ON THIS DAY in 1904,

actor Ralph Bellamy was born in Chicago.

He starred in the early TV series Man Against Crime, & was host of Frontier Justice.  He played FDR in two mini-series, The Winds of War and War & Remembrance, and had feature roles in the mini-series Wheels, Arthur Hailey’s The Moneychangers, Once an Eagle, & Testimony of Two Men. He died of a lung ailment Nov 29, 1991 at age 87.

In 1910, country singer/songwriter Red Foley was born Clyde Julian Foley in Blue Lick Kentucky. His hit songs include “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy”, “Old Shep”, “Sugarfoot Rag”, “Tennessee Saturday Night,” & “Peace in the Valley.”  Over two decades he sold in excess of 25 million records. He was host of the 50’s ABC TV show Ozark Jubilee, and later was a regular on the Fess Parker series Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  He died after a heart attack Sep 19, 1968 at age 58.

In 1915, country comedian/banjo player “Stringbean” was born David Akeman in Jackson County Kentucky.  He appeared regularly on radio on Grand Ole Opry, and on TV first in Ozark Jubilee & later (1969) on Hee Haw, for which most people will remember Stringbean.  He & his wife were murdered in their home by burglars Nov 11, 1973..he was 58.

In 1941, WNBT-TV, channel 4 in New York City, was granted the first construction permit to operate a commercial TV station in the United States. (WNBT signed on the air on July 1, 1941 at 1:29 p.m. but just months later went dark for the duration of WW2.) Owned by Radio Corporation of America (RCA), the station later changed its call letters to WRCA and finally WNBC.

In 1942, ‘Suspense,’ known as radio’s outstanding theatre of thrills, debuted on CBS radio. The program kept millions of loyal listeners in suspense every week for the next 20 years.

In 1943, singer Perry Como was signed by RCA Victor Records, just days after he had been planning to return to his Pennsylvania hometown and resume his career as a barber. He stayed with the label throughout his 50 year career.

In 1954, guitarist Danny Cedrone died of a broken neck suffered when he fell down a staircase.  Ten weeks earlier the 33 year old had recorded the lead guitar break on ‘Rock Around The Clock’ with Bill Haley and His Comets, for which he was paid a mere $21, although it is widely considered one of the greatest rock and roll guitar solos of all time.

Also in 1954, the televised Senate Army-McCarthy hearings ended.

In 1957, “So Rare” by the Jimmy Dorsey Orch peaked at #2.

Also in 1957, Pat Boone was in Hollywood to record what would be his 12th Top Ten single “Remember You’re Mine” for the Dot label.

In 1958, Bobby Darin was in New York to record his own composition, “Early In The Morning,” as the followup to his breakthrough hit “Splish Splash”.

In 1961, actor Jeff Chandler, who starred on radio as detective Michael Shayne, and as Our Miss Brooks’ love interest Mr. Boynton, died due to loss of blood during disc herniation surgery at age 42.  It was ruled medical malpractice.

In 1962, the Ed Sullivan Show on CBS-TV featured the Dave Brubeck Quartet playing their lone Top 40 hit track “Take Five.”  The Highwaymen sang “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” Robert Goulet also sang, while impressionist Frank Gorshin and rhyming comedian Nipsey Russellsupplied the laughs. And retired baseball superstar Ted Williams had tips for young athletes.

In 1964, The Supremes released the first of their five #1 hit singles in a row, “Where Did Our Love Go.”

In 1965, working at Abbey Road studios  The Beatles completed work on the new Paul McCartney song ‘Yesterday’ with the overdubbing of an additional vocal track by Paul and a string quartet.

Also in 1965, The Kinks arrived in New York City to start their first U.S. tour.

In 1966, in London The Beatles finished recording “Got To Get You Into My Life” at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. Paul McCartney later revealed that the song concerns marijuana, and was written just after he first smoked the drug.

Also in 1966, Paul McCartney bought a farm in Kintyre, Scotland, that was the inspiration for his 1977 ballad “Mull Of Kintyre,” recorded by Wings.

In 1967, Barbra Streisand sang for more than 135,000 fans at her free concert in New York’s Central Park.  It was videotaped and released Sept. 15th as the CBS-TV special (and Columbia soundtrack album) “A Happening In Central Park.”

Also in 1967, Moby Grape released 5 singles simultaneously on CBS Records.

Still in 1967, the Hollies‘ “Carrie Ann” was released.

Again in 1967, “Somebody To Love” by Jefferson Airplane peaked at #5.

In 1968, Seattle’s KOL-FM 94.1 switched from automated background music to “Progressive Rock”,  a format based on album cuts and album sales, instead of the singles used in Top 40 radio.  Today it is all-country KMPS.

Also in 1968, the studio bubblegum group ”Ohio Express” received a gold record for their single ”Yummy, Yummy, Yummy.”

In 1969, jazz man Charles Mingus came out of a two-year, self-imposed retirement to make a concert appearance at the Village Vanguard in New York City.

In 1971, Carole King went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Tapestry’ for the first of 15 consecutive weeks.

In 1972, keyboardist Ron (Pigpen) McKernan played his final gig with the Grateful Dead at the Hollywood Bowl. He died the following March of alcohol-induced liver failure and internal bleeding.

Also in 1972, the No. 1 Billboad Pop Hit was “The Candy Man,” by Sammy Davis Jr. The biggest pop hit of Davis’ career, the song is featured in the film “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Still in 1972, Paul McCartney released “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The musical version of the nursery rhyme reached No. 28 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and No. 9 in Great Brit[/img]ain.

Again in 1972, The Rolling Stones album ‘Exile On Main Street’ started a four-week run at the top of the Billboard charts.

In 1973, actor Luis Van Rooten, who on radio played the lead in Nero Wolfe, and a variety of supporting roles all over the TV & radio dial, died at age 66.

Also in 1973, Dolly Parton recorded ‘I Will Always Love You’ in RCA’s Studio “B” in Nashville. It was dedicated to her one-time partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner (the two were splitting professionally at the time).

In 1974, actress Pamela Britton, best remembered as TV’s Blondie, and Mrs. Lorelei Brown on the series My Favorite Martian, died of a brain tumour at age 51.

In 1977, guitarist Michael Schenker of the British hard-rock band U-F-O went into hiding for six months rather than tell the band that he wanted to leave. Schenker, a German, later said he didn’t speak English well enough to explain how he felt. He eventually split with U-F-O in 1979 to form his own group.

Also in 1977, three years after the breakup of “Traffic,” blue-eyed soul singer Steve Winwood released his first solo album, “Steve Winwood” on the Island label.

In 1978, Grace Slick was considered too drunk to go onstage with Jefferson Starship at the Lorelei Festival in West Germany, but did so anyway, performing badly and shouting Nazi taunts at the audience. The crowd rioted, destroying most of the band’s equipment and causing damage totalling more than a million dollars.  The debacle led Slick to split with the band, as well as her husband of 8 years Paul Kanter. She did not return to Starship until 1983.

Also in 1978, Andy Gibb‘s ‘Shadow Dancing’ hit the top of the pop singles chart, thus making Gibb the first solo artist in the history of Billboard Magazine to have his first three releases reach No.1.  Spending seven weeks in the top spot, ‘Dancing’  became the best selling single of 1978.

Still in 1978, “Cheeseburger In Paradise” by Jimmy Buffett peaked at #32 on the pop charts.

In 1980, Led Zeppelin began what would be their last tour of Europe with a show at Dortmund, Germany.

In 1982, disgraced former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon was interviewed by Diane Sawyeron “The CBS Morning News.”

In 1984, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “The Reflex,” by Duran Duran. It was the group’s first No. 1 hit in North America.

Also in 1984, actor Chet Allen, who was TV’s first Amahl in the Christmas favorite Amahl & the Night Visitors (1951), died at age 51.

In 1985, “The Discovery Channel” signed on in the U.S.  First program was “Iceberg Alley.”  Discovery Channel has since expanded to at least 27 channels all over the world.

Also in 1985, the notoriously reclusive Bob Dylan opened up on Bob Coburn’s syndicated radio show “Rockline,” taking calls from fans.

Still in 1985, Judy Norton-Taylor, who played the role of Mary Ellen on TV’s The Waltons, said goodbye to her good-girl image as she was photographed nude for Playboy magazine.

In 1986, rotund singer Kate Smith, whose rendition of ”God Bless America” made her a symbol of U-S patriotism, following a long career in 30’s & 40’s radio as well as early TV, died of diabetes at age 79.

Also on this date in 1986, singer-pianist Bert Pearl, the founder of Canada’s “The Happy Gang” musical troupe, died in hospital in Los Angeles at age 73. The Winnipeg native began “The Happy Gang” show on C-B-C radio in 1937, and its 22 years made it Canada’s longest-running radio show. In 1955 Bert Pearl left the show & moved to California and became musical director for the Jimmy Durante and Gisele MacKenzie T-V shows. The “Happy Gang” reunited for a 1975 concert at Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition.

Still in 1986, Stevie Wonder opened his first North American tour in five years in Seattle. The tour, which played 64 cities in the U-S and Canada, carried the same name as Wonder’s ”In Square Circle” album. It was a tribute to a new U-S holiday in honour of Martin Luther King.

In 1988, Jack Leonard, the star vocalist for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (before Sinatra) from 1935 to ’39, died of cancer in Los Angeles at age 73. He sang on two of Dorsey’s biggest hits — “Marie” and “All the Things You Are.”

Also in 1988, Vancouver’s CKWX AM 1130 moved to its new studios at 2440 Ash Street. The 1275 Burrard Street studios (above) had opened in 1956 as a statement about radio’s future in the TV era. 

In 1989, Ringo Starr announced he would begin touring again for the first time in several years. His first All-Starr Band included Clarence Clemons, Joe Walsh, Billy Preston, and Nils Lofgren.

Still in 1989, New Kids On The Block went to No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘I’ll Be Loving You Forever’, the group’s first No.1 song.

In 1991, country entertainer Minnie Pearl suffered a debilitating stroke at age 78.  While it ended her career on stage she survived another 5 years, mostly in a nursing home.

Also in 1991, the 100th episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” aired.

In 1992, Dewey Balfa, the Louisiana fiddler who took Cajun music from the bayous to a national audience, died at 65 in Eunice, Louisiana. Balfa was described as the premier ambassador for Cajun music and culture throughout the world.

In 1994, O.J. Simpson, charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, could not be located and was declared a fugitive from justice.  He was spotted in a white Ford Bronco belonging to Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on a Los Angeles freeway. Simpson had a gun (according to Cowlings who talked to police by phone from the Bronco). The pair led police on a 60-mile, televised low-speed pursuit through L.A. Seen by a world-wide audience, it was a gripping, if not excruciatingly slow, show.

Also in 1994, Latin pop singer Jon Secada fell through the rostrum as he was approaching the stage to perform to an estimated one-billion television viewers during the opening ceremonies of the World Cup soccer tournament in Chicago. Secada could not pull himself out, and since the band was already playing, he began singing with only his head above stage level. He was eventually pulled from the hole, and moved to centre stage to finish his performance. Secada was later diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder.

In 1995, British pop star Cliff Richard became Sir Cliff after being awarded a knighthood.

Also in 1995, Rod Stewart set an attendance record for Wembley Stadium with a concert crowd of 90,000. The 1985 Live Aid concert drew 72,000.

In 1997, Ozzy Osbourne cancelled his solo set and his reunion with Black Sabbath scheduled for an “Ozzfest” tour stop near Columbus, Ohio. Osbourne claimed he had lost his voice. Other groups on the bill performed as scheduled, but disappointed fans set fires and damaged the outdoor facility. Twenty-three people were arrested and three were slightly hurt. Osbourne and Black Sabbath played a makeup date two weeks later.

In 1998, r&b vocalist Jody Watley said she was told “by the powers that be” at Atlantic Records that although they intended to release her album “Flowers” outside of North America, the label would not release the project in the U.S.   Watley said she received no explanation when she was informed of the decision.

In 2000, the Grand Ole Opry, carried since 1925 on WSM radio in Nashville, began webcasting at http://www.opry.com and http://www.wsmonline.com.

In 2005, Soul Asylum bassist Karl Mueller died of throat cancer in Minneapolis. He was 41.

In 2006, veteran supporting actor Arthur Franz died of emphysema and heart disease at age 86.  He was featured on TV from the early days of live productions in dozens of series episodes and at least 8 TV movies.

Also in 2006, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones entered rehab to kick his drinking habit, and recovered in time to join the Stones for their next world tour a month later.

Still in 2006, as part of her birthday honours list Queen Elizabeth awarded Aussie entertainer Rolf Harris with a CBE (Commander of the British Empire). His more recent arrest on child molestation charges has tarnished his reputation.

In 2007, TV producer Ed Friendly, who with George Schlatter, created the 1960s’ comedy hit Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, then went on to produce NBC’s hit dramatic series Little House on the Prairie, succumbed to cancer at age 85.

In 2008, 86-year old actress and dancer Cyd Charisse (above) succumbed to a heart attack she had suffered the previous day.  Although mostly remembered for her big screen dancing Charisse was an oft-featured guest actress in dozens of TV series, and a co-star in her final role in the TV movie “The Empire State Building Murders” earlier in the year.

Also in 2008, George Michael kicked off the North American leg of his ‘25 Live’ 106-date world tour at the San Diego Sports Arena in California.

In 2010, the former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist Slash was honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also in 2010, Phil Collins received the Johnny Mercer Award at the 17th Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards in New York City. The award is the organization’s highest honor.

In 2012, Bruce Springsteen played his longest show when he turned in a three-hour-and-48-minute, 32-song, set at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid

Today’s Birthdays:

Tennis writer/TV commentator Bud Collins is 85.

Actor Peter Lupus (TV’s Mission: Impossible) is 82.

Singer Dickie Doo (born Gerry Granahan) of Dickie Doo & the Don’ts is 75.

Singer Barry Manilow is 71.

Former all-night radio host Art Bell (Coast to Coast AM) is 69.

Lead singer/guitarist Russell Smith with the Amazing Rhythm Aces is 65.

Ontario-born Vancouver & Calgary hockey TV analyst John Garrett is 63.

Comedian Joe Piscopo (100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd) is 63.

Rock and contemporary Christian singer Lenny LeBlanc is 63.

Actor Mark Linn-Baker (Twins, Perfect Strangers, Hanging With Mr. Cooper) is 60.

Actress Kelly Curtis (The Sentinel, Search & Rescue) is 58.

Actor Jon Gries (The Pretender) is 57.

Victoria-born actor Stephen Shellen (La Femme Nikita, Counterstrike) is 57.

Musician Philip Chevron (The Pogues) is 57

Actor Thomas Haden Church (Wings, Ned and Stacy) is 53.

Actor/talk show host Greg Kinnear (Later, Talk Soup) is 51.

Former child actress Kami Cotler (The Waltons, Me & the Chimp) is 49.

Actor Jason Patric (Teach 109, Toughlove, Sat. Night Live) is 48.

Singer Kevin Thornton of Color Me Badd is 45.

Actor-comedian Will Forte (Sat. Night Live) is 44.

Toronto-born actress Jennifer Irwin (Breaking In, Still Standing, Slings And Arrows) is 39.

Actor Arthur Darvill (Doctor Who) is 32.

Actor/rapper Jamal Mixon (The Parkers) is 31.

Actor Manish Dayal (90210) is 31.

Actor-rapper Herculeez of Herculeez and Big Tyme is 31.

Actor John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom) is 30.

Thunder Bay-born actress Marie Avgeropoulos (Cult, The 100) is 28.

Actor Damani Roberts (King of Queens, All About the Andersons) is 18.

Chart Toppers – June 17

1949
Riders in the Sky – Vaughn Monroe
Again – Doris Day
Bali Ha’i – Perry Como
One Kiss Too Many – Eddy Arnold

1958
The Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley
Do You Want to Dance – Bobby Freeman
Yakety Yak – The Coasters
All I Have to Do is Dream – The Everly Brothers

1967
Groovin’ – The Young Rascals
She’d Rather Be with Me – The Turtles
Somebody to Love – Jefferson Airplane
All the Time – Jack Greene

1976
Silly Love Songs – Wings
Get Up and Boogie (That’s Right) – Silver Convention
Misty Blue – Dorthy Moore
I’ll Get Over You – Crystal Gayle

1985
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
Heaven – Bryan Adams
Things Can Only Get Better – Howard Jones
Country Boy – Ricky Skaggs

1994
I Swear – All-4-One
I’ll Remember – Madonna
Any Time, Any Place/And On and On – Janet Jackson
That Ain’t No Way to Go – Brooks & Dunn

2003
Miss Independent – Kelly Clarkson
Bring Me to Life – Evanescence
Get Busy – Sean Paul
Beer for My Horses – Toby Keith (with Willie Nelson)

ON THIS DAY in 1895

comedian Stan Laurel was born in Lancashire England. With his portly pal Oliver Hardy he formed the classical comedy double act Laurel and Hardy, whose career stretched from the silent film era until post-World War II. Their almost 200 films became staples of early TV programming.  He died Feb 23 1965, serveral days after suffering a heart attack.  He was 69.

In 1907, actor Jack Albertson was born in Malden Massachusetts. The former song-and-dance man of vaudeville, burlesque and Broadway is best known to audiences as “The Man” in the TV series “Chico and the Man” (1974) (above w/Freddie Prinze), for which he won an Emmy. He also won an Oscar & a Tony as supporting actor in The Subject was Roses. He died of colon cancer Nov 25, 1981 at age 74.

In 1910, singer/actress Ilona Massey was born in Budapest Hungary.  After a brief career in Hollywood & on radio she hosted her own musical TV show in the mid 50’s. She co-starred on the espionage series Rendezvous, made three guest appearances in the live dramas of Studio One, and one shots on Colgate Comedy Hour, Your Show of Shows & Lux Video Theatre.  She died of cancer Aug. 20 1974 at age 64.

In 1947, the first network TV news aired on Dumont’s “News from Washington.”

In 1952, Gale Storm (Margie Albright) and Charles Farrell(Vernon Albright) starred as My Little Margie debuted on CBS-TV. The sitcom made the unusual move from television to radio in December, 1952, airing original scripts, not simulcast, on CBS Radio for the next 2-and-a-half years.

Also in 1952, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was the powerful ballad “Here in My Heart,” by Al Martino.

In 1953, the Ford Motor Company presented one of TV’s biggest events. Ethel Merman and Mary Martin headlined a gala 50th anniversary special for the automaker.

In 1956, “The Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant topped the charts and stayed there for 8 weeks.

Also in 1956, Be-Bop-A-Lula, by Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps, was released on Capitol Records. Vincent was dubbed Capitol’s answer to Elvis Presley. He died in 1971.

Still in 1956, R&B pianist/organist Bill Doggett recorded his soon-to-be-smash instrumental classic “Honky Tonk” at King Records in New York.

In 1957, Johnny Mathis was at Columbia Records in New York City to record what turned out to be his only #1 single “Chances Are,” and the flip side (which also made the Top 10), “The Twelfth of Never.”

Also in 1957, Sunday night’s Ed Sullivan Show on CBS-TV featured Johnny Mathis singing “It’s Not for Me to Say,’Rusty Draper singing “Freight Train,” and Don Rondoperforming “White Silver Sands.”

In 1958, Doris Day released her last big charting hit “Everybody Loves A Lover.”

In 1959, a despondent George Reeves, the actor who playedSuperman in the early TV series, shot himself & died at age 45.

In 1961, an unstable Dave Garroway was fired as Today Show host.  His off-screen behaviour had become increasingly bizarre, and the man who invented the morning show format had laid down in the studio to try to force NBC to give in to his contract demands.  The network called his bluff, & let him go.  He committed suicide two decades later.

Also in 1961, Gary “U.S.” Bonds was Dick Clark’s guest on ABC-TV’s American Bandstand, performing his #1 hit “Quarter to Three.”

In 1962, deejay Bob Lewis did his first show on WABC-770, after breaking into Gotham Top 40 radio at WMGM & then WINS.  Some fans name “Bob-A-Loo” as the best DJ that WABC ever had. Five years later he would begin doing work on WABC-FM, sounding equally at home doing Top 40 or Underground/Progressive Rock. In 1970 he moved to WCBS FM and in `72 to WNEW-FM. Bob Lewis died  Jan. 23, 1987, at the age of 49.

Also in 1962, The Isley Brothers released their first Top 20 chart item, “Twist and Shout.”

In 1964, the Rolling Stones paid $2,500 in return air fares from the US to honour a booking made a year earlier for £100 ($170) at Magdalen College Oxford.

In 1965, the Herman’s Hermits single “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter” was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1966, The Beatles made a surprise live appearance on the British television program Top of the Pops, performing ‘Paperback Writer’ and ‘Rain’. It became the Fab Four’s last live musical TV appearance, with the sole exception of the June 1967 worldwide transmission of ‘All You Need Is Love’.

Also in 1966, “The Dean Martin Summer Show” featuring the comedy team of Rowan & Martin, debuted on NBC-TV.

In 1967, the Monterey International Pop Festival opened in California. The first major rock festival attracted 50-thousand people over three days. Ticket prices ranged from $3.50 to $6.50 for more than two dozen top acts: Toronto rocker Neil Young and his band Buffalo Springfield, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Who, Otis Redding, the Mamas and the Papas, The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane and Hugh Masekela.  The performers played for free, the proceeds went to charity.

In 1968, disc jockey Jack Armstrong was first heard with his imaginary gorilla sidekick on CHUM 1050, Toronto. He left in 1969, and before & after, as Jackson Armstrong and Big Jack Armstrong, worked at many of the best known Top 40 stations in the U.S. At one point he held the Guiness World Record as fastest speaking human.  He died March 21 2008 at age 62, after a fall down stairs at his home.

In 1970, blues singer-guitarist Lonnie Johnson was found dead in his Toronto apartment at 71. He played on 1920’s recordings by Eddie Lang, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Also in 1970, Woodstock Ventures, the sponsors of the original Woodstock the previous August, disclosed that they had lost more than $1.2 million on the three-day festival.

In 1971, Elvis Presley released one of his few unsuccessful albums either critically or commercially,  “Love Letters From Elvis.”

In 1972, the New York Jazz Museum welcomed visitors for the first time to its own two-storey building in Manhattan.  A power struggle between curators brought about its closure five years later.

In 1975, John Lennon sued several U-S government officials for selective prosecution in his deportation case. Later in the year, the U-S Court of Appeals overturned Lennon’s deportation order. He was granted permanent residence in the United States in 1976, four years before his murder.

In 1976, the summer variety show “The Jacksons,” began a 4 week network run on CBS-TV, featuring The Jackson Five plus sisters Latoya, Rebbie and Janet.

In 1978, the movie version of “Grease,” starring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John, opened in North American theatres.

Also in 1978, former Beatle Ringo released his “Bad Boy” album, while on the same day Paul McCartney’s Wingsreleased “I’ve Had Enough.”

In 1980, Bob Nolan, who helped found the western singing group the Sons of the Pioneers, died after suffering a heart attack at age 72. Nolan, a New Brunswick native, composed their two biggest hits, “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Cool Water.” He’s also credited with inventing the style of western harmony singing, which the Sons of the Pioneers were still performing in the late ’70s.

In 1982, James Honeyman-Scott, guitarist with the new wave group, the Pretenders, died in London of a cocaine overdose at age 25. Less than a year later, the group’s bass player, Pete Farndon, died of a heart attack brought on by drug abuse.

Also in 1982, Donny Van Zant of the group .38 Special was arrested for drinking on stage in Tulsa, Oklahoma — a dry city.

In 1985, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Heaven,” by Bryan Adams.

In 1987, the Grateful Dead‘s album “In the Dark” was released. It included “Touch of Grey,” the first Dead song to make the Top 10.

Also in 1987, traditional jazz trumpeter Kid Thomas Valentine, longtime leader of the Preservation Hall band, died in New Orleans at 91.

In 1988, a Michael Jackson concert in Lyon, France was cancelled after only half the 30-thousand seats were sold.

In 1989, UK rocker Cliff Richard performed in front of 72,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London to celebrate his 30th year in show business. Gerry and the Pacemakers showed up to help honor Cliff, as did the Kalin Twins and the Searchers.

Also in 1989, Stevie Wonder, Placido Domingo and French rocker Johnny Halliday were among the stars at the Eiffel Tower’s 100th birthday party in Paris.

In 1990, ten weeks after it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 67, Roxette‘s “It Must Have Been Love” moved into the No. 1 slot. “It Must Have Been Love” was the third No. 1 single for the Swedish duo and remained on top for 2 weeks.

In 1993, Elton John abruptly left Israel for London before a scheduled concert in Tel Aviv. He was angered by a melee outside his hotel involving his bodyguards, photographers and fans — and by passport officials who refused to give him V-I-P treatment. After Israeli officials — and the British ambassador — pleaded with John to return, he performed a day late for more than 40-thousand fans.

Also in 1993, the U-S Postal Service issued stamps commemorating Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter and Dinah Washington. There was also a new Elvis Presley stamp — this one bearing his last name. The original Elvis stamp — issued the previous January — bore only his first name.

Still in 1993, London-Ont. born Lebert Lombardo, a member of the original Guy Lombardo Orchestra, died in Florida at age 89.

n 1994, Kristen Pfaff, bassist for Courtney Love’s band, Hole, died of a heroin overdose at age 27. She was found in her bathtub with syringes and other suspected drug paraphernalia nearby.

In 1995, Pearl Jam began a tour without using Ticketmaster. They chose to use a mail order ticket service.

In 1996, sportscaster Mel Allen, forever identified as the voice of the New York Yankees for 20 years, who called 22 World Series on radio & TV, died of heart failure at age 83.

Also in 1996, Rage Against The Machine, Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, Fugees, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Lee Hooker, Beck, Sonic Youth, Yoko Ono, De La Soul and Richie Havens all appeared at the two-day Tibetan Freedom Concert at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.  A sell-out crowd of over 100,000 made it the largest US benefit concert since 1985’s Live Aid, which had performance venues in both London and Philadelphia.

in 1997, Alan Jackson made a little history by becoming the first artist ever to win six times as male vocalist of the year at the TNN/Music City News Country Awards.

Also in 1997, Irish singer Sinead O’Connor (below) withdrew from a peace concert in Jerusalem after death threats.

In 1998, one of the best-known managers of country music artists, Jack McFadden, died in Nashville of liver cirrhosis. He was 71. He guided the careers of such stars as Buck Owens, Keith Whitley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Also in 1998, Recording Academy chief Michael Greene announced that after two turbulent years in New York, the Grammy Awards were returning to Los Angeles.

Still in 1998, online sheet music seller Sunhawk Corp. signed a multiyear agreement with Warner Bros. Publications to sell Warner-owned sheet music via the Internet. By logging onto the Sunhawk Web Site (www.sunhawk.com), customers are able to download the sheet music and a file that includes a synthesized version of the song, using Sunhawk’s Solero synthesizer software.

In 1999, singer Phil Collins was on hand for the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also in 1999, Screaming Lord Sutch was found dead after hanging himself. The Brit singer turned politician was 58. He was the first long-haired pop star-boasting hair over 18 inches long and the self-styled lord (real name David Sutch), was Britain’s longest-serving political leader, standing in nearly 40 elections.

Still in 1999, Cher kicked off her 122 date ‘Believe Tour’ at the America West Arena in Phoenix.

In 2000, on the first night of his ‘Up in Smoke’ tour in Chula Vista, Snoop Dogg‘s tour bus was stopped at the Temecula border checkpoint in San Diego after the border patrol smelled marijuana wafting from the tour bus. One member of the crew was arrested.

In 2001, a four-year-old boy drowned in Tommy Lee‘s swimming pool while attending a birthday party for Lee’s 5-year-old son, Brandon. His parents sued Lee for negligence, claiming they should have been told that a swimming pool was involved, (their son could not swim). Lee was cleared by a jury in April 2003.

In 2002, almost a quarter century after his death Elvis Presley was #1 again in Great Britain. A remix of his “A Little Less Conversation” by a Dutch disc jockey won top spot for the week among UK singles.

In 2003, the first episode of “The Dead Zone” aired on the USA Cable Network. The sci-fi series was filmed (for the first five years) in Vancouver.

In 2004, Bob Dylan was announced by Scotland’s University of St. Andrews as recipient of an honorary doctor of music degree at its summer graduation ceremony the following week.

In 2005, the CRTC authorized the XM & Sirius satellite subscription-based radio/music services for Canadian consumers.  CHUM was also okayed for an (arguably superior) terrestrial-based offering, but decided not to proceed because its business model was based on only one competitor.

in 2006, the Rolling Stones were confirmed as the most powerful Rock act in the world, according to Forbes magazine’s Celebrity 100 list. The band sat at #2 behind actor Tom Cruise, on the survey, which rates stars on their earnings and media visibility during the past year.

In 2007, character actor Arthur Franz (below), often featured as a friendly small-town businessman or professional in scores of 1950’s B movies and 25 years of TV shows, succumbed to his emphysema and heart disease at age 86.

In 2008, Coldplay kicked off their Viva la Vida, 161-date world tour with a free show at the Brixton Academy in London.

In 2009, vinyl was making a comeback. From the Capitol Vaults three early Red Hot Chili Peppers albums – “Freaky Styley,” “Mother’s Milk” and “The Uplift Mofo Party Plan” — were reissued on 180-gram vinyl.

In 2012, TV business analyst/stock tipster Dan Dorfman of first PBS, then CNN & latterly CNBC, died of cardiogenic shock, a heart condition, at age 80.

Also in 2012, Radiohead’s stage collapsed during set up for a concert at Toronto’s Downsview Park, killing the group’s drum technician, Scott Johnson. The show was cancelled and authorities launched an investigation.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Bill Cobbs (I’ll Fly Away, The Others, Drew Carey Show) is 80.

Country-rock singer Billy (Crash) Craddock is 75.

Songwriter Lamont Dozier is 73.

R&B singer Eddie Levert of the O’Jays is 72.

Actress Joan Van Ark (Knots Landing, Dallas, The Young & the Restless) is 71.

Singer/songwriter Ian Matthews (Shake It, Woodstock) is 68.

Actor Geoffrey Pierson (Ryan’s Hope) is 65.

Singer James Smith of The Stylistics is 64.

Montreal-born singer Gino Vanelli is 62.

Actress Valerie Mahaffey (United States Of Tara, Desperate Housewives) is 61.

Actress Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne, Easy Money, Big Bang Theory, The Norm Show) is 59.

Actor Ian Buchanan (All My Children, Bold & the Beautiful, Twin Peaks) is 58.

Pop singer Sade is 55.

Model-actress Jenny Shimizu (Make Me a Supermodel) is 47.

Actor James Patrick Stuart (All My Children, 90210, Andy Richter Controls the Universe) is 46.

Actor John Cho (Flash Forward, Kitchen Confidential, Off Centre) is 42.

Actor Eddie Cibrian (CSI: Miami, Third Watch) is 41.

Actor Frederick Koehler (Kate & Allie, All My Children, Pepper Dennis) is 39.

Actress China Shavers (Boston Public, ER, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) is 37.

Montreal-born (Vancouver resident) actress Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue, Reaper, Heroes) is 32.

Actress Olivia Hack (Star Trek: Generations, Any Day Now, Family Guy) is 31.

Actress Abby Elliott (Sat. Night Live) is 27.

Actor Kelly Blatz (Aaron Stone, Glory Daze) is 27.

“American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo is 27.

Actor Nathan Parsons (General Hospital) is 26.

Chart Toppers – June 16

1948

Nature Boy – Nat King Cole
Toolie Oolie Doolie – The Andrews Sisters
Baby Face – The Art Mooney Orchestra
Texarkana Baby – Eddy Arnold

1957
Love Letters in the Sand – Pat Boone
A Teenagers Romance/I’m Walkin’ – Ricky Nelson
Bye Bye Love – The Everly Brothers
Four Walls – Jim Reeves

1966
Paint It, Black – The Rolling Stones
Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind? – The Lovin’ Spoonful
I Am a Rock – Simon & Garfunkel
Distant Drums – Jim Reeves

1975
Sister Golden Hair – America
Love Will Keep Us Together – The Captain & Tennille
I’m Not Lisa – Jessi Colter
When Will I Be Loved – Linda Ronstadt

1984
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
The Reflex – Duran Duran
Self Control – Laura Branigan
I Got Mexico – Eddy Raven

1993
That’s the Way Love Goes – Janet Jackson
Weak – SWV (Sisters With Voices)
Show Me Love – Robin S
Should’ve Been a Cowboy – Toby Keith

2002
A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
Hella Good – No Doubt
I Need A Girl (Part One) – P. Diddy featuring Usher & Loon
Drive (For Daddy Gene) – Alan Jackson

2011
Rolling in the Deep – Adele
Give Me Everything – Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, AfroJack & Nayer
E.T. – Katy Perry featuring Kanye West
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley featuring Alabama