ON THIS DAY in 1893
singer/comedian Jimmy Durante was born in New York City. His distinctive vocal personality made him a natural star in bigtime radio, and later TV. He was still headlining a weekly TV show as late as 1969 when he was in his late 70’s (Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters.) Famous for the sign-off, “Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.” He died of pneumonia Jan 29, 1980 at age 86.
On this day in 1898, Dame Judith Anderson was born Frances Margaret Anderson in Adelaide, South Australia. She arrived in the US at age 17 and became a dominant force in Broadway drama through the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. On TV she appeared in 3 Playhouse 90’s, 7 Hallmark Hall of Fames, and was a regular for 4 years on the soap Santa Barbara. She died of pneumonia Jan 3, 1992 at age 93.
On this day in 1906, horror movie actor Lon Chaney Jr. was born in Oklahoma City. He was active in episodic TV from 1950-66, in shows such as Hawkeye & The Last of the Mohicans, Climax, Wagon Train, Rawhide, Have Gun Will Travel & Route 66. He died of liver failure July 12, 1973 at age 67.
On this day in 1929, pianist/composer Jerry Goldsmith was born in Pasadena. His broadcast scoring career began with the CBS Radio Workshop & Romance series, then continued in TV with Ben Casey, Dr. Kildare, Man from UNCLE, Room 222, The Waltons, Police Story, Star Trek: Next Generation, among other series. He died July 21 2004 after a long battle with cancer at age 75.
On this day in 1940, the big band classic “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller hit #1. On this day in 1942, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra received the first ever Gold Record certification for their 78 rpm recording of “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which had already topped the singles chart for two months and sold more than one million copies. Twelve years later, on this day in 1954, “The Glenn Miller Story,” starring Jimmy Stewart, premiered in New York.
On this day in 1945, “Rum & Coca Cola” by the Andrews Sisters hit #1.
On this day in 1950, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Rag Mop” by the Ames Brothers.
On this day in 1951, the novelty spoken-word record “John & Marsha” by Stan Freberg peaked at #21.
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley wiggled his way through “Heartbreak Hotel” for RCA Victor in Nashville. The single would be awarded two gold records, one for each side. The hit on the other side was “I Was the One”.
Also this day in 1956, Little Richard recorded a future #1 R&B hit and his signature song “Long Tall Sally,” at the J & M Studio in New Orleans.
Again this day in 1956, the TV series “My Friend Flicka” premiered on CBS. It starred a 12-year old Canadian actor, Johnny Washbrook.
On this day in 1958, “Don’t” by Elvis Presley topped the singles charts and stayed there for 5 weeks. Frank Sinatra started a similar five week run atop the Billboard album chart with ‘Come Fly With Me.’
Also this day in 1958, the “Annette” serial began on ABC-TV’s “Mickey Mouse Club,” solidifying the rising popularity of its young star, Annette Funicello.
On this day in 1959, Link Wray appeared on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” performing his instrumental hit “Rumble.” It was one of the first recordings to utilize the techniques of distortion & feedback. It was banned in several radio markets because ‘rumble’ was a slang term for a gang fight, and it was feared that the song’s harsh sound glorified “juvenile delinquency.”
On this day in 1962, 
Henry Mancini went to No.1 on the US album chart with the soundtrack to ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s.’
Also this day in 1962, Roy Orbison recorded his fifth Top Ten pop single, “Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream).”
On this day in 1964, the press reported that millions of teenage boys were spending extra time in front of the mirror trying to make their hair look like Paul McCartney‘s… following an appearance of The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show” the night before.
Also this day in 1964, Bob Dylan‘s album ”The Times They Are A-Changin”’ was released.
On this day in 1965, Chad and Jeremy made a guest appearance on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” on CBS-TV. They portrayed a fictional British duo called “The Redcoats.”
On this day in 1968, the instrumental one-hit-wonder “Love Is Blue” by Paul Mauriat topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.
On this day in 1971, Carole King‘s album “Tapestry” 
was released on Ode Records. It has since become one of the all-time best-sellers, with more than 25 million LP’s and CD’s moved worldwide.
On this day in 1972, the BBC banned “Give Ireland Back to the Irish” by Wings, which had only been released Feb. 1.
Also in 1972, already hugely popular in the UK, T. Rex opened their first North American tour as headliners in Seattle.
On this day in 1973, Charlie Rich was in Nashville to record what would be his second country chart topper & first #1 pop single, “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
On this day in 1974, record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car crash while driving from Los Angeles to Phoenix. He needed extensive plastic surgery that dramatically altered his looks. Details of how the accident happened were never publicly disclosed. Phil Spector died at the age of 81, while serving a prison sentence for murder in 2021.
Also this day in 1974, the UK’s Deep Purple opened a 28-date North American tour at the Los Angeles Forum.
On this day in 1978, Van Halen‘s self-titled debut album was released on the Warner Bros. label. It would go on to sell more than 10 million in the US alone.
On this day in 1979, Rod Stewart‘s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” was the #1 single in the US. It was a track from the album “Blondes Have More Fun”, which was the #1 U.S. album this day. The album stayed at the top for three weeks. “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” was number one for four weeks.
On this day in 1980, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Do That to Me One More Time” by The Captain & Tennille.
On this day in 1983, stern-faced actor Eduard Franz died after a long illness at age 80. Besides extensive stage & film work he had been cast repeatedly over a 30 year period in TV series such as Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, General Electric Theatre, Zorro, Wagon Train, The FBI & The Waltons.
On this day in 1985, Vancouver’s Bruce Allen collected a group of Canadian all-stars in Toronto to record “Tears are Not Enough” as a benefit single to help relieve starvation in Ethiopia. The group dubbed “Northen Lights” included Gordon Lightfoot, Burton Cummings, Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, Dan Hill, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Corey Hart and Bruce Cockburn.
Also this day in 1985, Johnny Cash and his “Highwaymen” partner Waylon Jennings played the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
On this day in 1986, English-born actor Brian Aherne died of heart failure at age 83. His theatrical, film & radio career was 20 years old when he started appearing on US TV in guest roles on Lux Video Theatre, Robert Montgomery Prsents, Goodyear Theatre, Star & The Story, Disneyland, etc. On radio he’d played the lead in The Saint (for 3 months in 1945), and acted as a substitute host on Lux Radio Theatre.
Also this day in 1986, John Lennon‘s “Live in NYC” album, with tracks from two 1972 concerts at Madison Square Garden, was released posthumously.
On this day in 1989, one of Canada’s best hockey broadcasters Dan Kelly, who spent most of his career in the US as the voice of the St. Louis Blues, died young, a victim of cancer, aged just 52.
On this day in 1989, the 100th episode of Miami Vice was seen on NBC TV.
On this day in 1990, Paula Abdul became the first female artist to have an album stay in the top ten for over 50 weeks. It was her debut album, “Forever Your Girl.”
Also this day in 1990, guitarist Eric Clapton finished an 18-show stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The performances, which began Jan. 18, included three different bands, a 60-piece orchestra and blues jams with Robert Cray.
On this day in 1992, Alex Haley, the author of Roots which spawned the most viewed TV mini-series in history, died in Seattle after a heart attack at age 70.
On this day in 1993, actress Joy Garrett, who had long-running roles in TV’s The Young & the Restless and As The World Turns, died of liver failure at age 47.
Also this day in 1993, Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey on ABC-TV, attracting some 20 million viewers.
In the live prime time interview, Jackson claimed he had a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin, and also told us (with a straight face), that he had had very little plastic surgery.
On this day in 1996, Canadian country superstar Shania Twain attracted a crowd of almost 20,000 autograph seekers to the “Mall of America” in suurban Minneapolis.
On this day in 1997, singer Brian Connolly of Sweet died of kidney failure in a hospital in southern England. He was 52.
On this day in 1998, Axl Rose was charged with disorderly conduct following a row with a baggage handler at Phoenix (Arizona) Airport. Rose was later released on bail.
On this day in 1999, Vancouver actor Robert Clothier, forever memorable as the renegade Relic on the longrunning CBC TV series “Beachcombers”, died after years of ill health at age 77.
On this day in 2000, actor Jim Varney, best known for his many TV commercials as Ernest P. Worrell, died of lung cancer at age 50.
On this day in 2002, Elton John entertained at the NBA All-Star Game in Philadelphia. He performed his classic “Philadelphia Freedom” as the players were introduced.
On this day in 2003, the sale of Vancouver’s AM 1040 CKST by Grand Slam to CHUM Media was approved by the CRTC. The all-sports station joined CHUM’s Team network on May 7, 2001.
On this day in 2004, Nickelback made the first of their four consecutive appearances on “Late Night With Conan O`Brien” when the NBC program taped a week of shows in Toronto.
Also this day in 2004, Rick Dees announced he was leaving the morning show at KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, after 22 years at its helm.
On this day in 2005, Roger Daltrey, founder and lead singer of The Who, was at Buckingham Palace to receive an honour from the Queen. He was appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
Also this day in 2005, Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s annual list of the year’s biggest money earners after his 2004 tour grossed over $90 million. Madonna came in in second place after earning $54.9 million and Metallica came third with $43 million.
On this day in 2008, singer Freddie Bell,leader of the 1950s rock ‘n’ roll group Freddie and the Bellboys, died at the age of 76.
Also in 2008, actor Roy Scheider, who was in two TV soaps before his bigscreen career, and later played the captain on the 90’s series SeaQuest DSV, died of multiple myeloma at age 75.
Still in 2008, the 50th annual Grammy Awards saw Amy Winehouse honored as Best New Artist, with her “Rehab” winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Album of the Year went to Herbie Hancock’s “River: The Joni Letters.”
On this day in 2010, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp headlined a performance at the White House in celebration of Black History Month.
On this day in 2012, Neil Young and Crazy Horse performed at the MusicCares Person of the Year Gala honoring Paul McCartney. The Grammy charity concert in Los Angeles marked the first time Young had taken the stage with Crazy Horse in eight years.
On this day in 2013, Black Keys, Maroon 5, Sting, Jack White and Elton John performed at the 55th Grammy Awards in L.A. fun. won song of the year (“We Are Young) and best new artist; Toronto rapper Drake won his first, for rap album of the year for “Take Care.” “Mumford & Sons” won album of the year (“Babel”), and Gotye won record of the year for “Somebody That I Used to Know” (featuring Kimbra).
On this day in 2014, iconic child film star Shirley Temple-Black, whose 1930’s movies became a staple of early TV, died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at age 85. (She had been a lifelong smoker.)
Also in 2014, a Seattle woman was charged with allegedly sending (via Twitter) Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell a number of chilling death threats and threats to harm his children. Some of the threats also alluded to raping Cornell’s 13-year-old daughter Lily.
On this day in 2015, NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor Brian Williams was suspended for 6 months without pay following revelations that he exaggerated and misspoke about his actions in events during the Iraqi war.
Also in 2015, the host of Comedy Central’s Daily Show since 1999, 
Jon Stewart announced that he would be leaving the show later in the year.
Still in 2015, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage won more than $51,000 in prizes as a contestant on the CBS-TV game show The Price Is Right.
On this day in 2017, Adam Levine, the frontman of Maroon 5 and judge/star of NBC-TV’s talent show ‘The Voice,’ received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this day in 2019, Kelowna-born broadcaster Mike Cleaver lost his battle with kidney disease, just days short 0f his 73rd birthday. He was in news for several stints at Toronto’s legendary CHUM, and also worked in the newsrooms of CFRB, 680 News, and CKNW. He ended his career writing news at CTV Vancouver before becoming an instructor at BCIT.
Also in 2019, actor Jan-Michael Vincent, the baby-faced blonde heartthrob with the lead role in the 1980s CBS series Airwolf, died after suffering cardiac arrest, at age 73.
Still in 2019, women were front and center at the 61st Grammy Awards, as the music industry attempted to address the criticism it faced over how few female artists it had honored. Kacey Musgraves won for Album of the Year, while other top awards went to Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross and Brandi Carlile, Alicia Keys hosted the telecast.
Today’s Birthdays
Actor Robert Wagner (Hart to Hart, It Takes a Thief, NCIS) is 93.
Singer Roberta Flack is 86.
Former governor-general & CBC journalist Adrienne Clarkson (Take 30, Fifth Estate, A. C. Presents) is 84.
Singer Jimmy Merchant of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers is 83.
Bassist Bob Spalding of The Ventures is 76.
Drummer for Elton John Nigel Olsson is 75.
Toronto-born comedian/actress/writer Valri Bromfield (Grace Under Fire, The Rosie O’Donnell Show) is 74.
Keyboardist Cory Lerios of Pablo Cruise is 72.
Actress Carol Royle (Heartbeat) is 69.
Actor Rupert Vansittart (Heartbeat, Game of Thrones, Foyle’s War) is 65.
Actress Bess Motta (New Monkees) is 65.
Actress Marceline Hugot (The Leftovers, 30 Rock) is 63.
Country singer Lionel Cartwright (“I Watched it on the Radio”) is 63.
Spokane-born Jay Pickett (Port Charles, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives) is 62.
ABC journalist George Stephanopoulus (Good Morning America, This Week) is 62.
Producer/writer/director Alexander Payne (Hung) is 62.
Actor Philip Glenister (Outcast, Mad Dogs) is 60.
Mount Vernon Wa.-born radio/TV talk show host Glenn Beck is 59.
Actress Laura Dern (Big Little Lies, F is for Family, Twin Peaks, Enlightened) is 56.
Writer/producer/director Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) is 56.
Actress Sarah Aldrich (Port Charles, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives) is 53.
Actress Kathryne Dora Brown (Judging Amy, Promised Land) is 52.
Actor Jason Olive (For Better or Worse, The Comeback, Guiding Light) is 51.
Country singer Dude Mowrey is 51.
Actress Maria Botto (Mad Dogs) is 49.
Actress Elizabeth Banks (Scrubs) is 49.
Actor Scott Elrod (The Young & the Restless, Men in Trees) is 48.
Actor Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs 2010, MI-5) is 48.
Pop singer Rosanna Taverez (Eden’s Crush) is 46.
Actress Julia Pace Mitchell (The Young and the Restless) is 45.
Singer/songwriter Don Omar is 45.
Actress/voicist Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, BoJack Horseman) is 42.
Actress Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) is 42.
Actor Barry Sloane (Six, Revenge) is 42.
Actor Max Brown (Beauty and the Beast, The Tudors) is 42.
Singer Eric Dill (The Click Five) is 41.
Keyboardist Ben Romans of The Click Five is 41.
Twin actresses Jade & Nikita Ramsey (House of Anubis) is 35.
Actor Trevante Rhodes (If Loving You is Wrong) is 33.
Actress Emma Roberts (American Horror Story, Scream Queens, Unfabulous) is 32.
Actress Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife, Geena Davis Show) is 29.
Actress Chloe Grace Moretz (30 Rock, Dirty Sexy Money, My Friends Tigger & Pooh) is 26.
Actress Tiffany Espensen (Kirby Buckets) is 24.
Actress Yara Shahidi (black-ish) is 23.
Chart Toppers – Feb. 10
1944
Shoo, Shoo, Baby – The Andrews Sisters
My Heart Tells Me – The Glen Gray Orchestra (vocal: Eugenie Baird)
Besame Mucho – The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Bob Eberly & Kitty Kallen
Pistol Packin’ Mama – Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
1953
Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes – Perry Como
Till I Waltz Again with You – Teresa Brewer
Keep It a Secret – Jo Stafford
I Let the Stars Get in My Eyes – Goldie Hill
1962
Peppermint Twist – Joey Dee & The Starliters
Duke of Earl – Gene Chandler
Norman – Sue Thompson
Walk on By – Leroy Van Dyke
1971
Knock Three Times – Dawn
One Bad Apple – The Osmonds
Rose Garden – Lynn Anderson
Joshua – Dolly Parton
1980
Rock with You – Michael Jackson
Do that to Me One More Time – The Captain & Tennille
Coward of the County – Kenny Rogers
I’ll Be Coming Back for More – T.G. Sheppard
1989
When I’m with You – Sheriff
Straight Up – Paula Abdul
Born to Be My Baby – Bon Jovi
What I’d Say – Earl Thomas Conley
1998
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
Together Again – Janet Jackson
Just to See You Smile – Tim McGraw
2007
Say It Right – Nelly Furtado
Irreplaceable – Beyonce
What Goes Around… Comes Around – Justin Timberlake
Watching You – Rodney Atkins
Today in Broadcast History is compiled by Ron Robinson
