ON THIS DAY in 1917  

singer/comedian/actor Dean Martin was born in Steubenville Ohio.

He was one of the most famous music artists in the 1950s and 1960s. Playboy magazine later called Martin “the coolest man who ever lived.” He & Jerry Lewis began as a team in movies & on NBC radio in the late ’40’s, and did TV together in the early 50’s, but split in 1956.  He became a big TV star with NBC’s Dean Martin Show (1965-74) and his Celebrity Roasts (’73-’84.)  He succumbed to lung cancer Christmas Day 1995 at age 78.

In 1931, actor Lang Jeffries was born in Ontario.   Although he made movies for more than 23 years, his lone TV assignment was as Skip Johnson in 13 episodes of the series Rescue 8 in the late ’50’s.  He died Feb 12 1987 at age 55.

In 1932, a Cincinnati radio station was authorized to experiment with a power of 500,000 watts at 700 khz.  Two years later WLW became the only North Amerian radio station to regularly transmit with that much power.   After complaints of signal interference and years of controversy the permission for the extra power was rescinded in 1939.

In 1938, with TV still in experimental mode, the first play was telecast with its original Broadway cast, “Susan & God.”

In 1939, Larry Clinton and his orchestra recorded In a Persian Market on Victor Records.

In 1945, an NBC radio summer replacement show The Adventures of Topper aired for the first time.  Roland Young reprised his title role from the 1937 movie of the same name. Eight years later the program would move to TV with a different cast and become a big hit.

In 1946, Jasmine Bligh was the first announcer as BBC Television returned after being off the air during World War II.  The Mickey Mouse cartoon “Mickey’s Gala Premiere” which had been the last programme on Sept. 1, 1939, was the first programme to air after a 20-minute announcement.

In 1950, Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo and his orchestra had a #1 hit with their recording of The Third Man Theme.

In 1952, “Here in My Heart” by Al Martino topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

In 1953, children’s show stars Kukla, Fran Allison and Ollie, along with the Boston Pops Orchestra directd by Arthur Fiedler, were featured on the first network TV broadcast shown in “compatible color”. The NBC program originated in Boston, and NBC would continue to pioneer color TV in the years ahead for the few people with color sets (until the mid 60’s).

In 1955, NBC radio presented The Lux Radio Theatre for the final time. The program had aired for 21 years, most of them on CBS.

Also in 1955, the $64,000 Question, a summer replacement TV show, with host Hal March, premiered on CBS.  The show quickly became the most watched and talked about program on TV.

In 1959, Johnny Horton brought his #1 hit “Battle of New Orleans” to CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show.  Al Martino was also showcased singing “I Can’t get you out of my Heart.”

In 1963, actress Zasu Pitts, who started in silent movies, and years later in the late 50’s played 2nd banana to Gale Storm in TV’s “Oh Susannah,” lost her battle with cancer at age 65.

Also in 1963, the Rolling Stones made their first T-V appearance on the British show, “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” in support of their first record, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On.” A TV exec reportedly told the Stones’ manager they’d do better without “that vile-looking singer with the tire-tread lips.”

In 1964, during their first ever US tour, The Rolling Stones were booed off stage at a gig in San Antonio, Texas. Some performing monkeys who had been the act before the Stones were brought back on stage for another performance.

Also in 1964, the UK group Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas made their debut on U.S. television, performing their hit “Little Children” plus “Pride” and “Bad to Me” on CBS’s “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

In 1966, Sony Corporation unveiled its first consumer 1/2-inch format helical scan VTR (video tape recorder). It was priced under $1000 (and only in black & white, yet).

In 1967, three members of the San Francisco band Moby Grape were charged with “consorting” with underage schoolgirls. They had been found in a parked car, each allegedly in the company of a 17-year-old girl.  But the charges were eventually dropped.

In 1968, Fleetwood Mac (pictured), Grateful Deadand Jefferson Airplane all appeared for the first of a three night engagement at San Francisco’s Carousel Ballroom.

In 1969, the rock supergroup Blind Faith played their only live performance, a free concert in London’s Hyde Park, before an estimated 120,000 people. Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Rick Grech and Ginger Baker produced only one LP together.

Also in 1969, the “Johnny Cash Show” debuted as a summer series on ABC-TV as taped at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.  Guests who sang duets with Cash included Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and June Carter Cash.

Still in 1969, ‘‘Tommy,” the Who’s two-LP rock opera, first hit the U-S charts at #96.

Again in 1969, Tommy James & the Shondells released one of their biggest hits “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” which would peak at #2 on Billboard’s pop singles chart.

In 1970, The Who performed “Tommy” at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. It would be the last time they’d do a complete “Tommy” show for nearly two decades.

In 1971, Carole King‘s LP “Tapestry” was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1972, the original production of the musical ”Grease” began its 8-year run on Broadway after four months in a smaller New York theatre.

In 1974, The Entertainer, the original music from the motion picture The Sting, earned a gold record for pianist and conductor, Marvin Hamlisch.

In 1975,  Elton John‘s album ‘Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboys’, went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart, the first album ever to enter the chart at No.1.  And “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver topped the singles chart, staying #1 for just the week.

In 1976, jazz cornetist Bobby Hackett, a big band veteran who is best remembered for the albums of lush laid-back insrumentals he recorded with Jackie Gleason in the 1950’s, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 61.

Also in 1976, NBC Nightly News, with John Chancellor(above) and David Brinkley (below) paired together, aired for the first time. The partnership lasted until 1979 when Brinkley was moved off the show. Chancellor then held the lone anchor spot until he was succeeded in 1982 by the pairing of Tom Brokaw with Roger Mudd.

Still in 1976, Capitol Records released the Beatles album “Rock ‘N’ Roll Music.” Producer George Martin had filtered and re-mixed all the mostly cover songs of other rock stars.

In 1977, Led Zeppelin played the first of six sold out dates at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Also in 1977, London police arrested 11 people after breaking up a floating Sex Pistols concert on the Thames River.

In 1978, radio actor Norris Goff who played Abner Peabody and supporting characters for more than 20 years on radio’s Lum ‘n’ Abner backwoods comedy show, died after a stroke at age 72.

In 1979, Chuck Berry was charged with three counts of income tax evasion, just two days before a performance for U-S President Jimmy Carter at the White House. Berry eventually served 100 days in prison.

In 1986, “Live to Tell” by Madonna topped the charts, her third No.1 single.

Also in 1986, anti-apartheid protesters picketed the opening concert of Queen’s European tour in Stockholm. A Swedish magazine claimed that guitarist Bryan May said that going to South Africa was the best thing the group ever did. May said he was misquoted.

In 1988, Bob Dylan performed in concert with Neil Young at the Concord Pavilion in northern California.

In 1989, CBS Records said it was changing the title ofGeorge Jones‘s hit “Ya Ba Da Ba Do (So Are You)” to avoid infringing on trademarks owned by Hanna-Barbera Productions. “Ya Ba Da Ba Do” was a favourite saying of cartoon character Fred Flintstone. Jones’s record became known as “The King Is Gone (So Are You).”

Also in 1989, Atlantic Records’ New York studio, where artists such as Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stonesand Led Zeppelin (above) made some of their classic albums, closed because of problems with a new landlord. The building owner said other tenants were complaining about the noise.

In 1991, a birthday party for Damian Hall of the rhythm-and-blues group Guy was marred by the killing of Hall’s bodyguard.

Also in 1991, during their Use Your Illusion Tour, Guns n’ Roses played the first of two nights at Toronto’s CNE Grandstand. They opened with “Welcome to the Jungle,” and 23 numbers later closed with “Paradise City.”

In 1992, an estimated 2,000-3,000 people attend the dedication of the sod house in Strasburg, N.D., where bandleader and accordion player Lawrence Welk was born. A private group restored the farm after Congress scrapped a proposed $500,000 grant for a German-Russian museum in Strasburg amid criticism over wasteful spending.

In 1993, Pete Townshend (above) and Chuck Berry were among those on hand as ground was finally broken for the much-delayed Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

Also on this date in 1993, Prince celebrated his 35th birthday by announcing he was changing his name and splitting with his band, the New Power Generation. Prince said he wanted to be referred to with the symbol that combines the symbols for male and female. The same combination symbol had served as the title of his previous album. He didn’t bother telling anyone how to pronounce it.

In 1994, Dame Vera Lynn, known as “The Forces’ Sweetheart” during the Second World War, entertained 15-hundred Canadian, British and American veterans aboard the “Queen Elizabeth Two.” They were returning from D-Day 50th anniversary observances in France.

Also in 1994, Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship was ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and perform 200 hours of community service, for pointing a loaded shotgun at police officers in northern California earlier in the year.

In 1996, Queen Elizabeth and Paul McCartney opened a school for performing arts that the former Beatle had set up in his home town. The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts was established in a building that housed the school that McCartney and fellow Beatle George Harrison attended as teens.

Also in 1996, on the daytime serial “All My Children,” Julia & Noah got married.

In 1998, the Rolling Stones rescheduled the British leg of their “Bridges to Babylon” tour for the following year. The band cited guitarist Keith Richards’ recovery from a broken rib, scheduling problems and tax issues.

Also in 1998, songwriter Jerry Capehart, who co-wrote “Summertime Blues” with Eddie Cochran in 1958, died in Nashville, two weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 69.

Still in 1998, songwriter Wally Gold died in a New Jersey hospital aged 70. Wrote ‘It’s My Party’ hit for Lesley Gore and ‘It’s Now or Never’, hit for Elvis Presley.

In 1999, James Eugene “Rosy” McHargue, a prolific jazz clarinetist, saxophonist and singer, died in Los Angeles. He was 97. McHargue played with the bands of Benny Goodman and Kay Kyser.

Also in 1999, singer Rod Stewart showed up late at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell, and opted to announce his presence by tossing soccer balls onto the trading floor.

In 2000, the “Prince: A Celebration” party began at Paisley Park Studios in Minnesota. The weeklong event was in celebration of The Artist reclaiming his name “Prince” after a seven-year legal battle with Warner Brothers Records.

In 2001, Canadian evangelist-turned-broadcaster & author Charles Templeton died of Alzheimers at age 85.  He did public affairs TV for the CBC in the late 50’s & 60’s, and for 18 years co-hosted the radio discussion ‘Dialogue’ on CFRB Toronto with Pierre Berton. 

In 2002, longtime Seattle sportscaster & personality Wayne Cody suffered a fatal heart attack at age 65.  The heavyweight champ of the Seattle sports fraternity worked on KIRO Radio for 21 years, and Channel 7 for 14 years.

Also in 2002, singer/songwriter R. Kelly was booked on child pornography charges in Chicago. He had been arrested two days before and was released after posting bond.

Still in 2002, Virgin Records announced they had dropped Victoria Beckham (‘Posh Spice’ in The Spice Girls) after her debut solo album cost in excess of $5 million to produce, but sold only 50,000 copies.

In 2007, the funeral of guitarist & singer Bo Diddley took place in Gainesville, Florida. Many in attendance chanted “Hey Bo Diddley” shortly after family members had passed by his coffin as a gospel band played Bo Diddley’s music.

Also in 2007, The Rolling Stones‘ European tour began with a concert in Belgium for a crowd of more than 33,000 people, many of whom were stuck for hours in a 30-mile traffic jam caused by the show.

Still in 2007, the California resort city of Rancho Mirage renamed a section of 35th Avenue as Dean MartinDrive, in honor of its late former star resident on what would have been his 90th birthday.

In 2008, longtime host of ABC TV’s Wide World of SportsJim McKay died at age 86. He was a double-Emmy-winner for his live coverage of the diastrous 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis in a continous 14-hour broadcast.

Also in 2008, 3 Doors Down were at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with their self titled second chart topper.

In 2009, Vancouver musician and broadcaster Arnie Nelson lost his battle with a brain tumour a week short of his 75th birthday.  At age 10 he first sang on CKNW’s live music programs, and rose to become west coast manager of All Canada Radio & TV Sales. 

Also in 2009, after a diagnosis just three weeks earlier, longtime smoker and singer/songwriter Kenny Rankin succumbed to his lung cancer at age 69.

In 2010, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh won a restraining order against a neighbor in his 70’s who Walsh says threatened to kill him. When he failed to show up for the court hearing the elderly man was also ordered to pay more than $1,500 in legal cosys.

Also in 2010, bandleader Ricky Minor jumped from FOX-TV to NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” replacing Kevin Eubanks who had resigned.

In 2011, TV writer/producer Leonard B. Stern, who created the sitcoms I’m Dickens He’s Fenster, The Honeymooners, He and She and Run Buddy Run, and worked on the Steve Allen Show, the Phil Silvers Show, McMillan and Wife and Get Smart, died of heart failure at age 88.

In 2012, singer/songwriter Bob Welch, a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974, who enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as ‘Ebony Eyes,’ took his own life by shooting hmself in the chest at his Nashville home at age 66.  He had been in failing health for some time.

Today’s Birthdays:

Singer Tom Jones is 74.

Actor Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell on “Leave It to Beaver”) is 71.

Canadian-born comedienne/former talk-show host Jenny Jones is 68.

Actress Anne Twomey (Third Watch, LA Law) is 63.

Actor Liam Neeson (A Woman of Substance, Ellis Island, Liberty’s Kids: Est. 1776) is 63.

Actress Colleen Camp (Rich Man Poor Manook 2) is 62.

Singer-songwriter Johnny Clegg is 62.

Actor William Forsythe {John Doe, The Untouchables ’93) is 59.

Singer/pianist Joey Scarbury is 59.

Record producer L.A. Reid (The Voice) is 58.

Musician Prince is 56.

Singer-guitarist Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes is 51.

Rapper Ecstacy of Whodini is 50.

Drummer Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots) is 48.

Guitarist Dave Navarro is 47.

Actress  Kim Rhodes (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Supernatural) is 45.

Actor Francis Magee (Game of Thrones, EastEnders) is 45.

Actor Anthony Simcoe  (Farscape) is 45.

Actor Karl Urban (Xena:Warrior Princess) is 42.

Guitarist-keyboardist Eric Johnson of The Shins is 37.

Comedian Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live) is 36.

Actress Adrienne Frantz  (The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless) is 36.

Actress Anna Torv (Fringe) is 35.

Actress Larisa Oleynik (3rd Rock From the Sun, Boy Meets World) is 33.

Actress Cathy Baron (Justified, A Good Knight’s Quest) is 32.

Actress Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey) is 32.

Brampton-born actor/voicist Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Children’s Hospital) is 26.

Actress Shelley Buckner (Just for Kicks, Summerland) is 24.

Chart Toppers – June 7 

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 Teenager’s Romance/I’m Walkin’ – Ricky Nelson
A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation) – Marty Robbins
Four Walls – Jim Reeves

1966
When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
Paint It, Black – The Rolling Stones
Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind? – The Lovin’ Spoonful
Distant Drums – Jim Reeves

1975
Thank God I’m a Country Boy – John Denver
Sister Golden Hair – America
Bad Time – Grand Funk
Window Up Above – Mickey Gilley

1984
Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry
Honey (Open that Door) – Ricky Skaggs

1993
That’s the Way Love Goes – Janet Jackson
Freak Me – Silk
Knockin’ da Boots – H-Town
Should’ve Been a Cowboy – Toby Keith

2002
Foolish – Ashanti
A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
U Don’t Have To Call – Usher
Drive (For Daddy Gene) – Alan Jackson

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

.. D-Day in 1944!

ON THIS DAY in 1891

clarinetist/singer/bandleader Ted Lewis was born Theodore Leopold Friedman in Circleville Ohio.

His band was second only to Paul Whiteman in popularity during the 1920s, and arguably played more real jazz with less pretension than Whiteman.  His style became cornier as the depression progressed, but retained its commercial popularity while other groups failed & disbanded.  Lewis & his top hat (“Is everybody happy?”) was still guesting on television & appearing in Las Vegas into the 1960’s. He died after a heart attack Aug 25, 1971 at age 80.

In 1898, actor Walter Abel (below) was born in St. Paul Minnesota. A familiar character face in movies and television, he was also a dedicated stage actor.  Abel appeared in more than 40 TV shows, perhaps highlighted by being part of the distinguished cast of 12 Angry Men on the ‘live’ Studio One. (1954.) He died after a heart attack Mar 26, 1987 at age 88.

In 1938, the melodramatic soap Stella Dallas was presented for the first time on the NBC Red radio network. The serial was “the true to life story of mother love and sacrifice.” Stella Dallas continued to do this and so much more in 15 minute radio bursts until 1955.

In 1944, on what was D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, 44-year-old Toronto Star reporter Gordon Sinclair began a daily series of popular broadcasts on CFRB Radio.  Six months later, facing a ‘choose us or them’  edict from the paper, Gordon walked away from the Star and continued with radio for 40 more years, until his death.

Also in 1944, CBS radio saluted America’s war doctors with the first episode of The Doctor Fights. The dramatic series honored doctors in the theatres of war, and introduced America to the wonders of the newly-found wonder drug penicillin.

Still in 1944, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “I’ll Get By (as Long as I Have You),” by the Harry JamesOrchestra (Harry on the right above) with vocalist Dick Haymes (pictured left).

In 1945, actor David Dukes was born in San Francisco. While he had roles in mini-series War & Remembrance & The Winds of War, and regular parts on TV’s Sisters & Dawson’s Creek, he is probably most notorious as the character who tried to rape Edith Bunker in “All in the Family,” after which he received numerous death threats. He died after a heart attack while filming a mini-series in Spanaway Washington Oct 9, 2000 at age 55.

In 1955, Bill Haley & the Comets song that introduced rock & roll, “Rock Around the Clock” hit #1 on the Pop Charts.
Haley is pictured at the top.

In 1956, Gogi Grant (born Audrey Brown) reached the top spot on the Billboard singles chart for the first and only time in her career. Her hit, The Wayward Wind, stayed at the top of the top-tune tabulation for eight weeks and on the music charts for 22 weeks.

In 1957, CBC TV aired the first program in the long-running news-panel show “Front Page Challenge.” It continued for 38 seasons, almost all with Fred Davis as host, and Betty Kennedy & Pierre Berton on the panel.  After the death of original panellist Gordon Sinclair, Jack Webster & Alan Fotheringham became regulars, as pictured below.

In 1960, Tony Williams left the vocal group The Platters to embark on a solo career. Williams had been the lead singer on the Platters’ big hits in the ’50s — “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” among others.

Also in 1960, Roy Orbison‘s “Only the Lonely” was released. It would reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and inspire Bruce Springsteen to write “Born to Run.”

Still in 1960, Bing Crosby was presented with a Platinum disc to commemorate his 200 millionth record sold. The sales figures were from a combined total of 2,600 recorded singles and 125 albums.

In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin at E-M-I Records in London. John, Paul, George and Pete Best were each paid £7.10 ($12.07) for the session. Martin was later quoted as saying he thought “they were pretty awful,” but also thought them “interesting” and signed them the following month.

In 1964, The Dixie Cups started a three week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Chapel Of Love.’

Also in 1964, an anonymous ad in six American music trade papers declared, “In the public interest, watch The Rolling Stones crush The Beatles!”

In 1965, Herman’s Hermits headlined CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show, singing a medley of their hits, “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry The VIII, I Am” and “Wonderful World.”  Also appearing were singerTrini Lopez, impressionist John Byner, and the comedy team of Stiller & Meara (Ben Stiller’s parents).

In 1966, Roy Orbison‘s first wife, Claudette, died in his arms after being struck by a truck while they were motorcycling in Tennessee. She was just 25.

Also in 1966, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Paint It Black,” by the Rolling Stones.

Still in 1966, The Beatles completed work on their classic recording of “Eleanor Rigby,” as written primarily by Paul McCartney.

In 1969, Rod Stewart, while still officially a part of the Jeff Beck Group, signed with Mercury Records. His debut solo L-P, ”The Rod Stewart Album,” was only a modest success.

In 1970, “Teach Your Children,” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was released.

Also in 1970, Elvis Presley was in Nashville to record “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.”

In 1971, for the last time, we saw Polish dancing bears, a little mouse named Topo Gigio, remembered The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, the comedy of Jackie Mason, John Byner, Rich Little, Richard Pryor and so many more, as The Ed Sullivan Show left CBS-TV. Gladys Knight & The Pips and singer Jerry Vale appeared on the final show. The Ed Sullivan Show had been a 23 year showcase for artists from Ethel Merman to Ella Fitzgerald, from Steve and Eydie to the Beatles. The Sullivan Show was the longest running variety program on North American TV — a “rillly big sheeeew.”

Also in 1971, in New York, John Lennon & Yoko Ono appeared on stage for the first time since 1969 when they joined Frank Zappa for the show he was headlining at the Fillmore East auditorium in the East Village.

In 1972, David Bowie released “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” which became widely acclaimed as the definitive rock ‘n’ roll concept album.

In 1973, Barry White was awarded a gold record for I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby. It was his first hit and his first of five number one million-sellers.

In 1974, Billy Swan recorded his only #1 hit, the rockabilly track “I Can Help.”

In 1975, actor Larry Blyden, who starred in the sitcom Joe and Mabel, and hosted the syndicated What’s My Line, died in an MVA while travelling in Morocco at age 49.

Also in 1975, Pink Floyd began an ill-fated American tour in support of their album “Animals,” an event that inspired the soul-searching that went into their followup, “The Wall.”

In 1977, Stevie Wonder appeared as a guest lecturer at UCLA, discussing his early Motown years, at a symposium studying the record industry. He also performed.

Also in 1977, Elvis Presley released “Way Down,” his last single issued by RCA Victor during his lifetime.

In 1978, the ABC-TV newsmagazine 20/20 debuted. Producer Bob Shanks, realizing that the first show was a disaster, fired the co-hosts, magazine editor Harold Hayes and Australian art critic Robert Hughes. The next week, Shanks tapped former Today and Concentration host Hugh Downs to take over the show.

In 1979, singer/comedian/actor Jack Haley, a star of bigtime radio best remembered today as the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz movie that became a staple of TV, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 80.

In 1982, an anti-nuclear protest rally featuring performances by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne,Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Wonder and Tom Petty drew 85-thousand people to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

In 1986, CHUM 1050 Toronto, the station with North America’s longest-running hit record chart, abandoned its Top-40 format for a mixture of soft rock and oldies. CHUM adopted the rock format in 1957 and published its chart for 1,512 consecutive weeks.

In 1987, Kim Wilde went to No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘You Keep Me Hanging On.’ The song had been a 1966 hit for The Supremes.

In 1989, officials in Easton, Maryland voted to cancel an Ozzy Osbourne concert due to complaints about the singer’s lyrics and on-stage antics.

In 1990, a Fort Lauderdale judge declared “As Nasty as They Wanna Be” by 2 Live Crew to be obscene. A record store owner was charged two days later for selling the hit rap album. But an appeals court overturned the judge’s decision two years later.

In 1991, jazz tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, who helped popularize bossa nova music in North America, died of liver cancer at his Los Angeles-area home. He was 64.

Also in 1991, NBC announced that nearly 12 months later, on May 25, 1992, Jay Leno would succeed Johnny Carson as host of “The Tonight Show.”  David Letterman, who for 10 years had been following Carson on NBC’s “Late Night”, was devastated.

Still in 1991, actress Dana Plato, who played Kimberly Drummond on the ’80’s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, was handed a 6 year suspended sentence for holding up a Las Vegas video store three months earlier.

In 1992, actor Larry Riley, who played Frank Williams for five seasons on CBS TV’s Knots Landing, succumbed to AIDS at age 39.

Also in 1992, song & dance man Ben Vereen, who was Chicken George in TV’s Roots, & a regular on the sitcom Webster, suffered a broken leg, head & internal injuries when struck by a van driven by Victoria’s David Fosternear his Malibu home.

Still in 1992, the 700th episode of the syndicated series “Soul Train” aired.

In 1994, actor Barry Sullivan, who in 1947 became the 2nd man (after Dick Powell) to play Richard Rogue on NBC Radio’s ‘Rogues Gallery,’ and who would guest star on more than 100 TV shows over more than 25 years, died of respiratory problems at age 81.

Also in 1994, CBC Radio One debuted what would become its very popular music program, Stuart McLean‘s The Vinyl Cafe. It soon began airing on CBC Radio Two, as well.

In 1995, Pink Floyd released its two-CD live album, “Pulse.”

In 1996, lyrics of a song written, but never recorded by Elvis Presley, sold for 30-thousand dollars at a London auction. Presley co-wrote “Mississippi River” with Terry Fell while with the U-S Army in Germany in 1959. It’s believed to be a tribute to Presley’s mother, Gladys, who had died a year earlier.

In 1997, Iggy Pop suffered a separated shoulder when he dived from the stage during a Columbus, Ohio concert. He hit the ground after the audience failed to catch him.

In 1998, The Boy is Mine, by Brandy & Monica, zoomed to number 1 on the Billboard pop chart. It ruled the Hot 100 roost for 13 weeks — putting it in the top ten of longest-running #1 singles in the modern rock era.

In 1999, Backstreet Boys started a five week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Millennium’, the US boy band’s first No.1 album.

In 2000, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood (below) checked himself into rehab in London. Wood, accompanied by his wife, was admitted to the Priory Clinic in an effort to overcome his addiction to alcohol before the Rolling Stones launched another world tour.

In 2001, veteran banjo picker Marvin “Smokey” Montgomery died at age 88. He joined the pioneer Western swing band The Light Crust Doughboys in 1935, and was still performing the month before his death from leukemia.

Also in 2001, saying he didn’t get the chance to drive them because he was out of the country so often, Elton John had Christies auction off 20 of his automobiles for $2.75 million.

In 2002, Diana Ross entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Malibu Calif.

In 2003, Dave Rowberry, a rock keyboards player who performed with the Animals in the 1960s, was found dead in in his London apartment. He was 62. Rowberry had heart problems. The original band, featuring Eric Burdon on vocals, formed in 1964. They had such hits as “House of the Rising Sun,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and “We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place.” Rowberry joined the band in 1965, replacing original keyboards player Alan Price.

In 2004, Avril Lavigne was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Under My Skin’, the Canadian singer’s second US No.1.

In 2005, supporting actor Dana Elcar, a regular on TV’s MacGyver, Baa Baa Black Sheep and the Guiding Light, died of pneumonia at age 77.

In 2006, the entertainer often credited as “the Fith Beatle,” Billy Preston died at age 59.  He’d been in a coma for 7 months, after suffering kidney failure, the result of a lifetime of drug & alcohol abuse.

In 2007, emcee Bob Barker taped his final show for CBS TV’s “The Price Is Right” ending his 35 years with the show and a 50 year career on daytime TV.

Also in 2007, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora checked into an L.A. detox facility following the taping of Bon Jovi’s MTV Unplugged in New York. Sambora had been visibly inebriated, missed notes and his backing vocals were off-key.

In 2009, Eminem started a two-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Relapse’, the rappers sixth studio album.

In 2010, bass guitarist/songwriter Marvin Isley of the Isley Brothers died from complications of diabetes at age 56.

In 2011, Scott Pelley began anchoring “The CBS Evening News,” succeeding Katie Couric.

Also in 2011, Canada’s Neil Young, an outspoken critic of digital recording technology and the MP3 music format in particular, filed the first of three patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a high-resolution audio alternative to the MP3.

In 2013, actress and champion swimmer Esther Williams, who showcased a combination of glamour and athleticism by starring in numerous spectacular and splashy MGM musicals of the 1940s and ’50s, died peacefully in her sleep at age 91.

Also in 2013, actress Maxine Stuart, whose six decade stage, film and television career included a recurring role on the TV series “The Edge of Night,” “Executive Suite” and “Room for One More,” plus a guest spot on a memorable episode of “The Twilight Zone,” died at age 94.

Today’s Birthdays:

Singer-songwriter Gary “U.S.” Bonds is 75.

Country singer Joe Stampley is 71.

Actor Robert Englund (Freddy’s Nightmares, Downtown, V) is 67.

Singer Dwight Twilley is 63.

Playwright-actor Harvey Fierstein (Daddy’s Girls, X-Chromosome) is 62.

Actress-comedian Sandra Bernhard (L-Word, Roseanne) is 59.

Actress Amanda Pays (The Flash, Max Headroom, Thief Takers) is 55.

Record producer Jimmy Jam is 55.

Comedian Colin Quinn (Colin Quinn Show, Inked, Caroline’s Comedy Hour) is 55.

Actor Gary Graham (Jace Hall Show, Alien Nation, Enterprise) is 54.

Guitarist Steve Vai is 54.

Singer-bassist Tom Araya of Slayer is 53.

Actor Jason Isaacs (Awake, Brotherhood) is 51.

Bassist Sean Ysealt (White Zombie) is 48.

Actor Max Casella (The Sopranos, Doogie Howser MD) is 47.

Actor Paul Giamatti (John Adams, Tourist Trap, Winchell) is 47.

Singer Damion Hall of Guy is 46.

Bassist Bardi Martin (Candlebox) is 45.

Guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer of Korn is 44.

NBC news journalist Natalie Morales is 42.

Vancouver-born country singer Lisa Brokop is 41.

Actor Danny Strong (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls) is 40.

Singer Uncle Kracker is 40.

Actress Sonya Walger (Parenthood, Common Law, FlashForward) is 40.

Actress Staci Keanan (Step by Step, My Two Dads) is 39.

Actor Johnny Pacar (Make it Or Break It, Flight 29 Down) is 33.

Actor Philip McGinley (Coronation Street, Game of Thrones) is 33.

Vancouver-born actress Amber Borycki (Harper’s Island) is 31.

Actress Ellie Kendrick (Game of Thrones) is 24.

Actress Abbie Cobb (Suburgatory) is 22.

Actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Modern Family) is 7.

Chart Toppers – June 6 

1947
Mamselle – Art Lund
Linda – Buddy Clark with the Ray Noble Orchestra
My Adobe Hacienda – Eddy Howard
What is Life Without Love – Eddy Arnold

1956
The Wayward Wind – Gogi Grant
Standing on the Corner – The Four Lads
I’m in Love Again – Fats Domino
Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins

1965
Help Me, Rhonda – The Beach Boys
Wooly Bully – Sam The Sham and The Pharoahs
Crying in the Chapel – Elvis Presley
What’s He Doing in My World – Eddy Arnold

1974
The Streak – Ray Stevens
Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings
You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics
Pure Love – Ronnie Milsap

1983
Flashdance…What a Feeling – Irene Cara
Overkill – Men at Work
Time (Clock of the Heart) – Culture Club
Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will) – Waylon Jennings

1992
Jump – Kris Kross
Under the Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers
I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus

2001
Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim & Pink
Survivor – Destiny’s Child
Play – Jennifer Lopez
Ain’t Nothing ’bout You – Brooks & Dunn

2010
OMG – Usher featuring will.i.am
Airplanes – B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams
California Gurls – Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
The Man I Want to Be – Chris Young