On this day in 1893
actress Lillian Gish was born. She started making silent movies at age 19, and took guest roles on TV from 1949-1985. She died Feb 27 1993 of heart failure, just months short of her 100th birthday.
On this day in 1906, actress Benita Hume was born in London England. In the early 1950’s she co-starred with husband Ronald Colman in the NBC radio hit, “The Halls of Ivy,” which also had a run on TV in 1955.She succumbed to bone cancer Nov. 1 1967 at age 61.
Also this day in 1906, actor Russell Thorson was born in Wisconsin. He was prominent in bigtime radio on One Man’s Family and I Love A Mystery for Carleton E. Morse. He played Tom Mix in the early 1940’s, and supporting roles on many other LA-based radio shows. He also did more guest spots in series TV from 1949-78. Thorson died July 6 1982 at 75.
On this day in 1907, actress Pert Kelton was born in Great Falls, Mont. She played vaudeville, Broadway & movies, before joining Jackie Gleason on Dumont TV’s Cavalcade of Stars in 1949. She was the first Alice Kramden (above). Kelton died Oct. 30 1968 after a heart attack, at age 61.
On this day in 1924, actor Robert Webber was born in Santa Ana, Calif. In a 40 year TV career and over 500 appearances, he had only one series commitment; on the 1987-88 Moonlighting. He died May 19, 1989 at age 64, of ALS. (Lou Gehrig’s disease.)
On this day in 1926, Nashville studio musician/saxophone player Bill Justis was born in Birmingham Alabama. His 1957 Sun hit & Grammy Hall of Famer “Raunchy” was rock ‘n’ roll’s first instrumental hit. He died in Nashville July 15, 1982 at age 56.
On this day in 1928, Harvey Kirck, CTV National News anchor from 1966-1984, was born in New Liskeard, Ont. After a 15 year career in radio he joined CTV in 1963. In 2000, Harvey was inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He died Feb. 18, 2002 following a heart attack, at age 73.
Also this day in 1928, a TV first .. a televised wedding ceremony, decades before Tiny Tim and Miss Vickie were heard of. James Fowlkes and Cora Dennison tied the knot as the first (experimental) televised wedding took place in Des Plains, IL — in a radio studio. Of course, next to noone was tuned in!
On this day in 1934, a true radio milepost. The Lux Radio Theatre was heard for the first time, from New York. The first season aired on NBC’s Blue network before moving to CBS for 20 years. The legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille became host when the program moved to Hollywood after the first year-and-a-half. The show was also known by the announcer’s first words, “Lux Presents Hollywood”, and nearly every famous Hollywood star appeared on the weekly program. Lux Radio Theater adapted novels, Broadway plays and Hollywood films into radio’s favorite dramatic hour.
On this day in 1938, one of the great songs of the big band era was recorded by Bob Crosby (Bing’s brother) and the Bobcats. Big Noise from Winnetka on Decca Records featured Bob Haggart and Ray Bauduc. Haggart whistled and played bass, while Bauduc played the skins.
On this day in 1943, the FCC approved RCA‘s sale of the NBC Blue Radio Network to Edward Noble for $8 million dollars. Within the year the Blue Network was renamed ABC, the American Broadcasting Company, which over time became a viable competitor to NBC & CBS.
On this day in 1955, in Lubbock Texas, a band that would become The Crickets, Buddy Holly, Larry Welborn, and Bob Montgomery opened for Bill Haley & the Comets. Talent scout Eddie Crandell took in the show and arranged for Holly to make his first demo record. (And the rest, as they say, is music history!)
Also this day in 1955, a TV hat trick was scored. Ethel and Albert, one of the few shows to play on all three major U.S. networks, came to ABC-TV. The show, starring Alan Bunce and Peg Lynch, had previously been on NBC and CBS. A popular radio show in the 1940s, Ethel and Albert got a second life (three years) on TV. Peg Lynch wrote the scripts; Ethel & Albert ended up as a regular segment of NBC Radio’s Monitor.
On this day in 1957, the Everly Brothers scored their first #1 hit. “Wake Up Little Susie” topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
Also this day in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley was released. It become his ninth number one single and stayed on the Billboard chart for nineteen weeks. The film clip from the movie where he sang the song is considered by many historians to be the first rock video.
On this day in 1959, building on her success with “Who’s Sorry Now” two years earlier, Connie Francis recorded another chestnut from the 1920’s, “Among My Souvenirs” for MGM Records. It would peak at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
That same day in 1959, Charlie Rich was at Sun Records in Memphis to record his first charted hit, “Lonely Weekends.” On this day in 1964, ABC-T’V’s prime time pop music showcase “Shindig!” featured Roy Orbison singing “Oh Pretty Woman” and the Everly Brothers performing “Let It Be Me.”
Exactly one year later, on this day in 1965, “Shindig!” featured performances by The Animals, Billy Preston, Millie Small and Marianne Faithful. Also this day in 1965, the Rolling Stones opened their third North American tour with a concert in Montreal.
On this day in 1966, at San Francisco’s Filmore Auditorium, a soon-to-be 27 year-old singer Grace Slick made her first public appearance with Jefferson Airplane. On this day in 1967, Bobbie Gentry started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Ode To Billie Joe’.
On this day in 1968, TV viewers were treated to the first live telecast from a manned US spacecraft (Apollo 7). Also this day in 1968, Bobby Darin appeared on the NBC-TV show “Laugh-In” to sing “Mack the Knife” in Russian with Arte Johnson‘s character, Rozmenko. Very interesting!
Still on this day in 1968, the Beatles finished their final tracks for the so-called “White Album.” On this day in 1969, police in New Jersey issued a warrant for the arrest of Frank Sinatra in relation to his connections with the Mafia.
Also in 1969, the Supremes released what would be their last hit with Diana Ross as lead vocalist “Someday We’ll Be Together.” In fact neither of the other two original group members Mary Wilson or Cindy Birdsong performed on the track.
On this day in 1970, Merle Haggard won top honors at the 4th Annual Country Music Assn Awards.
This day in 1971 was John and Yoko Day on The Dick Cavett Show on ABC-TV. The hour-long late-night interview remains decades later as perhaps John’s most comprehensive non-scripted film or video appearance.
Also in 1971, John Fogerty was sued for half-a-million dollars for allegedly plagiarizing Little Richard‘s “Good Golly Miss Molly” for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travelin’ Band.” The suit was eventually dropped.
On this day in 1972, rocker Joe Cocker was arrested with his band in Adelaide, Australia. The police claimed to have confiscated marijuana, heroin and hypodermic syringes. Cocker could have been fined and jailed for two years, but he was instead ordered to leave the country within four hours.
Also this day in 1972, Michael Jackson went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Ben’, his first solo No.1. Still in 1972, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” was released by the Temptations.
On this day in 1976, British-born actress Dame Edith Evans died at age 88. Although most of her time was spent on the big screen Evans made several impressive dramatic radio appearances late in her career, notably on the CBS Suspense series.
On this day in 1977, crooner Bing Crosby suffered a fatal heart attack while playing golf at a course near Madrid, Spain. The 73-year-old Crosby (with some 36 #1 records) had just completed a tour of England that included a sold-out engagement at the London Palladium.
Also in 1977, Linda Ronstadt sang the “The Star Spangled Banner” at LA’s Dodger Stadium, to open the third game of the World Series between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
On this day in 1978, the first-ever TV movie originating from a series aired, “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island.” On this day in 1979, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Rise” by Herb Alpert. The single was Alpert’s first to hit the Hot 100 in five years.
On this day in 1981, the Rolling Stones played the first of two nights at the Kingdome in Seattle.
On this day in 1983, Kingston Ont.-born rocker Bryan Adams‘ “This Time” peaked at #24 on the Billboard pop singles chart.
Also this day in 1983, one of film’s busiest character actors Paul Fix died at age 82 of kidney failure. He took part in 300 motion pictures, and is best remembered on the small screen as the Sheriff in Chuck Connors’ series, The Rifleman.
On this day in 1986, actor Keenan Wynn who together with an impressive big screen career, had running roles in the TV shows Dallas, Call to Glory, and Last Precinct, died at age 70 from cancer of the pancreas.
On this day in 1987, a media frenzy occurred when hundreds of rescuers came to the aid of little 18-month-old Jessica McClure. At 9:30 a.m. this day, Jessica fell 22 feet into an abandoned well in her backyard in Midland, Texas. She was brought out of the well 58 hours later and was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent minor surgery. Gifts, especially stuffed animals, pouring into the hospital from well-wishers, most of whom had never met Jessica, but became involved through the hours and hours of TV coverage.
On this day in 1988, record sales records were rewritten, after Def Leppard became the first music artists in history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive albums; 1983’s ‘Pyromania’ and their latest release, ‘Hysteria.’
On this day in 1989, Motley Crue started a two-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Dr. Feelgood’.
On this day in 1990, composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story) succumbed to his advanced lung disease and pneumonia, just four days after announcing his retirement, at age 72. He became popular after a series of appearances on NBC’s Sunday TV program Omnibus, as well as for his 53 televised Young People’s Concerts on CBS.
Also on this day in 1990, longtime Canadian announcer & host Elwood Glover died at age 75. Although he was a much-in-demand commercial radio announcer, and the CBC’s Chief Announcer during WWII, he is best remembered as the host of CBC TV’s Luncheon Date from 1963-75. The program began on radio in 1956.
On this day in 1993, according to Rolling Stone magazine, Peter Gabriel‘s “Sledgehammer” ranked as the Alltime No.1 video in their list of “The 100 Top Music Videos.” The tape also won nine MTV awards, more than any video in history.
On this day in 1997, announcer/actor/director Hy Averbach died at age 76 following open heart surgery. After a high profile career as radio announcer (Bob Hope Show,) Averbach turned to directing a number of film series for TV .. MASH (he was also the voice of the loudspeaker operator), Real McCoys, Dick Powell Show, The Rogues, The Don Rickles Show, The Rockford Files, Dukes of Hazzard, House Calls, the Four Seasons and Matt Houston.
On this day in 1998, America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic died at his home in New Port Richey, Florida, a week after suffering a fall. He was 83. Yankovic had his two biggest hits — “Just Because” and “Blue Skirt Waltz” — at the end of the 1940s.
Also this day in 1998, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Red Red Wine,” by UB40. The song had only reached No. 34 when the group first released the single in 1984. It was written by Neil Diamond.
Also in 1998, B.B. King picked up a lifetime achievement award at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
On this day in 2000, composer/broadcaster Zeke Manners passed away at the age of 89. He composed “The Pennsylvania Polka” for the Andrews Sisters, and led the popular band “The Beverly Hillbillies.” which inspired the TV show of the same name. Zeke had his own radio shows in the 1940’s & 50’s in Los Angeles & New York, and a 15 -minute network show in which his live keyboard playing blended seamlessly with recordings.
Also in 2000, Radiohead made their debut on Saturday Night Live, performing “The National Anthem” and Idioteque” from “Kid A.”
On this day in 2003, “The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Live At Berkeley” arrived on store shelves. With drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix was heard rocking through “Johnny B. Goode,” “Machine Gun” and “Purple Haze.” The concert had been recorded in June of ’69 – a mere 34 years earlier.
Also in 2003, angry fans rioted in Montreal when Punk bands The Exploited and Total Chaos cancelled their show there, after some members of The Exploited were denied entry into Canada.
On this day in 2004, Eric Clapton was suspended from driving in France after being caught speeding at 134 mph in his Porsche 911 Turbo.
On this day in 2006, singer Freddy Fender, the Tex-Mex singer died of complications from lung cancer at age 69. Best known for big hits ‘Before the Next Teardrop Falls’ (US No.1 in 1975) and ‘Wasted Days and Wasted Nights’.
On this day in 2007, US rapper TI was arrested and charged with weapons offences just hours before he was due to perform and collect two awards at the BET Hip-Hop gala in Atlanta. The 27-year-old was arrested in a car park on suspicion of collecting machine guns and silencers bought for him by his bodyguard. His award for CD of the Year was accepted by rapper Common, who jointly won the prize with TI.
Also in 2007, Heart performed on the ABC TV special Frosted Pink. Money raised went to benefit organizations focusing on cancers affecting women. Ozzy Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, also appeared.
Still in 2007, an acoustic concert by Lindsey Buckingham was broadcast on the US cable channel HDNet. Taped at a concert in Fort Worth, the broadcast featured both Buckingham’s solo and Fleetwood Mac material.
On this day in 2008, Neil Young’s two-month long North American tour began in St. Paul Minnesota. Death Cab For Cutie opened on the first leg of the tour with Wilco working the remaining dates.
On this day in 2009, Coldplay took home Song Of The Year honors for “Viva La Vida” (from the ’08 album “Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends”) at the ASCAP Awards in London (the music royalties organization is worldwide). Due to the release of the remastered Beatles catalog, Paul McCartney was named Songwriter of the Year.
Also in 2009, a tax lien was filed against Courtney Love in Los Angeles County, claiming the former Hole frontwoman owed $324,335.21 in back income taxes.
Still in 2009, the documentary Joan Baez: How Sweet The Sound aired on PBS. The film focussed on the folksinger’s life and career, with testimonials from Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), David Crosby (The Byrds/CSN) and Bob Dylan.
On this day in 2010, British actor Simon MacCorkindale died of lung and bowel cancer at age 58. He had starred in the 1983 NBC series Manimal, and had feature recurring roles in the TV dramas Falcon Crest and Counterstrike.
Also in 2010, former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan joined his old band and frontman Axl Rose onstage for the first time in seventeen years during a show at London’s O2 Arena.
On this day in 2012, Memphis keyboardist/songwriter B.B. Cunningham, who scored with the 1967 garage rock song “Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out)” and toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, was shot to death while working as a security guard at age 70.
On this day in 2013, the Miss Manners of Motown, Maxine Powell, who as director of the label’s in-house finishing school in the 1960s was considered in no small part responsible for its early success, died at age 98. Her disciples — young, scrappy and untried — included many future titans of American popular music, whom she polished with the finesse of a diamond cutter. Among them were The Supremes, Stevie Wonder. Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and Smokey Robinson.
On this day in 2014, actress Elizabeth Pena died from complications of alcohol abuse including cirrhosis of the liver, at age 55. She was working on the TV series ‘Matador’ just before her death. Earlier she starred in the 1987 sitcom ‘I Married Dora,’ and scored recurring roles in the series ‘Resurrection Boulevard,’ ‘Shannon’s Deal,’ ‘Tough Cookies’ and ‘LA Law.’
On this day in 2016, English actress Jean Alexander, who for more than two decades played Hilda Ogden on the prime time TV soap Coronation Street, died three days after her 90th birthday.
Today’s Birthdays
Actress Jacqueline Beer (77 Sunset Strip, The Burns & Allen Show) is 91.
Country singer Melba Montgomery is 85.
UK singer Sir Cliff Richard is 83.
English actor Christopher Timothy (All Creatures Great & Small) is 83.
Actress Pat Finley (Bob Newhart Show, Rockford Files) is 83.
Singer-musician Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues) is 77.
Actor Joey Travolta (Movie Stars) is 73.
Actor Harry Anderson (Night Court, Dave’s World, Cheers) is 71.
Actor Greg Evigan (Melrose Place, BJ & the Bear, My Two Dads) is 70.
Actress Elizabeth Sung (The Young & the Restless) is 69.
Actress/TV personality Arleen Sorkin (Days of Our Lives, America’s Funniest People) is 68.
Actor Bruce MacVittie (Law & Order, Waterfront) is 67.
Singer-musician Thomas Dolby is 65.
Vancouver radio host Graham Hatch (Afternoons @ LG 104.3) is 63.
Actress Melanie Wilson (Perfect Strangers) is 62.
Singer/actor Chris Thomas King is 61.
Actress Lori Petty (Booker, Lush Life) is 60.
CBS Sports talk radio host Jim Rome is 60.
Ontario-born actor/voicist David Kaye (Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Regular Show, Ben 10: Omniverse) is 59.
Actress Elizabeth Sung (The Young & the Restless) is 59.
Actor Steve Coogan (Happyish, I’m Alan Partridge, Spitting Image) is 58.
Singer Karyn White is 56. Actor Edward Kerr (SeaQuest 2032, Pretty Little Liars) is 57.
Actor Jon Seda (Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Treme, Homicide, Third Watch) is 53.
Actor Paul Fitzgerald (Younger, Treme, Guiding Light) is 53.
Country musician Doug Virden (Sons of the Desert) is 53.
Actor Jonathan Kerrigan (Heartbeat) is 51.
Halifax-born actor Nels Lennarson (The Wrong Girl, She Made Me Do It) is 51.
Country singer Natalie Maines (The Dixie Chicks) is 49.
Actress-singer Shaznay Lewis (All Saints) is 48.
Actor Stephen Hill (2018’s Magnum, P.I.) is 47.
Singer/TV judge Usher (The Voice) is 45.
TV personality Stacy Keibler (Dancing With the Stars, WWF Raw, What About Brian ) is 44.
Actor Jordan Brower (Social Studies) is 42.
Actor David Oakes (The Borgias) is 40.
Actress Teresa Castillo (General Hospital) is 40.
Actor Jason Davis (Prison Break, Secrets & Lies, Daytime Divas, Being Mary Jane) is 39.
Actor/news correspondent Daniel Clark (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Eerie Indiana: The Other Dimension, ABC’s Nightline) is 38.
Actress Skyler Shaye (Ray Donovan) is 37.
Comic actor Jay Pharoah {Saturday Night Live) is 36.
Actor Max Thieriot (Bates Motel) is 35.
Actress Mackenzie Mauzy (The Bold and the Beautiful, Forever) is 35.
Singer Pia Toscano (American Idol 2011) is 35.
Actress Mia Wasikowska (In Treatment) is 34.
Actress Lindsay Taylor (Snow) is 34.
Actress Amber Coney (Dead of Summer) is 31.
Actress Rowan Blanchard (Girl Meets World) is 22.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 14
1951 Because of You – Tony Bennett I Get Ideas – Tony Martin Cold, Cold Heart – Tony Bennett Always Late (With Your Kisses) – Lefty Frizzell
1960 Mr. Custer – Larry Verne Save the Last Dance for Me – The Drifters So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) – The Everly Brothers Alabam – Cowboy Copas
1969 Sugar, Sugar – The Archies Jean – Oliver I Can’t Get Next to You – The Temptations Since I Met You, Baby – Sonny James
1978 Kiss You All Over – Exile Hot Child in the City – Nick Gilder Reminiscing – Little River Band Heartbreaker – Dolly Parton
1987 Here I Go Again – Whitesnake Lost in Emotion – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam Carrie – Europe You Again – The Forester Sisters
1996 Macarena (bayside boys mix) – Los Del Rio I Love You Always Forever – Donna Lewis It’s All Coming Back to Me Now – Celine Dion Living in a Moment – Ty Herndon
2005 Shake It Off – Mariah Carey Because Of You – Kelly Clarkson Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day Something to Be Proud Of – Montgomery Gentry
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson
