Notable:
The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson Debuts. Today in 1962, Johnny hosts his 1st “Tonight Show” on NBC; guests include Rudy Vallée, Tony Bennett, Mel Brooks and Joan Crawford. A series of guest hosts preceded Johnny after Jack Paar left the program.
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 99 today. He is the longest-living former president, has seen the elections of seven successors and outlived two of them, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, who both passed away at younger ages. When told his skin cancer had spread to several vital organs, he told the press, “I’m looking forward to a new adventure.” When he entered hospice, doctors said he might not survive for a week. That was eight months ago. His son, Chip Carter quoted his famous father in the Washington post: “He told me has been successful at everything in life, but he can’t figure out how to die.”
Wired, the ground-breaking website we turn to for everything from tech to pop culture turns 30 this year. Here’s a look back at their beginnings, before Facebook was a gleam in Zuck’s eye.
Keener SportsScope: Michigan remains unbeaten. MSU’s downward slide continues. Miguel Cabrera gets some pregame love from a sellout crowd of 40,224 at Comerica, then helps Tigers secure second in AL Central with an 8-0 shutout against Cleveland. The 3-1 Lions are idle until October 8.
Ever wonder why docs wear white coats? Studies show doctors appear more trustworthy, knowledgeable, and approachable, according to a study. But that might be changing. Despite the positive perception, white coats can harbor microbes due to their long-sleeved design and infrequent washing, prompting some medical programs to adopt bare-below-the-elbows dress codes. (VCU)
Today in History:
1868, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott is published in America by Roberts Brothers of Boston.
1908, Henry Ford introduces the Model T, It costs $825.
1955, Jackie Gleason’s sitcom “The Honeymooners” debuts on CBS, replacing his variety series; production ends after 39 episodes.
1956, Elvis Presley had to reshoot a film scene in “Love Me Tender” because test audiences didn’t like his character dying, so they changed it to have the hero survive.
1961, The Beach Boys record their debut single “Surfin”, introducing a new musical style.
1962, Barbra Streisand signs her 1st recording contract (with Columbia).
1962, Brian Epstein signed a management contract with The Beatles, giving him a 25% cut of their earnings if they made more than $400 each per week.
1968, Cult zombie film “Night of the Living Dead” directed by George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones and Judith O’Dea premieres in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1969 The Concorde 001 jet airplane test flight breaks sound barrier.
1971, John Lennon’s “Imagine” album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and later reached 2X Platinum.
1982, Sony introduced the first commercially available compact disc player in Tokyo, Japan, priced at about $650 US.
1982, Marvin Gaye releases his last studio album “Midnight Love” featuring single “Sexual Healing.
1983, Bonnie Tyler became the first female Welsh singer to top the Billboard Hot 100 with “Total Eclipse Of The Heart.”
1989, US Army General Colin Powell becomes youngest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest military position, at 52.
1992, The Cartoon Cable Network premieres.
Today’s Birthdays:
1930 – Richard Harris (“MacArthur Park”) (d. 2002)
1934 – Geoff Stephens – lead vocalist for The New Vaudeville Band (“Winchester Cathedral”) (d. 2020)
1942 – Herb Fame (age 81)- vocalist for Peaches and Herb (“Reunited”)
1943 – Jerry Martin – sax player for Sly and the Family Stone (“Dance To The Music”) (d. 2001)
1944 – Barbara Parritt – vocalist for The Toys (“A Lover’s Concerto”) (d. 2016)
1945 – Donny Hathaway (“Where Is the Love?” with Roberta Flack) (d. 1979)
1948 – Mariska Veres – vocalist for Shocking Blue (“Venus”) (d. 2006)
1948 – Michael “Cub” Koda – vocals and guitar for Brownsville Station (“Smokin’ In The Boys Room”)(d. 2000)
