….Autumn arrives today at 12:20 pm Pacific time
ON THIS DAY in 1899
six years before he developed the Audion tube, radio pioneer
Lee DeForest
sought employment with a better known wireless figure,
Guglielmo Marconi.
Also in 1899, radio/TV actor
Hanley Stafford was born in the town of Hanley in the UK. After emigrating to the US in his twenties he became active in radio acting, in action shows such as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Last of The Mohicans, Tarzan, Chandu the Magician, Calling All Cars, Flash Gordon
, Speed Gibson and The Cinnamon Bear
. Beginning in 1937 he became widely known as
Lancelot Higgins (“Daddy”) in Fannie Brice’s radio skit, ‘
Baby Snooks,’ and as Dagwood’s boss
Mr.Dithers on the radio version of the comic strip ‘
Blondie.’ During WWI he had served in the Canadian army and was wounded at Ypres. Stafford died Sept. 9th 1968, two weeks short of his 69th birthday.
On this day in 1902, actor/director/producer
John Houseman was born in Bucharest Romania.
He & Orson Welles co-founded the Mercury Players in the 1930’s. Houseman won an Oscar for his work as an actor in the 1973 film
The Paper Chase, a role he continued in the TV series of that name.
He also played a grandfather on
Silver Spoons. He died Oct 31, 1988 of spinal cancer at age 86.
On this day in 1909, western actor
Allan “Rocky” Lane was born Harry Albershart in small town Indiana. After playing in scores of western movies Lane starred as
Red Ryder in the 1950’s TV series of that name. He was the voice of
Mr. Ed in that TV series in the 60’s. He died Oct 27, 1973 at age 64.
On this day in 1914,
actress
Martha Scott
was born in Jamesport Mo. Her film debut in Our Town in 1940 saw her receiving an Academy Award nomination Best Actress. Also had roles in The Howards of Virginia, Cheers for Miss Bishop, The Desperate Hours, The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, Airport 1975 and The Turning Point. On TV she played mothers on Bob Newhart, Bionic Woman & Dallas. She died May 28 2003 at 88.
On this day in 1917,
CBS newsman
Richard C. Hottelet was born.
He covered World War II for
UPI &
CBS Radio, having been recruited by
Edward R. Murrow, and broadcast the first eyewitness account of the Normandy Invasion June 6, 1944. The last surviving member of the radio news pioneers known as ‘Murrow’s Boys’ he died Dec. 17 2014 at age 97.
On this day in 1927,
NBC pioneer sportscaster
Graham McNamee 
broadcast the famous “Long count” championship fight in which Jack Dempsey lost the heavyweight boxing title to Gene Tunney.
On this day in 1930, singer
Joni James was born Joan Carmello Babbo in Chicago. Her hits in the 1950’s include How Important Can It Be?, Your Cheatin’ Heart, Have You Heard, & Why Don’t You Believe Me. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this day in 1935, the final broadcast of
Gulf Headliners was heard on CBS. This was the Sunday night half-hour which starred popular homespun philosopher
Will Rogers until his untimely death in an Alaska plane crash August 15.
On this day in 1943, singer
Kate Smith completed a 13-hour continuous War Bond radio appeal, which resulted in pledges totalling an amazing $39 million dollars.
On this day in 1949, actress
Meryl Streep was born in Summit New Jersey. Besides her many distinguished big-screen performances, Streep played multiple roles in the TV miniseries, Angels in America, and co-starred more recently in the 2nd season of ‘Big Little Lies.’
On this day in 1955,
BBC-TV finally had some competition, as commercial television was beamed to homes in Great Britain for the first time. The rules said that only six minutes of ads were allowed each hour, and no Sunday morning TV was permitted.
On this day in 1957,
James Garner got his big break, playing
“Maverick” for the first time on
ABC-TV.
It was the story of Bret Maverick, a card shark in the Old West.
Also this day in 1957, the
CBS Radio Workshop was silenced after 18 months of what the critics said was ingenious radio programming.
Still in 1957,
Bobby Helms appeared on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show to sing his second straight #1 hit, “My Special Angel.” Other musical guests this night were
Jo Stafford and
Harry James.
On this day in 1958, after getting special permission from the US Army,
Elvis Presley gave one last press conference at the Military Ocean Terminal in Brooklyn. He then joined the rest of the 3rd Armored Division on the troopship USS General Randall for the voyage to Bremerhaven, Germany.
On this day in 1962, there was a hootenanny of a good time in, of all places, New York’s famed concert venue Carnegie Hall. The cast included newcomer
Bob Dylan singing “Highway 51,” “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues,” and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”
On this day in 1964, actor
Robert Vaughn starred as Napoleon Solo when
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. debuted on
NBC-TV. Solo’s trusty side-kick in this James Bond spoof was Illya Kuryakin, played by
David McCallum. U.N.C.L.E. stood for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.
On this day In 1965, singer
Roger Daltry of The
Who nearly got thrown out of the band for punching out drummer
Keith Moon on the opening date of their Scandinavian tour in Copenhagen.
Also in 1965, singer
Grace Slick made her debut with The Great Society. The San Francisco band, which introduced us to “White Rabbit” and “Somebody To Love,” would soon evolve into the
Jefferson Airplane.
Still in 1965,
The Supremes began recording their next #1 hit “I Hear a Symphony” in the Motown studios in Detroit. The track was completed a week later and was released October 6th.
On this day in 1966, the
Lovin’ Spoonful‘s recent #1 hit single “Summer In The City” was certified Gold. On this day in 1967,
The Doors appeared on the
Murray the K Show on WPIX-TV in New York City performing ‘People Are Strange’ and ‘Light My Fire.’.
On this day in 1968, the
Sky River Rock Festival, north of Seattle in a town called Sultan, featured Santana, Grateful Dead, Country Joe & The Fish and the Youngbloods.
On this day in 1969, radio station CKQR Castlegar signed on the air on AM 1230.
Also in 1969,
Diana Ross made a guest appearance on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” on NBC-TV.
Still in 1969, a new weekly TV show “
The Music Scene” aired on ABC for the first time. Stevie Wonder, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Tom Jones, Cass Elliot, James Brown, Janis Joplin and Sly and the Family Stone were all booked to appear.
On this day in 1974, ‘
The Sonny Bono Comedy Revue‘ was shown for the first time on ABC-TV. It lacked magic without Cher and was cancelled 4 months later.
On this day in 1978,
Linda Ronstadt‘s chart-topping album “Living In The U.S.A.” was certified platinum.
On this day in 1979,
ABC began airing the first season of
“Hart to Hart.”
On this day in 1980,
John Lennon signed with
Geffen Records. The Lennon LP, Double Fantasy, was released in November, less than a month before John was assassinated.
On this day in 1981, a major contributor to The Great American Songbook, composer
Harry Warren died aged 88. He wrote over 800 songs including ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’, (a hit for The Flamingos and Art Garfunkel), ‘You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby‘, ‘Jeepers Creepers‘, ‘That’s Amore‘ and ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo‘. Warren’s songs have been featured in more than 300 films.
On this day in 1982, 21-year-old Vancouver actor
Michael J. Fox debuted in the NBC-TV comedy, Family Ties. Also in 1982,
The Who kicked off what was to be a 40-date farewell tour that ended up taking in $23 million. (They regrouped in 1985.).
Still in 1982,
Johnny Cash and
Andy Griffith began filming the TV-movie “Murder in Coweta County.”
On this day In 1983, at Royal Albert Hall in London, the
Everly Brothers
performed together for the first time since their on-stage breakup at “Knott’s Berry Farm” in LA ten years earlier. Phil had smashed his guitar on the stage and walked off, leaving Don alone in front of the audience.
On this day in 1984, former lead singer of the Babies,
John Waite went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Missing You’.
On this day in 1985, the poor of America’s Heartland … the financially troubled farmers of Middle America … got help from their friends in the music biz. Singing stars
Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and
John Cougar Mellencamp held a benefit concert to raise funds. The stars came out and so did the money. This 1st
Farm Aid concert at Champaign Illinois raised ten million dollars.
Also this day in 1985, the big winners as the
37th Emmy Awards were presented, included
Cagney & Lacey, The Cosby Show & Tyne Daly.
On this day in 1987, actor
Dan Rowan,
co-host of
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in (1968-73), died of lymphoma at age 65.
Also in 1987,
ABC aired the first episode of the TV sitcom
“Full House.”
On this day in 1989,
one of the most prodigious songwriters of all time
Irving Berlin
died after a heart attack at age 101. He had written more than 3,000 songs in his lengthy lifetime.
Also in 1989, NBC began airing the series “
Baywatch” which introduced the world to Ladysmith’s
Pamela Anderson.
Starring
David Hasselhoff it lasted 11 seasons, the last 10 in first-run syndication.
On this day in 1990,
Garth Brooks‘ album ‘No Fences’ entered the Billboard album chart. It went on to become the biggest selling country album of all time and sold more than 13 million copies in the first five years of release.
Also in 1990,
Nirvana played their biggest gig to date when they appeared at the Motor Sports International Garage in Seattle. Drummer Dave Grohl who would audition for the band in a few days time was in the audience of 15,000 people.
On this day in 1991, Canadian rocker
Bryan Adams‘ hit ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ made musical history as it remained atop the UK pop singles chart for the 12th straight week.
On this day in 1992, on
MTV Unplugged, Bruce Springsteen didn’t buy the concept and played an electric set during the taping of the episode, causing the creative geniuses to dub the show
MTV Plugged.
On this day in 1994, Ottawa-born actor Matthew Perry
appeared in the premiere of the sitcom “Friends” on NBC-TV. And the series made show biz history.
Also this day in 1994, noted jazz critic & author
Leonard Feather died at age 80.
On this day in 1995, the
Turner Broadcasting System agreed to merge with the
Time Warner
media conglomerate for $7.5 billion.
On this day in 1997, Vancouver’s CIVT-TV signed on at 6 p.m. on UHF Channel 32 with a 22 minute promotional tape, followed by a five minute promo for KCTS, the Seattle PBS station it was displacing on cable channel 9. CIVT became the CTV affiliate four years later when CHAN switched to Global.
Also in 1997,
Elton John released his Diana tribute “Candle in the Wind 1997.”
Still this day in 1997, nationally known US sportscaster
Marv Albert 
pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges.
On this day in 1998, singer
Keely Smith was on hand for the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this day in 1999,
actor
George C. Scott
suffered a fatal aneurysm at age 71. Besides his many successes on the big screen Scott did live TV in the 1950’s, and an acclaimed TV series East Side West Side in the 60’s.
On this day in 2003,
Gordon Jump died of pulmonary fibrosis at age 71. Jump played befuddled Station Manager Arthur Carlson in the classic TV sitcom, “WKRP in Cincinnati,” then became the Maytag repairman in commercials.
On this day in 2004, the FCC hammer came down on
CBS-owned TV stations for broadcasting images of
Janet Jackson‘s exposed right breast during halftime at the Super Bowl. The fine was $550,000 US.
Also in 2004, the first episode of
“Lost” was aired on ABC.
It quickly became one of the big hits of the TV season.
Still in 2004,
CBS News announced that a panel would investigate the “60 Minutes” story that used forged documents to question U.S. President George W. Bush’s National Guard Service. While the memos were dismissed as forged or fake by document experts, the facts alleged have never been disproved.
Again in 2004, the first episode of the procedural spinoff known as
CSI: New York aired on CBS-TV.
On this day in 2006, actor
Edward Albert died of lung cancer at age 55.
He was the only son of Green Acres star Eddie Albert and Mexican actress and dancer Margo. Edward Albert enjoyed roles in scores of films, and TV shows such as Falcon Crest, Port Charles, The Yellow Rose, Invasion America, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and mini-series Black Beauty and The Last Convertible.
On this day in 2006,
Neil Young was named Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Association’s fifth annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The event was to recognize outstanding achievements in Blues, Bluegrass , Folk, Country and other forms of American roots music.
On this day in 2007, singer
Britney Spears was charged with hit-and-run and driving without a valid licence after she was accused of hitting a parked car and driving away from a Los Angeles car park six weeks earlier.
On this day in 2010, Toronto-based actress
Jackie Burroughs, a familiar face on Canadian TV for her long-running roles in Anne of Green Gables and Road To Avonlea, succumbed to stomach cancer at age 71.
Also in 2010, a singing star of the 1950’s
Eddie Fisher, who scored bigtime with ballads like Tell Me Why, Any Time, Oh! My Pa-Pa, I’m Walking Behind You, I’m Yours, Heart and Wish You Were Here, died of complications from hip surgery at age 82.
Still in 2010, the rumours were finally confirmed. Aerosmith’s
Steven Tyler was announced as a judge for Season 10 of Anerican Idol, joining fellow newcomer
Jennifer Lopez and the last standing original judge,
Randy Jackson. (judges below with host
Ryan Seacrest.)
On this day in 2011, r&b singer
Vesta Williams, who boasted a four-octave singing range, died of complications from an enlarged heart at age 53.
On this day in 2012, the 27th annual
Farm Aid concert drew 30,000 to Central Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark Stadium to benefit family farmers. Aside from founders
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and
John Mellencamp, there were performances by
Kenny Chesney, Grace Potter and
Dave Matthews. Said Young, “we have to convince kids that the real future of America is to rebel, to be a farmer. It’s a mission from God.”
Also in 2012, the late comedic actor
Phil Hartman, and musical superstars
Randy Bachman and
Sarah Mclaughlan (pictured, below) were among the celebrities inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto.
On this day in 2015,
Imagine Dragons were the musical guest on the debut of ABC’s
The Muppets, a much awaited TV series which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
On this day in 2016, nearly twenty years after its release,
Weezer’s “Pinkerton” album officially went platinum (sales of one million units).
On this day in 2017, US cable channel
Showtime announced acquisition of the rights to adapt “The President Is Missing,” a mystery novel co-written by former
President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson, into a television series.
Also in 2017,
Foo Fighters‘ “Concrete And Gold” debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
On this day in 2018, prior to the Farm Aid concert in Hartford, CT,
Neil Young told fans and reporters “the corporate farms suck!” Young, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp opened the annual event with emotional appeals for public support of family farmers.
Today’s Birthdays
Former pop Singer
Joni James is 91.
Actress/singer
Pat Suzuki (Mr. T. And Tina) is 91.
Actor
Art Metrano (Joannie Loves Chachi, Tough Cookies) is 85.
Singer-dancer
Toni Basil is 78.
Actor
Paul Le Mat (Lonesome Dove: The Series) is 76.
Actor/voicist
Jim Byrnes (Wiseguy, Highlander, The Romeo Section, Andromeda) is 73.
Singer
David Coverdale (Whitesnake, Deep Purple) is 70.
Actress
Shari Belafonte (Hotel) is 67.
Singer
Debby Boone is 65.
Country singer
June Forester of The Forester Sisters is 65.
Singer
Nick Cave is 64.
Singer
Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde is 64.
Actress
Lynn Herring (General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns) is 63.
Opera singer
Andrea Bocelli is 63.
Singer
Joan Jett is 63.
Fox News/Fox Business anchor
Neil Cavuto is 63.
Actor
Scott Baio (Happy Days, Charles in Charge, Diagnosis Murder) is 61.
Comedienne/TV talk show host/actress
Bonnie Hunt (Life With Bonnie, Bonnie Hunt Show, Davis Rules) is 60.
Actress
Catherine Oxenberg (Dynasty, Watch Over Me) is 60.
Actor
Rob Stone (Mr. Belvedere) is 59.
Actor
Stuart Fratkin (They Came from Outer Space) is 58.
Actor/writer/producer
Dan Bucatinsky (24:Legacy, Scandal, Web Therapy, Who Do You Think You Are) is 56.
Actor/writer
Matt Besser (The Back Room, Crossballs: the Debate Show) is 54.
Actor
Rupert Penry-Jones (The Strain) is 51.
Actor
Chris Tallman (The Thundermans) is 51.
Rapper
Mystikal is 51.
Bassist-guitarist
Dave Hernandez of The Shins is 51.
Actor
Lawrence Gilliard Jr. (Graceland, The Walking Dead, The Wire) is 50.
Singer
Big Rube of Society of Soul is 50.
Actor
Blake Soper (3rd Rock from the Sun, Boy Meets World) is 48.
Actor
James Hillier (The Crown) is 48.
Actor
Bob Sapp (JourneyQuest) is 48.
Vancouver-born actor Chad Todhunter (The Fosters, True Blood, Party of Five) is 45.
Stuntman/actor
Sala Baker (The Mentalist) is 45.
Singer/ songwriter/violinist/actress
Emilie Autumn is 44.
Actress
Daniella Alonso (Revolution, Friday Night Lights, One Tree Hill) is 43.
Actress
Myanna Buring (Ripper Street, Downton Abbey) is 42.
Actor
Michael Graziadei (The Young and the Restless, American Horror Story) is 42.
Actor
Chad Michael Collins (Extinct) is 42.
Actress
Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) is 40.
Actress
Katie Lowes (Scandal) is 39.
Actress
Billie Piper (Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl) is 39.
Actress
Carly Stenson (Hollyoaks) is 39.
Actress
Mamrie Hart (HeyUSA, Fodder) is 38.
Bassist
Will Farquarson of Bastille is 38.
Actress
MyAnna Buring (Ripper Street) is 37.
Toronto-born actress Laura Vandervoort (Bitten, Smallville, V} is 37.
Actress
Erin Marie Hogan (Ray Donovan, Paul Goetz’s Last Ditch Effort) is 36.
Regina-born actress Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, Heartland) is 36.
Actor
Ukweli Roach (The Royals) is 35.
Actor
Tom Felton (Murder in the First) is 34.
Actress/singer
Chelsea Tavares (Make It or Break It, Just Jordan, Unfabulous) is 30.
Actor
Chase Ellison (Young and the Restless) is 28.
Model/actress
Valis Volkova (Game of Thrones) is 28.
Actor
Carlos Knight (Supah Ninjas) is 28.
Actress
Juliette Goglia (Michael J. Fox Show) is 26.
Hamilton Ont.-born actress Erin Pitt (The 99) is 22.
Chart Toppers – Sept.22
1947
Peg o’ My Heart – The Harmonicats
That’s My Desire – The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Don Cornell)
I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now – Perry Como
Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) – Tex Williams
1956
Canadian Sunset – Hugo Winterhalter & Eddie Heywood
Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) – Doris Day
Be-Bop-a-Lula – Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps
Don’t Be Cruel /Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
1965
Help! – The Beatles
Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire
Hang on Sloopy – The McCoys
Is It Really Over? – Jim Reeves
1974
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – Barry White
Rock Me Gently – Andy Kim
I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-John
I Wouldn’t Want to Live If You Didn’t Love Me – Don Williams
1983
Maniac – Michael Sembello
Tell Her About It – Billy Joel
The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
I’m Only in It for the Love – John Conlee
1992
End of the Road – Boyz II Men
Baby-Baby-Baby – TLC
Humpin’ Around – Bobby Brown
Love’s Got a Hold on You – Alan Jackson
2001
I’m Real – Jennifer Lopez
Hit ’Em Up Style (Oops!) – Blu Cantrell
U Remind Me – Usher
What I Really Meant to Say – Cyndi Thomson
2010
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem featuring Rihanna
Dynamite – Taio Cruz
Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer – Billy Currington
Today in Broadcast History is compiled by Ron Robinson
