ON THIS DAY in 1911

Big Joe Turner, one of the forefathers of rock ‘n’ roll, was born in Kansas City.  His 1950’s recordings of such songs as “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” “Honey Hush” and “Flip, Flop and Fly” are rock ‘n’ roll classics.  In the 1930’s, he teamed with boogie-woogie pianist Pete Johnson.  Their appearance at John Hammond’s famed “Spirituals to Swing” concert in 1938 helped spark the boogie-woogie craze of the time.  In his later years, Turner switched to jazz singing and performed and recorded until his death on November 24th, 1985 at age 74.

In 1912, singer Perry Como was born Pierino Como in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. A self-described admirer of Bing Crosby, Como copied Crosby’s singing style and relaxed approach. His first record, “Goodbye Sue,” was a 1943 hit. His other successes included “And I Love You So,” “Till the End of Time” and “It’s Impossible.” He had his own quarter-hour show on radio, and on television, Como was host of “The Chesterfield Supper Club,” “The Perry Como Show” and “The Kraft Music Hall.” Como was six days shy of his 89th birthday when he died on May 12th, 2001.

In 1913, singer-songwriter Charles Trenet was born in Narbonne, France. His ballads and love songs captured French hearts for more than six decades. Likely the best-known of his nearly one-thousand compositions is “La Mer” from 1946, which was remade by Bobby Darin as “Beyond the Sea” in 1960. Trenet died at 87 on February 18th, 2001.

In 1942, radio’s espionage adventure drama Counterspy premiered on the Blue Network/ABC. The 30-minute show with the distinctive theme (Love of Three Oranges) would last on radio for 15 years, including runs in the 1950s on NBC and Mutual.

In 1945, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time,” by the Les Brown Orchestra with Doris Day.

In 1955, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White,” byPerez Prado.

In 1959, “Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton began a 9-week run at #1 on the CKWX Sensational Sixty and on Billboard’s Country music chart.

Also in 1959, “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison topped the US charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1960, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Cathy’s Clown,” by The Everly Brothers.

In 1963, the Beatles kicked off their third tour of the year, as a supporting act for Roy Orbison in Buckinghamshire, England. Within days, thanks to growing “Beatlemania,” they were the headliners.

Also in 1963, 18-year-old Jackie DeShannon made her network television debut, singing “Rock-A-Bye Your Baby” and “Just In Time” on the CBS-TV Jackie Gleason Show.

Still in 1963, “If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soul topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1964, Paul McCartney was interviewed by David Frost on BBC-TVs “A Degree Of Frost.”

Also in 1964, in one take, The Animals recorded their future international #1 hit “House Of The Rising Sun.” It is regarded as the first-ever “folk-rock” hit, and a classic of the ‘British Invasion.’

In 1966, 16-year old Bruce Springsteen recorded for the first time, when the teen-rock band he was a member of, The Castiles, recorded two Springsteen compositions directly to disc, at the Mr. Music studios in Brick Town, New Jersey. The two tracks were “That’s What You Get” and “Baby I.”

Also in 1966, at the Abbey Road Studios in London, The Hollies recorded “Bus Stop,” which would soon become their first Top 10 hit in North America. It rose to #1 in Canada, #5 in the US.

In 1967, actor Andy Clyde, who was Hopalong Cassidy’s sidekick California Carlson on his radio shows, and had regular gigs on TV’s Lassie & The Real McCoys, died at age 75.

Also in 1967, John Lennon and Paul McCartney laid down backing vocals on the Rolling Stones’ track “We Love You.”

Still in 1967, Stevie Wonder released his future #2 pop single (his 3rd to reach the Top Five) “I Was Made To Love Her.”

In 1968, the Northern California Rock Festival, featuring the Steve Miller Band, Janis Joplin and the Doors, was disrupted by a couple calling themselves Hog Man and Hog Woman. The two leaped on stage, yelling ”we’re all on hog,” and distributed pills containing an unknown substance to the audience. Twenty-four people were hospitalized after sampling the merchandise.

Also in 1968, “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & the Drells topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

Still in 1968, Tiny Tim‘s novelty version of “Tiptoe through the Tulips” was released on the Reprise label. It was originally a number one hit for Nick Lucas in 1929.

In 1969, just three hours after lifting off enroute to the Moon, Apollo 10 began transmitting from space, the first color TV shots of Planet Earth.

Also in 1969, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Get Back,” by The Beatles.

In 1970, the Winnipeg-based Guess Who‘s hit American Woman/No Sugar Tonight remained at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 for the third week in a row.

In 1975, American composer/conductor Leroy Anderson succumbed to cancer at age 66.  He is best remembered for his light concert instrumentals  such as Blue Tango, Sleigh Ride, the Syncopated Clock, the Typewriter, and Bugler’s Holiday.

Also in 1975, 44 people were injured, four seriously enough to be taken to hospital, in a riot at a Bay City Rollers concert in Mallory Park north of London. The performance, on a special stage surrounded by water, was part of a ”fun day” sponsored by the BBC.

In 1978, the final episode of “Baretta” aired on ABC TV.

In 1980, Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the British new wave band Joy Division, hanged himself. The group was named after Nazi military prostitutes. After Curtis’s death, the band’s remaining members called themselves New Order.

Also in 1980, Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, formerly of the Buggles, joined the progressive rock band Yes, replacing Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. Yes made only one more album before breaking up.

In 1981, actor Arthur O’Connell, who had recurring roles on TV’s Mr. Peepers, & The 2nd Hundred Years, and had scores of guest spots over the first 25 years of the television era, died with Alzheimer’s disease at age 73.

Also in 1981, Diana Ross shocked the music industry by leaving Motown Records after 20 years for a new home at RCA. Her $20 million contract set a new record at the time.

In 1985, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds topped the charts and stayed there for a week.

In 1986, a TV movie remake of “Stagecoach” aired on CBS starring Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and John Schneider. The stars all criticized the movie in a “T-V Guide” article, with one aide to Cash describing it as being filmed with “a Concorde cast and a cropduster crew.”

In 1988, voice-over actor Daws Butler, the cartoon voice of Yogi Bear & Huckleberry Hound, who got his start in radio, records & commercials with Stan Freberg, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 71.

Also in 1988, a judge in Tampa ruled that original Byrds drummer Michael Clarkecould continue using the Byrds’ name for another group he’d formed. Clarke had been sued by ex-Byrds Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and David Crosby for false advertising and unfair competition.

Stil in 1988, Fleetwood Mac played the first of six sold-out nights at Wembley Arena in London on their ‘The Tango In The Night’ Tour.

In 1990, the TV movie “Return To Green Acres” was aired on CBS.  Critics slammed it for an “unfunny” script.

Also in 1990, actress Judy Carne (Laugh-In) was arrested at JFK airport in New York on an 11-year-old drug warrant.

In 1991, “I Like the Way” by Hi-Five topped the charts and stayed there for just the one week.

In 1992, actor Marshall Thompson, star of the 1960’s family TV series Daktari, died of congestive heart failure at age 66.

Also in 1992, comedian Skip Stephenson, one of the hosts of the NBC-TV series ‘Real People’ (1979-84), suffered a fatal heart attack at age 52.

In 1993, Virgin Records released Janet Jackson‘s fourth album. “Janet” sold more than six-million copies and spawned the hit singles “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Again” and “Any Time, Any Place.”

In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in a private ceremony at a judge’s home in the Dominican Republic. The marriage came after Jackson reached an out-of-court settlement with a teen who accused the singer of seducing him. The couple divorced in 1996.

In 1995, actor Elisha Cook Jr, who had a recurring part in Magnum PI & scores of other TV guest roles, died after a stroke at age 91.

Also in 1995, actress Elizabeth Montgomery, forever remembered as Samantha on TV’s Bewitched, succumbed to colorectal cancer at age 62.

Still in 1995, Bryan Adams was the first artist to perform at the 16-thousand-seat Molson Amphitheatre on Toronto’s waterfront.

Again in 1995, the manuscript of four Haydn string quartets sold at a London auction for more than one million dollars. The seller, an Australian woman, had kept the manuscript under her bed. One of her ancestors had bought it at an 1851 London auction.

In 1996, Soundgarden were the musical guests on the season finale of NBC-TV’s Saturday Night Live.

Also in 1996, “Tha Crossroads” by Bone thugs-n-harmony topped the charts and stayed there for 8 weeks.

In 1997, former Guess Who band mates Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman reunited for the first time in years at a flood relief concert in Winnipeg. About 40-thousand people gathered for the outdoor event, which also featured Tom Cochrane. The CBC-sponsored fundraiser was broadcast across the country.

In 1998, Sir Elton John confirmed that his representation by John Reid has ended after 28 years. John announces that he has set up his own management company, Elton John Management Ltd., to be headed by London Records U.K. managing director Colin Bell.

In 1998, the final episode of “Murphy Brown” aired on CBS.

In 1999, 77-year old disk jockey Jack Cullen aired his final “Owl Prowl” on CKNW as the Vancouver station moved to a fulltime news/talk format. 

Also in 1999, the Backstreet Boys released their highly anticipated third album, “Millennium.” The album went on to become the best-selling album of the year.

In 2000, Madonna‘s boyfriend Guy Ritchie was arrested after reportedly assaulting a 20-year-old man outside the superstar’s house in London. Ritchie was said to have kicked and punched the Madonna fan as the couple returned home from a night out.

In 2002, CBS-TV aired Barry Manilow‘s TV special “Ultimate Manilow,” named after his most recent CD, and taped at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

In 2003, the funeral of June Carter Cash was held in Hendersonville Tennessee, with ailing widower Johnny Cash attending in a wheelchair. The 2,000 mourners were peppered with dozens of celebrities.

Also in 2003, the Isley Brothers were at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Body Kiss,’ the group’s first chart topper in over 30 years.

Still in 2003, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots was arrested for drug possession. He was released on $10,000 bail.

In 2004, Elvin Ray Jones, a renowned jazz drummer and member of the John Coltrane quartet who also played alongside Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, died of heart failure in an Englewood, New Jersey, hospital. He was 76. Jones, called by Life magazine “the world’s greatest rhythmic drummer,” was born in Pontiac, Michigan, one of 10 children.

Also in 2004, Clint Warwick, the original bass player with The Moody Blues, passed away from liver disease at age 63. Clint left the Blues in 1966 after playing on their only number one hit, ‘Go Now.’

Still in 2004, the TV “Hee Haw Collection” was released. It was the first time that full shows were released on both VHS and DVD.

In 2005, Gordon Lightfoot made a joyful & triumphant return to Massey Hall in Toronto, reviving a spring tradition of more than 3 decades just two years after suffering a near-fatal abdominal aneurysm. When the packed audience greeted him with a standing ovation, Lightfoot quipped, “Sorry I’m late.”

Also in 2005, NBC-TV’s Last Call With Carson Daly aired the debut performance of the country ballad “The Man I Didn’t Know” by Velvet Revolver/STP frontman Scott Weiland. Weiland wrote the song about his father.

In 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant (below) underwent an emergency appendectomy in Palo Alto, CA.. This forced the cancellation of Lynyrd Skynyrd tour dates, and an appearance by Van Zant at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

In 2011, the Forbes Celebrity 100 found Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey as #1 & 2. Canada’s Justin Bieber burst onto the list for the first time at #3. The annual list evaluates earnings, power, influence and social media popularity.

Also in 2011, John Lennon‘s handwritten lyrics for the 1967 Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ sold for $237,132 at an auction in Beverly Hills.

In 2013, actor Steve Forrest, the younger brother of star Dana Andrews, who starred in the 1975 TV series S.W.A.T., had a featured role in the 1986 season of Dallas, and played scores of other TV guest parts over a 40 year period, died at age 87.

Also in 2013, a custom-built VOX guitar played by John Lennon and George Harrison during the recording of The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” sold at auction in New York for $408,000.

In 2014, crooner Jerry Vale died at age 83.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Bill Macy (Maude) is 92.

Actress Priscilla Pointer (Dallas, Call to Glory) is 90.

Former ABC/CBS sportscaster Jack Whitaker is 90.

Actor Robert Morse (Mad Men, City of Angels, That’s Life, All My Children) is 83.

Actor Dwayne Hickman (The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis) is 80.

Actress Diane McBain (Surfside Six, General Hospital) is 73.

Bluegrass singer-guitarist Rodney Dillard of The Dillards is 72.

Singer/songwriter Albert Hammond is 72.

Actress Candy Azzara (Who’s The Boss?, Soap, Caroline In The City) is 69.

Country singer Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys is 66.

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is 65.

Winnipeg-born bassist/singer Bill Wallace of The Guess Who is 65.

Comedienne/actress Denny Dillon (Sat. Night Live, Dream On) is 63.

Actor James Stephens (Paper Chase, Father Dowling Mysteries) is 63.

Country singer George Strait is 62.

Singer Butch Tavares of Tavares is 61.

Actor/comedian Rob Bartlett (Imus in the Morning, Law & Order) is 57.

Singer-guitarist Page Hamilton of Helmet is 54.

Guitarist Barry Graul of MercyMe is 53.

Toronto-born actress Cynthia Preston (General Hospital) is 46.

Singer-actress Martika (Kids Incorporated, Wiseguy) is 45.

Comedian Tina Fey (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live) is 44.

Winnipeg-born singer/songwriter/actress Chantal Kreviazuk is 41.

Rapper Special Ed is 40.

Musician Jack Johnson is 39.

Singer Darryl Allen of Mista is 34.

Actress Felicia Pearson (The Wire) is 34.

Actor Matt Long (Jack & Bobby) is 34.

Actor Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) is 33.

Actor Luke Kleintank (Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, Young and the Restless) is 24.

Actor Spencer Breslin (Centre of the Universe, Teamo Supremo) is 22.

Chart Toppers – May 18

1946
All Through the Day – Perry Como
The Gypsy – The Ink Spots
Shoo Fly Pie – The Stan Kenton Orchestra (vocal: June Christy)
New Spanish Two Step – Bob Wills

1955
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White – Perez Prado
Unchained Melody – Les Baxter
A Blossom Fell – Nat King Cole
In the Jailhouse Now – Webb Pierce

1964
My Guy – Mary Wells
Love Me Do – The Beatles
Ronnie – The 4 Seasons
My Heart Skips a Beat – Buck Owens

1973
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree – Dawn featuring Tony Orlando
You are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Little Willy – The Sweet
Come Live with Me – Roy Clark

1982
Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder
Don’t Talk to Strangers – Rick Springfield
867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone
Always on My Mind – Willie Nelson

1991
I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) – Hi-Five
Touch Me (All Night Long) – Cathy Dennis
Here We Go – C + C Music Factory Presents Freedom Williams and Zelma Davis
If I Know Me – George Strait

2000
I Try – Macy Gray
Thong Song – Sisqo
Bye Bye Bye – ’N Sync
Buy Me a Rose – Kenny Rogers (featuring Billy Dean and Alison Krauss)

2009
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Boom Boom Pow – Black Eyed Peas
Blame It – Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain
She’s Country – Jason Aldean

ON THIS DAY in 1878,

Canadian Governor General Lord Dufferin and his wife were treated to a demonstration of Thomas Edison‘s recent invention, the phonograph, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The early phonograph both recorded and played back crude reproductions of the human voice on a tin-foil covered cylinder, and was not yet used for recording music. Lady Dufferin wrote in her diary that ”we were so amazed when we heard this bit of iron speak.”

In 1893, the Arion Male Voice Choir gave its first concert at Institution Hall in Victoria. Named for Arion, the poet-singer of ancient Greece, it is, in 2014, probably Canada’s oldest male choir devoted to the singing of secular music.

In 1907, actor Horace McMahon was born in South Norwalk Conn.  He had feature roles in early TV’s Naked City & Martin Kane Private Eye, as well as scores of guest roles.  He died of a heart ailment Aug 17 1971 at age 64.

In 1920, radio & TV critic of the New York World-Telegram Harriet Van Horne was born in Syracuse NY.  She was a regular panelist on NBC TV’s Leave it to Girls in the 1950’s.  She died of breast cancer Jan 15 1998 at age 77.

In 1933, terminally-ill singer Jimmie Rodgers began recording a series of 24 songs for RCA Victor. He died of tuberculosis nine days later at the age of 35.

In 1937, Teddy Hill and His Orchestra recorded “King Porter Stomp” for RCA Records in New York; one of the featured musicians was a newcomer, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

In 1938, the radio quiz show for the intelligentsia “Information Please!” premiered on the NBC Blue Network.  Under the hosting care ofClifton Fadiman it lasted ten years on radio, with a short revival on TV in 1952.

In 1939, nearly 1800 fans crowded into the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York to attend an unusual dual-network dance remote radio broadcast of the suddenly very popular Glenn Miller and His Orchestra that was aired on both NBC and Mutual.

In 1943, The Jack Kirkwood Show made its NBC debut, after 5 years locally in San Francisco.  A very funny man, Kirkwood would eventually become second-banana on the Bob Hope radio show, and continue with his own various network radio features through early 1953.

In 1948, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was the exotically tuneful “Nature Boy,” by Nat King Cole.

In 1952, the instrumental “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.

Also in 1952, singer Johnny Horton debuted on “The Louisiana Hayride,” the influential radio (and later television) country music show broadcast from the Municipal Memorial Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1958, when he was just 22, “Jerry Lee Lewis Day” was held in his hometown of Farriday, LA. It was the first of what would become an annual event.

In 1961, the final episode of “You Bet Your Life” aka “The Groucho Show” was taped.

In 1962, singer Frank Ifield was at the Abbey Road Studios in London to record his biggest hit, a yodelling country version of a 20-year old Johnny Mercer composition, “I Remember You.”

In 1963, the first Monterey Folk Festival in California featured performances by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul & Mary over the three-day weekend.

In 1964, Bob Dylan appeared at the Royal Festival Hall in London, his first major British concert. On the same day two years later, Dylan played Manchester, England — a performance captured on a legendary bootleg LP which was finally released legally by Columbia Records in 1998.

In 1967, working at the Abbey Road studios The Beatles began recording a new John Lennon song ‘You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)’. The song was not finished until November 1969, and was not released until March 1970 (as the B-side of the ‘Let it Be’ single).

In 1969, Chicago Transit Authority released its first album, a self-titled double LP. The band was sued by the real Chicago Transit Authority and had to shorten its name to just Chicago.

Also in 1969, Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, which sold in that era for just 35 Cents.

In 1971, Elvis Presley was in RCA Victor studios in Nashville to record one of his lesser Top 40 entries, the ballad “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” by Canadian singer/songwriter Buffy Ste. Marie.

Also in 1971, Paul McCartney and his wife Linda McCartney released the album “Ram,” their only album together.

In 1973, Stevie Wonder released what would become his third #1 pop hit single, “You are the Sunshine of my Life.”

Also in 1973, two albums by The Yes, “Yessongs” (their triple-record live set) and “The Yes Album” were certified as Gold Records.

In 1974, the Elton John TV special “Say Goodbye To Norma Jean And Other Things” aired on ABC.

Also in 1974, NBC-TV’s “Midnight Special” aired another salute to the 1950s and ’60s, with Frankie Avalon as host, and performances by the likes of Sam & Dave, Lou Christie, Frankie Ford, the Fleetwoods, Shirley & Lee, and Fabian.

Still in 1974, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was the novelty “The Streak,” by Ray Stevens.

In 1975, in LongIsland, New York, Mick Jagger tripped and, as he tried to break his fall, put his fist through the window of a restaurant. He required 20 stitches but the Rolling Stones’ North American tour proceeded in two weeks as planned.

Also in 1975, Elton John was awarded a platinum record for sales of a million copies of his album, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.” It was the first album to sell a million copies on its first day of release.

Still in 1975, Earth Wind and Fire started a three-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with the soundtrack to ‘That’s The Way Of The World.’

Again in 1975, NBC-TV paid $5 million for the rights to air the 36-year old movie blockbuster “Gone with the Wind” just one time.

In 1976, the 28th Emmy Awards saw top honors taken by the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Jack Albertson (Chico & The Man) & Michael Learned (The Waltons.)

In 1978, ABC aired the musical TV special “The Carpenters: Space Encounters.”

In 1979, toward the end of their first Around the World tour The Police appeared at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California. They would play Seattle and Vancouver a few days later.

In 1980, drummer Peter Criss left Kiss to start a solo career.

Also in 1980, Paul & Linda McCartney were the musical guests on Saturday Night Live and performed their new single “Coming Up.” Host that week was the very funny Steve Martin.

In 1983, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Let’s Dance,” by David Bowie.

In 1984, radio station CFRB journalist and broadcaster Gordon Sinclair, a permanent panelist on CBC’s Front Page Challenge, died after a heart attack, at age 83.

In 1985, on the season finale of the CBS TV prime time soap Dallas, the character of Bobby Ewing (played by Patrick Duffy, died after being fatally wounded in a car crash.  Within the year Duffy had changed his mind about leaving, bringing about the infamous storyline in which Bobby’s death was explained as merely a dream.

In 1986, “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. It was her 3rd #1 song.

Also in 1986, “Chicken Song” by Spitting Image hit #1 on the UK pop chart.

In 1987, an arson fire destroyed Tom Petty‘s house in the Encino district of Los Angeles. The loss was estimated at $800,000.

In 1988, a deadlocked jury forced a judge in Athens, Alabama to declare a mistrial in a 1.3-million-dollar suit filed by two teens against the heavy metal band Motley Crue. The two said they were injured at a 1985 concert when a special effects display propelled dry ice into the audience. One youth said he lost his right eye, the other claimed his face was cut.

In 1989, promoters announced the cancellation of a July 5th Montreal concert by The Who due to poor response at the box office. However demand was reported as heavy for the tour’s other 25 dates.

In 1990, Cheers’ star Kelsey Grammer was sentenced to jail for 30 days for Driving While Intoxicated.

Also in 1990, Nirvana played the last date of a North American tour at the Zoo in Boise, Idaho. This was Chad Channing’s final gig with the band, drummer Dave Grohl replaced him in September ’90 after his band Scream split-up.

In 1991, it was announced that Rogers Communications Inc. would acquire Skyline Cablevision Ltd. of Ottawa for $70 million; then pay another $5 million for the French language community channel.

In 1992, champagne music maker Lawrence Welk died at his home in Santa Monica, California at age 89. People laughed at his corny music, but “The Lawrence Welk Show” was a T-V success for 30 years. The hits began in the 1930’s — among them was “Bubbles in the Wine,” the band’s theme song — and continued through the mid-’60s. “Calcutta,” featuring the harpsichord of Frank Scott, topped the charts in 1960.

Also in 1992, Genesis cancelled a Tampa performance after two songs because lead singer Phil Collins had a sore throat. A half-dozen people were arrested as police cleared angry fans from the arena.

In 1993, Stompin’ Tom Connors was awarded an honourary doctor of laws degree by St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

Also in 1993, Barry Manilow guested on the season finale episode of CBS-TV’s “Murphy Brown” and sang “I Am Your Child.”

In 1995, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and (above) Fats Domino appeared together for the first time in Sheffield, London.

In 1996, rhythm-and-blues guitarist and singer Johnny (Guitar) Watson died of a heart attack while performing in Yokohama, Japan. He was 61. According to eyewitness reports, his last words were “ain’t that a bitch.”  Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Frank Zappa were among those who were influenced by Watson’s playing.

Also on this date in 1996, Willis Conover, whose “Music USA” program brought jazz to millions of listeners around the world, died in Alexandria, Virginia of lung cancer. He was 75. Conover’s show was carried by the Voice of America for more than 40 years.

In 1997, Paul McCartney took to the Internet for a live chat with some of the fans who submitted more than three million questions. McCartney got through about 200 queries during the 90-minute session, most of which was broadcast live on satellite T-V. He said it was likely the Beatles would have reunited if John Lennon had not been murdered in 1980.

In 1998, Garth Brooks was at No.1 on the Billboard album charts with ‘The Limited Series.’

In 1999, actor Henry Jones, who appeared in scores of programs during the first 45 years of the TV era, and who had a regular role on Mrs. Columbo & the sitcom Phyllis, died at age 86.

Also in 1999, reknowned Canadian rock producer Bruce Fairbairn, who worked his magic with the likes of Aerosmith, Van Halen, YES and AC/DC, died at age 49 at his home in Vancouver.

Still in 1999, Diane Warren had a big night at the 16th annual American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers Pop Music Awards. She was named songwriter of the year for an unprecedented fifth time, her second consecutive year. Also, her “How Do I Live,” recorded by both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood, was named song of the year.

Again in 1999, Canadian-born “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2000, Victoria’s country radio station CKXM went silent on AM 1200 after switching to 91.3 FM as “The New X” on March 20th.

Also in 2000, the final episode, number 296, of the original “Beverly Hills 90210” was aired by FOX.

Still in 2000, The Eagles sued the “Hotel California” restaurant in Dallas, claiming their trademark had been violated.

In 2001, an estimated 20-thousand people lined up Yonge Street in downtown Toronto for a free outdoor concert by R-E-M (below).

In 2002, songwriter Sharon Sheeley died at age 62. Her hits include ‘Poor Little Fool,’  No.1 for Ricky Nelson in 1958 and the 1959 hit for Eddie Cochran ‘Somethin’ Else’. Sheeley survived the car crash that killed Cochran during a 1960 UK tour.

In 2003, troubled Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland was arrested in Los Angeles after heroin and cocaine were found in his car during a routine traffic stop. He was released on $10,000 bail.

Also in 2003, June Carter Cash‘s funeral was held in her hometown of Henderson, Tennessee, with two thousand mourners attending, including her husband Johnny Cash.  Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams, Jr. Emmylou Harris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Sheryl Crow all performed tributes.

In 2004, actor Tony Randall, who began in radio as “Reggie” on I Love a Mystery, then starred in TV’s Mr. Peepers & The Odd Couple, and was an entertaining guest on hundreds of TV talk shows, died of pneumonia following heart surgery at age 84.

In 2005, actor & impersonator Frank Gorshin died in Burbank at age 72. He had been battling lung cancer and emphysema. Gorshin played the Riddler on the Batman TV series [1966-1969] and appeared in well over one hundred films and TV shows.

In 2005, Gwen Stefani was at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Hollaback Girl.’

In 2006, Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills admitted that they had given up the fight to save their marriage, saying that after fours years together, they were going their separate ways.

In 2008, Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty posted a two-minute clip of themselves playing with newborn mice on Youtube. The video showed Doherty and Winehouse in a bare room, making rambling comments, picking up the mice and talking to them.

Also in 2008, Madonna was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with her eleventh studio album ‘Hard Candy.’  The album reached number one in thirty-seven other countries.

In 2010, ZZ Top made a cameo appearance on the CBS-TV sitcom “Two And A Half Men,” as the subjects of a Charlie Sheen hallucination.

In 2012, singer and five-time Grammy winner Donna Summer, the undisputed “Queen of the Disco era”, succumbed to lung cancer at age 63. In the 1970’s she had charted five consecutive #1 singles.

In 2013, former golf champion and TV analyst Ken Venturi succumbed to multiple infections at age 82.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actress Joan Blackman (Peyton Place) is 76.

Actor Peter Gerety (Prime Suspect, Mercy, The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Street) is 74.

Blues musician/singer Taj Mahal is 72.

Drummer Bill Bruford of Yes and King Crimson is 65.

TV personality/journalist Kathleen Sullivan (CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, E!) is 61.

Singer-guitarist George Johnson of The Brothers Johnson is 61.

Actor Bill Paxton (Agents of SHIELD, Hatfields & McCoys, Big Love) is 59.

Actor-comedian Bob Saget (How I Met Your Mother, Am. Funniest Home Videos, Full House) is 58.

CBS sports announcer Jim Nantz is 55.

Irish new-age singer Enya is 53.

Actor/comedan Craig Ferguson (The Late Late Show, The Drew Carey Show) is 52.

Keyboardist Page McConnell of Phish is 51.

NBC News reporter Kelly O’Donnell is 49.

Guitarist O’Dell of Mint Condition is 49.

Actress Paige Turco (Damages, Rescue Me, Guiding Light) is 49.

Musician Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is 49.

Actor Hill Harper (CSI: NY, City of Angels) is 48.

Winnipeg-born actor Cameron Bancroft (Blackstone, General Hospital, Beverly Hills 90210) is 47.

TV personality-interior designer Thom Filicia (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) is 45.

Singer Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 44.

Singer Darnell Van Rensalier of Shai is 44.

Ontario-born actress Natalie Brown (Sophie, Being Human) is 41.

Actress Sasha Alexander (Dawson’s Creek, Navy NCIS) is 41.

Singer Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age is 41.

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy (Heroes, Covert Affairs) is 40.

Singer Andrea Corr of The Corrs is 40.

Actress Rochelle Aytes (Mistresses) is 38.

Singer Kandi Burruss (Xscape) is 38.

Actress Kat Foster (The Goodwin Games, ‘Til Death) is 36.

 Musician Passenger is 30.

Dancer Derek Hough (Dancing With the Stars) is 29.

Actor Tahj Mowry (Kim Possible, Smart Guy) is 28.

Actress Nikki Reed (The OC) is 26.

Actress Leven Rambin (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) is 24.

Actor Daniel Curtis Lee (Zeke & Luther, Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide) is 23.

Actress Samantha Browne-Walters (Life with Bonnie) is 23.

Chart Toppers – May 17 

1945
Candy – Johnny Mercer & Jo Stafford
I’m Beginning to See the Light – The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Kitty Kallen)
Dream – The Pied Pipers
At Mail Call Today – Gene Autry

1954
Wanted – Perry Como
Little Things Mean a Lot – Kitty Kallen
If You Love Me (Really Love Me) – Kay Starr
I Really Don’t Want to Know – Eddy Arnold

1963
I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
Puff the Magic Dragon – Peter, Paul & Mary
If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul
Lonesome 7-7203 – Hawkshaw Hawkins

1972
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Roberta Flack
Oh Girl – Chi-Lites
I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
Grandma Harp – Merle Haggard

1981
Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
Being with You – Smokey Robinson
Take It on the Run – REO Speedwagon
I Loved ’Em Every One – T.G. Sheppard

1990
Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
Vogue – Madonna
All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You – Heart
Help Me Hold On – Travis Tritt

1999
Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
That Don’t Impress Me Much – Shania Twain
Please Remember Me – Tim McGraw

2008
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
No Air – Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown
Love in This Club – Usher featuring Young Jeezy
Just Got Started Lovin’ You – James Otto

ON THIS DAY in 1913

band leader Woody Herman was born in Milwaukee. He joined Isham Jones’ band in 1934 and took over that orchestra two years later when Jones retired because of ill health. The band became the first Woody Herman Herd, and was known as ”The Band That Plays the Blues.” The band’s fortunes began to grow following the 1939 release of their recording of ”Woodchopper’s Ball.” Herman’s band became louder and more brassy in the mid-’40s and topped major magazine polls. He died of congestive heart failure Oct, 29th, 1987 at age 74.

In 1916, broadcaster/actor Bernard Braden was born in Vancouver. He began in radio at CJOR & CBR, and left in the late 1940s with wife Barbara Kelly for England where he joined the BBC. Their first major success was called An Evening At Home With Bernard Braden And Barbara Kelly. Bernie Braden is probably best remembered in England for The Braden Beat, a popular consumer affairs TV programme. In 1976, he hosted a shortlived quiz show for London Weekend Television called the Sweepstakes Game. He died Feb 2 1993 following a series of strokes, at age 76.

In 1919, pianist Liberace, whose full name was Wladziu Valentino Liberace, was born in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His overly sentimental pop tunes and frilly, condensed versions of the classics built him into one of the hottest show business personalities in the 1950’s. Liberace’s trademarks included candelabra on the piano and outlandish costumes that weren’t matched until some 1970’s rock groups. He died February 4th, 1987 of AIDS-related conditions at age 67.

In 1925, radio station WHAS, in Louisville, Kentucky, originated the first network broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.

In 1929, Paul Whiteman and his orchestra backed Bing Crosby for the tune, Sposin’, which “Der Bingle” recorded for Columbia Records.

In 1930, jazz singer Betty Carter was born Lillie Mae Jones in Flint Michigan.  She gained renown for her improvisational technique and idiosyncratic vocal style. She toured with Lionel Hampton & Miles Davis. In 1988 she won a Grammy for her album Look What I Got! and sang in a guest appearance on The Cosby Show. In 1994 she sang at the White House. She died from pancreative cancer Sept. 26, 1998 at age 68.

In 1932, the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Act was passed in Ottawa, subjecting private stations to the control of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (CRBC). Five years later the Commission became the CBC. 

In 1942, the longtime radio thriller The Whistler debuted on (CBS) the Columbia Broadcasting West Coast network, sponsored by Signal Oil. With numerous shorter runs on the full CBS network it continued until 1955.

In 1947, Barbara Lee of the Chiffons was born in New York City. The group had several hits in the early 1960’s, including 1963’s “He’s So Fine.” She died May 15, 1992 on the eve of her 45th birthday.

In 1948, the body of CBS News correspondent George Polk was found in Greece a week after he disappeared while covering the country’s civil war. His hands and feet had been tied and he’d been shot in the head at point-blank range.

In 1953, Bill Haley and His Comets made it to the Billboard music charts for the first time with Crazy Man Crazy. The tune went to number six and became the first rock ‘n’ roll record to make the pop music chart.

Also in 1953, Joe, Vic, Ed and Gene, The Ames Brothers were in New York City recording their next major hit for RCA Victor, “You, You, You.”

In 1954, Nat “King” Cole headlined CBS TV’s Ed Sullivan Show, singing a medley that included “Answer Me My Love” and “Calypso Blues.”Actors John Forsythe and David Wayne performed a scene from Broadway’s “Teahouse of the August Moon.” Others on the playbill were Ted Lewis, accordionist Dick Contino, and English comedian Richard “Mr. Pastry” Hearne.

In 1955, the CBC Symphony Orchestra made its public debut at Massey Hall in Toronto. Formed in 1952, the orchestra was disbanded 12 years later.

In 1959, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Kansas City,” by Wilbert Harrison.

In 1960, a research study reported that TV commercials ‘in living color’ were over three times more effective than black and white ads.

Also in 1960, Billboard magazine reported that Berry Gordy was forming Motown Records in Detroit.

In 1964, Mary Wells started a two week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘My Guy.’

In 1965, the Rolling Stones appeared with Chuck Berry on the television show “Hollywood A-GO-GO.”

That same night in 1965, Petula Clark appeared on CBS TV’s “Ed Sullivan Show” and sang her current hit “I Know a Place” and “Heart.” And standup comic Alan King did a routine about parents misbehaving at his kid’s Little League.

Still with this Sunday in 1965, “Cross Country Check Up” debuted on CBC Radio.  Its first topic was a debate over a nationally publicly-funded health-care system–hence its title.  It remains one of CBC Radio’s most popular programs and is still on the air 48 years later.

In 1966, the Beach Boys 11th studio album “Pet Sounds” was released by Capitol Records. Although it only barely made the top 10, the album has since become regarded as a classic and the Beach Boys’ best.

Also in 1966, Frank Sinatra recorded one of his last charted hits “Summer Wind.”

in 1968, in Muscle Shoals Alabama, Tony Joe White recorded his future Top Ten hit “Polk Salad Annie” for Monument Records.

In 1969, rocker Jack Cassady (Jefferson Airplane) was arrested for possession of marijuana at the Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans. He received a two and a half year suspended sentence.

Also in 1969, John Lennon, who’d been declared “an inadmissible immigrant to the U.S.,” sought a new visa to visit America. Lennon’s original visa had been revoked ten days earlier because of his drug conviction the previous November.

Still in 1969, rocker Pete Townsend spent the night in jail for assaulting a man during a ‘Who’ gig at New York’s Fillmore East. What Townshend didn’t know was the man who jumped onto the stage was a plainclothes policeman trying to warn the audience that a fire had broken out next door. The Who guitarist was later fined $30 for the assault.

In 1970, co-founder Randy Bachman left the Winnipeg-based Guess Who. He was about to form the Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Also in 1970, Marty Balin, vocalist of the Jefferson Airplane, and two others were charged in suburban Minneapolis with possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of minors after a party involving underage girls. Balin ended up paying a 100-dollar fine.

Still in 1970, Crosby Stills Nash & Young went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Deja Vu’.

In 1974, Neil Young made a surprise appearance at The Bottom Line in New York and played songs from his new Reprise album ‘On The Beach.’

Also in 1974, Queen cancelled the remaining dates on their U.S. tour after guitarist Brian May collapsed with hepatitis.

In 1975, NBC-TV’s “The Midnight Special” featured a retro tribute hosted by Chubby Checker (above), with appearances by Bo Diddley, the Drifters, Danny & the Juniors, Lesley Gore, the Angels and the Tymes.

In 1976, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Silly Love Songs,” by Wings. The song was written in reaction to critics who said McCartney’s music was fluff.

In 1979, having sold more than half-a-million copies, Waylon Jennings‘ Greatest Hits album was certified as a Gold Record.

In 1980, in Memphis, Dr. George C. Nichopoulous was formally charged with 14 counts of overprescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and nine other patients. Although acquitted the following November the case was reopened twelve years later, which resulted in him losing his license to practice. He had written as many as 10,000 prescriptions for Elvis in the first 8 months of 1977 alone.

Also in 1980, ABC aired what turned out to be The Carpenters‘ final TV special, “Music, Music, Music.”  Guests included singers Ella Fitzgerald and John Davidson.

In 1981, former New Christy Minstrels member (with Kenny Rogers) Kim Carnes started a nine week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, her one and only chart topper.

Also in 1981, pianist, arranger and producer Ernie Freeman suffered a fatal heart attack at age 58. His 1957 recording of “Raunchy” reached number four on the Billboard chart. Freeman also produced records for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Connie Francis.

In 1983, Michael Jackson‘s famous “moonwalk” was seen by the public for the first time as he performed “Billie Jean” on the “Motown 25” anniversary special on NBC.

In 1984, comedian Andy Kaufman, who played Latka Gravas on the TV sitcom Taxi, and guested 15 times on Sat. Night Live, lost his battle with lung cancer at age 35.

Also in 1984, Prince released what would soon be his first #1 single “When Doves Cry.”

In 1985, actress Margaret Hamilton, best remembered as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, died from a heart attack at age 82. Over the first 30 years of the TV era she had acted on some of the great series, including Lou Grant, Studio One, US Steel Hour, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Playhouse 90, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, & As The World Turns.

Also in 1985, Columbia Records handed over a royalty check for $6.5 million from the first 8 weeks of sales of “We Are The World.” The total raised for the USA for Africa Foundation would eventually top $50 million.

In 1986, country singer Johnny Paycheck was convicted of shooting and wounding a man after an argument in a bar in Hillsboro, Ohio. Paycheck, best known for his 1978 hit ”Take This Job and Shove It,” served almost two years in prison.

In 1987, “With or Without You” by U2 topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

In 1990, in Los Angeles, singer-dancer-actor Sammy Davis Jr. lost his long battle with  throat cancer at age 64. Davis began his show business training early, travelling with his father Sammy Senior and uncle Will Mastin in a vaudeville act. He made his Broadway debut in “Mr. Wonderful” in 1956, and played New York again in 1966’s “Golden Boy.” Davis’s movie appearances were largely forgettable, the highlight being his role as Sportin’ Life in “Porgy and Bess” in 1959. He was also a frequent Las Vegas headliner and a recording star with such hits “I’ve Gotta Be Me” from 1969 and “The Candy Man,” a number-one hit in 1972.

Also in 1990, innovatve muppeteer Jim Henson, of TV’s Sesame Street & The Muppet Show, succumbed to pneumonia exacerbated by a rare streptococcal infection at age 53.

In 1992, Weird Al Yankovic‘s “Smell Like Nirvana” hit #35 in the U.S.

In 1993, singer Marv Johnson, who helped create the Motown sound with Berry Gordy Junior, died after suffering a stroke at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina. He was 54. Johnson recorded the first-ever Motown single, “Come to Me,” in 1959.

In 1995, the final episode of “In the Heat of the Night” aired on NBC-TV.

In 1997, the final episode of the syndicated series “Baywatch Nights” aired across the US.

In 1998, Keith Richards hurt his chest and broke a few ribs when he fell off a ladder while reaching for a book of nude art at his Connecticut home. The accident forced the Rolling Stones to postpone the European leg of their “Bridges to Babylon” tour.

Also in 1998, the “Titanic” soundtrack slipped from the top of the Billboard album chart. It was dethroned after 16 weeks by “Before These Crowded Streets” from the Dave Matthews Band.

In 1999, Paul Brandt and Claudia Church answered the call of their country when they headed to Bosnia to entertain U.S. troops there. The trip was the first USO junket for both.

Also in 1999, the 225th episode of “The Simpsons” was broadcast. The animated show had been airing since January 14, 1990.

Still in 1999, NBC aired the TV movie “Double Platinum” starring Diana Ross as the estranged mother of R&B singer Brandy.

In 2000, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince announced that he would start using his name again. The singer said the reason for switching back was because his publishing contract with Warner/Chappell, made under the name Prince, had expired at the end of 1999.

Also in 2000, the Britney Spears album “Oops!..I Did It Again” was released.

In 2001, it was announced that BCTV News anchor Bill Good would be leaving to host the 6 pm news on the rival local CTV outlet beginning September 1st. Pamela Martin soon followed. 

In 2002, Cher guest starred on the “A.I.: Artificial Insemination” episode of NBC-TV’s sitcom “Will & Grace.”

In 2003, former child actor Adam Rich (Eight is Enough) was placed on three years probation after pleading ‘no contest’ to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was also fined $1,200 and ordered to take part in a 60-day drug treatment program.

In 2004, choreographer June Taylor, whose dance routines opened the Jackie Gleason Show on CBS TV each week, died at age 86.

Also in 2004, Usher was at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Burn,’ his second chart topper of 2004.

In 2005, the series finale of “Everybody Loves Raymond” aired on CBS TV.

In 2006, Richard Hatch, the first winner of the million dollars on the debut season of CBS-TV’s “Survivor,” was sentenced to more than four years in prison for evading the taxes on his reality TV prize plus other income.

Also in 2006, confirming a spate of rumours, Paul McCartney and his second wife, Heather Mills McCartney, announced they were separating after four years of marriage.

In 2009, Bob Dylan went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Together Through Life’, his 33rd studio album.

Also in 2009, on the day following the release of their “21st Century Breakdown,” Green Day performed on the season finale of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

In 2010, heavy-metal singer/guitarist Ronnie James Dio, who played with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his own band Dio, succumbed to his advanced stomach cancer at age 67.

Also in 2010, Paul McCartney told Scotland’s Sunday Mail newspaper that he was convinced that the Beatles would have re-formed in recent years if all the members had survived. He said they’d been asked to reunite shortly after the split, but said “It wasn’t really a good idea then, but I think if this much time had elapsed, I could easily see it happening. Somebody would have said, ‘Oh, go on. Just for a laugh.'”

In 2011, comedian Bill Skiles, the wacky half of the Skiles and Henderson comedy duo, who entertained audiences for five decades with his sound effects, mimicry and improvised musical instruments, succumbed to kidney cancer at age 79.  The pair had toured with the Carpenters for five years, and opened shows in Las Vegas for the likes of Andy Williams, Loretta Lynn and Roger Miller.

Also in 2011, after 23 high-profile years FOX-TV cancelled “America’s Most Wanted” withJohn Walsh.  Over its lifetime producers said 1151 fugitives were caught through the Saturday night program.

In 2012, banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard, who helped introduce a generation to bluegrass with The Dillards and had a hand in pioneering country rock with Dillard & Clark, died following a lengthy illness at age 75. The Dillards were seen as frequent guests on TV’s Andy Griffiths Show, playing the mountain family grouop The Darlings.

In 2013, one of Top 40 radio’s major architects Paul Drew died of natural causes at age 78.  His career included stints as a DJ, programmer, broadcasting executive and consultant at ratings powerhouse stations like CKLW, WQXI, KFRC, KHJ, and WIBG.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor George Gaynes (Punky Brewster) is 97.

Ramsey Lewis Trio/Young-Holt Unlimited drummer Isaac “Red” Holt is 82.

Actress/dancer Yvonne Craig (Batgirl on Batman TV series) is 77.

Jazz musician Billy Cobham is 70.

Actor Bill Smitrovich (The Event, Without a Trace, The Practice, Life Goes On) is 67.

Actor Pierce Brosnan (Remington Steele) is 61.

Actress Debra Winger (In Treatment, Sometimes in April, SNL) is 59.

Actress Mare Winningham (Mildred Pierce, Grey’s Anatomy, Clubhouse) is 55.

Montreal-born comedian/actor Kevin McDonald (Invader ZIM, Lilo & Stitch: The Series) is 53.

Actress Nina Arvesen (Santa Barbara, Young & the Restless) is 53.

Violinist Boyd Tinsley of The Dave Matthews Band is 50.

Singer Janet Jackson is 48.

Country singer Scott Reeves (Blue County) is 48.

Actor Brian F. O’Byrne (Mildred Pierce, FlashForward, Brotherhood) is 47.

Singer Ralph Tresvant is 46.

Actor David Boreanaz (Bones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is 45.

Montreal-born actor Yannick Bisson (Murdoch Mysteries, Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy) is 45.

Actress Tracey Gold (Growing Pains, Final Approach) is 45.

TV political host/commentator Tucker Carlson is 45.

Country singer Rick Trevino is 43.

Actress Tori Spelling (Beverly Hills 90210, The Help) is 41.

Actress Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men, Drive) is 37.

Saskatchewan-born actress Julia Voth (Package Deal, Project SERA) is 29.

Actor Drew Roy (Falling Skies, Greek) is 28.

Actress Megan Fox (Hope & Fath, Ocean Ave.) is 28.

Actor Jacob Zachar (Greek) is 28.

Model/actress Behati Prinsloo (The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show) is 25.

Actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones, Phineas and Ferb) is 24.

Actor Marc John Jefferies (Fatherhood, Tracy Morgan Show) is 24.

Actor Miles Heizer (Parenthood) is 20.

Chart Toppers – May 16

1944
Long Ago and Far Away – Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
I’ll Get By – The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Dick Haymes)
San Fernando Valley – Bing Crosby
Too Late to Worry, Too Blue to Cry – Al Dexter

1953
I Believe – Frankie Laine
April in Portugal – The Les Baxter Orchestra
Song from Moulin Rouge – The Percy Faith Orchestra
Mexican Joe – Jim Reeves

1962
Soldier Boy – The Shirelles
Stranger on the Shore – Mr. Acker Bilk
She Cried – Jay & The Americans
She Thinks I Still Care – George Jones

1971
Joy to the World – Three Dog Night
Never Can Say Goodbye – The Jackson 5
Me and You and a Dog Named Boo – Lobo
I Won’t Mention It Again – Ray Price

1980
Call Me – Blondie
Ride like the Wind – Christopher Cross
Lost in Love – Air Supply
Beneath Still Waters – Emmylou Harris

1989
I’ll Be There for You – Bon Jovi
Real Love – Jody Watley
Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul
Is It Still Over? – Randy Travis

1998
Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
I Get Lonely – Janet Jackson
Two Piña Coladas – Garth Brooks

2007
Give It to Me – Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
Glamorous – Fergie featuring Ludacris
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
Stand – Rascal Flatts

ON THIS DAY in 1904  

writer/critic/quizmaster Clifton Fadiman was born in Brooklyn.  He was host of the erudite radio quiz/panel show Information Please from 1938-48, which was revived briefly on TV in 1952.  He also hosted TV’s This is Show Business from 1949-54 & again in 1956, as well as What’s in a Name (1954.)   He died of pancreatic cancer June 20 1999 at age 95.

In 1905, actor Joseph Cotten was born in Petersburg Va.  As a member of Orson Welles Mercury Players he guested on all sorts of radio dramas, and had recurring roles in the TV series On Trial, It Takes a Thief, Tales of the Unexpected, & the mini-series Aspen, as well as in Citizen Kane & The Third Man on the big screen.  He died of pneumonia Feb 6 1994 at age 88.

In 1909, actor James Mason was born in England.  He started guesting in US radio dramas in the 1940’s, and on TV in the 1950’s, in The James Mason Show, Playhouse 90, Dr. Kildare, and the mini-series Jesus of Nazareth, to mention just a few.  He died after a heart attack July 27, 1984 at age 75.

In 1921, jazz pianist Erroll Garner (below) was born in Pittsburgh. His distinctive and melodic style brought him both popular acclaim and the admiration of peers. It is a well-known fact that Garner was never able to read sheet music.  His most memorable composition, “Misty” (lyrics added by Johnny Burke) was a pop hit for five different artists between 1959 and 1975.  He died Jan 2 1977 at age 55.

In 1933, the radio serial “Today’s Children” was heard for the first time.  The woman who would soon become a soap opera icon, Irna Phillips, who was an NBC Blue network program-features writer, starred in the role of Mother Moran.  Today’s Children became the #1 radio soap by 1938.

In 1938, Guy Lombardo and his orchestra recorded Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride, the group’s last side for Victor Records. Lombardo took disc number 25861 and moved the Royal Canadians over to Decca Records to make “the sweetest music this side of heaven.”

In 1945, Victoria radio station CJVI 1480 moved to AM 900 and doubled its power to 1,000 watts so as to be heard north of Nanaimo and from Seattle to Chilliwack and up Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast.

Also in 1945, Billboard’s first album chart was introduced, listing only the top 5.  The albums in that pre-LP era were collections of 78rpm singles.

In 1953, the famous “Quintet of the Year” jazz concert took place at Massey Hall in Toronto. It featured some of the greatest musicians jazz ever produced — saxophonist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Bud Powell, bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach.

In 1954, 19-year-old truck driver Elvis Presley auditioned with the house band at the Hi Hat Club in Memphis and was told he would never make it as a singer.

In 1958, Patti Page recorded her next Top 10 hit, “Left Right Out of My Heart.”

In 1961, The Theme from “Bonanza” by the Al Caiola Orchestra hit #19 on the pop charts.

Also in 1961, singer Brenda Lee guested as struggling singer “Tina Davis” on an episode of the CBS-TV sitcom “Make Room For Daddy” starring Danny Thomas.

In 1962, after five years on “Wagon Train”, Robert Horton let his performing contract expire and left the popular TV series. Robert Fuller replaced Horton as the trail scout who rode with wagon master Chris Hale, played by veteran actor John McIntire.

In 1963, Tony Bennett‘s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” won a Grammy for Record of the Year, Vaughn Meader‘s “The First Family” won a Grammy for Album of the Year, and Peter, Paul & Mary won their 1st Grammy for “If I Had a Hammer.”

In 1964, the Smothers Brothers, Dick and Tom, gave their first concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City.

In 1967, Paul McCartney met American photographer Linda Eastman for the first time, during a Georgie Fame concert at the Bag O’Nails nightclub in London. They married on March 12, 1969.

In 1968, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Tighten Up,” by Archie Bell & the Drells. Archie Bell was hospitalized from wounds suffered in Vietnam when the song hit the top.

In 1970, ‘Close to You,’ the Carpenter’s second album and the one that launched them to meteoric fame, was released by A&M Records.

The title song, ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You,’ became a pop music standard and the first of six million-sellers in a row for Karen and Richard.   On that same day, the Beatles‘ last LP, “Let It Be” was released in North America.

In 1971, Crosby Stills Nash & Young scored their second Billboard No.1 album with ‘4 Way Street.’

Also in 1971, Elvis Presley recorded “Merry Christmas, Baby” and “Silver Bells” (plus four other Christmas songs) at the RCA Victor studios in Nashville.

In 1972, Glen Campbell earned a Gold Record for his Greatest Hits album. And Conway Twitty‘s LP “Hello Darlin”” was also certified gold.

Also in 1972, at Motown studios in Detroit, The Temptations began recording “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.” Three additional sessions were needed in June before the track was deemed good enough to release.

In 1973, former backup singers for Boz Scaggs and Elvin Bishop The Pointer Sisters made their stage debut under their own name at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles.

In 1974, saxophone player Paul Gonsalves, a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra for 24 years, died at age 53, just nine days before the Duke’s own death.

Also in 1974, bass guitarist Bill Wyman became the first Rolling Stone to have a solo L-P with the release of “Monkey Grip.”

In 1975, the most successful lineup of Fleetwood Mac – Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, plus new members Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks – played their first show together in El Paso.

In 1976, The Sylvers (above) went to No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Boogie Fever’; the group were made up by nine family sisters and brothers.  That same day the Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the album chart with ‘Black And Blue’, theie sixth No.1 album.

In 1977, UK group Procol Harum played their last-ever concert when they appeared at New York’s Academy of Music.

Also in 1977, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Sir Duke,” by Stevie Wonder. The song was a tribute to jazz genius Duke Ellington, who had died almost a year earlier.

In 1979, the Country Music Association presented U-S President Jimmy Carter with its first Special Award for his support of country music.

Also in 1979, the final episode of “Starsky and Hutch” was aired by ABC.

In 1981, one of Canada’s most prominent entertainment exports, “SCTV Network, ” a 90-minute variety/comedy show debuted on NBC. It was the sequel to Toronto’s Second City Television.

Also in 1981, the TV special “Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island” aired on US television.

Still in 1981, former Sex Pistol John Lydon, who used to be known as Johnny Rotten, and his band Public Image Limited were booed and pelted by debris during a performance at a New York club. A dozen people were hurt during the 50-minute performance. The following night’s show was cancelled.

In 1982, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Ebony and Ivory,” by Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder. And Asia went to No.1 on the album chart with their self-titled album, which spent a total of nine weeks at No.1.

Also in 1982, 27-year-old Ricky Skaggs joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1984, Gordon Sinclair suffered a heart attack following his regular midday broadcast on CFRB Toronto; he died two days later. He is best remembered by most Canadians for his many years on CBC-TV’s Front Page Challenge,

Also in 1984, Nils Lofgren replaced “Miami” Steve Van Zandt (The Sopranos) in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

In 1986, Belinda Carlisle, who had just left the Go-Gos, made her Los Angeles debut as a solo artist. The audience included Prince and the Bangles.

In 1987, rock star Prince and his band made an unannounced after-hours appearance at a private club in West Berlin. They performed for an hour at the Quasimodo club following the first of two sold-out shows in a West Berlin concert hall.

In 1988, actor Andrew Duggan, who appeared repeatedly in McMillan & Wife, Hawaii 5-0 & Falcon Crest, died of throat cancer at age 64.

In 1989, five-time Academy Award-winning composer Johnny Green died in Beverly Hills at age 80. He won Oscars for scoring “Easter Parade,” “An American in Paris,” “West Side Story” and “Oliver!.” Green was also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and composed such standards as “Body and Soul,” “Out of Nowhere” and “I Cover the Waterfront.”

Also in 1989, despite the threat of a boycott by right-to-lifers, Maxwell House coffee ran commercials during NBC’s “Roe vs Wade” TV movie.

In 1991, jazz tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman died of cancer at age 84.

In 1992, Barbara Lee of the Chiffons suffered a fatal heart attack the day before her 45th birthday.  They had the 1963 No.1 single ‘He’s So Fine.’

Also in 1992, a stretch of Cruger Avenue in the Morris Park area of the Bronx, New York where the TV star lived as a child, was renamed Regis Philbin Avenue.

In 1993, “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson topped the charts and stayed there for 8 weeks. It was her sixth #1 song.

In 1994, actor Royal Dano, who played quirky sinister characters on TV’s “Twin Peaks,” “Amazing Stories,” “CHiPs,” “Quincy M.E.,” “Fantasy Island,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Kung Fu,” etc, died after a heart attack at age 71.

In 1995, British actor Eric Richard Porter, who had starred in the superb TV miniseries The Forsyte Saga (1967), died at age 67.

Also in 1995, singer Scott Weiland of the grunge rock group Stone Temple Pilots was arrested in Pasadena, California for possession of cocaine and heroin. He was sentenced to four to six months in a drug treatment centre, thus forcing cancellation of the group’s tour in the summer of 1996.

In 1996, the UK’s Independent Television broadcast the earliest known footage of The Beatles, shot in a Liverpool nightspot in February 1961. The silent film had turned up in a home in Liverpool.

In 1997, ABC News & Starwave Corp launched the website ABCNEWS.com.

Also in 1997, Courtney Love sold the Seattle mansion she had shared with Kurt Cobain. A local family purchased the house in the salubrious Denny Blaine area for $3 million.

In 1998, 23 years after they broke up (both professionally and maritally) Sonny & Cher were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2000, it was reported that Britney Spears had been crowned the queen of America’s fastest growing youth movement, the teenage celibates. Spears told a German magazine that she intended to abstain from sex until her wedding night.

In 2003, country singer June Carter Cash, the second wife of Johnny Cash, died in Nashville of complications following surgery to replace a heart valve, aged 73.

In 2005, Nine Inch Nails were at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘With Teeth’, the bands fifth album and second No.1 album.

In 2007, televangelist Jerry Falwell was found dead of heart trouble in his office in Lynchburg Virginia at age 73. For years he had been seen all over the TV dial as the leader and spokesman of the US right wing group the Moral Majority.

In 2008, Neil Diamond found himself atop the Billboard album chart for the first time in his career with ‘Home Before Dark,’ the 67-year-old’s 29th studio album. Diamond became the oldest artist to have a US number one, replacing Bob Dylan who had achieved his first #1 album at age 65.

Also in 2008, Gene Simmons of KISS made a cameo appearance as himself on ABC’s Ugly Betty.

In 2009, Salt Spring Island (BC) resident Randy Bachman, founding member of both the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, was invested as an officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaelle Jean at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The Order of Canada is the country’s highest civilian honor and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement.

In 2011, the last survivor of the original Four Freshmen singing group, tenor Bob Flanigan, died of congestive heart failure at age 84.

Also in 2011, actress Barbara Stuart, who appeared in guest roles on TV for more than 50 years, died at age 81. Her first appearance was in 1954’s “I Led Three Lives;” her final job was on the 2006 Showtime series “Huff.”

Still in 2011, John Lennon‘s original handwritten lyric sheet for The Beatles’ “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” was auctioned for $384,148 at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.

In 2013, prominent former Kansas City sportscaster Fred White, who broadcast baseball for the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1998, succumbed to cancer at age 76.

Also in 2013, Black Sabbath premiered the song “End Of The Beginning” on the season finale of the CBS-TV show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actress Peggy Pope (Barney Miller, Billy, Soap) is 85.

Actress-singer Anna Maria Alberghetti (Ed Sullivan Show, Wagon Train, Climax) is 78.

Singer Trini Lopez is 77.

Singer Lenny Welch is 76.

Actress-singer Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Life, The Nanny) is 74.

Fox News Channel president Roger Ailes is 74.

Actor-director Paul Rudd (Reno 911, Friends, Knots Landing) is 74.

Country singer K.T. Oslin is 72.

Singer/actress Gunilla Hutton (Petticoat Junction, Hee Haw) is 70.

Musician/singer/songwriter Graham Goble of Little River Band is 67.

Musician Brian Eno is 66.

Actor Nicholas Hammond (The Amazing Spiderman, BackBerner) is 64.

Actor Chazz Palminteri (Kojak 2005, Wiseguy) is 62.

Musician Mike Oldfield is 61.

Actor Lee Horsley (Matt Houston, Hawkeye, Bodies of Evidence) is 59.

TV personality Giselle Fernandez (Access Hollywood, Dancing with the Stars) is 54.

Oregon-born actress Brenda Bakke (American Gothic) is 51.

Montreal-born actress Brigitte Bako (G-Spot, Gargoyles, Red Shoe Diaries) is 47.

Actor Brad Rowe (1-800-Missing, Wasteland) is 45.

Singer Prince Be of PM Dawn is 45.

Actor David Charvet (Melrose Place, Baywatch) is 42.

Rock musician Ahmet Zappa is 40.

Montreal-born actress Caroline Dhavernas (Off the Map, Wonderfalls) is 36.

Actor David Krumholtz (Numb3rs) is 36.

Winnipeg-born actor Richard Kahan (The 4400, Edgemont) is 34.

Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Entourage, The Sopranos) is 33.

Actress Alexandra Breckenridge (American Horror Story, Family Guy) is 32.

Singer/actress Jessica Sutta (The Pussycat Dolls, Ocean Ave.) is 32.

Actress Mollee Gray (High School Musical) is 23.

Chart Toppers – May 15 

1952
Blue Tango – The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
Kiss of Fire – Georgia Gibbs
Blacksmith Blues – Ella Mae Morse
The Wild Side of Life – Hank Thompson

1961
Runaway – Del Shannon
Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
A Hundred Pounds of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Hello Walls – Faron Young

1970
American Woman/No Sugar Tonight – The Guess Who
Vehicle – The Ides of March
Love or Let Me Be Lonely – The Friends of Distinction
The Pool Shark – Dave Dudley

1979
Reunited – Peaches & Herb
Hot Stuff – Donna Summer
Stumblin’ In – Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Don’t Take It Away – Conway Twitty

1988
Anything for You – Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
Shattered Dreams – Johnny Hates Jazz
One More Try – George Michael
I’m Gonna Get You – Eddy Raven

1997
Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
You Were Meant for Me – Jewel
I Want You – Savage Garden
One Night at a Time – George Strait

2006
Temperature – Sean Paul
SOS (Rescue Me) – Rihanna
Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
Who Says You Can’t Go Home – Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles