ON THIS DAY in 1912

actor Bill Quinn was born in New York City.  He is best remembered as barfly Mr. Van Ranseleer on TV’s All in the Family, & Archie Bunker’s Place.  Earlier he was the bartender Sweeney on The Rifleman, and earlier still, he was a member of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre on Radio. He died April 29 1994 a few days short of his 82nd birthday.

In 1913, the “poet of the piano,” Carmen Cavallaro was born in New York City. A popular figure on 1940’s radio & in filmed musicals of that era, he is said to have been the inspiration for both Liberace and Roger Williams.  He succumbed to cancer Oct. 12 1989 at age 76.

In 1915, actor/director Orson Welles was born in Kenosha Wisconsin. Besides his movie work, which began with the great Citizen Kane, Welles was a star of bigtime radio; his Mercury players produced The War of the Worlds and dozens of other hour-long dramas.  Other radio series included The Shadow, Harry Lime, and The Black Museum.  He died following a heart attack Oct. 10 1985 at age 70.

In 1937, it was a sad but memorable day for a student of history, a broadcaster or anyone interested in news coverage.  They would remember the words of NBC radio’sHerbert Morrison. “Oh, the humanity!” Morrison’s emotion-filled historic broadcast of the explosion of the dirigible, Hindenburg at Lakehurst, New Jersey, became the first recorded coast-to-coast broadcast as it was carried on both the NBC Red and NBC Blue networks from New York City.

In 1939, Edward S. Rogers Sr. died of an aneuryism at age 38.  The father of tellecommunications entrepreneur Ted Rogers was inventor of the AC tube (used in his Rogers Batteryless Radio) and founder of radio station CFRB, Toronto.

In 1941, Bob Hope, already a radio & movie star, gave his first USO show at California’s March Field, seven months before the US officially went to war.

In 1944, Fishers Blend radio stations KJR & KOMO in Seattle swapped frequencies.  KOMO was moved to 1000 kc where its power could be increased, while KJR, now at 950, was expected to be sold.

In 1945, in the final hours of WWII, the German radio announcer known as “Axis Sally” made her final propaganda broadcast to Allied troops.

In 1950, the Third Man Theme by Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo rose to #1 on the pop singles chart, where it remained for 11 weeks.

In 1957, the final broadcast of “I Love Lucy” aired for the first time on CBS-TV.

Also in 1957, Bobby Darin had his first recording session for the Atco label in Nashville.  His first single release, “I Found A Million Dollar Baby” b/w “Talk To Me Something” would fail to chart.  Darin’s first hit, “Splish Splash” was still a year away.

In 1958, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by the Everly Brothers.

In 1960, in New York Tony Bennett recorded what became known as the definitive version of “Put on a Happy Face” from the Broadway and movie musical “Bye Bye Birdie.”

In 1963, actor Monty Wooley, who augmented his stage & film career most notably in The Man Who Came to Dinner, with appearances on network radio (e.g.The Magnificent Montague) & TV, died due to kidney and heart disease at age 74.

In 1964, the Beach Boys recorded “All Summer Long,” another surfing song from Brian Wilson and Mike Love. It would be the title tune on their 6th LP, released by the Capitol label two months later.

In 1965, in their Florida hotel room Keith Richards and Mick Jagger worked out the opening guitar riff of ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, following Keith’s purchase of a Gibson fuzz-box earlier that day.

Also in 1965, in Miami James Brown recorded “I Got You (I Feel Good),” which would become his first Top 5 pop hit.

In 1966, working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles recorded overdubs on ‘I’m Only Sleeping’ and worked on various mixes of the track.

In 1969, The Beatles recorded “You Never Give Me Your Money.”

In 1971, Ike and Tina Turner were certified for their only Gold single, their version of the Creedence classic “Proud Mary.”

In 1972, Elton John‘s “Rocket Man” was released.

Also in 1972, 81-year old Groucho Marx, though noticeably frail, came out of retirement to wow a sold-out crowd with his songs and stories at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The show was taped and released later as an LP.

In 1973, Paul Simon started his first solo tour since breaking up with Art Garfunkel. The tour kicked off in Boston.

In 1977, Led Zeppelin set a new record for the largest audience at a single-act concert. 76,229 people were at a show in Pontiac, MI.

Also in 1977, the album “Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl” was released in the UK.

Still in 1977, country star Dolly Parton made her New York singing debut at the Bottom Line.

In 1978, the Bee Gees announced the launch of the UNICEF benefit concerts.
Although planned as an annual event only one concert took place; it was televised the following January on NBC.

In 1980, NBC came to terms with its superstar, Johnny Carson. Johnny signed a new three-year contract for approximately $5-million a year. Carson also reduced his Tonight Show to one hour from ninety minutes and cut his work week to four nights. Plus, he got billing in the show’s title, as it became The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.

In 1981, the 100th episode of “Quincy, M.E.” aired on NBC.

In 1982, Diana Ross got her second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this for her solo music career.

In 1983, trombonist/composer/conductor Kai Winding (More) died of a brain tumor at the age of 60.

In 1984, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Hello” by Lionel Richie.

Also in 1984, Tina Turner‘s comeback hit, “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” was released.

Still in 1984, the final episode of “The Jeffersons” aired.

In 1986, from the ‘What an Ungrateful Thing to Do, Joan’ file: comedienne, Joan Rivers, put her foot in her mouth by announcing to the world that she was leaving The Tonight Show as permanent guest host to begin her own late-night gabfest on the new FOX TV Network.  It didn’t last long.

In 1989, the 100th episode of “The Golden Girls” aired on NBC.

In 1990, actor Charles Farrell, the silent film star who is best remembered as Vern Albright opposite Gale Storm as TV’s My Little Margie, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 88.

In 1991, British character actor Wilfrid Hyde-White, who had recurring roles in TV’s Ben Casey, Peyton Place & Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, died of congestive heart failure at age 87.

In 1992, the final episode of “Jake and the Fatman” aired.

In 1993, Internal Revenue Service agents raided the home of Jerry Lee Lewis in Nesbit, Mississippi, and seized truckloads of his property to apply against the $1.6 million he owed in back taxes.

In 1994, comedian Bobcat Goldthwait set fire to the couch on the Tonight Show. Facing arson charges, an embarrassed Bobcat was forced to record a series of public service announcements about fire safety.

In 1995, Melissa Etheridge set a record with back-to-back singles – “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” – on Billboard’s Hot 100 for at least 40 weeks.

Also in 1995, in Boston, James Taylor and Natalie Cole received honorary degrees from the Berklee College of Music.

In 1996, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville sang for the Clintons at the White House in celebration of the musical diversity of the U.S., for televising later on the PBS series “In Performance at the White House.”

In 1997, Neil Young boycotted his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Buffalo Springfield. Young objected to rampant commercialism and the 12-hundred dollar-a-plate dinner.  Inductees this year included Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, and another Canadian who did not attend, Joni Mitchell.

In 2000, teen sensation Charlotte Church took the British artist of the year award at the inaugural Classical Brit Awards, presented at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

In 2001, the 100th episode of “The Practice” aired on ABC.

Also in 2001, Janet Jackson went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Janet’.

In 2002, songwriter and producer Otis Blackwell suffered a fatal  heart attack at age 92. He wrote the early rock ‘n’ roll classics ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Return To Sender’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ and ‘Fever.’

Also in 2002, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen was voted the UK’s favourite single of all time in a poll by the Guinness Hit Singles book. ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon was voted in at No.2 and ‘Hey Jude’, The Beatles No.3.

In 2003, Metallica was featured as an “mtvICON” in a 90-minute special.

In 2004, the last episode of “Friends” aired on NBC.

Also in 2004, a sale at Christie’s in London became the most successful pop auction in the company’s history after Beatles memorabilia sold for a record £788,643 (nearly 1.3 million dollars US). The auction included a leather collar worn by John Lennon which sold for £117,250.

Still in 2004, jazz guitarist Barney Kessel, a member of the Wrecking Crew of Los Angeles session musicians who played with some of the leading big bands in the 1930’s and ’40’s, died of brain tumor at the age of 80. He produced and played on Ricky Nelson’s first recordings, and his guitar is featured prominently on Julie London’s classic blues ballad “Cry Me A River.”

In 2005, a statue of James Brown was unveiled at Augusta Georgia. The bronze lifesize figure was erected to commemorate Brown’s musical accomplishments.

Also in 2005, doctors diagnosed Ozzy Osbourne as suffering from Parkin Syndrome, a genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system causing involuntary shaking. Ozzy was put on daily medication to treat the ailment. “I’d always assumed it was the booze and stuff,” said Osbourne.

Still in 2005, US coffee shop chain Starbucks removed Bruce Springsteen’s latest CD ‘Devils and Dust’ from its stores because of the track that relates the Boss’s encounter with a prostitute.

In 2006, Nancy Sinatra was on hand to help unveil her new star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Also in 2006, Sting was presented an honorary Doctor of Music degree by England’s Newcastle University. The institution hands out special degrees annually to people who “have achieved successes that are an inspiration.”

In 2008, Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty was released from prison in west London after serving 29 days of a 14-week sentence for breaching the terms of his probation.

Also in 2008, Cher returned to performing live on the strip in Las Vegas as she played the first of her 192 shows over the next three years at Caesar’s Palace.

In 2009, a former publicist for Michael Jackson was suing the singer for $44 million  for his alleged failure to pay her for her services. Raymone Bain said Jackson had agreed to give her 10% of any business deals arranged with her assistance. She acted as Jackson’s publicist during his 2005 trial for child abuse.

Also in 2009, Bob Dylan‘s CD “Together Through Life” debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, moving about 125,000 copies during its first week of release. It’s Dylan’s fifth #1 of his career.

In 2010, real estate agent Tim Bachman, a founding member and former guitarist in the Bachman-Turner Overdrive, turned himself in to police in Abbotsford BC, after a warrant was issued on charges of sexual assault of a person under 14. Police said the girl was 11 when the abuse began.  Three years later a judge found Bachman not guilty.

In 2012, actor George Lindsey, who played Goober on the Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry RFD, Gomer Pyle USMC, and Hee Haw, died after a brief illness  at age 83.

Also in 2012, an episode of the cable TV show Mad Men featured The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows.” The show, which is set in the ’60’s, paid $250,000 to use the song.

In 2013, Lauryn Hill was sentenced in New Jersey to three months in jail for tax evasion. The 37 year-old Grammy-winning singer had failed to pay taxes on about $1.8m of earnings between 2005-07.

Also in 2013, Lenny Jravitz appeared in a PSA in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund. Their mission is to stop preventable child deaths.

In 2014, Canadian author and environmentalist Farley Mowat, a frequent guest on CBC radio & TV, died at age 92.

Today’s Birthdays:

Singer Bob Seger is 69.

Singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore is 69.

Actor Alan Dale (NCIS, Lost, Ugly Betty, The OC) is 67.

Actor Ben Masters (Passions) is 67.

Singer Mary McGregor (Torn Between Two Lovers) is 66.

Actor Gregg Henry (Hung, The Riches, Rich Man Poor Man Bk 2) is 62.

Actor Michael O’Hare (Babylon 5) is 62.

Actress Lynn Whitfield (Without a Trace, The Josephine Baker Story) is 61.

TV Host Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars, America’s Funniest Home Videos, New Hollywood Squares) is 59.

Singer John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants is 54.

Actress Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel) is 54.

Actor Clay O’Brien (Wonderful World of Disney, The Cowboys) is 53.

Actor George Clooney (ER, Sisters, Roseanne, Facts of Life) is 53.

Singer-bassist Tony Scalzo of Fastball is 50.

Halifax-born actress Leslie Hope (The River, Runaway, Commander in Chief, 24) is 49.

Guitarist Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish is 47.

Edmonton-born actor Kavan Smith (The 4400, Stargte SG-1, Stargate Atlantis) is 44.

Guitarist Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters is 43.

Actress Adrianne Palicki (About a Boy, Friday Night Lights, Wonder Woman) is 31.

Actress Gabourey Sidibe (The Big C, Sat. Night Live) is 31.

Toronto-born actor Tyler Hynes (19-2,, Valemont, Amazon) is 28.

Comedian Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live) is 28.

Actor Freddie Boath (The Pillars of the Earth) is 23.

Chart Toppers – May 6

1952
Blue Tango – The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
Blacksmith Blues – Ella Mae Morse
Any Time – Eddie Fisher
Easy on the Eyes – Eddy Arnold

1961
Runaway – Del Shannon
Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
Don’t Worry – Marty Robbins

1970
ABC – The Jackson 5
American Woman /No Sugar Tonight – The Guess Who
Love or Let Me Be Lonely – The Friends of Distinction
My Woman My Woman, My Wife – Marty Robbins

1979
Reunited – Peaches & Herb
Music Box Dancer – Frank Mills
Stumblin’ In – Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Backside of Thirty – John Conlee

1988
Where Do Broken Hearts Go – Whitney Houston
Wishing Well – Terence Trent D’Arby
Angel – Aerosmith
It’s Such a Small World – Rodney Crowell & Rosanne Cash

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

It’s CINCO DE MAYO!

ON THIS DAY in 1899,

radio actor Freeman Gosden (pictured, left) was born in Richmond, Virginia.

He was “Amos” on the famed, longrunning “Amos ‘n’ Andy” radio show, and played a host of other characters including “The Kingfish.”  He died of heart failure Dec. 10 1982 at age 83.

In 1900, The Billboard, a magazine for the music and entertainment industries, began weekly publication after six years as a monthly. The name was later shortened to Billboard.

In 1908, actor Rex Harrison was born in Lancashire England. Besides his many successes on the stage & in film he performed 8 times on TV’s Ed Sullivan Show; among his several dramatic assignments were appearances on The US Steel Hour, The Dow Hour of Great Mysteries & Omnibus, plus two TV movies. He died of pancreatic cancer June 2 1990 at age 82.

In 1915, actress/singer Alice Faye was born Alice Jeanne Leppert in New York City.

Besides leaving her mark on the big screen, she co-starred for 9 years on NBC Radio’s Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, and guest starred on TV variety shows, including three spots each on The Dean Martin Show & the Hollywood Palace. She died of stomach cancer May 9, 1998 just days after her 83rd birthday.

In 1929, Canadian National Railways introduced two-way radio conversations with moving trains.

In 1935, the radio program, Rhythm at Eight, made its debut. The star of the show was 24-year-old Ethel Merman.

Though Merman would become a legend years later, she didn’t fare so well on radio. Her show was taken off the air after 13 weeks and the brassy-voiced one returned to her first love, Broadway.

In 1942, country diva Tammy Wynette was born Virginia Wynette Pugh on her grandfather’s farm in Mississippi.  She married her childhood idol George Jones in 1968; for the next 7 years they lived, sang, wrote, recorded and performed in a romantic, stormy, much-publicized relationship. Her megahit “Stand By Your Man” was one result of that marriage; it stands as the single selling single in country music history. Her songs hit #1 on the country charts an incredible 35 times! She died Apr. 6, 1998 after suffering a blood clot at age 55.

In 1956, “Hot Diggity” by Perry Como topped the charts .. but only for the one week.

In 1960, Monument Records released Roy Orbison‘s “Only the Lonely,” which would soon become his first major hit.

In 1962, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Soldier Boy” by TheShirelles. It remained on top for 3 weeks.

Also in 1962, in Los Angeles, 19-year old Chris Montez recorded “Let’s Dance.”  Released two months later it would peak at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1965, a red letter day in Los Angeles radio as heritage radio station KHJ 930 became Top 40 Boss Radio, under writer/director Ron Jacobs and chief DJ Robert W. Morgan.

In 1968, actor Albert Dekker, who guest starred on episodic TV drama for almost 20 years, died of accidental suffocation at age 62.

Also in 1968, Toronto rocker Neil Young played his final show with Buffalo Springfield in Long Beach Calif.; he and Steven Stills would join David Crosby and Graham Nash, while Jim Messina would team up with Kenny Loggins.

Still in 1968, Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s “Bad Moon Rising” was released.

In 1969, Stevie Wonder was at the White House to receive the  Distinguished Service Award from President Nixon, because he was an inspiration to people with handicaps.

In 1970,  Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman and the Winnipeg-based Guess Who rocketted to the top of the US charts with their No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit, “American Woman.”

Also in 1970, in New York City Perry Como recorded “It’s Impossible.” When it peaked a few months later at #10 on the pop music chart, it meant Perry had notched hits in four consecutive decades – the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. He added another hit single in 1973 with his recording of Don McLean’s “And I Love You So,” which peaked at #29.

In 1973, 56,800 fans paid $309,000 to see Led Zeppelin at Tampa Stadium. This was the largest paid crowd ever assembled in the U.S. to see a single musical act. The concert topped The Beatles 55,000-person audience at Shea Stadium in New York ($301,000).

Also in 1973, Elvis Presley went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite’.

In 1979, “Reunited” by Peaches & Herb topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.

In 1979, the 300th episode of syndicated TV’s “Soul Train” was aired.

In 1982, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Chariots of Fire” byVangelis. The performer, whose real name is Evangelos Papanthanassiou, won an Academy Award for the score to the film “Chariots of Fire.”

In 1983, actor John Williams, best remembered as the second Mr. French on TV’s Family Affair, as well as for a longrunning infomercial for a classical music package, died from an aneurism at age 80.

Also in 1983, bass singer Clarence Quick of the Dell-Vikings (Come Go With Me) died after a heart attack at age 46.

In 1986, Cleveland was named as the future site for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It opened nine years later.

Also in 1986, Michael Jackson signed his second contract with Pepsi, who agreed to pay him $15 million and sponsor his solo world tour.

In 1987, Ontario-born rocker Bryan Adams opened a 16-date tour of the US southeast in Shreveport Louisiana.

In 1988, the 100th episode of “Night Court” aired on NBC.

In 1990, a tribute concert to John Lennon organized by his widow Yoko Ono drew less than one-third of the expected 45,000 fans in Liverpool, England.

In 1992, country singer Tammy Wynette was hospitalized on her 50th birthday with a bile duct infection.

Also in 1992, the Beach Boys played themselves in the “Captain Video” episode of the ABC-TV sitcom “Full House.”

In 1993, the final episode of “Quantum Leap” starring Scott Bakula aired on NBC.

In 1995, former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler was arrested on a felony count of possession of heroin, as well as two misdemeanour drug charges.

In 1996, Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot and his girlfriend were arrested for allegedly beating each other up. That same week, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was charged with beating up his wife at the Los Angeles airport.

Also in 1996, Rage Against The Machine went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Evil Empire’.

In 1997, “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

Also in 1997, the sitcom “Married With Children” aired its final episode on Fox TV.

Still in 1997, Dolores Hope (the wife of Bob Hope) received a star for recording on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1999, at the 34th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Garth Brooks was named artist of the decade, the Dixie Chicks’ critically acclaimed multiplatinum debut “Wide Open Spaces,” was named album of the year, and Faith Hill won top female vocalist, as well as single and video of the year honors for “This Kiss.”

In 2000, the final episode of “Boy Meets World” aired on ABC.

Also in 2000, Rod Stewart had a one-hour throat operation at Cedar Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles to remove a growth on his thyroid. Fortunately the growth turned out to be benign.

In 2001, the 200th episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger” starringChuck Norris. aired on CBS.

Also in 2001, singer Blake Shelton made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, singing his first country chart topper “Austin.”  He would wait another nine years to be inducted as an Opry member.

In 2002, Kenny Chesney was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘No Shoes, No Shirt.’

In 2003, two disc jockeys from Denver’s KRFX-FM, Rick Lewis and Michael Floorwax, cut short a live radio interview with Detroit rockerTed Nugent after he uttered derogatory terms for Asians and Blacks. The station received dozens of complaints.

In 2005, singer/actor Justin Timberlake underwent surgery at Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Hospital to have nodules removed from his throat.  He was advised not to sing for at least three months.

In 2008, singer Jerry Wallace, with hits How the Time Flies (1958 ), Primrose Lane (1959) and In the Misty Moonlight (1964), died of congestive heart failure at age 79.

In 2009, actress Ola Ray, a former Playboy Playmate, filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson and his production company, alleging she had not been paid royalties due for her work in the video for “Thriller.”

Also in 2009, Slash (of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver fame) was the mentor to the finalists during Rock Week on Fox TV’s “American Idol.”

In 2010, Sonny and Cher‘s only child, who was born Chastity Sun Bono, appeared in a Santa Monica court to have a judge sign documents that would officially change her gender and name. The judge ruled that the gender reassignment was complete, and that Chastity would henceforth be known as a man named Chaz Bono.

In 2011, in Florida, one of the co-founders of the 1960’s folk-rock band Spanky And Our Gang, guitarist Nigel Pickering, who played on their hit tracks Like To Get To Know You, Lazy Day, and Sunday Will Never Be The Same, lost his battle with liver cancer at age 81.

In 2012, the Toronto-based band Rush were in Ottawa to receive the 2012 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, a recognition of lifetime artistic achievement. The award included $25,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and a commemorative medallion struck by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actress/comedienne Pat Carroll (Laverne & Shirley, Red Buttons Show, Caesar’s Hour) is 87.

Actor Will Hutchins (Sugarfoot, Blondie, Hey Landlord) is 84.

Saxophonist Ace Cannon is 80.

Actor Michael Murphy (American Experience narrator, The Bridge, Tanner ’88) is 76.

Actor Lance Henriksen (Millennium, B.A.D. Cats) is 75.

Actor Marc Alaimo (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Hill Street Blues) is 72.

Comedian-actor Michael Palin (Monty Python) is 71.

Actor Roger Rees (West Wing, Boston Common, Cheers) is 70.

Actor John Rhys-Davies (Sliders, The Untouchables) is 70.

MTV News correspondent Kurt Loder is 69.

Drummer Bill Ward of Black Sabbath is 66.

Actress Lisa Eilbacher (The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries) is 57.

Singer Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen is 55.

NBC news anchor Brian Williams is 55.

TV personality Kyan Douglas (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) is 44.

Actress Tina Yothers (Family Ties) is 41.

Actor Santiago Cabrera (Heroes, Empire) is 36.

Actor Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men, Angel) is 35.

Singer Craig David is 33.

Actress Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World) is 33.

Actor Henry Cavill (The Tudors) is 31.

Rock singer Skye Sweetnam is 26.

Singer Adele is 26.

Singer Chris Brown is 25.

Actor Devon Gearhart  (The Brooke Ellison Story, Warm Springs)) is 19.

Actor Bobby Coleman (Surface) is 17.

Chart Toppers – May 5

1951
If – Perry Como
Mockingbird Hill – Patti Page
Would I Love You – Patti Page
The Rhumba Boogie – Hank Snow

1960
Stuck on You – Elvis Presley
Sixteen Reasons – Connie Stevens
The Old Lamplighter – The Browns
He’ll Have to Go – Jim Reeves

1969
Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In – The 5th Dimension
It’s Your Thing – The Isley Brothers
Hair – The Cowsills
Galveston – Glen Campbell

1978
Night Fever – Bee Gees
If I Can’t Have You – Yvonne Elliman
Can’t Smile Without You – Barry Manilow
Every Time Two Fools Collide – Kenny Rogers & Dottie West

1987
(I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew
Looking for a New Love – Jody Watley
La Isla Bonita – Madonna
Don’t Go to Strangers – T. Graham Brown

1996
Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
Ironic – Alanis Morissette
You’re the One – SWV
You Win My Love – Shania Twain

2005
Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani
Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
Let Me Go – 3 Doors Down
It’s Getting Better All the Time – Brooks & Dunn

ON THIS DAY in 1928

soul singer James Brown was born in Augusta, Ga.

Billboard ranked Brown as the most successful R&B performer of all time with 17 No. 1 songs on the magazine’s R&B singles chart by 1988. His top pop hit was “I Got You (I Feel Good),” which reached No. 3 in 1963. He was presented a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. He died from congestive heart failure Dec. 25 2006 at age 78.

In 1938, viewers of New York’s W2XBS-TV (now WCBS-TV) watched TV’s first book review show. No word as to how many remained awake through the whole thing…

In 1939, the future #1 hit “Beer Barrel Polka” was recorded for Decca by the Andrews Sisters.

In 1947, magician/illusionist/escape artist Doug Henning was born in suburban Winnipeg. He was credited with reviving the magic show as a form of mass entertainment in North America, beginning in the 1970s.  His many TV appearances were regarded as event television.  He died of liver cancer Feb. 7 2000 at age 52.

In 1952, country singer Kitty Wells recorded “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” It would soon become the first #1 country hit by a solo female performer.

In 1958, disc jockey  Alan Freed was fired from New York radio station WINS, after he was charged with inciting a riot at the Boston Rock ‘n’ Roll show he was promoting and hosting.

In 1960, Cathy Jean and the Roommates recorded one of the more memorable tracks of the Doo Wop era “Please Love Me Forever.” The single would peak at #12, whileBobby Vinton‘s version six years later would get to #6.

In 1964, another British group Gerry & the Pacemakers made their US TV debut, performing “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show.

Also in 1964, that same evening, Little Stevie Wonder became the first Motown act to appear on the Sullivan Show.

In 1965, legendary DJ “the Real” Don Steele worked his first shift at KRTH, Los Angeles in what would be a career that lasted 40-plus-years at the station.

In 1965, the 1st use of satellite TV saw the Today Show on the Early Bird Satellite from Europe.

In 1966, the game “Twister” was featured on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.

In 1967, the Walker Brothers disbanded for the first time. The American trio that found success in the UK would get back together seven years later.

Also in 1967, Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys went to court on draft evasion charges.

In 1968, the Beach Boys began a U-S tour that featured the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. For the most part, audiences were turned off by the Maharishi’s lectures, so half of the tour dates were cancelled.

Also in 1968, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded “Voodoo Chile.”

In 1969, rock star Jimi Hendrix was arrested for heroin possession at Toronto International Airport. Released on $10,000 bail, at trial he claimed a fan gave him the drugs and that he had no idea what they were, and was acquitted of the charges.

In 1971, National Public Radio began in the US with 112 affiliates, mostly at colleges and universities, and the afternoon drive show that continues to this day, “All Things Considered.”

In 1975, “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” by Tony Orlando & Dawn topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.  And Chicago started a two week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Chicago VIII’, the group’s third No.1.

In 1976, Paul McCartney made his first U.S. stage appearance in a decade. His “Wings Over America” tour opened in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Also in 1976, at Madison Square Garden, Paul Simon (above), Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Cliff and others gave a benefit concert for the New York Public Library.

In 1979, veteran actress Erin O’Brien-Moore, who had regular roles in the casts of TV’s “Peyton Place” & “The Ruggles,” succumbed to cancer one day after her 77th birthday.

In 1980, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band started a six week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Against The Wind’.

In 1982, U.S. President Ronald Reagan began a series of 5-minute Saturday morning radio broadcasts. Successive presidents have continued the weekly talks, which are now streamed worldwide on the internet.

In 1986, actor Robert Alda, father of MASH’s Alan Alda, who made repeated appearances on TV’s Days of Our Lives, Love of Life & Supertrain, died of cirrhosis of the liver at age 72.

Also in 1986, the final episode of “Crazy Like a Fox” aired on CBS.

Still in 1986, Robert Palmer went to No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Addicted To Love’. Palmer originally recorded the song as a duet with Chaka Khan but due to contractual problems her voice was removed.

In 1991, the final episode of the original prime time TV soap opera “Dallas” aired on CBS.

In 1994, at the 29th Academy of Country Music Awards, Garth Brooks won top honours.

In 1996, actor Jack Weston, who had feature roles in TV’s My Sister Eileen, The Hathaways & The Four Seasons, died of lymphoma at age 71.

In 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. started a three week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with his posthumous hit ‘Hypnotize’. The rapper hadbeen gunned down and killed eight weeks earlier on March 9th.

In 1999, CRTC hearings began in Vancouver as a number of BC AM radio stations applied to flip to the FM band.  Included were CKAY Duncan, CKBL Kelowna, plus CKXM and CJVI Victoria.

In 2000, the rapper DMX (real name: Earl Simmons) was sentenced to 15 days in jail and was slapped with a $350 fine, plus $30 in court fees in a Cheektowaga, N.Y., court after turning himself in to police on an outstanding arrest warrant,  It was issued after the rapper skipped an earlier court date while out on the Ruff Ryders/Cash Money tour. Simmons, who pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession, driving without a license, and outstanding parking tickets, was later rearrested, charged with possession and fined another $250 after police found marijuana in a cigarette pack while he was being processed.

Also in 2000, Metallica delivered over 60,000 pages of information to Napster’s San Mateo, Calif., offices, listing more than 1.4 million copyright violations of 95 Metallica songs and recordings by 335,435 distinct users.

Still in 2000, the final episode of “Party of Five” aired on FOX.

In 2001, London-based bank Coutts And Co. turned down applications from members of Oasis to open accounts on the grounds of the band’s bad behaviour.

In 2006, the first Bob Dylan radio program aired on XM Satellite Radio. Tracks played on the premiere show included the likes of Blur, Prince, Billy Bragg, Wilco, Mary Gauthier, L.L. Cool J and The Streets.

In 2008, rap star Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was honoured with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The 38-year-old dedicated the star to his father, who was shot dead in 1972.

Also in 2008, Mariah Carey was at No.1 on the US album chart with her eleventh studio album ‘E=MC².’

In 2009, the music of Pearl Jam was featured on the two-episode season finale of the CBS police drama Cold Case. The shows included tunes from the band’s debut album, ‘91’s “Ten.”

Also in 2009, a celebration of Folk legend Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden drew Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, John Mellencamp and Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes. The concert raised money for Seeger’s Hudson River Sloop Clearwater organization, which tries to keep the Hudson River clean.

Still in 2009, Stevie Nicks’ first album in a decade, “In Your Dreams,” was released.  It was the Fleetwood Mac vocalist’s seventh record as a solo artist.

In 2010, Elton John was banned from performing in Egypt. The ban followed comments made in a Parade magazine interview where Elton claimed Jesus was a “super-intelligent gay man.” He also criticized the policies of Middle Eastern countries toward homosexuals. A planned concert in Egypt was cancelled as a result.

In 2011, actor/director/producer Jackie Cooper, a child actor on the big screen who later starred on TV in the series “Hennessy” and “The Peoples’ Choice,” died after a brief illness at age 88.

Om 2013, The Rolling Stones’ ‘50 & Counting’ tour began at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Today’s Birthdays:

Singer Jane Morgan (“The American Girl from Paris”) is 90.

Actress Ann B. Davis (The Brady Bunch, The Bob Cummings Show) is 88.

Film historian/TV host Robert Osborne (Turner Classic Movies) is 82.

Actor Alex Cord (Airwolf) is 81.

Singer Frankie Valli is 80.

CBS sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 68.

Singer Mary Hopkin is 64.

Singer Christopher Cross is 63.

Country drummer Cactus Moser of Highway 101 is 57.

Actor Kevin Kilner (One Tree Hill, Earth: Final Conflict, Almost Perfect) is 56.

Keyboardist David Ball of Soft Cell is 55.

Country singer Shane Minor is 46.

Actor Bobby Cannavale (Nurse Jackie, Boardwalk Empire, Will & Grace, Third Watch) is 44.

Vancouver-raised actress Kristin Lehman (Motive, The Killing, Killer Instinct, Judging Amy) is 42.

Country singer Brad Martin is 41.

Actress Christina Hendricks (Mad Men, Kevin Hill) is 39.

Actor Dule Hill (The West Wing, Psych) is 39.

Country singer Eric Church is 37.

Dancer Cheryl Burke (Dancing With The Stars) is 30.

Singer Michael Kiwanuka is 27.

Actress Jill Berard (What We Did That Night, The Big House) is 24.

Toronto-born actress Zoe Belkin (The Latest Buzz) is 21.

Actor Noah Munck (iCarly) is 18.

Chart Toppers – May 3

1949
Cruising Down the River – The Russ Morgan Orchestra (vocal: The Skyliners)
Forever and Ever – Perry Como
Again – Doris Day
Lovesick Blues – Hank Williams

1958
Tequila – The Champs
All I Have to Do is Dream – The Everly Brothers
The Witch Doctor – David Seville
Oh Lonesome Me – Don Gibson

1967
Somethin’ Stupid – Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You – The Monkees
Sweet Soul Music – Arthur Conley
Need You – Sonny James

1976
Let Your Love Flow – Bellamy Brothers
Right Back Where We Started From – Maxine Nightingale
Boogie Fever – Sylvers
Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time – Mickey Gilley

1985
We are the World – USA for Africa
Crazy for You – Madonna
Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge
Girls Night Out – The Judds

1994
Bump N’ Grind – R. Kelly
The Sign – Ace Of Base
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World – Prince
Piece of My Heart – Faith Hill

2003
Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
Ignition – R. Kelly
When I’m Gone  – 3 Doors Down
Have You Forgotten? – Darryl Worley