HAPPY BIRTHDAY KVOS TV

ON THIS DAY in 1900  

Gordon Sinclair was born in the Cabbagetown section of Toronto. 

He began his career as a journalist at the Toronto Star in 1922 the same day as Foster Hewitt. He started his longstanding “Let’s Be Personal” CFRB broadcasts in 1942, and began doing newscasts two years later, on D-Day.  He is best known nationally as a panelist on CBC Television’s long lived (1957-95) panel quiz show Front Page Challenge.  He died May 17th 1984 at age 83, after a heart attack two days earlier.

In 1913, actress Ellen Corby was born in Racine Wisc. After a long career in supporting roles on the big screen she found her most memorable part as Grandma Walton on the 1970’s CBS family TV series The Waltons.  She died April 21 1999 at age 87.

In 1924, Tony & Emmy award-winning actress Colleen Dewhurst (below) was born in Montreal.  On TV she has played in Between Two Women [Emmy Award 1986], Those She Left Behind [Emmy Award 1989], Murphy’s mother on the sitcom Murphy Brown [Emmy Award 1991], The Blue & the Gray [1982, as Maggie Geyser], Anne of Green Gables [1985] and Anne of Avonlea [1987]. Dewhurst was president of Actor’s Equity from 1985 to 1991. She died of cervical cancer Aug. 22 1991 at age 67. 

In 1932, singer Dakota Staton was born in Pittsburgh. She became a highly respected jazz and blues singer known from the 1950s on for her bright, trumpetlike sound and tough, sassy style, and for hits like The Late Late Show, Crazy He Calls Me, & Time to Swing. She died Apr 10, 2007 at age 74.

In 1942, Curtis Mayfield, a driving force in black music as singer, writer, producer and record company owner, was born in Chicago. Mayfield formed the Impressions in the late ’50s with singer Jerry Butler. When their first single, “For Your Precious Love,” was a huge hit in 1958, Butler went solo and Mayfield joined him as a guitarist. Mayfield re-formed the Impressions in 1961, and led the group during its greatest years. He wrote many of their hits, including their biggest, “It’s All Right,” in 1963. Mayfield was paralyzed in 1990 when a light standard fell on him before a concert in New York. He died at 57 in 1999.

In 1946, Mutual Radio debuted “The Casebook of Gregory Hood” starring Gale Gordon, as a summer replacement series for Sherlock Holmes. ‘Hood’ was popular enough to win its own time slot in the fall, and continued for three years.  A variety of other radio veterans played musical chairs with the title role, including George Petrie, Elliott Lewis, Jackson Beck and Martin Gabel.

In 1949, Dragnet (with Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday) was first broadcast on radio (KFI in Los Angeles).  It went national on NBC a month later and continued through 1957; it began on TV in December 1951.

Also in 1949, the last episode of “The Admiral Broadway Revue” was broadcast. The first comedy variety program on television ran only 7 episodes, and starred Sid Caesar & Imogene Coca. The program had aired Friday nights simultaneously on NBC TV & Dumont.

Still in 1949, Elvis Presley received an ‘A’ in language but only a ‘C’ in music on his 8th grade report card at Humes High School in Memphis.

Also in 1949, singer/songwriter Hank Williams made his last appearance on Shreveport’s “Louisiana Hayride” radio show before moving to Nashville.

In 1950, brothers Leonard and Phillip Chess launched Chess Records in Chicago. The label released countless influential Blues recordings.

Also in 1950, “Hoop-Dee-Doo” by Perry Como & the Fontane Sisters topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1952, Frank Sinatra with the Axel Stordahl Orchestra recorded the classic ‘Birth of the Blues,’ his final charted track before leaving Columbia Records for the Capitol label.

In 1953, KVOS TV Channel 12 Bellingham signed on specifically to broadcast from Bellingham into Vancouver.  Its first broadcast was the 7-hour kinescope film of “the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II”.  The show would repeat 3 more times.  KVOS would develop a 3-hour/night schedule (a movie every evening) in the summer, before an 8-hour/day schedule launched in the fall.

Also that day in 1953 in Ontario, at about 9 p.m. Hamilton’s CHCH-TV aired its first test transmissions, consisting of a test pattern accompanied by recorded music. Four days later, the station was on the air full-time.

In 1957, “Love Letters in the Sand” by Pat Boone topped the charts and stayed there for 7 weeks.

Also in 1957, Teenage Records released “The Angels Cried,” the first recording by theIsley Brothers — Ronald, Rudolph and O’Kelley. But the Isleys had to wait two more years for their first hit — ”Shout.”

In 1958, in Hollywood, rockabilly singer Jerry Wallace had his first recording session, which produced his first Top 20 single, “How the Time Flies.”

In 1959, the music trade paper Billboard recognized the growing popularity of stereophonic recordings as they split their album chart in two, with one chart for mono LP’s and one for stereo.

Also in 1959, Pfc. Elvis Presley entered an Army hospital in Germany for treatment for a bad case of tonsillitis. He remained there for six days while officials searched, without success, for a surgeon to operate on Elvis’ famous throat. In the end the inflammation was allowed to run its course.

In 1963, actor Paul Maxey, who played Matt on TV’s Lassie, and the Mayor on The-People’s Choice (with Jackie Cooper), suffered a heart attack & died at age 57.

In 1964, the Hollywood Palace on ABC-TV hosted the first North American performance by The Rolling Stones, singing their first U.S. single “Not Fade Away,” followed by an abbreviated “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” Dean Martin was that week’s host. One critic called the Stones “dirtier and streakier and more disheveled than The Beatles.”

In 1965, Gary Lewis and the Playboys recorded their future #2 Billboard pop single “Save Your Heart For Me.”  Running just under two minutes it became a favorite of radio deejays.

In 1967, ABC-TV’s “American Bandstand” featured Jefferson Airplane performing “Somebody To Love” and “White Rabbit.”

Also in 1967, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1969, the final episode of “Star Trek” aired on NBC.

Also in 1969, singer Diana Ross was reported to be emotionally upset after her two pet dogs were poisoned by rat bait left in her dressing room at a Philadelphia nightclub.

In 1970, The Kinks lead singer Ray Davies made an 11-thousand-kilometre round trip from New York to London to change one word on the recording of “Lola.” The reference to “Coca-Cola” became “cherry” cola because the B-B-C had a ban on any commercial references in the songs on its airwaves.

Also in 1970, Jimi Hendrix‘s only live album “Band of Gypsys” was certified as a Gold Record.

Still in 1970, Stevie Wonder released his sixth R&B chart topper (and his first #1 in three years), “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”

In 1972, the Rolling Stones began their “Exile on Main Street” tour before 17-thousand fans at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Stevie Wonder was the opening act.  The 32 date tour grossed $4 million, making it the richest rock tour to that time.

Also in 1972, “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singers topped the charts, but stayed #1 for just the one week.  That same week Toronto rocker Neil Young’s Old Man peaked at #31 on the pop singles chart.

In 1974, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Band on the Run,” by Paul McCartney & Wings.

In 1975, bandleader/actor/producer Ozzie Nelson lost his battle with liver cancer at age 69. After leading his own dance band & being musical director for radio’s Red Skelton Show, he got his own radio sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet in 1944, which he transferred successfully to TV in 1952.

In 1976, one of the most popular singles of all time, Queen‘s iconic hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” was certified Gold.

In 1978, Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams combined their singing talents to reach the number one spot on the pop music charts with “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late.”

In 1981, singer Joe Santollo of The Duprees (You Belong To Me, My Own True Love, Have You Heard) suffered a fatal heart attack at the tender age of 37.

In 1982, Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion in Memphis opened as a tourist attraction.

In 1985, the characters of Nancy & Chris Hughes returned to As the World Turns, after an absence of 5 years. CBS-TV brought the couple back to the daytime serial to add more “homespun values” to the show.

In 1986, charges were filed in Los Angeles against the lead singer of the punk rock band The Dead Kennedys and four others regarding a sexually explicit poster packaged with the group’s album, ”Frankenchrist.” Eric Boucher, who used the stage name Jello Biafra, and the others were acquitted of distributing harmful material to minors.

