producer/director Fred De Cordova was born in New York City. He was the Emmy Award-winning producer of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and produced & directed the Jack Benny and George Burns/Gracie Allen TV Shows. Fred died Sep 15, 2001 at the age of 90.
Also this day in 1910, comedian/actor Jack Carson was born in Carman Manitoba. In addition to an extensive Hollywood film career in supporting roles, he starred in his own radio & TV variety series, followed by a series of mainly-dramatic guest roles on TV. Carson succumbed to stomach cancer Jan. 2, 1963 at age 52.
On this day in 1911,
actor Leif Erickson was born William Anderson in Alameda Calif. His defining role was as Big John Cannon on the TV series High Chaparral. He died at age 74 Jan 29, 1986 due to cancer. On this day in 1916, the first published reference to “jazz” appeared…. in the show business trade paper Variety.
On this day in 1918, actress Teresa Wright was born in New York City. Although best known for her efforts on the big screen (she was Oscar-nominated for each of her first three films) she guested on episodic TV over a span of 40 years. She died at age 86 March 6 2005 after a heart attack.
On this day in 1920 Westinghouse’s radio station in East Pittsburgh, KDKA was granted a broadcast license. But it would be another week before it took to the air .. with the Harding-Cox election returns Nov. 2. The potential audience was approximately 1,000 people. It is considered to be the USA’s first licensed radio station.
Also this day in 1920, actress Nanette Fabray was born in San Diego. She won an Emmy for the NBC TV comedy series Caesar’s Hour, and had a recurring role on ABC TV’s Coach as the mother of her real-life niece Shelley Fabares. She died Feb. 22 2018 at age 97.
On this day in 1933, pianist Floyd Cramer was born in Shreveport La. An architect of “the Nashville Sound” his solo hits include Last Date, On the Rebound, and San Antonio Rose. He died at age 64 Dec. 31, 1997 due to cancer.
On this day in 1936, country singer Ernest Tubb made his first recordings. On this day in 1947, “This is Nora Drake” premiered on NBC radio. Nora solved domestic, social and child-raising problems in its daily quarter-hour soap slot until January 2, 1959.
Also this day in 1947, “the one, the only Groucho” Marx appeared as quizmaster on You Bet Your Life for the first time — on ABC radio. Announcer George Fenneman was Groucho’s eternal straight man. Fenneman stayed with Marx during the program’s entire run on radio (1948 – 1959) and TV (1950 – 1961).
On this day in 1954, the show that ultimately altered TV for kids premiered on ABC-TV.“Disneyland” (which together with several other titles for the Disney anthology series, ran until 2008) became ABC’s first smash success and the longest running weekly prime-time series in television history.
On this day in 1956, “Ain’t Got No Home” by New Orleans rhythm-and-blues artist Clarence (Frogman) Henry was released. The novelty rock ‘n roll number reached number 30 on the Billboard pop chart. Henry’s nickname came from the frog noises he made on the record.
On this day in 1957, after a show at the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles, local police told Elvis Presley that he was not allowed to wiggle his hips onstage, The local press also ran headlines saying Elvis would have to clean up his act. The next night, the L.A. Vice Squad filmed his entire concert, to study his performance.
Also in 1957, the Toronto-based Four Lads recorded their next (and one of their last) Top Ten singles “Put A Light In The Window” for Columbia Records.
Still in 1957, The Crickets (w/Buddy Holly) released their third Top Ten single “Oh, Boy!” b/w “Not Fade Away.”
Again in 1957, Jane Morgan appeared on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show, singing her hit ballad “Fascination.” Music legends Gene Austin and Blossom Seeley also sang, while early blues composer WC Handy took a bow in his wheelchair, just six months before his death.
On this day in 1960, former Drifters lead singer Ben E. King recorded “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand By Me” at Atlantic’s New York studios, his first solo recording date. Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller produced the session, assisted by Phil Spector. Both songs were top-10 hits in 1961, with “Stand By Me” enjoying a renaissance when it was used as the title song for the 1986 movie directed by Rob Reiner.
On this day in 1962, The Rolling Stones cut their first demos at Curly Clayton Studios in London. Songs they recorded included Muddy Waters’ “Soon Forgotten,” Jimmy Reed’s “Close Together,” and “You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover” by Bo Diddley.
On this day in 1963, the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary were sitting pretty at #1 and #2 on the U.S. album chart with “Peter, Paul and Mary” and “In the Wind.”
Also in 1963, The Beatles continued their tour of Sweden performing three shows at the Cirkus in Goteborg.
On this day in 1964, Motown Records released “Come See About Me” by The Supremes. It proved to be the third of five Supreme singles in a row to go #1. On this day in 1965, Peggy Lee recorded her next hit “Big Spender,” from the Broadway show, “Sweet Charity.”
On this day in 1966, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “96 Tears,” by ? (Question Mark) & the Mysterians. The “secret identity” of the band’s lead singer was kept hidden and he always wore sunglasses. His real name was Rudy Martinez.
On this day in 1968, the Ed Sullivan Show on CBS-TV featured 18-year old Mary Hopkin singing her UK #1 hit (#2 in the US) “Those Were the Days.” Ed Ames sang “My Cup Runneth Over,” and The Doodletown Pipers performed “The 59th Bridge Street Song (Feelin’ Groovy).” 20 year-old comedian George Carlin provided the laughs.
On this day in 1969, Muddy Waters was seriously injured in a car crash in Champagne, Illinois. Three people were killed in the accident.
Also in 1969, The Beatles‘ single “Something” b/w “Come Together,” as well as their album “Abbey Road” were both certified to be Gold Records.
On this day in 1970, Black Sabbath played their first ever-live show in North America when they kicked off a 16-date tour at Glassboro State College in New Jersey.
On this day in 1972, actor Lew Parker, featured in the TV sitcom That Girl, died of cancer at age 61. For a few months in 1951 he had also replaced Don Ameche as “John” in CBS radio’s “The Bickersons.”
On this day in 1973, ‘B’ western movie star Allan “Rocky” Lane succumbed to cancer at age 64. On TV he was best known as Red Ryder, and notably, the voice of Mr. Ed, the talking horse, opposite co-star Allan Young of Vancouver.
Also in 1973, Gladys Knight and the Pips started a two week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’. It was the group’s 18th Top 40 hit and first No.1.On this day in 1975, relatively unknown rocker Bruce Springsteen appeared on the cover of both TIME and Newsweek. Things were certainly going well for “The Boss” that week.
On this day in 1979, controversial 1930’s radio evangelist Charles E. (Father) Coughlin, a native of Hamilton Ont., died at the age of 88. At his US peak he attracted an estimated 30 million listeners weekly.
Also in 1979, during his US tour Elton John collapsed on stage at Hollywood’s Universal Amphitheatre, suffering from exhaustion.
On this day in 1980, former T Rex member Steve Took choked to death on a cherry stone, after some magic mushrooms he had eaten, numbed all sensation in his throat.
On this day in 1982, Prince released his breakthrough album, his fifth and most successful LP to date, titled “1999.”
On this day in 1984, The Grateful Dead allocated a specific recording area for fans to bootleg the night’s show in Berkeley, California.
On this day in 1985, singer Celine Dion won five FELIX awards at the 7th ADISQ gala, celebrating the best of Quebec’s recording, performance & video industries.
On this day in 1987, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Bad” by Michael Jackson.
On this day in 1988, the 10th season of “Knots Landing” began on CBS-TV. Also in 1988, Def Leppard played the final show of their 232-date Hysteria world tour at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington.
On this day in 1989, Jane Pauley announced that she was leaving N-B-C’s “Today” show, after 13 years. Speculation was that the network wanted the young up-&-comer Deborah Norville promoted to her spot.
On this day in 1990, bandleader Xavier Cugat died of heart failure in Barcelona, Spain. He was 90.
Also this day in 1990, Janet Jackson‘s Black Cat popped up to #1 for a week in the U.S. The single was one of the tracks on her number-one album of a year earlier, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.
On this day in 1992, Bo Diddley took the estate of his late manager to court claiming he’d stolen $75,000 through unauthorized personal expenses.
On this day in 1993, a group of 1960’s recording artists, led by Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, sued their former record companies, claiming they were cheated out of 750-million dollars in pension and health benefits. The suit claimed the benefits were cut because the record companies, including Motown and Capitol, consistently underreported the performers’ earnings to their union.
On this day in 1995, singer Gloria Estefan performed for Pope John Paul II as part of a gala celebration of the pontiff’s 50 years in the priesthood. She was the only pop artist to receive a call from the Pope to perform.
On this day in 1996, actor-comedian Morey Amsterdam suffered a fatal heart attack in Los Angeles, at age 87. He’s best known for playing Buddy Sorrell on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”
On this day in 1997, Johnny Cash announced that he was cancelling all appearances because he had Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis was later corrected to Shy-Drager syndrome, which is related to Parkinson’s. It attacks the nervous system and can cause blackouts and tremors. Cash died on September 12, 2003 of complications from diabetes at age 71.
Also in 1997, 34-year old John Hector was arrested in Toronto and charged with criminal harassment after stalking U2 bass player Adam Clayton.
On this day in 1998, 78-year old Peggy Lee was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. She died of complications from diabetes and a heart attack in January 2002 at age 81.
On this day in 1999, composer/arranger/conductor Frank DeVol, a veteran of both radio & TV, died of congestive heart failure at age 88. In the 40’s and early 50’s he directed the orchestra nightly for CBS radio’s “Jack Smith Show.” He composed the theme songs for TV’s The Brady Bunch, Family Affair, Gidget, and My Three Sons. DeVol also played “Happy Kyne” on TV’s Fernwood Tonight.
On this day in 2000, skiffle star Lonnie Donegan went to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from the Queen for his ‘services to pop music.’ Lonnie pioneered skiffle in the 1950’s and inspired a generation of UK teens to start bands.
On this day in 2003, “Price is Right” (CBS) announcer Rod Roddy died of colon cancer at age 66. “COME ON DOWN!” The former radio deejay had worked the game show for 17 years, following the death of Johnny Olson.
Also this day in 2003, XM Satellite Radio announced it had reached the 1 million subscriber milestone.
Still in 2003, at the Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers received a Legend Award from presenter Stevie Nicks.
On this day in 2004, sweet dance bandleader Lester Lanin passed away at age 97. King of the New York society band contractors Mr. Lanin was still going strong into his nineties, playing “strict tempo” medleys of old favorites and contemporary hits for weddings, debutante balls, fund-raising galas, and other society affairs.
On this day in 2006, Radio Rim Jhim CJRJ AM 1200 Vancouver started broadcasting non-stop music from southeast Asia. Radio Rim Jhim had been broadcasting for 18 years as a subcarrier pay radio service. The full service began at 6:48 pm on Nov. 25, broadcasting mostly in languages from southeast Asia.
On this day in 2007, Metallica played the first of two acoustic sets at Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View, CA. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Red Hot Chili Peppers’Flea and Jack Irons (formerly of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers) also performed. The second show was the following day.
On this day in 2008, for the second year in a row Elvis Presley was #1 on the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities List with a take of $52 million – mostly generated from the 30th anniversary of his death and various licensing deals.
On this day in 2009, Eric Clapton pulled out of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert in New York City after he underwent an operation to remove gallstones. His place at the Madison Square Garden gig was taken by Jeff Beck.
On this day in 2010, liver cancer claimed the life of TV actress Denise Borino-Quinn at age 46. She had been in 17 episodes of HBO’s The Sopranos playing Johnny Sack’s overweight wife, Ginny.
Also this day in 2010, Kid Rock lashed out at Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler for his decision to join the judges panel on American Idol. “It’s the stupidest thing he’s ever done in his life,” said Rock. “[Steven] is a sacred American institution of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and he just threw it all out the window.”
On this day in 2012, Chuck Berry accepted the American Music Masters honor presented by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, during a weeklong tribute to the rock pioneer in Cleveland. Berry performed along with other tribute artists including John Fullbright, David Johansen, Joe Bonamassa, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Chuck Prophet.
Also in 2012, Rolling Stones memorabilia once owned by the band’s rhythm guitarist, Ronnie Wood, was up for auction in Beverly Hills. A ’55 Fender Stratocaster guitar that Wood played onstage sold for $60,800.
On this day in 2013, Lou Reed, the influential songwriter and guitarist who co-founded the Velvet Underground, and who helped shape nearly fifty years of rock music, lost his battle with liver disease at age 71.
On this day in 2014, The Who‘s 50th anniversary compilation, ‘The Who Hits 50!’ was released with the group’s first new song in eight years. “Be Lucky,” featured The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, as well as touring members Zak Starkey and Pino Palladino.
On this day in 2015, actor Ralph Richeson, who appeared as Richardson the hotel cook in 20 episodes of the HBO series Deadwood, died of heart failure at age 63.
On this day in 2016, horror movie host and deejayJohn Zacherle, nicknamed “The Cool Ghoul,” died at age 98. A TV movie host in Philadelphia and New York in the 1950’s and 60’s, he also hosted a TV dance show, which led to him becoming morning radio host on WNEW-FM.
On this day in 2017, Linkin Park played a special show in honor of its late bandmate Chester Bennington. The Hollywood Bowl celebration marked the first time the band performed on stage together since Bennington’s suicide the previous July.
Today’s Birthdays
Actor-comedian John Cleese (Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Will & Grace) is 85.
Country singer, author of “God Bless The U.S.A.” Lee Greenwood is 82.
Windsor Ont.-born actor Angus MacInnes (Space Island One, Great San Francisco Earthquake) is 77.
Saskatchewan-born actor/singer Tom Jackson (North of 60, Shining Time Station) is 76.
Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band) is 75.
Author/actress Fran Lebowitz (Law & Order) is 74.
Former Miss Ohio/TV sportscaster Jayne Kennedy (The NFL Today) is 73.
Rock musician K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) is 73.
Actor Ted Wass (Blossom, Soap) is 72.
Actor Peter Firth (MI-5, That’s Life, Heartbeat) is 71.
Actor Robert Picardo (Stargate: Atlantis, Wonder Years, China Beach) is 71.
Everett Wa.-born actor Michael Shamus Wiles (Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy) is 69.
Actor Peter Marc Jacobson (The Nanny, Happily Divorced) is 67.
Actor Jeff East (1st and Ten: The Championship) is 67.
Singer Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) is 66.
Actress/TV personality Marla Maples (Ex-Wives Club) is 61.
Actress Deborah Moore (Days of Our Lives) is 61.
Actor Marcos A. Ferraez (Pacific Blue, Sons of Anarchy) is 58.
Internet news aggregation innovator Matt Drudge (The Drudge Report) is 58.
Actor Sean Holland (Clueless) is 56.
Actor Channon Roe (Murder in the First, Windfall) is 55.
Actor Peter O’Meara (Love/Hate, Peacemakers) is 55.
Actress Sheeri Rappaport (CSI, NYPD Blue) is 47.
Actor David Walton (9JKL, New Girl, About a Boy) is 46.
Miss USA 2003/former MTV VJ/actress Susie Castillo (House of Payne, America’s Prom Queen) is 45.
Actress Andrea Riseborough (Bloodline) is 43.
Actor Patrick Fugit (Outcast) is 42.
Actress/TV personality Kelly Osbourne (Fashion Police, Dancing w/The Stars, Life as We Know It, The Osbournes) is 40.
Actress Emilie Ullerup (Arctic Air, Sanctuary) is 40.
North Vancouver-born actor Sebastian Gacki (Garage Sale Mystery, Nightmare at the End of the Hall, Killer Bash) is 40.
Rock drummer Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 38
Actress Erica Dasher (Jane By Design) is 37.
Actor Bryan Craig (General Hospital) is 33.
Actor Troy Gentile (The Goldbergs) is 31.
Actor Eddie Alderson (One Life to Live) is 30.
Actress Teilor Grubbs (Hawaii Five-Oh 2017) is 23.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 27
1946 Five Minutes More – Tex Beneke To Each His Own – Eddy Howard South America, Take It Away – Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters Divorce Me C.O.D. – Merle Travis
1955 Love is a Many-Splendored Thing – The Four Aces Autumn Leaves – Roger Williams The Shifting, Whispering Sands – Rusty Draper That Do Make It Nice – Eddy Arnold
1964 Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann Last Kiss – J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers We’ll Sing in the Sunshine – Gale Garnett I Don’t Care (Just as Long as You Love Me) – Buck Owens
1973 Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & The Pips Keep on Truckin’ – Eddie Kendricks Paper Roses – Marie Osmond We’re Gonna Hold On – George Jones & Tammy Wynette
1982 Jack & Diane – John Cougar Who Can It Be Now? – Men at Work I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) – Michael McDonald He Got You – Ronnie Milsap
2000 Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down Come On Over (All I Want Is You) – Christina Aguilera Arms Wide Open – Creed Kiss This – Aaron Tippin
2009 Down – Jay Sean featuring Lil Wayne Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus Use Somebody – Kings of Leon Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song) – Chris Young
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson
Donald Trump is currently the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the Republican Party. He previously served as America’s 45th president, and is also a businessman and media personality.
David William Edmunds (born 15 April 1944)[2] is a Welsh singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer. Although he is mainly associated with pub rock and new wave, having many hits in the 1970s and early 1980s, his natural leaning has always been towards 1950s-style rock and roll and rockabilly.[3]
actor Clarence Hartzell was born in Huntington West Virginia. For fans of the quirky daytime radio smilefest ‘Vic and Sade’ he will remain immortal for his iconic portrayal of ‘Uncle Fletcher’ who was first introduced in 1940 when the actor playing Vic, Art Van Harvey, became ill and could not perform. Because of the impact of his unique characterization he was retained as a regular member of the small cast until the end of the series. Later he would play significant characters on radio’s Lum ‘n’ Abner, Silver Eagle, and The Websters. In the mid 1950’s Hartzell became an antique dealer/prop rental specialist in the Chicago area catering primarily to area TV stations. He died March 5 1988 at age 77. .
On this day in 1911, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was born in New Orleans. Widely regarded as the world’s greatest gospel singer she appeared repeatedly on the Ed Sullivan and Dinah Shore TV shows, and even guested with Johnny Carson, as well as on Joey Bishop’s late night entry. She died of heart failure & diabetes Jan 27, 1972 at age 60.
Clarence Hartzell
On this day in 1913, one of the top big band leaders, saxaphonist Charlie Barnet was born in New York City. His theme song Cherokee was his biggest hit. He died of pneumonia Sep 4, 1991 at age 77.
On this day in 1917, Felix the Catwas created as a cartoon character. Felix was very popular on kids’ cartoon shows in the early days of TV.
Duke Ellington
On this day in 1927, bandleader & composer Duke Ellington recorded the future jazz standard and radio favorite, “Creole Love Song.”
On this day in 1934, the legendary Cole Porter recorded his own composition titled, You’re the Top, from his show Anything Goes, for the RCA Victor label.
The Gumm Sisters
On this day in 1935, a talented twelve-year-old sang on Wallace Beery’s NBC radio show (Shell Chateau) on NBC. Frances Gumm (pictured bottom with The Gumm Sisters) delighted the appreciative audience. The young girl would soon be in pictures and at the top of stardom. It would be only four years before the renamed Judy Garland captured the hearts of moviegoers as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
Roy Acuff
On this day in 1936, country artist Roy Acuff made his first recordings, including “Great Speckled Bird” and “Wabash Cannonball.”
On this day in 1949, Bing Crosby recorded his future #2 pop single, “Dear Hearts and Gentle People.”
On this day in 1950, the French arm of the CBC, La Societe Radio-Canada extended French radio programming as far west as Calgary and Edmonton.
On this day in 1952, NBC-TV premiered the documentary series Victory at Sea. Richard Rodgers wrote the score and Robert Russell Bennett orchestrated it. No Other Love, adapted from one of the themes, became a hit for Perry Como in the summer of 1953.
On this day in 1955, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams.
On this day in 1958, Bill Haley and His Comets played the first ever rock ‘n’ roll concert in Germany, in West Berlin. More than 7,000 fans, some from East Berlin, turned the show into a riot, and 20 policemen were injured.
On this day in 1959, Chez Helene debuted on CBC Television, as an attempt to introduce children to the French language. It was soon paired with The Friendly Giant every weekday morning, and continued until 1973.
Also this day in 1959, Columbia Records released country singer Marty Robbins‘s first & only #1 crossover hit “El Paso” as a single. It had been released on an LP the month previous.
Bob Dylan and Bob Hammond
On this day in 1961, Columbia Records legendary talent scout John Hammond signed Bob Dylan to his first recording contract.
On this day in 1962, the Beatles put on tape their future hits “Please Please Me” & “Ask Me Why”
Also this day in 1962, The Rolling Stones, (known as The Rollin’ Stones), and consisting of Keith Richard, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart and drummer Tony Chapman recorded their first demo tape at Curly Clayton Studios in London.
Louise Beavers
Again in 1962, by an ironic twist of fate, actress Louise Beavers, the second woman to play the title role in TV’s Beulah, died at age 60. It was exactly ten years to the day after the death of the star she succeeded in the role. Hatti McDaniel had died on this day in 1952, at the age of 57.
On this day in 1963, Bob Dylan played a sold out concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
On this day in 1964, Ottawa’s Lorne Greene released his future #1 single, the spoken-word ballad “Ringo.”
On this day in 1965, the Beatles received MBE medals from the Queen at Buckingham Palace as they became Members of the British Empire. According to an account by John Lennon, the group smoked marijuana in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. John returned his medal four years later in protest of Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian Civil War.
Liberace
On this day in 1966, Liberace played the parts of both a good and evil pianist on “Batman.”
On this day in 1968, after being fired from WOR-FM, legendary New York disc jockey “Murray The K” moved across town to become one of the WMCA-AM “Good Guys.”
Also in 1968, Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company made their network TV debut on ABC’s “Hollywood Palace,” hosted by Don Adams. You can see & hear their renditions of Summertime” & “I Need A Man to Love” HERE!
On this day in 1969, CBC personality J. Frank Willis, with impressive credentials over his 35 years with CBC Radio & TV, died at age 61.
On this day in 1971, Memphis minister Al Green received a Gold Record for his single, Tired of Being Alone.
On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney’s Wings released the single “Helen Wheels.” The title was a twist on Paul & Linda’s Land Rover, which they called “Hell On Wheels.”
On this day in 1974, the music trade weekly Billboard launched its Dance Music charts. First #1 song was “Never Can Say Goodbye” by Gloria Gaynor which stayed on top for 4 weeks.
Also in 1974, Barry White scored his only US No.1 album with ‘Can’t Get Enough.’
On this day in 1975, Elton John concluded his West of the Rockies U.S. Tour at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium. He was the first performer to play the venue since The Beatles in ’66. Fittingly, he included “I Saw her Standing There” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”
On this day in 1976, Gordon Lightfoot‘s ‘Summertime Dream’ album was certified Gold in Canada.
On this day in 1978, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Hot Child in the City” by Nick Gilder. The song took 20 weeks from the time it entered the Hot 100 to reach No. 1, longer than any single before it.
Also this day in 1978, Anne Murray‘s single ‘You Needed Me’ was certified Gold in Canada.
On this day in 1980, Paul Kantner of Jefferson Starship suffered what was thought to be a stroke while recording the band’s next album, but it was later revealed to be a brain embolism. He recovered after two weeks in the hospital.
On this day in 1981, the 10th season of “M*A*S*H”began on CBS.
Also this day in 1981, Journey released their great future hit single “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
On this day in 1982, the prime time hospital drama “St. Elsewhere” premiered on NBC, introducing us to Denzel Washington, Howie Mandel and Mark Harmon, among others. It quickly became a hit, and remained on the Peacock’s schedule for the next six years.
Also this day in 1982, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Who Can It Be Now?” by Men at Work. The song was the 12th No. 1 single to pose a question and the first of two by the Australian band. YouTube Presents, Men at Work… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZ9xUF7sY8
On this day in 1984, actress Sue Randall, who played the kindly teacher “Miss Landers” on Leave it to Beaver, lost her battle with lung cancer at age 49.
Also this day in 1984, Barbra Streisand won multiplatinum certification for three albums that reached the four-million-dollar sales mark. Greatest Hits, Vol. II, Guilty, and A Star is Born (with Kris Kristofferson) were honored.
On this day in 1985, the song “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston sat atop the pop charts.
On this day in 1986, Donald Duck was shown for the first time in the People’s Republic of China. Chinese television launched a weekly half-hour of old Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse cartoons.
William S. Paley
On this day in 1990, CBS founder & CEO William S. Paley died at age 89 after a heart attack.
On this day in 1991, Ozzy Osbourne broke his foot after an accident on stage at a gig in Chicago, causing him to cancel the remaining dates of his US tour.
On this day in 1993, the Canadian Folk-Rock group Crash Test Dummies released their second album ‘God Shuffled His Feet’. It would bring them international success.
Roseanne Barr
On this day in 1994, Roseanne Barr appeared on her ABC-TV show (Roseanne) dressed as Prince.
Also this day in 1994, singer Wilbert Harrison died after a stroke at age 65. The R&B singer’s version of “Kansas City” hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1959. Ten years later he had a top 40 hit with “Let’s Work Together.”
Still in 1994, MTV broadcast The Eagles‘ reunion concert. Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Don Felder and Timothy B. Schmitt, had played for an invited audience at Warner Bros. Burbank studios the previous April.
On this day in 1998, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) was dealt a blow in its battle against the maker of a device that plays music downloaded from the Internet using a technology called MP3, when a US federal judge in Los Angeles refused to issue an injunction against the sale of the device.
Hoyt Axton
On this day in 1999, singer/songwriter Hoyt Axton, who penned Three Dog Night’s smash hit “Joy To The World,” died at age 61. Axton, largely confined to a wheelchair since a 1996 stroke, had suffered a pair of heart attacks in the few weeks prior to his death.
On this day in 2000, Ontario Attorney-General Jim Flaherty requested that Ottawa prevent Eminem from entering the country for a concert at Toronto’s SkyDome. The request stemmed from a complaint filed to the Toronto police hate crimes squad by a community activist who claimed that the Interscope rapper’s lyrics advocate violence toward women.
Also in In 2000, career Canadian broadcaster Alden Diehl passed away at age 69. He was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame the following year. After beginning as Assistant Librarian at CJCA Edmonton in 1951 he moved to CKBI Prince Albert, CFRA Ottawa, CKLW Windsor, CKY-AM and CITI-FM Winnipeg. In 1995 he retired as VP & GM at CKLG and CFOX-FM Vancouver.
Still in 2000, Garth Brooks told a Nashville news conference he intended to retire after recording one more . However he resumed his career in 2009.
On this day in 2002, after nearly forty years of performing together, the Statler Brothers concluded their final tour with a show at the Civic Center in Salem, Virginia.
Also this day in 2002, Jessica Simpson married former 98° member Nick Lachey. The couple were featured on MTV ‘Newlyweds’ TV show. The couple separated after three years of marriage.
On this day in 2003, American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Measure Of A Man.’
On this day in 2004, Elvis Presley came out on top of a list of the highest-earning dead celebrities. Forbes.com listed the Top 5 dead music earners; 1. Elvis Presley $40 million, 2. John Lennon $21 million, 3. George Harrison $7 million, 4. Bob Marley $7 million and at 5. George and Ira Gershwin $6 million.
On this day in 2006, Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor quit the band during the US leg of their world tour. A statement on behalf of the group said there was “an unworkable gulf between us and we can no longer effectively function together.”
Chef Tell,
On this day in 2007, TV’s Chef Tell, a favorite on PBS, PM Magazine and Live with Regis & Kathie Kee, died of heart failure at age 63.
Also in 2007, Pete Doherty was given a suspended prison term for drugs and motoring offences after admitting driving while uninsured and while in possession of crack cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis. The Babyshambles singer was sentenced to four-months in jail, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a £475 fine for driving without insurance.
Britney Spears
Still in 2007, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Britney Spears was no longer facing hit-and-run charges after she compensated the other car’s driver. But the singer would still face a charge of driving without a valid licence. She allegedly crashed into a parked car in North Hollywood in full view of photographers, before fleeing the scene.
On this day in 2008, The Smashing Pumpkins teamed up with singer Josh Groban to perform the band’s ‘93 ballad “Disarm” during the Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View, CA. The Bridge School is a nonprofit organization, founded by Neil Young and his wife, that helps children with severe speech and physical impairments.
Patti LaBelle
Also this day in 2008, 64-year-old Patti LaBelle offered a heavily-criticized US National Anthem before the 4th game of the World Series in Philadelphia.She sang “sky lights last gleaming” (instead of twilight’s), “through the perilous flight” (instead of light) and misspoke further with “lamp parts” (instead of ramparts).
On this day in 2010, Michael Jackson, or rather his estate, earned $275 million in the past year, topping Forbes magazine’s annual list of top-earning dead celebrities. Elvis Presley was #2 with $60 million. John Lennon landed at #5 with $17 million.
On this day in 2011, the inquest into the sudden death of Amy Winehouse ruled it to be “death by misadventure.” The coroner found the amount of alcohol in the blood of the 27-year-old soul singer was more than five times the British drunk driving threshold, as she had relapsed after many weeks “on the wagon.”
Alice Cooper
Also in 2011, Alice Cooper urged governments to legalize hard drugs while outlawing booze and tobacco. “You know, looking at statistics, I think drugs should be legal and alcohol and cigarettes should be illegal,” Cooper told OK Magazine. “They kill more than drugs do.” Cooper, who battled alcohol-addiction during the ‘70s, quit in ’83.
On this day in 2012, session baritone Louis Nunley, a major contributor to the creation of the Nashville Sound as a member of the Anita Kerr Singers and later the Jordanaires, died at age 81.
Natina Reed
Also in 2012, rapper/singer-songwriter & actress Natina Reed, a member of the all-girl R&B group Blaque, who was featured in the TV series Bring It On, was struck and killed by a car in rural Georgia, two days short of her 33rd birthday.
Still in 2012, Billy Idol was in Seattle to play a birthday party/fundraiser for longtime fan 26 year old Michael Henrichsen. The event raised $13,000 for the American Red Cross and Northwest Harvest food bank.
On this day in 2013, r & b writer/singer Al Johnson, who co-founded The Unifics which in the late 60’s scored three hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and in the 80’s had two more hits as a single soul artist, died of complications following surgery at age 65.
Also in 2013, at Mountain View, Ca., the 27th Annual Bridge School Benefit show featured Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
On this day in 2014, Staind frontman Aaron Lewis sang the National Anthem prior to the fifth game of the World Series in San Francisco. He badly botched the lyrics and later apologized.
On this day in 2015, Ed Walker, the Washington DC radio personality who amused and entertained a generation as half of “The Joy Boys” (1952-74) with Willard Scott, and who despite being blind since birth spent 65 years on the air as a deejay, news host and genial raconteur, succumbed to cancer at age 83.
Juliette (Cavazzi)
On this day in 2017,“Our Pet” Juliette (Cavazzi) of CBC variety show fame (and later a talk show) died in Vancouver at age 91. Her career began in 1940 singing with the Dal Richards Orchestra, and was highlighted by her own CBC-TV show from the 50’s into the 70’s.
Also in 2017, Comcast reported its largest quarterly loss of cable television subscribers in three years, underscoring the pressure on traditional TV players as competition with new entrants heated up.
On this day in 2018, NBC News cancelled Megyn Kelly’s hourlong morning show, days after the anchor came under fire for remarks defending blackface and thus deemed racially insensitive. The former Fox News star had completed just one year of her 3-year contract.
Today’s Birthdays
Actor Hank Garrett (Generations, Max Headroom, Car 54 Where Are You?) is 93.
Actress Jaclyn Smith (The District, Charlie’s Angels) is 79.
TV host Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune) is 78.
Hillary Clinton is 77.
Musician Bootsy Collins is 73.
Actress Rondi Reed (Mike & Molly) is 72.
Rock musician Keith Strickland (The B-52’s) is 71.
Actress Lauren Tewes (The Love Boat) is 71.
Actor James Pickens Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy, The Practice, X-Files) is 70.
Actor D.W. Moffett (Switched at Birth, Skin, For Your Love, Chicago Sons) is 70.
Actress Rita Wilson (From the Earth to the Moon) is 68.
Actress Julie Dawn Cole (Poldark) is 67.
Actor Francois Chau (Lost, G.I. Joe) is 65.
Actress Dava Kimmell (Days of Our Lives, The Young & the Restless) is 65.
Actor Patrick Breen (Whole Day Down, Madam Secretary, Royal Pains, Magic Adventures of Mumfie) is 64.
Actor Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story, The Practice, Dark Blue) is 63.
Actor Cary Elwes (From the Earth to the Moon, X-Files) is 62.
Ottawa-born actor Tom Cavanagh (The Flash, Ed, Scrubs) is 61.
Singer Natalie Merchant is 61.
Ottawa-born actress Kelly Rowan (Perception, The O.C., Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years, Another World) is 59.
Actor Steve Valentine (Crossing Jordan, I’m In the Band) is 58.
Country singer/TV talent judge Keith Urban (American Idol) is 57.
New Brunswick-born actor Robert Maillet (The Strain, WWF Raw) is 55.
Edmonton-born actress Lisa Ryder (Andromeda) is 54.
Vancouver-born actor Trevor White (X Company, Episodes, Millenium) is 54.
Actress Rosemarie DeWitt (The Last Tycoon, United States of Tara, Standoff) is 53.
Actor Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery) is 53.
Writer/actor Seth MacFarlane (The Orville, Family Guy, American Dad!) is 51.
Montreal-born actor David Julian Hirsh (HawthoRNe, Weeds, Lovebites, Naked Josh) is 51.
Former ABC’s The View/Weekend GMA co-host Paula Faris is 49.
Actor Hal Ozsan (90210, Kyle XY, Dawson’s Creek) is 48.
Actress Lennon Parham (Playing House, Accidentally On Purpose) is 49.
Actor Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Tankman Begins) is 47.
Actress Wynn Everett (The Newsroom) is 46.
Actor Jonathan Chase (American Woman, Love Thy Neighbor, Chemistry, One on One) is 45.
Actor Mahesh Jadu (Marco Polo) is 42.
NBC News reporter Katy Tur is 41.
Actress Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola) is 41.
Ottawa-born actor Jon McLaren (Heartland, Eyewitness) is 40.
Rapper Schoolboy Q is 38.
Actor Beulah Koale (Hawaii Five-0 2017) is 33.
Actress Alexandria Deberry (A.N.T. Farm) is 30.
Actress Morgan Saylor (Homeland) is 30.
Actress Samantha Isler (Sean Saves the World) is 26.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 26
1945 I’ll Buy that Dream – The Pied Pipers Till the End of Time – Perry Como On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe – Johnny Mercer With Tears in My Eyes – Wesley Tuttle
1954 Hey There – Rosemary Clooney I Need You Now – Eddie Fisher If I Give My Heart to You – Doris Day I Don’t Hurt Anymore – Hank Snow
1963 Sugar Shack – Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs Be My Baby – The Ronettes Deep Purple – Nino Tempo & April Stevens Love’s Gonna Live Here – Buck Owens
1972 My Ding-A-Ling – Chuck Berry Use Me – Bill Withers Nights in White Satin – The Moody Blues Funny Face – Donna Fargo
1981 Arthur’s Theme (Best that You Can Do) – Christopher Cross Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton Never Been So Loved (In All My Life) – Charley Pride
1990 I Don’t Have the Heart – James Ingram Black Cat – Janet Jackson Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
1999 Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit…) – Lou Bega Larger Than Life – Backstreet Boys Smooth – Santana featuring Rob Thomas Something Like That – Tim McGraw
2008 So What – P!nk Hot N Cold – Katy Perry Disturbia – Rihanna Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven – Kenny Chesney with The Wailers
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson
Veteran programmer Christian Hall has parted ways with Rogers Sports & Media.
Hall confirmed to Broadcast Dialogue that he was restructured this week, writing in a post to X that he was proud of the work he accomplished while with the network.
𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹
@hallofchristian
Some personal news: (1/5) While my time at Rogers was shorter than I would have liked, I’m proud of the work the team and I accomplished. Some big swings were taken; we had some big hits, but some misses as well that came up short of our (and certainly my) expectations.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989.
Grammy-winning singer Jack Jones, the voice behind the theme of TV’s The Love Boat, died Wednesday night, his manager, Milton B. Suchin, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. He was 86.
“Jack Jones passed away last night at 9:17 pm at Eisenhower Hospital [in Rancho Mirage, Calif.] after battling Leukemia for well over 2 years,” Suchin said in a statement. “He passed peacefully holding hands with his wife Eleonora and his beloved toy poodle – Ivy.”
The Cars were at the forefront of the merger of 1970s guitar-oriented rock with the new synthesizer-oriented pop that became popular in the early 1980s. Music critic Robert Palmer, writer for The New York Times and Rolling Stone, described the Cars’ musical style: “They have taken some important but disparate contemporary trends—punk minimalism, the labyrinthine synthesizer and guitar textures of art rock, the ’50s rockabilly revival and the melodious terseness of power pop—and mixed them into a personal and appealing blend.”[2]
actor Leo G. Carroll (Topper, The Man From UNCLE) was born in Weedon England. He died Oct 16, 1972 at age 85.
On this day in 1906, American inventor Lee de Forest patented the “Audion,” a 3-diode amplification valve (tube) which proved a pioneering development in radio & broadcasting.
Whit Bissell
On this day in 1909, character actor Whit Bissell was born in New York City. He was a busy supporting actor in episodic TV over 33 years, with running roles in Bachelor Father in the mid-50’s & Time Tunnel in the mid-60’s. Bissell died at 86 March 5 1996 from Parkinson’s.
Minnie Pearl
On this day in 1912, country comedienne Minnie Pearl was born (Sarah Ophelia Colley) in smalltown Tennessee. She invented the Minnie Pearl character while touring with an Atlanta theatre group, and made her first radio appearance on Grand Ole Opry in 1940. A Country Music Association Hall-of-Famer, Minnie died from a stroke March 4 1996 at age 83.
Also this day in 1912, the man who gave us “Our Miss Brooks” on CBS Radio in 1948, writer/director Al Lewis was born. He also directed 102 ‘Brooks’ episodes on TV. He died Feb. 3 2002 at age 89, due to congestive heart failure.
On this day in 1914, radio & TV host John Reed King was born in Wilmington Delaware. He was an announcer & game show host (Double or Nothing) in bigtime radio, then transitioned to TV as host of game shows Why?, Where Was I?, Chance of a Lifetime, and Give & Take. He died at age 64 from a heart attack July 8, 1979.
Annis Stukus
Also this day in 1914, football coach & radio/TV sportscaster Annis Stukus was born. Player, coach, then executive in both the CFL & WHA, Stuke had on-air stints with CFTO Toronto & CFUN Vancouver. He died May 20 2006 at age 91.
On this day in 1918, Canadian trumpeter-songwriter Bobby Gimby
Bobby Gimby
was born in Cabri, Saskatchewan. He is best remembered for his years with CBC Radio’s daytime institution The Happy Gang, and for writing the 1967 bilingual Canadian centennial theme, CA-NA-DA. Less well known are his early years in Vancouver with the Kitsilano Boys Band, as a member of Mart Kenney‘s Western Gentlemen, and as a regular on CBC-TV’s popular post-hockey ‘Juliette’ show. He died June 20 1998 at age 79.
Billy Barty
On this day in 1924, famous short person/comedian Billy Barty was born in Milsboro Pennsylvania. One of the 20th Century’s most famous faces of dwarfism, he began making movies as a baby in 1925, and added TV from 1951-2001..a 75 year span. He was a regular on TV’s Spike Jones Show & Peter Gunn. Barty died of heart failure December 23, 2000 at age 76.
Tony Franciosa
On this day in 1928, actor Tony Franciosa was born (Anthony Papaleo) in New York City. After his movie career began to fade in the 1960’s, he was the star of 4 TV series: Valentine’s Day, The Name of the Game, Matt Helm, and Finder of Lost Loves. He died of a stroke Jan 19, 2006 at age 75.
On this day in 1928, actress Jeanne Cooper was born in Taft California. She played Katherine Chancellor on The Young & the Restless for almost 40 years! She was also the mother of actor Corbin Benson. She succumbed to an infection (COPD) May 8th, 2013 at age 84.
On this day in 1935, Canadian champion curler & commentator Don Duguid was born. (pictured right with Don Chevrier.)
On this day in 1937, radio’s Stella Dallas made her debut on WEAF radio New York. The 15-minute soap opera would be fed to the NBC Red network the following June, and remained there through 1955. Stella was played by Anne Elstner (pictured, left) for the entire run.Vivian Smolen (right) played Stella’s daughter, Laurel.
On this day in 1943, Benny Carter and his orchestra recorded “Poinciana,” their best selling single, for Capitol records. The real title, incidentally, is “Poinciana (Song of the Tree).”
On this day in 1950, radio station CJON signed on for the first time at 930 KHz in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
On this day in 1954, Edmonton got its own local televison as Alberta’s second station CFRN-TV signed on to Channel 3 at 3:00 p.m.
On this day in 1957, one night after appearing at Vancouver’s Georgia Auditorium, Alan Freed‘s “The Biggest Show Of Stars For 1957” played the first of two nights at Seattle’s Orpheum Theatre. Among the rock-n-rollers performing were Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, Eddie Cochran, Clyde McPhatter, LaVern Baker, and the Drifters.
On this day in 1958, future pop superstar Cliff Richard made his radio debut on the BBC’s ‘Saturday Club.’
On this day in 1959, Chicago-based announcer & host Bob Murphy (right) died at age 42. He was best known nationally for his announcing & substitute hosting on Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club on ABC & CBC Radio.
On this day in 1960, future Rolling Stone band-mates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards accidentally met on a train. They had known each other previously from school. Richards noticed the R&B record albums under Jagger’s arm, and before long the two formed their first music group, Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys.
On this day in 1961, Peter Jensen, the Danish-born co-inventor of the loud speaker, died at 75. His innovation allowed radio listeners to abandon their earphones.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles gave their first-ever radio interview on a closed-circuit station serving two hospitals near Liverpool. Listeners report that Paul made the seldom-heard admission, “John is, in fact, the leader of the group.”
Paul Peterson, Donna Reed, Carl Betz and Shelly Fabray
Also in 1962, 17-year-old cast member Paul Petersen sang his sentimental hit single (#6) “My Dad” to Carl Betz who played his father, on the ABC-TV sitcom “The Donna Reed Show.”
On this day in 1963, radio station CFBV Smithers signed on to 1230 KHz with 1000 watts day and 250 watts at night.
Also in 1963, The Beatles kicked off their first tour of Sweden by playing two shows at Nya Aulan, Sundstavagen, Karlstad, Sweden. The local paper’s reviewer was not impressed; he said the Fab Four should be “grateful to their screaming fans for drowning out their terrible performance.”
Brenda Lee
Also in 1963, 19-year-old Brenda Lee recorded “As Usual” for Decca Records, just one of her 37 charted singles in the 1960’s.
On this day in 1964, TheBeatles dominated the British music industry awards, winning five. The songs “She Loves You” and “I Want To Hold Your Hand” placed one and two in the best-selling record category.
Also this day in 1964, “And now, rrrrright here on OUR stage….”Ed Sullivan introduced The Rolling Stones to North American audiences on his Sunday night show on CBS-TV. So many people complained that Sullivan said he’d never invite them back, but they in fact made five more appearances beginning the following year.
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin played a gig at Surrey University, England. Although there are unconfirmed reports of earlier shows, this appears to be the band’s first gig with their new name after initially performing as The New Yardbirds.
The Guess Who
On this day in 1969, the Winnipeg rock group The Guess Who was awarded a Gold Record for their hit single, ‘Laughing’.
The same day in 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears, led by Toronto rocker David-Clayton Thomas, saw their single ‘And When I Die’ enter the Billboard Top 40 chart.
On this day in 1970, CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show featured hit music by Australia’s The New Seekers, Brazil’s Astrud Gilberto, and India’s Ravi Shankar.
On this day in 1971, just four days before the death of guitarist Duane Allman, “The Allman Brothers Band Live at the Fillmore East” album was certified gold.
Rick Nelson
On this day in 1973, guest star Rick Nelson played a former teen rocker-turned-murdering-pimp on ABC-TV’s “The Streets Of San Francisco.”
On this day in 1974, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwick & the Spinners. The song was the first No. 1 single for both.
Also in 1974, Paul McCartney’s band Wings released the single “Junior’s Farm,” which had been recorded in Nashville while Paul and the band were housed at the farm of Curly Putman Jr.
On this day in 1980, Barbra Streisand‘s Woman in Love, from the number one album, Guilty, was the number one song in the U.S. Both the album and the single were #1 for three weeks.
On this day in 1982, Bob Newhart returned to TV in another sitcom, with the debut of “Newhart” on CBS. This one, in which he & his wife (Mary Frann) operated a little inn in Vermont, lasted eight seasons.
On this day in 1983, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton. The song won an American Music Award for best country single and was named vocal duet of the year and single record of the year by the Academy of Country Music.
On this day in 1984, John Cougar Mellencamp reached the two-million-dollar sales mark with his album, Uh-Huh. Also, country group Alabama went to the three-million-dollar mark with two albums this day: Feels So Right and Mountain Music.
On this day in 1985, one of early radio’s singing stars Morton Downey died at age 83.
On this day in 1986, actor Forrest Tucker (O’Rourke-F Troop, Dusty Trail, Crunch & Des), died at age 67, a victim of lung cancer.
Also this day in 1986, for the first time in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 singles, the top three spots were in the grip of solo girl singers: Cyndi Lauper‘s “True Colors” was #1, Tina Turner‘s “Typical Male” was #2, and Janet Jackson was third with “When I Think Of You.”
Still in 1986, the New Jersey-based rock band Bon Jovi rose to number one in the U.S. with their Slippery When Wet album. It was the number one album for eight weeks.
On this day in 1987, radio correspondent Cecil Brown (CBS), one of Ed Murrow’s “boys” who reported largely from the Pacific front during WWII, died at age 80.
On this day in 1988, ABC News reported on potbellied pygmy porkers’ popularity as pets(LOL!)
On this day in 1990, the 200th episode of “Cheers” aired on NBC-TV.
On this day in 1991, rock promoter Bill Graham died in a helicopter crash after a Huey Lewis concert in Concord, Calif. He was 60. Among the events produced by Graham were the Live Aid concert, Amnesty International tour and US Festival. At times he managed the careers of the Grateful Dead, Van Morrison and Santana.
Also in 1991, Margo Sylvia, lead singer with the Tune Weavers (Happy Happy Birthday Baby), suffered a fatal heart attack at age 55.
On this day in 1992, singer-songwriter Roger Miller died in Los Angeles, a victim of lung & throat cancer at age 56. The 11-Grammy Award winner had a string of hits in the 60’s, including “England Swings,” “Dang Me,” “Husbands & Wives” and “King of the Road.”
On this day in 1993, actor Vincent Price succumbed to lung cancer at age 82. He starred as The Saint on radio, and on TV in the 1980’s he hosted the series Mystery on PBS. He was a favorite guest on variety shows because of his good humour.
Also in 1993, during a US tour Tears For Fears appeared at The Aladdin Theatre, Las Vegas, with support band Radiohead.
Mildred Natwick
On this day in 1994, character actress Mildred Natwick succumbed to cancer at age 89. She won an Emmy for her work in TV’s The Snoop Sisters with Helen Hayes. She also was Aunt March in the series Little Women.
On this day in 1995, actress Viveca Lindfors died due to severe rheumatoid arthritis at age 74. With most of her efforts on the stage & big screen she had limited guest roles on TV’s Law & Order, China Beach, Dynasty, etc, plus a recurring role in the family series Life Goes On, for which she won an Emmy.
Also this day in 1995, Alanis Morissette‘s album ‘Jagged Little Pill’ was certified Multi Platinum 3.00.
Cliff Richard
Still in 1995, British singer Cliff Richard received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Cliff was reputed to be a favorite of the 95-year-old Queen Mother.
On this day in 1997, after falling over on stage while reaching for a guitar pick, Johnny Cash revealed for the first time during a gig in Michigan that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
On this day in 1998, for the very first time all of the top five songs of the week were new entries: 1) Cher, Believe; 2) George Michael, Outside; 3) U2, Sweetest Thing; 4) Culture Club, I Just Wanna Be Loved; 5) Alanis Morissette, Thank U.
On this day in 2001, 13 lawyers were still involved in claims to Jerry Garcia‘s $10 million estate six years after his death. Former wives & girlfriends of the Grateful Dead leader continued to squabble over his estate and the annual record royalties of some $4.6 million.
On this day in 2002, British actor Richard Harris, who had a huge radio hit with his 1968 recording of Jim Webb’s classic MacArthur Park, died of Hodgkin’s Disease at age 72.
Also in 2002, in Bloomfield Michigan an $800,000 house owned by Aretha Franklin was destroyed in an arson fire. The soul singer had not lived there in the past two years.
On this day in 2003, Johnny Cash‘s step-daughter, Rosey Nix Adams and her fiddle player Jimmy Campbell were found dead on their tour bus in Clarksville, Tennessee from carbon monoxide poisoning. Heaters that had been left on were blamed for the accident.
John Peel
On this day in 2004, BBC presenter John Peel died in Cuzco, Peru of a heart attack, aged 65. He was the Beeb’s longest-serving radio DJ and the first ‘presenter’ to introduce The Ramones, Roxy Music, Rod Stewart, the Sex Pistols, T. Rex and others to the UK masses.
Also in 2004, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife/manager, Sharon hosted an MTV reality series, Battle for Ozzfest. Eight up-and-coming bands competed for a chance to perform at next year`s Ozzfest. It was Survivor on a Rock N’ Roll scale.
On this day in 2007, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd taped a tribute to Country legend Hank Williams Jr. on a CMT Giants special from L.A. The show was broadcast the following month.
On this day in 2008, Neil Young‘s annual two-day Bridge School Benefit concert in Mountain View, CA, featured Death Cab For Cutie (who opened on Young’s tour) and Smashing Pumpkins. The Bridge School is a nonprofit organization that helps children with severe speech and physical impairments.
On this day in 2009, as part of U2’s 360° Tour, the group broadcast their concert at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl stadium on YouTube. More than 100,000 attended the sold out concert (a record for the venue) with an estimated 2.5 million viewing the webcast.
On this day in 2011, the UK band Coldplay released their fifth album, “Mylo Xyloto,” which had been two years in the making. The set included the singles “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” and “Paradise.”
Also in 2012, the Rolling Stones played their first show in five years at a club in Paris. The 12 song warm-up for planned concerts at larger venues opened with “Route 66” and closed with “Brown Sugar.”
On this day in 2013, actress Marcia Wallace, who was the voice of 4th grade teacher Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons, and earlier played Carol Kester, the lovelorn, wisecracking secretary on The Bob Newhart Show, lost her 28 year battle with breast cancer. She was aged 70.
On this day in 2014, Jack Bruce, the UK singer and bassist for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Cream, lost his battle with liver disease at age 71.
On this day in 2016, UK-born actor Hugh Laurie (House MD) was on hand to help unveil his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jeff Glor
On this day in 2017, CBS announced that veteran correspondent Jeff Glor would be the next anchor of the network’s flagship evening news broadcast. The 42-year old took over Dec. 4th.
Also in 2017, Rosanne Cash and the late Roy Orbison were inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
On this day in 2018, Sonny Fortune, a saxophonist whose powerful sound and assured yet questing style made him a steadfast presence in New York jazz for more than half a century, died of complications from a stroke at age 79.
Also in 2018, Ray Charles and Los Lobos entered the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
Today’s Birthdays
Actress Marion Ross (Happy Days, Drew Carey Show) is 96.
Rock singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 80.
Singer Taffy Nivert (Starland Vocal Band) is 80.
Commentator/political consultant James Carville is 80.
Rock Glen Tipton (Judas Priest) is 77.
Actor Brian Kerwin (Nip/Tuck, Beggars & Choosers, BJ & the Bear, Roseanne) is 75.
Actor Mark L. Taylor(Saving Grace, Melrose Place, The Mask, House Calls) is 74.
Former Headline News anchor Chuck Roberts is 74.
Actress Glynis Barber (EastEnders) is 69.
Rock musician Matthias Jabs (Sawyer Brown) is 69.
Spokane-born actress Laura Malone (Another World) is 68.
Actress Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons) is 67.
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith is 63.
Actress Darlene Vogel (Pacific Blue, Beyond the Break) is 62.
Actress Tracy Nelson (Melrose Place, Father Dowling Mysteries) is 61.
Actress Melinda McGraw (Outcast, Men of a Certain Age, Hank, The Commish) is 56.
Actor Michael Boatman (The Good Wife, Instant Mom, Anger Management, Spin City, China Beach) is 59.
Voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show, The Batman, Family Guy) is 60.
Toronto-born comedienne/TV personality Samantha Bee (Full Frontal, The Daily Show) is 55.
Actress/voicist Nika Futterman (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, NFL Rush Zone, Handy Manny) is 55.
Writer/producer/actor Adam Goldberg (The Goldbergs, Breaking In, Head Cases, Joey) is 54.
Actress Persia White (Girlfriends, The Vampire Diaries, Breaker High) is 52.
Ontario-born rock musician Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies is 54.
Country singer Chely Wright is 54.
Actor Craig Robinson (The Office, Mr. Robot. Mr. Robinson, The Cleveland Show, Lucky) is 53.
Actress Leslie Grossman (American Horror Story, What I Like About You) is 53.
Violinist Midori is 53.
PEI-born actor Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Trailer Park Boys) is 53.
Actor Michael Weston (Houdini & Doyle, House MD) is 51.
Actor Antony Starr (Outrageous Fortune, Banshee) is 49.
Actor Zachary Knighton (Happy Endings, FlashForward) is 46.
Actress Sarah Thompson (Angel, 7th Heaven) is 45.
Actress Samantha Esteban (Saved by the Bell: The New Class) is 45.
Actor Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl, Necessary Roughness, True Blood, Desperate Housewives) is 44.
Actor Ben Gould (Saved by the Bell: New Class) is 44.
Actor Josh Henderson (Dallas) is 43.
Singer Austin Winkler (Hinder) is 43.
Singer Jerome Jones(Romeo) of Immature is 43.
Singer/actress Katy Perry is 40.
Singer Ciara is 39.
Actress Krista Marie Yu (Dr. Ken) is 36.
Actress Brittney Alger (Occult, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) is 36.
Toronto-born actress Chloe Rose (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Teenagers) is 30.
Vancouver-born actress Conchita Campbell (The 4400) is 29.
Actor Tyler Alvarez (Orange Is the New Black, Every Witch Way) is 27.
Actress Johnny Sequoyah (Believe) is 22.
Actor Armani Jackson (Grey’s Anatomy) is 21.
Chart Toppers October 25th
1944 I’ll Walk Alone – Dinah Shore Is You is or is You Ain’t – Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters It Had to Be You – Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes Smoke on the Water – Red Foley
1953 Vaya Con Dios – Les Paul & Mary Ford You, You, You – The Ames Brothers Crying in the Chapel – June Valli I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know – The Davis Sisters
1962 Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Picket Do You Love Me – The Contours He’s a Rebel – The Crystals Mama Sang a Song – Bill Anderson
1971 Maggie May /Reason to Believe – Rod Stewart Yo-Yo – The Osmonds Do You Know What I Mean – Lee Michaels How Can I Unlove You – Lynn Anderson
1980 Woman in Love – Barbra Streisand He’s So Shy – Pointer Sisters Real Love – The Doobie Brothers I Believe in You – Don Williams
1989 Miss You Much – Janet Jackson Love Song – The Cure Sowing the Seeds of Love – Tears For Fears Living Proof – Ricky Van Shelton
1998 One Week – Barenaked Ladies The First Night – Monica This Kiss – Faith Hill Where the Green Grass Grows – Tim McGraw
2007 Stronger – Kanye West Rockstar – Nickelback Apologize – Timbaland featuring OneRepublic Love Me If You Can – Toby Keith
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson