ON THIS DAY in 1895

actress Hattie McDaniel was born in Wichita Kansas.

In the 1910s she was a band vocalist, then began playing increasingly assertive maid roles on the big screen, culminating in the supporting-actress Oscar for her ‘Mammy’ in Gone With The Wind (1939), the first African-American to be so honored.  She played on the “Amos and Andy” and Eddie Cantor radio shows in the ’30s and ’40s, and had the title role in her own radio show “Beulah” (1947-51), which she also played on TV (1950-’52) until her death from  breast cancer Oct 2, 1952 at age 57.

In 1908, actor Robert Cummings was born in Joplin Missouri. He won an Emmy for his role in the live TV courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men (1954), but had continuing success headlining three sitcoms in the 50’s & 60’s, The Bob Cummings Show, My Hero & My Living Doll.  He died of kidney failure Dec. 2 1990 at age 82.

In 1910, Chester Arthur Burnett, the bluesman known as Howlin’ Wolf, was born in West Point, Mississippi. He was among the most influential musicians of the post-Second World War era, and his blues helped shape rock ‘n’ roll. He appeared frequently at blues and rock festivals in the ’60s and ’70s. He died Jan. 10 1976 of complications from kidney disease. He was 65.

In 1922, Judy Garland, whose real name was Frances Gumm, was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Her greatest triumph came in 1939 with the film ”The Wizard of Oz,” which introduced the never-to-be forgotten song ”Over the Rainbow.” Garland’s recording sold over one-million copies, and the film became a TV classic.  She received a special Academy Award in 1939 for her outstanding performances as a screen juvenile. Plagued by health and drug issues, Judy Garland died in London in 1969 at age 47.

In 1924, the first political convention on radio was presented by NBC. Graham McNamee provided coverage of the Republican National Convention from Cleveland. McNamee was one of the great sports broadcasters of radio’s early years.

In 1931, two legendary country acts, Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, recorded together.

In 1950, “Sentimental Me” by The Ames Brothers topped the charts, for just the one week.

In 1954, PBS reached San Francisco as KQED (Channel 9) began broadcasting.

In 1958, while on furlough from the US Army, Elvis Presley recorded five sides in a six hour session at the RCA studios in Nashville; “I Need Your Love Tonight,” “Big Hunk o’ Love,” “I Got Stung, ” “Ain’t That Loving You Baby?” and “(Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I.”  Floyd Cramer played piano and Chet Atkins was on  guitar for the session, while The Jordanaires sang backup.

In 1964, the Rolling Stones met 2 of their idols during a recording session, when they ran into bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters at Chicago’s Chess studios. The Stones recorded ‘It’s All Over Now’, and ‘Time Is On My Side’ during their first Chess session.

Also in 1964, The Beatles released “A Hard Day’s Night,” both the album and the single.

Still in 1964, Elvis Presley was in West Hollywood at Radio Recorders to tape “Puppet On A String” and “Meanest Girl in Town.”

Again in 1964, at the Capitol Tower in Hollywood Buck Owens recorded “Together Again” and “Love’s Gonna Live Here”; both would become #1 hits on the Billboard Country charts.

In 1966, a Beatles record featuring a new audio effect was released. “Rain” used a tape played in reverse. John Lennon said the reverse-tape effect wasn’t planned; the tape was just put on the wrong way.

Also 1966, Janis Joplin was featured for the first time in a live concert with Big Brother and the Holding Company at San Francisco’s Avalon Ballroom.

Still in 1966, RCA Victor released the Elvis Presley soundtrack album for “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.”

Again in 1966, The Mamas and the Papas‘ #1 hit single “Monday, Monday” was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1967, Ed Sullivan‘s 19th Anniversary Show on CBS-TV and the CBC featured Spanky & Our Gang with their big hit, “Sunday Will Never Be the Same.”  Diahann Carroll and Robert Merrillalso sang, while standup comics Norm Crosby and Jackie Mason supplied the laughs.

Also in 1967, Stevie Wonder‘s “I Was Made To Love Her” was released.

Still in 1967, Bob Dylan and The Band began recording sessions that remained unreleased for a long time but eventually surfaced as an album titled “The Basement Tapes.”

In 1969, Gary Lewis and the Playboys performed their biggest hit “This Diamond Ring” on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.”  Gary Lewis is the son of comedian Jerry Lewis.

In 1970, organist-pianist-singer Earl Grant died in a car crash in New Mexico. He was 39. Grant had a top-10 vocal hit in 1958 with “The End.”

Also in 1970, one of the foremost protest songs of all time, “War” by Edwin Starr, his most popular recording, was released as a single.

In 1971, the rock band Jethro Tull and the audience were tear-gassed by police at a Denver concert. Twenty-eight people were treated in hospital, but the show went on.

In 1972, Sammy Davis Jr. earned his place at the top of the popular music charts for the first time, after years in the entertainment business. His number one song, The Candy Man, stayed at the top for three consecutive weeks. The Candy Man was truly a song of fate for Sammy. He openly did not want to record the song, but did so as a favor to MGM Records head Mike Curb, since it was to be used in the film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Davis said he would give the tune one take, “and that’s it!” Sure enough, in that one-time recording, Sammy nailed it. The Candy Man stayed on the pop charts for 16 weeks. And the reluctant Sammy then included it in his stage shows and concerts — and collected huge royalties from it.

In 1974, The Who began a four-night sold-out run at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In 1975, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Sister Golden Hair,” by America.

Also in 1975, The Eagles released their fourth studio album, “One Of These Nights” which gave birth to three Top 5 singles: the title song, plus “Lyin’ Eyes”, and “Take It To The Limit”.

In 1976, Paul McCartney and Wings established a record for an indoor concert crowd as 67,100 fans took in their show at Seattle’s Kingdome.  It was the first rock concert at that venue.

In 1977, Joe Strummer and Topper Headon of The Clash were arrested in London for spray-painting the group’s name on a subway wall.

In 1978, “You’re the One That I Want” by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John topped the charts, but rfemained #1 for just a week.

Also in 1978, Joe Walsh‘s “Life’s Been Good” was released.

In 1981, the rock supergroup Asia was formed by Steve Howe and Geoff Downes from Yes,Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and John Wetton of Uriah Heep.

In 1982, the TV sitcom “Taxi,” aired for the final time on ABC, and moved to NBC in the fall.

Also in 1982, Micki Harris of the ’60’s girl group, The Shirelles, suffered a fatal heart attack during a performance in Los Angeles at age 42.

In 1985, actor George Chandler, who played Uncle Petrie Martin on TV’s Lassie (1950-59) & guest starred in a host of other series for 20 years more, died of Alzheimer’s disease at age 87.

Also in 1985, gravel-voiced sportscaster Bob Prince, for 28 years the radio play-by-play man for baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates, many of them during the team’s hey day, lost his battle with mouth cancer at age 68.

Still in 1985, Frank Sinatra was portrayed as a friend of organized crime in a “Doonesbury” comic strip. Over 800 newspapers carried the panel.

In 1986, Irish rocker Bob Geldof was awarded an honourary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth to recognize the millions of dollars he had raised for the starving of Africa.

Also in 1986, more than 10-thousand fans helped the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band celebrate their 20th anniversary at a Denver concert. The guest stars included Ricky Skaggs, Emmylou Harris and Nicolette Larson.

Still in 1986, Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia slipped into a diabetic coma from which he emerged five days later.  His health problems resulted in the cancellation of the remaining dates of the Dead’s current tour.

In 1987, more than 30 people were hurt in clashes between police and fans locked out of an open-air concert by David Bowie in Milan.

In 1988, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra was rescued by a five-million-dollar financial aid package from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Also in 1988, harmonica player Herman Crook, the last remaining charter member of the Grand Ole Opry, died in Nashville at age 89. Crook and his country string band began entertaining on the Opry in 1927.

Still in 1988, emerging Country Music star Ricky Van Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1989, the TV horror anthology series “Tales From The Crypt” aired the first of its 93 episodes on US cable channel HBO.

Also in 1989, someone firebombed a McDonald’s restaurant in London two days after Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders advocated such action. Hynde told a news conference launching an all-star album in aid of Greenpeace that people “should petro-bomb McDonald’s.”

Still in 1989, “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler topped the charts … for just a week.

In 1990, sheriff’s deputies charged two members of 2 Live Crew for giving an obscene performance at a Hollywood, Florida club.

In 1991, the quirky TV serial drama “Twin Peaks” aired for the final time on ABC.

Also in 1991, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin were among the mourners at the Detroit funeral for ex-Temptation David Ruffin. About 25-thousand fans gathered outside the church. Ruffin had died nine days earlier of a drug overdose. Following the service, police arrested another former Temptation, Eddie Kendricks, for not paying nearly 30-thousand dollars in alimony.

Still in 1991, James Brown performed in Los Angeles in his first concert since serving more than two years in a South Carolina prison. He’d been convicted of aggravated assault stemming from a police car chase. Brown’s comeback “Living in America” show was broadcast live on pay-per-view T-V in the U-S.

In 1992, a Los Angeles judge threw out a $25 million palimony suit brought against British rock singer Rod Stewart by Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kelly Emberg, his longtime girlfriend. She had claimed the couple lived together as husband and wife from 1985 to 1990. Pictured above in happier times, they had one child.

Also in 1992, a Texas law enforcement agency called for a national boycott of “Cop Killer” by Ice-T. Sales of the song skyrocketed.

In 1993, a despondent actor Richard Webb, best remembered as TV’s Captain Midnight with over 50 movie acting credits, fatally shot himself at age 77.

Also in 1993, Sinead O’Connor took out a full-page ad in the Irish Times asking the public to “stop hurting me please.” O’Connor was still rattled by the furore over her ripping up a picture of the Pope during a “Saturday Night Live” appearance the previous October.

In 1996, Tony & Oscar-winning actress Jo Van Fleet, who also had more than 80 TV acting credits, died of undisclosed causes at age 81.

In 1998, Steve Sanders, a former singer with the country group the Oak Ridge Boys, shot himself to death at his Florida home. He was 45.

Also in 1998, rapper DMX (Earl Simmons) was arrested in New York on charges of rape, sodomy, and unlawful imprisonment. Simmons denied the charges, which related to an alleged incident earlier in the week with an exotic dancer.

In 2000, broadcast journalist Judd Rose, who built his reputation at ABC before becoming a CNN anchor, died from a brain tumour at age 44.

In 2004, sightless blues singing legend Ray Charles died from liver failure at age 73.

In 2005, Medicine Hat’s CHAT-1270 AM received approval to move to FM, at 94.5 MHz with 100,000 watts. The flip would take place seven months later.

Also in 2005, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson officiated in Ottawa as 63-year-old singer/songwriter Paul Anka was honored by being named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

In 2006, the Dixie Chicks started a two-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Taking the Long Way,’ the country girl group’s eighth album.

In 2007, The Rolling Stones played their first UK festival in over 30 years when they appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival.

In 2007, R. Kelly was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Double Up.’ His eleventh studio album featured guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Nelly, T.I., Usher, Huey, Ludacris and Kid Rock.

In 2009, the daughter of Sonny & Cher, Chastity Bono was set to undergo a sex change to become a man. The gender-swap process began shortly after Bono’s 40th birthday in March and more than a decade after she came out as a lesbian.  She has since emerged as Chaz Bono and is dressing as a man.

Also in 2009, the Neil Young documentary, Don’t Be Denied, had its TV premiere as part of PBS’ American Masters series. It included an exclusive interview with Young along with performance clips.

In 2010, three hundred Team Coco members (Conan O’Brien’s undying supporters after he got bounced from The Tonight Show) were treated to a concert by O’Brien and his Legally Prohibited touring band at Jack White‘s (White Stripes) Third Man Studios in Nashville

In 2013,  “Wonderwall,” the ‘95 hit from Oasis, was voted the biggest song of the past 20 years in a poll conducted by Australia’s Triple J’s radio network. Nearly one million voters took part.

Also in 2013, Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell (above) revealed that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Today’s Birthdays:

Montreal-born actress Alexandra Stewart (Sins, Mistral’s Daughter) is 75.

Singer Shirley Alston Reeves of The Shirelles is 73.

TV news analyst Jeff Greenfield is 71.

Actor Frankie Faison (The Wire, One Life to Live) is 65.

Football commentator/quarterback Dan Fouts is 63.

Country singer-songwriter Thom Schuyler is 62.

Actor Andrew Stevens (Dallas, Emerald Point NAS) is 59.

Singer Barrington Henderson is 58.

Actor Robert Clohessy (Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, Oz) is 57.

Actor/director Timothy Van Patten (The Sopranos, The Wire, Now & Again) is 55.

Bassist Kim Deal of The Pixies is 53.

Singer Maxi Priest is 53.

Actress Gina Gershon (Ugly Betty, The Batman, Tripping the Rift) is 52.

Actress Carolyn Hennesey (General Hospital) is 52.

Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn (Big Love) is 51.

Actress Kate Flannery (The Office) is 50.

Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan) is 50.

Guitarist Joey Santiago of The Pixies is 49.

Actor Doug McKeon (From Earth to the Moon, Big Shamus Little Shamus, Centennial) is 48.

Guitarist Emma Anderson (Lush) is 47.

Country guitarist Brian Hofeldt of The Derailers is 47.

Toronto-born actress Susan Haskell (One Life to Live) is 46.

Actor Bill Burr (Breaking Bad, Townies) is 46.

Montreal-born actor Mike Dopud (Continuum, Arctic Air, SGU Stargate Universe) is 46. 

Singer Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing) is 44.

Singer Jo-Jo of K-Ci and Jo-Jo is 43.

Singer Faith Evans is 41.

Actor DJ Qualls (Legit, Memphis Beat) is 36.

Singer LeMisha Grinstead of 702 is 36.

Actor Shane West (Nikita, ER, Now and Again) is 36.

Singer Hoku is 33.

Actress Leelee Sobieski (NYC 22, Joan of Arc, Uprising, Hercules) is 31.

Actress Shanna Collins (Wildfire, Swingtown) is 31.

Actress Celina Jade (Arrow) is 29.

Actor  Julian De La Celle (The Fosters) is 18.

Chart Toppers – June 10 

1951
Too Young – Nat King Cole
On Top of Old Smokey – The Weavers (vocal: Terry Gilkyson)
How High the Moon – Les Paul & Mary Ford
I Want to Be with You Always – Lefty Frizzell

1960
Cathy’s Clown – The Everly Brothers
Burning Bridges – Jack Scott
Paper Roses – Anita Bryant
Please Help Me, I’m Falling – Hank Locklin

1969
Get Back – The Beatles
Grazing in the Grass – The Friends of Distinction
Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Singing My Song – Tammy Wynette

1978
You’re the One that I Want – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
Shadow Dancing – Andy Gibb
Feels So Good – Chuck Mangione
Georgia on My Mind – Willie Nelson

1987
You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Kim Wilde
Always – Atlantic Starr
Head to Toe – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
I Will Be There – Dan Seals

1996
Tha Crossroads – Bone thugs-n-harmony
Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
Blue Clear Sky – George Strait

2005
Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani
Behind These Hazel Eyes – Kelly Clarkson
Switch – Will Smith
Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban

Happy Birthday to Chickenman! (Dick Orkin)

ON THIS DAY in 1892,

songwriter-composer Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana.

Porter’s lyrics for such tunes as ”Night and Day,” ”Begin the Beguine” and ”Let’s Do It” remain among the wittiest and most sophisticated in popular music, and provided grist for the broadcasting mill for decades. Cole Porter died in Santa Monica, California on October 15th, 1964, at age 72.

In 1900, choirmaster/bandleader Fred Waring was born in Tyrone Pennsylvania.  His career as orchestra/choir leader spanned 60 years, and included his strong performance as MC of his own radio & TV broadcasts.  His vocal group The Pennsylvanians were featured for 20 years on radio & in Waring’s weekly TV shows 1949-54.  He also invented the famous Waring blender.  He died July 29, 1984 at age 84.

In 1915, Les Paul, one of the most influential guitarists in pop music history, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. With his wife Mary Ford, he had a string of hits in the late ’40s and early ’50s including “Mockin’ Bird Hill,” “How High the Moon” and “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise.” Those recordings were among the earliest to use multi-tracking. Paul also designed guitars which were marketed by the Gibson company and became the favourites of pop, rock and country musicians. Paul also built the first eight-track tape recorder, which helped pioneer multitrack recording. And he invented “sound-on-sound” recording, which has since become known as overdubbing. Les Paul died of complications from pneumonia Aug. 12 2009 at the ripe old age of 94.

In 1924, Jelly-Roll Blues was recorded by blues great Jelly Roll Morton and his band for Gennett Records.

In 1934, soul singer Jackie Wilson was born in Detroit.  He scored six No. 1 songs on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, while his biggest pop hit was “Night,” which reached No. 4 in 1960. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He died Jan 21, 1984 at age 49, but he’d been comatose since a massive heart attack in 1975.

In 1938, BBC-TV televised coverage of the “Trooping of the Colour” ceremony at Buckingham Palace for the first time.

In 1951, “The Doodles Weaver Show” debuted on NBC-TV as a summer replacement series, starring actress Sigourney Weaver’s uncle.  For the past five years Doodles had been a member of Spike Jones and his City Slickers.

In 1958, “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley topped the singles charts and stayed there for 6 weeks.  And Johnny Mathis went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with his ‘Greatest Hits’ album.

Also in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis bought a full-page ad in Billboard Magazine to try to counteract the scandal that erupted when he wed, in his third marriage, his 13 year old cousin Myra Gale Brown. The ad didn’t do much good and Lewis continued to be ostracized for another few years.

In 1959, singer Bobby Darin appeared for the first time in Las Vegas, as the opening act for comedian George Burns who was headlining at the Sahara Hotel.

In 1962, a “welcome home” night was held for the Beatles at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. They had recently returned from one of several visits to clubs in Hamburg, West Germany.

Also in 1962, a decade after charting his first hit, Because of You, singer Tony Bennett debuted in concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

In 1963, Barbra Streisand made her third appearance on CBS TV’s “Ed Sullivan Show,” singing “When the Sun Comes out.” The McGuire Sisters also sang, while comedian Guy Marks and the team of Stiller & Meara supplied the laughs.

Later than same evening in 1963, singer Andy Williams appeared as the “mystery guest” on CBS-TV’s panel game show “What’s My Line?”

Still in 1963, The Beatles, on the last night of their tour with Roy Orbison, performed at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Lancashire. It was during this tour that Beatles fans started throwing jelly babies at them while they were on stage, after hearing on television that George Harrison enjoyed eating the candies.

In 1964, during an evening recording session Bob Dylan taped his ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ at Columbia’s studios in New York City.

In 1967, The Monkees kicked off a summer tour of North America and the UK  at the Hollywood Bowl in California. Ike & Tina Turner were the opening act.

In 1968, Canadian political party leaders debated policy on television for the first time (Pierre Trudeau, Robert Stanfleld, Tommy Douglas and Real Caouette).

In 1969, the Rolling Stones recruited guitarist Mick Taylor (above), formerly with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, to replace the recently departed Brian Jones.

Also in 1969, Moby Grape officially disbanded, a year after guitarist Skip Spence left.

In 1970, Bob Dylan received an honourary doctorate of music degree from Princeton University. He was reported to be “very nervous and hesitant, and seemed appropriately out of place.  Dylan wrote the song “Day of the Locust” about the event (it was the year the locusts invaded).

In 1971, the Paul & Linda McCartney L-P “Ram” was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1972, Elvis Presley made entertainment history, performing the first of four shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden that were already sellouts. No one had ever sold out four concerts there in a row.

Also in 1972, Bruce Springsteen signed a 10-album contract with Columbia Records. His first L-P, “Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey,” appeared the following January.

In 1975, Tony Orlando & Dawn received a gold record for their hit song, He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You). The million-seller was number one for three weeks (May 3-17, 1975) and one of five million-sellers for the trio.

In 1977, George Harrison divorced Patti Boyd after 11 years of marriage. Both later remarried — Boyd to Harrison’s close friend Eric Clapton.

Also in 1977, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “I’m Your Boogie Man,” by KC & the Sunshine Band.

In 1978, The Rolling Stones released their 14th British and 16th American studio album, “Some Girls,” which would eventually sell more than 6 million copies.

In 1979, the Bee Gees went to No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Love You inside Out’, the group’s 9th US No.1.

In 1980, comedian Richard Pryor was rushed to the hospital after suffering third-degree burns over most of his upper body. Pryor was nearly killed in an explosion while he was freebasing cocaine. Pryor was seen, ablaze, running down the street from his house before he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. He was hospitalized for more than two months following the debacle.

In 1981, game show host Allen Ludden, best remembered for hosting TV’s Password & radio’s GE College Bowl, lost his battle with stomach cancer at age 63. He had married the legendary Betty White 18 years earlier.

In 1984, “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1987, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Always,” by Atlantic Starr.

Also in 1987, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Duane Eddy were among those who showed up for guitarist Les Paul‘s 72nd birthday party at New York’s Hard Rock Cafe.

In 1989, Prince released the song “Batdance.”

In 1990, 25 years to the day after their father Brian and his band The Beach Boys held the No. 1 spot for “Help Me Rhonda,” Carnie and Wendy Wilson’s trio Wilson Phillips (with Chyna Phillips) moved into the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with their single “Hold On.”

Also in 1990, M.C. Hammer‘s debut album started a record breaking 21 week stay at the top of the Billboard album chart, making it the longest uninterrupted stay at the top since the album charts started.

In 1991, TV producer Joe Hamilton, whose credits include The Carol Burnett Show, Mama’s Family and The Smothers Brothers Show, the ex-husband of Ms. Burnett, died of cancer at age 62.

Also in 1991, Claudio Arrau, considered one of the best classical pianists of the century, died in Austria of complications from intestinal surgery. The native of Chile was 88. Arrau was known especially for his interpretations of Beethoven.

In 1992, entertainer Ben Vereen was critically injured when struck by a car driven by Victoria-born producer and composer David Foster near Los Angeles. Vereen was walking along the Pacific Coast Highway when he was hit. No charges were filed against Foster. Vereen had crashed his car into a tree six hours earlier but passed sobriety tests. He recovered from his injuries and resumed his career.

Also on this date in 1992, Clarence (Big) Miller, one of Canada’s most acclaimed bluesmen, died in Edmonton of a heart attack. He was 69. A veteran of the Kansas City jazz scene which spawned such greats as Count Basie and Jay McShann, Miller had lived in the Alberta capital since 1970. One music expert called him “the last of the Kansas City blues shouters.”

In 1993, Penticton BC’s most famous contribution to Show Biz, actress Alexis Smith died of brain cancer, one day after her 72nd birthday.  After an extensive bigscreen career she guested in a number of TV movies & series, including a continuing role on Dallas.

Also on this date in 1993, the U-S Postal Service issued a 29-cent stamp honouring country music legend Hank Williams. His son, Hank Williams Jr., presided over the official unveiling in Nashville.  Others honored in the  “Legends of American Music, Rock and Roll-Rhythm and Blues” stamp collection were radio hit makers Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Clyde McPhatter, Otis Redding, Ritchie Valens, Dinah Washington, and Elvis Presley.

In 1994, Lisa (Left Eye) Lopes of the rap group T-L-C pleaded guilty to arson after a fire gutted the 800-thousand-dollar home of her boyfriend, Atlanta Falcons receiver Andre Rison. She was fined $10,000 with five years probation. Lopes was killed in a car crash in Honduras on April 25th, 2002.

In 1995, British conductor/arranger Frank Chacksfield, whose easy-listening recordings were heard all over the radio dial in the 1950’s & 60’s, succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease at age 81.

In 1997, Carl Perkins entered a Memphis hospital to undergo angioplasty to clear a major artery in his neck.

In 1998, the Ronettes appeared in the Supreme Court of New York to press their lawsuit against producer Phil Spector. The Ronettes, whose hits included ‘Be My Baby’ and ‘Walking In The Rain’, claimed that Spector had breached the group’s 34-year-old contract by paying the members no royalties since 1963. The group went on to win the case, however the New York State Court of Appeals overturned the decision four years later.

Also in 1998, the Spice Girls teamed up with Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, Italy for their first appearance since announcing the departure of Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell. The televised charity songfest “Pavarotti and Friends” was directed by Spike Lee and co-starred pop performers Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder. Proceeds benefited poor children in Liberia.

In 2000, Kenny G, Diana Krall (above), and Joe Sample featuring Lalah Hathaway were big winners at the Billboard/BET On Jazz Awards, presented at the BET On Jazz Studios in Washington, D.C. Awards included Kenny G, for contemporary jazz artist; Krall’s “When I Look In Your Eyes,” mainstream jazz album; Sample’s “The Song Lives On,” for contemporary jazz vocal album.

Also in 2000, Boyz II Men released to radio stations “Pass You By,” their first new single in more than three years.

Still in 2000, Chilliwack’s CHWK AM1270 received approval to flip to 104.9 FM. It has since evolved through several failed formats into the current “Sonic. Hits. Now.”

In 2002, it was announced that Rolling Stone Mick Jagger would knighted by the Queen the following December for his ‘services to music.’ Critics of Jagger’s lifestyle bemoaned this ‘debasement of knighthood.’

In 2004, Barbara Whiting, daughter of songwriter Richard Whiting and the younger sister of singer Margaret Whiting, lost a lengthy battle with cancer at age 73.

