Keener Today – October 29

Happening Now:

Godspeed Terry Garr, who passed away today at the age of 79. She began her career as a dancer, appearing in films like “Viva Las Vegas” before transitioning to comedic roles in movies like “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie” (for which she received an Oscar nomination). Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, Garr became an advocate for the MS community while continuing to act in TV roles until her retirement in 2011. Here’s a compilation of some of her most memorable film work:

Happening this week:

Michigan’s Hush Haunted Attraction offers four terrifying experiences with amazing actors and special effects. Get your tickets, including the VIP Bar Creep Pass for access to hidden bars, at Hush Haunted Attractions dot com.

“Hockey: Faster Than Ever” at The Henry Ford Museum explores the evolution of hockey through technology and science. Interactive exhibits let you test your reflexes, shot speed, and aim. See a real ice resurfacer, the Stanley Cup®, and historic skates and gear. There’s also a Science Lab and displays of NHL star players’ jerseys. The exhibit runs through January 5th. Details at The Henry Ford dot org.

Columbia Street in Detroit has transformed into a free, public pumpkin patch experience for their annual Fall Fest, presented by Michigan First Credit Union. Enjoy the fall décor and whimsical photo opportunities now through November 15th. Details at The District Detroit dot com.

The Tony Award-winning musical MJ is on stage at the Fisher Theatre through November 3rd This show explores Michael Jackson’s creative process during the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Tickets and info at Broadway In Detroit dot Com.

Today in History:

  • 1964 – Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” was certified Gold after spending 15 weeks on the singles chart.
  • 1968 – Marvin Gaye scored his first No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Though the Norman Whitfield/Barrett Strong song is now a soul classic affiliated with Gaye, that wasn’t always the case. Gaye’s rendition was actually the third to be released, following versions by The Miracles (1966), as well as by Gladys Knight & the Pips, who also scored a major hit with the song in 1967.
  • 1970 – Jim Morrison of The Doors was sentenced to six months in jail and fined $500 for exposing himself during a concert in Miami.
  • 1970 – Elton John released his third studio album Tumbleweed Connection. The cover photo for the album was taken at Horsted Keynes railway station, 30 miles south of London and captured John and Bernie Taupin in front of the late-nineteenth-century station to represent the album’s rural Americana concept, despite the English location.
  • 1982 – Australian band Men At Work went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with “Who Can It Be Now,” the group’s first U.S. No. 1.
  • 1999 – Santana’s Supernatural album went to No. 1 in America, giving the group its first chart-topping album in 28 years.

Today’s Birthdays:

  • Christopher Columbus was born on this date in 1451.
  • President John Adams was born today in 1735.
  • Eddie Holland of Motown’s legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland production team is 85.
  • Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and The Great Society is 85.
  • Otis Williams of The Temptations is 83.
  • Actor Henry Winkler is 78.
  • Timothy B. Schmit, bassist for the Eagles and Poco, is 77.