In 1987, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted it’s first female artist, Aretha Franklin, who was a superstar on radio playlists during the 1960s.

Also in 1987, George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” was banned by the BBC and numerous U-S radio stations. Michael said the song was about love, not lust.

Still in 1987, Bryan Adams recorded a live version of the Christmas song “Run Rudolph Run.’‘

In 1988, a 75-voice children’s choir joined Crosby, Stills & Nash in “Teach the Children” at a Montreal peace concert. The event also featured Bruce Cockburn, Quebec pop star Michel Rivard and the Soviet rock band Aquarium.

In 1989, “Rock On” by Michael Damian (below) topped the charts.. for just the one week.

And the Fine Young Cannibals started a seven-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘The Raw & The Cooked’.

Also in 1989, Stevie Wonder, Bob Geldof, Sting, Elton John and Diana Ross were among the stars participating in a global telecast to heighten awareness about the environment. The five-hour telecast originated in New York and was beamed to 100 countries. Prime Minister Mulroney was among the world leaders who taped messages for the show.

In 1990, Michael Jackson was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after complaining of chest pains. Tests showed he suffered bruised ribs after a vigorous dance practice in his bedroom.

In 1991, Willie Nelson released his LP “Who’ll Buy My Memories – The IRS Tapes.” The album consisted of songs seized by the U.S. government, and the proceeds would go towards paying off his $16 million tax debt.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, while campaigning for U.S. President, played saxophone on the “Arsenio Hall Show”.

In 1994, Toronto-born rock star Bob McBride, in the 1970’s the lead singer of Lighthouse, was sentenced in Ottawa to 90 days in jail for twice holding up a drug store for morphine. The judge also ordered McBride to organize two benefit concerts to help raise awareness of the dangers of drugs. McBride was plagued by his addiction to heroin before dying in 1998 at age 51.

Also in 1994, actor Don Johnson (Miami Vice) checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in Southern California, to get treated for his alcohol and prescription drug abuse.

In 1995, a coroner in Langley, B-C, said he found no link between the suicides of three Quebec City college students and the death of Kurt Cobain. The Nirvana lead singer shot himself at his Seattle-area home several months before the teens were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in a storage locker in October 1994. They died while listening to Nirvana’s album “Nevermind” on their car stereo.

Also in 1995, Canadian rocker Bryan Adams had a #1 pop chart hit with his “Have You Ever Loved A Woman?” It remained on top for 5 weeks.

In 1996, the flip of legendary Calgary Top 40 AMer CKXL to FM was complete as CKIS (“Kiss-FM”) debuted at 1 p.m. at 96.9. It is now branded as JACK-FM.

Also in 1996, Neil Finn, leader of Crowded House, announced the New Zealand-based group was breaking up after 10 years.

In 1997, announcer/game show host Dennis James (Two For The Money, Beat The Odds, The Name’s The Same, Haggis Baggis, Chance Of A Lifetime, etc.) succumbed to lung cancer at age 79.

In 2001, Staind started a three-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Break The Cycle’.

In 2002, a rock concert at Buckingham Palace celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne.  Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Brian Wilson, Cliff Richard, Ozzy Osbourne, The Corrs, Will Young, Aretha Franklin and S Club 7 all performed.

In 2003, singer Barry Manilow suffered a broken nose in the middle of the night after walking into a wall at his Palm Springs, California home and knocking himself unconscious.

In 2005, Infinity Broadcasting changed formats of two of the USA’s most notable Oldies-formatted stations: WCBS-FM in New York and WMJK-FM in Chicago. Both stations adopted the “Jack” format while the former Oldie FM stations were moved to online versions.

Also in 2005, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. The degree was awarded in recognition of Tyler’s musical achievements, and his contributions to Boston-area charities.

In 2006, Red Hot Chili Peppers were at No.1 on both the UK and US album charts with Stadium Arcadium, the band’s ninth studio album.

In 2007, just before midnight, Vancouver’s CKZZ FM 95.3 played its last song: “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson, then began stunting with comedy sketches and novelty songs, starting with Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s on First?”, enroute to becoming 95 Crave, and later Virgin Radio.

In 2009, actor David Carradine, best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s television series, Kung Fu and its 1990s sequel series, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, died in Thailand at age 72.  The cringeworthy cause?  Auto-erotic asphyxiation.

Also in 2009, saxophonist/bandleader Sam Butera, who with his group the Witnesses played with Louis Prima & Keely Smith for nearly 20 years, died of Alzheimer’s disease and pneumonia at age 82.

In 2010, actress Rue McClanahan, who co-starred in TV’s Golden Girls, Maude, The Golden Palace and the soap opera Another World, died following a stroke at age 76.

Also in 2010, scores of fans walked out midway through a Whitney Houston concert in Denmark during her “Nothing But Love” comeback tour, complaining of her weak vocal performance. A critic wrote: “She looked and sounded like a person who doesn’t have many years left to live. At the end of the show she looked like she was ready to explode.”

In 2011, actor James Arness, who became one of TV’s favorite old west heroes as Marshall Dillon for 20 years on CBS TV’s Gunsmoke, died in his sleep at age 88.

In 2012, actor Johnny Depp performed “Gold On The Ceiling” with the Black Keys at the MTV Movie Awards. Introduced by Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Depp was awarded the MTV Generation Award. 

Today’s Birthdays:

Kamloops-born arranger, bandleader and clarinetist Phil Nimmons is 91.

Game-show host Chuck Barris (The Gong Show) is 85.

Actress Irma P. Hall (Soul Food, All Souls) is 79.

Screenwriter Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove) is 78.

Singer Ian Hunter is 75.

Singer Eddie Holman is 68.

Bassist Too Slim of Riders in the Sky is 66.

Rock musician Richard Moore is 65.

Singer/actress Suzi Quatro (Happy Days) is 64.

Singer Deneice Williams is 63.

Keyboardist Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 62.

Toronto-born singer/songwriter Dan Hill is 60.

Actor Scott Valentine (Black Scorpion, Family Ties) is 56.

Actress Suzie Plakson (How I Met Your Mother, Mad About You, Love & War) is 56.

Guitarist Kerry King of Slayer is 50.

Rock singer-musician Mike Gordon is 49.

CNN newsman/talk show host Anderson Cooper is 47.

Country singer Jamie O’Neal is 46.

Actor Vik Sahay (Chuck) is 43.

Singers Ariel and Gabriel Hernandez of No Mercy are 43.

Actor Jason Jones (The Daily Show w/Jon Stewart) is 41.

Actress Arianne Zucker (Days Of Our Lives) is 40.

Actor Josh Segarra (Chicago PD, Sirens, Electric Company) is 28.

Actress Michelle Keegan (Coronation Street) is 27.

Actress/singer Lalaine Vergara-Paras (Lizzie McGuire) is 27.

Actor Sean Berdy (Switched at Birth) is 21.

Actress Anne Winters (The Fosters) is 20.

Chart Toppers – June 3

1944
Long Ago and Far Away – Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
I’ll Get By – The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Dick Haymes)
I’ll Be Seing You – The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Frank Sinatra)
Straighten Up and Fly Right – King Cole Trio

1953
Song from Moulin Rouge – The Percy Faith Orchestra
I Believe – Frankie Laine
April in Portugal – The Les Baxter Orchestra
Take These Chains from My Heart – Hank Williams

1962
I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles
Lovers Who Wander – Dion
Shout! Shout! (Knock Yourself Out) – Ernie Maresca
She Thinks I Still Care – George Jones

1971
Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones
Want Ads – The Honey Cone
It Don’t Come Easy – Ringo Starr
I Won’t Mention It Again – Ray Price

1980
Funkytown – Lipps, Inc.
Coming Up – Paul McCartney & Wings
Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer – Kenny Rogers with Kim Carnes
My Heart – Ronnie Milsap

1989
Rock On – Michael Damian
Soldier of Love – Donny Osmond
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Where Did I Go Wrong – Steve Wariner

1998
I Get Lonely – Janet Jackson
Too Close – Next
Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
This Kiss – Faith Hill

2007
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
U & Ur Hand – Pink
Makes Me Wonder – Maroon 5
Good Directions – Billy Currington

ON THIS DAY in 1896

in England, Guglielmo Marconi was awarded the first radio patent. He had succeeded the previous year in sending long-wave radio signals over a distance of about two kilometres. And in 1897, Marconi formed a wireless telegraphy company to develop its commercial applications. In 1901, he sent the letter ”S” across the Atlantic from Cornwall, England to a receiving station in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In 1904, actor Johnny Weissmuller was born in Timisoara, Romania.  He was Tarzan in the movies, and played Jungle Jim on the big screen and also on TV in the mid 1950’s.  He died following a series of strokes Jan 20, 1984 at age 79.

In 1908, radio & TV announcer Ben Grauer was born in Staten Island NY. Starting in 1932 on NBC Radio, Grauer covered the Olympic Games, presidential inaugurations, and international events. He is best remembered as the NBC radio and TV host of the annual New Year’s Eve broadcasts live from Times Square. During his 40-year broadcast career, he hosted over half a dozen TV programs on NBC including game shows, quiz shows, concerts and news programs. His career at NBC ended in 1973, and he died after a heart attack May 31, 1977 at age 68.

In 1917, actor Max Showalter (below) was born in Caldwell Kansas.  He guested on episodic TV 1,000 times over a 35 year period, with recurring roles on The Stockard Channing Show (1980), and The Swift Show (1949).  He played Ward Cleaver in the original pilot for Leave It To Beaver. He died of cancer July 30, 2000 at age 83.

In 1937, The Fabulous Dr. Tweedy was broadcast on NBC radio for the first time, the summer replacement for Jack Benny. Frank Morgan starred as the absent-minded Dr. Tweedy.

Also in 1937, CBS radio presented the first broadcast of Second Husband. The show continued on the air until 1946.

In 1942, The Choristers, a Winnipeg chamber choir, began weekly broadcasts on the C-B-C network under the direction of W-H Anderson. In 1952, the program was re-named “Sunday Chorale,” and became devoted exclusively to church music. It aired until 1969, a total of 27 years.

In 1952, TV broadcasting started in Canada when Radio Canada’s Channel 2 in Montreal began airing a test pattern.

In 1953, the coronation of 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was broadcast around the world.  The crowning of the new Queen of England became one of the first international news events to be given complete coverage on television. All three American TV networks plus the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) provided colorful descriptions of the pomp and circumstance. Most viewers saw the coronation in black and white because color TV was not yet the standard of the industry. Quality of the pictures, in fact, was lacking compared to today’s international and often instantaneous broadcasts. There was no satellite  transmission at the time. The “live” pictures were relayed by shortwave radio.

In 1956, CBC Radio rebroadcaster CBUE 740 Hope signed on.  At this time there were only 30 other low power relay transmitters located throughout B.C.  Private stations in the larger communities were still CBC affiliates as a requirement of license, though they only carried a small percentage of the schedule. 

In 1956, “Moonglow and Theme from Picnic” by Morris Stoloff topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

In 1957, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev was interviewed by CBS-TV. News correspondent Daniel Schorr was first to question the Soviet leader.

In 1958, pioneering rock-and-roll Disc-Jockey Alan Freed did his first show on WABC, New York after being fired from WINS New York. He left WABC in November of 1959 amidst allegations he had accepted payola.

Also in 1958, Columbia Records released the next Top 20 hit single by Johnny Mathis, “A Certain Smile.”

In 1962, Ray Charles started a five week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with the Don Gibson penned country ballad ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You.’

Also in 1962, Island Records released its first single, “Twist Baby” by Owen Gray. Island became home to such acts as Jethro Tull and Traffic. Later, reggae artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers were featured on the label.

In 1964, The Rolling Stones made their US TV debut in an interview on the late-night ‘ Les Crane Show’ on WABC-TV in New York.

Also in 1964, the original Broadway cast album of “Hello Dolly!” starring Carol Channing was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1965, King Records released James Brown with his own composition  “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.”  It would make it into Billboard’s Top Ten pop singles, and is ranked number 71 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

In 1967, the Beatles’ album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, was released in the U.S. (on Capitol) — one day after it hit store shelves in the U.K. (on Parlophone).

The world is still humming and singing along and tapping fingers and toes to the likes of A Day in the Life, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, With a Little Help From My Friends, When I’m Sixty-Four, She’s Leaving Home, the title song and several others. It had taken the Fab Four only 12 hours to record their first album, Please, Please Me. It took the supergroup 700 hours to complete Sgt. Pepper’s.

In 1968, Canadian pianist-composer Andre Mathieu died in Montreal at age 39. Both the welcoming song and official theme music of the 1976 Montreal Olympics were arranged from excerpts of Mathieu’s works.

In 1969, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa opened with a performance by the National Ballet of Canada. Among the other performers during the two-week inaugural festival were the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, contralto Maureen Forrester and singer Gordon Lightfoot.

In 1970, George Harrison recorded “Isn’t It A Pity.”

In 1972, the ’50s group Dion & the Belmonts reunited for a show at Madison Square Garden in New York. The concert was captured on the L-P ”Reunion.”

In 1973, Paul McCartney had both the No.1 positions on the Billboard charts when ‘Red Rose Speedway’, went to the top of the album chart and ‘My Love’, started a four week run as the No.1 single.

In 1975, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” by John Denver.

In 1977, actor Forrest Lewis, who began acting all over the radio dial in 1929, and moved effortlessly into much the same work during the first two decades of the TV era, died after a heart attack at age 77.

In 1978, Columbia Records released Bruce Springsteen‘s fourth album, “Darkness On The Edge of Town.” It was his first new LP in three years.

Also in 1978, on NBC TV’s “Midnight Special” Crystal Gayle hosted Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

In 1979, actor Jim Hutton, best remembered on the small screen as sleuth Ellery Queen in the mid 1970’s, lost his battle with liver cancer at age 45.

Also in 1979, “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

In 1980, two-thousand fans stormed the gate at Ontario Place in Toronto after being locked out of a concert by Teenage Head. The mob wrecked cars and fought with police and each other.

In 1981, Barbara Walters interviewed the legendary Katharine Hepburn on TV and asked what kind of tree she would be.

In 1985, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears For Fears

In 1987, bandleader Sammy Kaye, whose trademark in the 1940’s and ’50s was ”Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye,” succumbed to cancer at age 77. His band scored major hits with 1941’s ”Daddy,” 1942’s ”There Will Never Be Another You” and 1950’s ”Harbor Lights.”

Also in 1987, Andres Segovia, the world’s foremost classical guitarist, died at his Madrid home at 94. Segovia is credited with establishing the guitar as a concert instrument and was one of the few classical guitarists to earn a gold album.

In 1988, former Temptations singer David Ruffin was sentenced in Detroit to two years probation and 50 days of community service for cocaine use. A bag containing cocaine residue was found with Ruffin’s personal papers when police raided a house the previous July. Ruffin would die of a drug overdose in Philadelphia two years later.

In 1989, Rolling Stones bass guitarist Bill Wyman, age 52, married 19-year-old Mandy Smith in Bury St. Edmonds, England. When the couple divorced in 1991 Wyman said they’d spent only five days together while married.

In 1990, actor Rex Harrison (My Fair Lady), died at age 82 of pancreatic cancer. Besides his many successes on the stage & in film he performed 8 times on TV’s Ed Sullivan Show. Among his TV dramatic assignments were appearances on The US Steel Hour, The Dow Hour of Great Mysteries & Omnibus, plus two TV movies.

Also in 1990, actor Jack Gilford, best remembered as the rubber-faced star of Cracker Jack TV commercials in the 60’s & early 70’s, succumbed to stomach cancer at age 82.

In 1991, Larry Gatlin announced the Gatlin Brothers Band would break up after their current tour. The Gatlins had 15 top-10 country hits, beginning with 1979’s “All the Gold in California.”

In 1992, Alberta-born singer k-d lang publicly declared her homosexuality in an interview with the Advocate, a U-S gay and lesbian publication. 

Also in 1992, Wilson Phillips released their 2nd CD “Shadows and Light” which would peak at #4 on the Billboard album chart.

In 1993, Aerosmith appeared at the Landon Arena in Kansas, the first night of their 169-date Get A Grip world tour.

In 1995, country star Travis Tritt spent the night in a Nashville hospital after collapsing in a recording studio. He was treated for severe exhaustion and dehydration.

Also in 1995, Stone Roses guitarist John Squire smashed his collarbone in a cycling accident causing the band to pull out of major gigs.

In 1996, a depressed TV host Ray Combs, who had lost his job as host of Family Feud, committed suicide in a mental ward at age 40.

In 1997, jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham, whose professional career began in the 1920s, died in Washington following a stroke. He was 91. Among the many jazz notables Cheatham performed or recorded with over his seven-decade career were Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Count Basie.

In 1998, a publicist for Anne Murray announced that the singer and her husband of 23 years, Bill Langstroth, had separated.

Also in 1998, Helen Carter, who performed with the legendary Carter Family country music group, died in a Nashville hospital at age 70. She was the daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter, who formed the original Carter Family with her husband A-P Carter and cousin Sara Carter in the ’20s.

Still in 1998, rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart gave a series of one-hour concerts along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood in support of his current album “When We Were the New Boys.” Leaving behind the arenas and amphitheaters that had been his usual haunts for a quarter-century, the 53-year-old singer began his whirlwind minitour with a free show in the Tower Records parking lot, before playing at the Roxy, then the Whisky.

Again in 1998, one of Canada’s best-known concert promoters, Donald Tarlton, announced he was leaving the business after more than 30 years. Known in the business as Donald K. Donald, Tarlton promoted most of the major Montreal arena and stadium concerts.

In 1999, Andy Simpkins, a top-ranked jazz bassist who toured for many years with singers Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae, died of stomach cancer at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, Calif. He was 67.

Also in 1999, Junior Braithwaite, one of the original members of Bob Marley’s Wailers, was shot and killed in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 47. Braithwaite, who had recently returned to his Jamaican homeland after more than 20 years in Chicago, was one of two men shot by unidentified gunmen in the home of a local musician. Former bandmate Peter Tosh was killed in a similar manner in 1987.

Still in 1999, the final episode of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” aired.

In 2000, the RIAA certified Garth Brooks‘ “Double Live” at the 13 million level. This matched the highest-certified live album record held by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s “Live 1975-1985.”

In 2001, comedienne Imogene Coca, who shared top billing with Sid Caesar in the very early 1950’s on NBC TV’s legendary Your Show of Shows, died at age 92.

In 2002, we first heard that Paul McCartney had thrown his fiancée Heather Mills’ engagement ring out of a hotel window during a loud argument. Guards at Miami’s Turnberry Isle Resort later used metal detectors to recover the $25,500 ring.

In 2003, U.S. federal regulators voted to allow companies to buy more television stationsand newspaper-broadcasting combinations in the same city. The previous ownership restrictions had not been altered since 1975.

In 2006, “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks went to #1 for 14 weeks on the VH-1 music video chart, making it the biggest hit ever on its weekly chart.

In 2008, guitarist and singer Bo Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Florida aged 79. The legendary singer and performer was known for his homemade square guitar, and influenced artists from Buddy Holly, to Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and U2.

Also in 2008, Van Halen‘s North American tour wound up at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. The trek grossed more than $93 million over 74 shows – a record amount for the band.

In 2009, Cher sued Universal Music Group on behalf of herself and her late partner Sonny Bono, claiming the label owed them $5 million in unpaid royalties.

In 2010, Paul McCartney was awarded the U.S. Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the highest honor given for pop music, at a concert hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House.

Also in 2010, singer/songwriter Randy Newman was on hand to help unveil his new star on  the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2011, jazz pianist/composer Ray Bryant, who played solo, with his own trio, and who also accompanied the likes of Carmen McRae and Jimmy Rushing, died at age 77.

Also in 2011, Canada’s country superstar Shania Twain was honored with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Still in 2011, the UK music publication Kerrang! Magazine named Metallica as the most influential Rock band of the last 30 years.  Next up in the subjective poll were Green Day (2), Iron Maiden (3), Slipknot (4) and My Chemical Romance (5).

In 2012, actor/TV panellist & host Richard Dawson, who emigrated from the UK to co-star in the CBS-TV war prison camp sitcom Hogan ‘s Heroes, who went on to greater fame on the panel of TV’s Match Game, and then hosted ABC-TV’s Family Feud, died of complications from esophageal cancer at age 79.

Also in 2012, actress Kathryn Joosten, who late in life had featured roles in ABC-TV’s Desperate Housewives and NBC-TV’s The West Wing, lost her battle with lung cancer at age 72.

Today’s Birthdays:

Singer Sammy Turner (Lavender Blue) is 82.

Actress Sally Kellerman (Chemistry, Centennial) is 77.

Actor Stacy Keach (Lights Out, Prison Break, Mike Hammer) is 73.

Singer William Guest with Gladys Knight and the Pips is 73.

Drummer Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones is 73.

Actor-director Charles Haid (Third Watch, Hill Street Blues) is 71.

Composer Marvin Hamlisch is 70.

Former child actor Jerry Mathers (Leave It To Beaver) is 66.

Winnipeg-born actress Joanna Gleason (West Wing, ER, Hello Larry) is 64.

Actor Dennis Haysbert (The Unit, 24) is 60.

Comedian Dana Carvey (SNL, Dana Carvey Show, One of the Boys) is 59.

Toronto-born newsman/anchor Kevin Newman (ABC News, Global National) is 56. 

Singer Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet is 54.

Alberta-born actor John C. Turner (Wiseguy, Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years) is 53. 

Singer Merril Bainbridge is 46.

Rapper B-Real of Cypress Hill is 44.

Actress Paula Cale (Joey, Providence, Murphy Brown) is 44.

Comedian/TV host Wayne Brady (Let’s Make a Deal, Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Drew Carey Show, Wayne Brady Show) is 42.

Actor Wentworth Miller (Prison Break) is 42.

North Vancouver-born actress Leah Cairns (Battlestar Gallactica, Kyle XY, Godiva’s) is 40.

Keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane is 38.

Actor Zachary Quinto (Heroes, 24) is 37.

Actress Nikki Cox (Las Vegas, Nikki) is 36.

Actor Deon Richmond (Sister Sister, Cosby Show) is 36.

Actor Justin Long (Ed) is 36.

Singer Irish Grinstead of 702 is 34.

Drummer Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes is 34.

White Rock BC-born actress Jewel Staite (Stargate: Atlantis, DaVinci”s Inquest, FlashForward) is 32.

Country singer Dan Cahoon of Marshall Dyllon is 31.

London Ont.-born actress Amber Marshall (Heartland) is 26.

Actress Brittany Curran (Chicago Fire, Twisted, Men of a Certain Age) is 24.

Singer/actress Jemma McKenzie-Bro0wn (High School Musical 3: Senior Year) is 20.

Actor Sterling Beaumon (The Killing, Red Widow, Lost) is 19.

Chart Toppers – June 2 

1952
Kiss of Fire – Georgia Gibbs
Blue Tango – The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
Be Anything – Eddy Howard
The Wild Side of Life – Hank Thompson

1961
Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson
Daddy’s Home – Shep & The Limelites
Running Scared – Roy Orbison
Hello Walls – Faron Young

1970
Everything is Beautiful – Ray Stevens
Love on a Two-Way Street – The Moments
Cecilia – Simon & Garfunkel
My Love – Sonny James

1979
Hot Stuff – Donna Summer
Love You Inside Out – Bee Gees
We are Family – Sister Sledge
If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me – Bellamy Brothers

1988
One More Try – George Michael
Shattered Dreams – Johnny Hates Jazz
Naughty Girls (Need Love Too) – Samantha Fox
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses – Kathy Mattea

1997
MMMBop – Hanson
Say You’ll Be There – Spice Girls
You Were Meant for Me – Jewel
Sittin’ on Go – Bryan White

2006
Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
Bad Day – Daniel Powter
Temperature – Sean Paul
Why – Jason Aldean