She had the lead in the 1948-50 run of CBS Radio’s Junior Miss. The two sisters were co-starred in an early-TV summer replacement for I Love Lucy titled Those Whiting Girls.

In 2005, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame entered the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Other inductees included Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper, Bill Withers and David Porter.

In 2006, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers‘ Highway Companions North American Tour got underway in Charlotte, NC, in celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary. Stevie Nicks was a supporting act on the first eight shows.

In 2007, George Michael became the first music artist to perform at the new Wembley Stadium in London when he played the first of two shows at the venue during his ‘25 Live Tour’.

In 2009, the U.S. Librarian of Congress announced the year’s selection of 25 culturally significant recordings to be preserved in the National Recording Registry. The list included “Tom Dooley” by the Kingston Trio, “Rumble” by Link Wray, and “My Generation” by The Who.

Also in 2009, Green Day was the musical guest on NBC-TV’s Last Call With Carson Daly for the first of four consecutive nights.

In 2011, Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Music Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary with a line-up that featured Gregg Allman, Buffalo Springfield (featuring original members Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay plus Rick Rosas and Joe Vitale) and Robert Plant & Band Of Joy.

In 2012, Jack Paar’s daughter Randy Paar died after falling off the platform at New York’s Grand Central Station and hitting her head on the rails. She was a successful attorney aged 63.  As a child she had appeared several times and was referenced frequently on her father’s late night NBC-TV show (1957-62).

Today’s Birthdays:

Retired broadcast journalist/media analyst Marvin Kalb (CBS, NBC) is 84.

Comedian Jackie Mason is 83.

Actor Joe Santos (Rockford Files, The Sopranos) is 83.

Radio actor/producer Dick Orkin (Chickenman, Tooth Fairy) is 81.

Basketball TV commentator Dick Vitale is 75.

Keyboardist Jon Lord of Deep Purple and Whitesnake is 73.

Actor Kelly Connell (Picket Fences) is 58.

Edmonton-born, Burnaby-raised actor Michael J. Fox (The Good Wife, Spin City, Family Ties) is 53.

Writer-producer Aaron Sorkin (The Newsroom, West Wing, Sports Night) is 53.

Actor Johnny Depp (21 Jump Street) is 51.

Toronto-born actress Gloria Reuben (ER, Raising the Bar, The Agency) is 50.

Jazz musician Wayman Tisdale is 50.

Actress Tamela J. Mann (Meet the Browns) is 48.

Bassist Dean Felber of Hootie and the Blowfish is 47.

Bassist Dean Dinning (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 47.

Actor Josh Hamilton (Third Watch) is 45.

Musician Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers is 44.

Actress Michaela Conlin (Bones) is 36.

Montreal-born actor Andrew W. Walker (Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Maybe It’s Me) is 35.

Actress Natalie Portman (Sesame Street, The Simpsons) is 33.

Mississauga Ont.-born Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi: the Next Generation) is 28.

Actress Mae Whitman (Parenthood, In Treatment, Arrested Development) is 26.

Actress Logan Browning (Hit the Floor, Meet the Browns) is 25.

Actor Lucien Laviscount (Coronation Street) is 22.

Actress Danielle Chuchran (Little House on the Prairie 2005) is 21.

Chart Toppers – June 9

1950
My Foolish Heart – The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Eileen Wilson)
Bewitched – The Bill Snyder Orchestra
The Third Man Theme – The Guy Lombardo Orchestra
Birmingham Bounce – Red Foley

1959
Dream Lover – Bobby Darin
Personality – Lloyd Price
Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb) – Edward Byrnes & Connie Stevens
The Battle of New Orleans – Johnny Horton

1968
Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells
This Guy’s in Love with You – Herb Alpert
Honey – Bobby Goldsboro

1977
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
I’m Your Boogie Man – KC & The Sunshine Band
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) – Waylon Jennings

1986
Live to Tell – Madonna
On My Own – Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald
I Can’t Wait – Nu Shooz
Happy, Happy Birthday Baby – Ronnie Milsap

1995
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? – Bryan Adams
I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By – Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige
Total Eclipse of the Heart – Nicki French
Summer’s Comin’ – Clint Black

2004
The Reason – Hoobastank
Burn – Usher
Naughty Girl – Beyoncé Knowles
Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson