Happy Friday, Keenerfans!
Today in 1970, Simon and Garfunkel’s album Bridge Over Troubled Water started a ten-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. chart. The duo had split up by the time of release. The album includes two of Simon and Garfunkel’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful songs: “Bridge over Troubled Water” and “The Boxer”, and topped the charts in over ten countries and received two Grammys, plus four more for the title song. It sold around 25 million records was No. 51 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The making of the album is told in the 72-minute documentary The Harmony Game, featuring interviews with both artists and various collaborators.
Here’s what’s happening:
Spring has sprung at the Detroit Zoo! Several adorable baby animals have recently been born, including a baby giraffe, a penguin chick, and a litter of red panda cubs. These new additions are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Plan your visit and learn more at detroitzoo.org.
Tickets for the Movement Electronic Music Festival are officially on sale today. This world-renowned festival will take place Memorial Day weekend, bringing top DJs and electronic music artists to Hart Plaza. Grab your tickets now at movement.us and experience the energy of Detroit’s electronic music scene.
Great news for cyclists and pedestrians! The Detroit Greenways Coalition has announced plans to expand the city’s network of greenways and bike paths. These new trails will connect neighborhoods, provide safe routes for recreation and commuting, and enhance the city’s overall quality of life. Find out more about their plans at detroitgreenways.org.
The Detroit Public Schools are recognizing the outstanding achievements of their students with a citywide celebration today. Students will be honored for their academic accomplishments, artistic talents, and athletic successes. It’s a wonderful way to showcase the bright future of Detroit’s youth.
The Michigan Science Center has new interactive exhibit exploring the wonders of space. Visitors can learn about planets, stars, and galaxies through hands-on activities and immersive experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to learn and explore. Visit their website for more information: mi-sci.org.
Today in History:
1933 – The movie “King Kong,” starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Crowds lined up around the block on opening day and, in its first four days, every one of its ten shows each day were sold out. Tickets were priced at 35 to 75 cents.
1966 – With Phil Spector as producer, Tina Turner recorded the vocal track for Ike & Tina Turner’s “River Deep-Mountain High.” Spector had drawn up an unusual contract for the Turners because of Ike’s control issues (and Spector’s): the “River Deep-Mountain High” album and single were credited to “Ike & Tina Turner,” but Ike was paid $20,000 to stay away from the studio, and only Tina Turner’s vocals were used.
1966 – Brian Wilson released his debut solo single “Caroline, No.” It would later peak at number thirty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart and be included on The Beach Boys’ album Pet Sounds.
1970 – Melanie released the single “Lay Down (Candles In The Rain).”\
1970 – Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Travelin’ Band” which was their fifth top ten single in the U.S.
1971 – Country music singer Mickey Gilley opened Gilley’s, his Pasadena, Texas nightclub. It was the central location in the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy.”
1973 – A song from the movie “Deliverance” called “Dueling Banjos” by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandel became one of the few 1970s instrumentals to be awarded a Gold record.
1976 – Elton John was immortalized at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in London. John was the first rock star to receive this honor since The Beatles.
1983 – The Nashville Network (TNN) made its debut in 7 million U.S. cable TV households with the first installment of “Nashville Now,” a nightly program hosted by Ralph Emery.
Today’s Birthdays:
- Daniel J Travanti of Hill Street Blues is 85.
- Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers is 73.
- Actor Brian Cranston is 69.
- Taylor Dayne is 63.
- Wanda Sykes is 61.
- Rachel Weisz is 55.
