillo Road, East Tupelo, Mississippi. A twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn. The King is still raking it in. His estate’s 2017 earnings were $37 million dollars. Here he is with Ann Margaret in a scene from “Viva Las Vegas”.
What’s hot this week on the Billboard Charts. Call me old fashioned, but I can’t connect with any of these. Contrast that with these number ones from every year on this date via radio station WKNR in Detroit.
(1965) Name Game, Shirley Ellis
(1966) Jenny Take a Ride!, Mitch Ryder
(1967) I’m a Believer/Steppin’ Stone, Monkees
(1968) Nobody But Me, Human Beinz
(1969) Crimson & Clover, Tommy James & The Shondells
(1970) Venus, Shocking Blue
(1971) Knock Three Times, Dawn
(1972) American Pie, Don McLean
For all of you who have those smart phones that unlock when you look at em, read this Mashable article to see if a photo of your face can do it too. The good news: iPhones are immune. And speaking of Internet security, famed hacker Kevin Mitnick teaches us “how to go invisible online“, courtesy of our friends at Wired Magazine.
From the “I feel old” department: 50 years ago today The final episode of “Shindig” airs on ABC, featuring The Kinks and The Who. 50 years after his first solo release, Donny Osmond is back in the studio to work on his 62nd album. 40 years ago today, the band Rush are named as the country’s official Ambassadors Of Music by the Canadian government.
Happy Birthday to: Elvis Presley, 1935 (d. 1977); Shirley Bassey (Goldfinger Vocalist), 1937; Stephen Hawking (Genius), 1942 (d. 2018); Robby Krieger (The Doors), 1946; Terry Sylvester (Hollies), 1947; David Bowie, 1947 (d. 2016)
We leave you with this Mad Men memory. Today in 1972, The New Seekers had an international hit w ‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing. The song started as a Coca Cola TV ad, as imagined by Don Draper in the final MM episode.
Today in Keenerland 1/7
Today we review the winners of the Golden Globes, preview the Consumer Electronics Show, document the first sneeze recorded on film, celebrate Saturday Night Fever, LP debut and look at the top 30 for this week in 1969, as surveyed at KHJ in Los Angeles.
Did you stay up late watching the Golden Globes last night? Here’s The Complete List of winners, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter. My favorite moment? When Maya Rudolph “proposed” to Amy Pohler. (Video)
Can I ask an uncomfortable question? Who really cares about tonight’s NCAA championship? We don’t talk much about sports here, but it seems to me that the whole college football championship system is still not where it needs to be. Call me old, but I long for the good old days when you knew which bowl game you were fighting for all season long. I’ll be interested to see the TV ratings tomorrow. End Rant 🙂
Today’s Tweet worth Re-Tweeting comes from Kristin @FeralCrone: “When I told my parents over the phone that my husband has the flu, my dad said ‘Have you tried euthanasia?’ and in the background my mom yelled ‘For the last time, it’s echinacea!'”
A Muslim Youth Group steps up to keep our National Parks clean during the government shutdown. Pretty cool. But I’d like to have the service I pay taxes for restored.
This week is the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas. Axios asks, “What makes smart devices smart?” I ask, would you want Alexa to know every time you flush? Want a review of what’s ahead from and insider who knows? Read on!
When imitation gets you into court. Today In 1963 – Twister Chubby Checker is sued by soul singer Gary “U.S.” Bonds, who alleges that Checker’s “Dancin’ Party” is a theft of “Quarter to Three.” They settle out of court. You decide! (Video)
Today in 1955, ‘Rock Around the Clock‘ by Bill Haley & His Comets, enters the UK chart for the first time. It is often cited as the biggest-selling vinyl rock and roll single of all time with sales over 25m. (Video)
From the Almanac: Today in 1894 marks the first copyrighting of a movie. A 5 second film of Fred Ott sneezing is shot by Thomas Edison‘s company (Video). Quora calculates that we sneeze about 65,700 times during our lifetime. In 1955 Marian Anderson becomes the 1st African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera. Two iconic television shows premiered on this date. In 1967, “The Newlywed Game” premieres on ABC. One year later “The GE College Bowl” quiz show debuts on NBC.
The KHJ Boss Radio survey from this week in 1969. “Crimson & Clover” by Tommy James & The Shondells is Number One. And there are some tunes that few of us may remember, including “The Grooviest Girl in the World” (Video) by Fun & Games and the forgettable “Baby Let’s Wait” (Video) from The Royal Guardsmen of “Snoopy vs The Red Baron” fame.
Today in 1978, Saturday Night Fever enters the US album charts. The sound track from the film that cemented John Travolta‘s stardom was a double LP that had a chart stay of 39 weeks & sold over 15 million copies. It reinvigorated the Bee Gees’ career and brought others to our attention, including Yvonne Elliman and The Trammps. (Video – Disco Inferno)
From the “I bet you didn’t know department”, it was producer Neeley Plum, who was behind the album “Together Again for the First Time” (Video) featuring Golden Globes honoree Carol Burnett and iconic film star Martha Raye. He also produced the soundtrack to the film version of “Bye Bye Birdie” and was involved Disney’s “Peter Pan”. If that last name is familiar to baby boomers, it’s because he’s the dad of Eve Plum of Brady Bunch fame.
Today’s Birthdays include: Kenny Loggins (Loggins & Messina), 1948; Paul Revere (Paul Revere & The Raiders), 1938 (d. 2014); ; Kathy Valentine (Bassist for The Go-Go’s), 1959
We leave you with a classic from The Foundations. “Build Me Up Buttercup” found it’s way into the ending credits of 1998’s “Something About Mary“. When we saw it in the theater, we had to stay till the end.
Remembering Byron MacGregor
Growing up in the shadow of the Motor City, everyone eventually listened to CKLW. Its 50,000 signal blanketed 28 states and 5 Canadian provinces with the famous Top 40 format promoted by Bill Drake and guided locally by Paul Drew.
One dimension of the CK sound was 20/20 News (Video), a high energy newscast at 20 and 40 past the hour that presented the stories of the day in a breathless, tabloid manner that shocked and delighted Detroit audiences. Byron MacGregor, born Gary L. Mack on March 13, 1948 was a central figure at 20/20 news. At the height of CKLW’s popularity, he recorded a Gordon Sinclair editorial, entitled “The Americans”. It resonated with our psyche and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard pop charts in 1974.
Byron went on to anchor television news at Detroit’s WKBD-TV and became an afternoon news fixture on WWJ Radio before succumbing to complications related to pneumonia on this date in 1995. He was just 46.
