“Tears in Heaven” is a song by English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton and Will Jennings, written about the death of Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor. It appeared on the 1991 Rush film soundtrack. In January 1992, Clapton performed the song in front of an audience at Bray Studios, Berkshire, England for MTV Unplugged, with the recording appearing on his Unplugged album.
Many Happy Returns of the Day to Vancouver’s Rock 101 Breakfast Co-Host Kim Seale who is 55 today…
ON THIS DAYin 1846
the Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, & St. Catharines Telegraph Company was founded. It was the first telegraph company in Canada.
On this day in 1891, radio actor Parker Fennelly was born in Maine. He was a longtime member of Allen’s Alley on NBC’s Fred Allen Show, portraying Titus Moody with a strong “Down East” accent. He was much in demand for numerous radio series based in New York, and over a 20 year span played a countrified New Englander on Snow Village Sketches, which kept popping up on various networks. He guested on numerous live early TV shows including Lux Video Theatre, Philco Television Playhouse and Studio One. He died at age 96 on Jan. 22, 1988.
On this day in 1903, a favorite comedian of early TV, Curly Howard was born in Brooklyn.He was one of The Three Stooges, whose slapstick comedies occupied a lot of black & white airtime in TV’s earliest days. He died Jan 18 1952 at age 48, after suffering a dibilitating second stroke two years earlier.
On this day in 1915, actor Harry Hickox was born in Big Springs Tx. He had supporting roles in two TV sitcoms of the 60’s, No Time for Sergeants and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, then did guest parts for another decade. He died June 3 1994 at age 78.
On this day in 1917, actress Joan Fontaine was born in Japan. After a successful big-screen career she took running roles in the TV series Ryan’s Hope and Crossings, plus scores of TV guest spots over a span of 38 years. She died in her sleep Dec. 15 2013, at age 96.
On this day in 1925, singer/songwriter/lyricist Dory Previn was born in Rahway New Jsersey. With her first husband Andre Previn she wrote such hits as Come Saturday Morning & It’s Impossible, as well as the scores for a number of movies. She died Feb. 14 2012 at age 86.
On this day in 1939, the first televised pro football game was telecast from Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. NBC’s flagship, W2XBS, carried the action. Brooklyn beat Philadelphia, 23-14. NBC later changed those experimental call letters to WRCA, and even later, to WNBC.
On this day in 1940, Vancouver’s CBR radio opened its first LPRT (Low-Powered Relay Transmitter) in Revelstoke on 840 KHz with a power of just 20 watts. By 25 years later there were more than 70 LPRT’s on AM throughout B.C., all with a power of 40 watts.
On this day in 1944, radio was reporting that the World War 2 Allies had the Axis on the run. On the Italian front, Canadian Private Ernest Alva ‘Smokey’ Smith of the Seaforth Highlanders showed conspicuous heroism, holding the Savio River crossing against German counter-attacks and destroying at least two enemy tanks. The New Westminster native was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross.
On this day in 1948, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Twelfth Street Rag” by the Pee Wee Hunt Orchestra.
On this day in 1957, Portland had a visit from Alan Freed‘s “The Biggest Show Of Stars For 1957.” The stage of the Paramount Theater saw performances by ‘Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Knox, Clyde McPhatter, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, LaVern Baker, the Drifters, Eddie Cochran, and several others.
On this day in 1958, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “It’s All In The Game” by Tommy Edwards. The lyrics were written by Carl Sigman to a 1912 melody by Charles Gates Dawes, who later served as vice president of the U.S.(1925-29).
On this day in 1961, in the midst of a growing “twist” craze, Chubby Checker was on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show, performing his original hit from the previous year, “The Twist,” along with his followup “Let’s Twist Again.” The resulting attention helped boost “The Twist” back to #1 by early 1962, marking the only time the same recording has hit the top spot on Billboard’s singles chart in two different years.
On this day in 1962, the world seemed precipitously close to nuclear war, as President Kennedy took to the airwaves to tell us Soviet missile bases had been discovered in Cuba. On this day in 1964, The Who, then known as the High Numbers, auditioned for EMI Records, who turned them down.
On this day in 1965, The Kingston Trio played themselves on the NBC-TV WWII drama series, “Convoy.” They sang two songs, “Hard Travelin’” and “Blowin’ In The Wind.”
Also in 1965, Ernest Tubb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
On this day in 1966, the Supremes rocketed to the top of the pop-album charts with ‘Supremes A-Go-Go’, knocking The Beatles ‘Revolver’ from No. 1. Diana, Florence and Mary were the first all-female group to sit atop Billboard’s LP chart.
Also this day in 1966, the Beach Boys released the single “Good Vibrations.” At that time, it was the most expensive single ever recorded, costing 40-thousand dollars to make. “Good Vibrations” was the only Beach Boys’ single to sell a million copies in North America.
On this day in 1967, UK singer Lulu appeared on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show singing her biggest hit “To Sir with Love.” Also guesting were Eddie Fisher, the McGuire Sisters, and comic Norm Crosby.
On this day in 1969, singer/songwriter Tommy Edwards (It’s All In The Game .. see 1958 above) died of a brain aneurysm at age 47.
Also in 1969, Paul McCartney was forced to appear in public to deny rumours of his death.
Still this day in 1969, the second Led Zeppelin album was released. It reached #1 two months later.
On this day in 1971, folk singer Joan Baez received a gold record for her hit, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. It turned out to be her biggest hit, peaking at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1974, Fidel Castro gave his first in-depth TV interview since 1968. Dan Rather interviewed him on CBS.
On this day in 1976, the English rock group the Who wrapped up their tour with a concert in Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. It would prove to be the last show Keith Moon (third from the left) would play in North America. He died less than two years later.
On this day in 1977, Foreigner’s self-titled debut release peaked at #4 on the Billboard album chart. Sales eventually topped four million copies.
On this day in 1978, comedienne & novelty singer Dorothy Shay, the “Park Avenue Hillbilly”, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 57. She co-starred with Spike Jones in network radio, was a guest of Jack Benny & Red Skelton on TV, and played the recurring role of Thelma, owner of the “Dew Drop Inn,” on CBS-TV’s “The Waltons” until her death.
Also this day in 1978, Earth, Wind & Fire opened a 75-date sold-out U.S. tour in Louisville, Ky. The show came complete with visual effects designed by magician Doug Henning.
Still this day in 1978, Laugh-in’s “sock-it-to-me” gal Judy Carne was arrested at London’s Gatwick Airport for drug possession.
On this day in 1984, actor Napoleon Whiting, who played Silas on the TV series Big Valley), died at age 75.
On this day in 1985, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston. The song was originally recorded by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
On this day in 1986, Toronto-born actor Ivor Francis died at 68 from the effects of multiple strokes. In 22 years of supporting roles on US TV, he had running roles in just two series, Bright Promise and Dusty’s Trail.
Also this day in 1986, a traffic reporter for New York’s WNBC-AM Jane Dornnacker was killed in a helicopter crash during a live report.Listeners heard her terrified voice screaming “Hit the water, hit the water” as the helicopter from which she and pilot Bill Pate were reporting, fell from the sky and crashed into the Hudson River. Dornacker had been a member of ‘The Tubes’ and ‘Leila And The Snakes.’
On this day in 1988, Phil Collins‘ remake of the Mindbenders “Groovy Kind of Love” was the number one U.S. single. It was parked at the peak of the pops for two weeks.
Also this day in 1988, Elton John sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden for a record 26th time.
On this day in 1989, radio announcer & actor Roland Winters suffered a stroke and died at age 84. He began in radio and then spent 30 years of mostly guest spots on TV. He had running roles in three early series: Mama, Meet Millie, & Door with No Name.
On this day in 1990, Pearl Jam played their first ever concert when they appeared at the Off Ramp Cafe in the Eastlake area of Seattle, under the name “Mookie Blaylock.” They were the opening act for Alice In Chains.
On this day in 1991, the 100th episode of the sitcom “Full House” aired on ABC.
On this day in 1992, actor Cleavon Little, who hit the bigtime on the big screen in Blazing Saddles,succumbed to colon cancer at age 53. On TV Cleavon had running parts in the series Baghdad Cafe, True Colors, Temperatures Rising, and Another World.
Also this day in 1992, the legendary Cincinnati, Brooklyn & Yankee baseball announcer Red Barber, died at age 84.
On this day in 1993, former Mousketeer Annette Funicello got a great 51st birthday present with the official unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this day in 1994, pop drummer/singer/producer Jimmy Miller (Motorhead), died of liver failure at age 52. Miller produced hundreds of albums from the 1960’s to the ’90s, including some of the Rolling Stones’ biggest successes — “Beggar’s Banquet,” “Sticky Fingers,” “Exile on Main Street,” “Let It Bleed” and “Goat’s Head Soup.”
On this day in 1995, character actress Mary Wickes died of acute renal failure at age 85. She began doing movie work in the 30’s, and ended doing voices for TV cartoons in the 90’s. Amongst much guest work she had running roles on TV’s Father Dowling Mysteries, The Waltons, Dennis the Menace, the Peter Lind Hayes Show, & Life With Louie.
On this day in 1997, Harry Goodman, brother of bandleader Benny Goodman, for whom he was a sideman, died at the home of his daughter-in-law in Gstaad, Switzerland, of complications from a stroke. He was 91.
On this day in 1998, Bob Dylan played a “homecoming” show in Duluth, Minnesota, the nearest he’d appeared to his neighboring hometown of Hibbing in almost 30 years. On this day in 1999, the famous Motown act the Temptations earned their first official RIAA-certified platinum award for their 56th album “Phoenix Rising.”
On this day in 2000, R.E.M. graced its Athens, Ga., hometown with the band’s first concert appearance there in eight years. The three-song performance, held on the steps of the Athens Clarke County Courthouse, came as part of Land Aid, a local festival that strives to improve the economic environment of Athens and its surrounding area.
On this day in 2004, a wrenching videotaped statement was broadcast from kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan. She begged Britain to help save her by withdrawing its troops from Iraq, saying these ”might be my last hours.” (Hassan was apparently killed by her captors.)
Also in 2004, bass singer Bill Reed, original member of the Toronto-based singing group The Diamonds (The Stroll, Little Darlin’) died at age 68.
On this day in 2005, Waterloo by Abba was voted the best song in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest. Viewers in 31 countries across Europe voted during a special show in Copenhagen to celebrate the annual event’s 50th birthday.
On this day in 2006, Melfort Sask.-born actor Arthur Hill, who starred in the 1970’s ABC series Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law, and guested on episodic TV over a span 45 years, died at age 84, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Also this day in 2006, John Mellencamp played “Our Country” prior to game two of the World Series in Detroit. The song, from Mellencamp’s “Freedom’s Road” CD, was also featured in ads for Chevrolet’s Silverado pickup truck.
On this day 2007, Marie Osmond fainted live on TV after her dance performance on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” On this day in 2008, “Rock N Roll Train,” the first single from t he AC/DC album “Black Ice,” was heard in an episode of CBS-TV’s Criminal Minds.
On this day in 2009, comedian/TV host/gameshow panellist Soupy Sales succumbed to cancer at age 83. In the 1980’s he was the midday deejay at New York’s WNBC-AM between Don Imus and Howard Stern.
Also in 2009, songwriter/producer Luther Dixon, who gave us The Shirelles and hit songs Soldier Boy, Baby It’s You, Mama Said, 16 Candles and Why Baby Why, died in Jacksonville Florida at age 78.
On this day in 2010, Toronto-based Rush was listed #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Tours” chart, based on ticket sales from the band’s North American “Time Machine Tour.” Over three months (August – October) the band sold more than 270,000 tickets, with a gross of $18,989,834.
On this day in 2011, former CBS News correspondent Robert Pierpoint, for 23 years the network’s White House correspondent where he covered 6 presidents, died of complications from hip surgery at age 86.
On this day in 2012, a week-long celebration of Chuck Berry began at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It was part of the Hall’s American Music Masters series.
On this day in 2015, Mark Murphy, a daringly original jazz singer whose unchained improvisational style made him a cult favorite and a powerful influence on a generation of younger performers, died of complications from pneumonia at age 83.
On this day in 2016, Chicago radio legend Herb Kent, the Cool Gent, whose career on the air spanned more than 70 years, died at age 88. He was known as the longest-serving DJ in radio history.
On this day in 2017, George Young, the eldest brother of AC/DC co-founders Malcolm and Angus Young, died at the age of 70. A former member of The Easybeats (“Friday On My Mind”) he co-produced AC/DC’s early albums.
Also in 2017, 21st Century Fox revealed that they did know of a settlement Bill O’Reilly had reached with a network analyst who had accused him of sexual harassment at the time the company renewed the star Fox News host’s contract. O’Reilly had been fired from the cable channel six months earlier.
On this day in 2018, actress Selma Blair, with substantial continuing roles in the TV series Anger Management, Another Life, and Kath & Kim, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, at age 46.
Today’s Birthdays
Actor Christopher Lloyd (Stacked, Deadly Games, Taxi) is 86.
UK actor Sir Derek Jacobi (Last Tango in Halifax) is 86.
Ontario-born actress Anna Ferguson (Heartland, Happy Town, Avonlea) is 86.
Actor Tony Roberts (Lucie Arnaz Show, Four Seasons, Edge of Night) is 85.
French actress Catherine Deneuve (Chanel #5 spokespersn) is 81.
Singer Eddie Brigati of The Rascals and Joey Dee and the Starlighters is 79.
Actor Christopher Curry (Hart of Dixie) is 76.
Actor Jeff Goldblum (Law & Order:CI, Will & Grace, Futurequest) is 72.
Keyboardist Greg Hawkes of The Cars is 72.
Writer/producer/director Marc Lawrence (Family Ties) is 65.
Writer/director/actor Todd Graff (The Electric Company) is 65.
Rock bassist Cris Kirkwood (Meat Puppets) is 64.
Actor Robert Torti (Young & the Restless, The Drew Carey Show, Days of Our Lives) is 63.
Actor/producer Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Mr. Show, Larry Sanders Show) is 62.
Christian singer TobyMac (dc Talk) is 60.
Singer-songwriter Wesley Stace (John Wesley Harding) is 59.
Actress Valeria Golino (In Treatment) is 59.
Comedian Carlos Mencia is 57.
Actor/voicist Jay Johnston (The Sarah Silverman Program, Arrested Development, Bob’s Burgers, Mr. Pickles) is 56.
Actor Bobby Fite (Silver Spoons) is 56.
Country singer/songwriter Shelby Lynne is 56.
Reggae rapper Shaggy is 56.
Vancouver’s Rock 101 Breakfast Co-Host Kim Seale is 55.
Rapper Tracey Lee is 54.
Actress Saffron Burrows (Mozart in the Jungle, Agents of S.H.I.EL.D., Law & Order:CI, Boston Legal) is 52.
Actress Carmen Egojo (The Girlfriend Experience, Zero Hour) is 51.
Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) is 49.
Guitarist Jon Foreman of Switchfoot is 48.
Actress Zuzanna Szadkowski (Gossip Girl, The Knick) is 46.
Reality TV personality/realtor Katrina Campins (The Apprentice, Miami Social) is 45.
Actor Tony Denman (Good vs Evil) is 45.
Actor Michael Fishman (The Conners, Roseanne) is 43.
Actor John Boyd (Bones, 24) is 43.
Former teenaged homegrown talk show host Michael Essany is 42.
Guitarist Rickard Goransson of Carolina Liar is 41.
Singer/songwriter/actress Olivia May (Co-Ed Confidential) is 39.
Rock drummer Zac Hanson (Hanson) is 39.
Actor Kyle Gallner (Veronica Mars) is 38.
Actor Corey Hawkins (24: Legacy, The Walking Dead) is 36.
Actress Sharon Rooney (Sherlock) is 36.
Actor Jonathan Lipnicki (Youthful Daze, Dawson’s Creek, Jeff Foxworthy Show) is 34.
Actress Sofia Vassilieva (Medium) is 32.
Actor Elias Harger (Fuller House) is 17.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 22
1950 Goodnight Irene – The Weavers All My Love – Patti Page Harbor Lights – The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Tony Alamo) I’m Moving On – Hank Snow
1959 Mack the Knife – Bobby Darin Mr. Blue – The Fleetwoods Teen Beat – Sandy Nelson Country Girl – Faron Young
1968 Hey Jude – The Beatles Fire – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Little Green Apples – O.C. Smith Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye – Eddy Arnold
1977 You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone Noboby Does It Better – Carly Simon That’s Rock ’N’ Roll – Shaun Cassidy Heaven’s Just a Sin Away – The Kendalls
1986 When I Think of You – Janet Jackson Typical Male – Tina Turner True Colors – Cyndi Lauper Just Another Love – Tanya Tucker
1995 Fantasy – Mariah Carey Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio featuring L.V. Runaway – Janet Jackson She’s Every Woman – Garth Brooks
2004 My Happy Ending – Avril Lavigne Goodies – Ciara featuring Petey Pablo She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5 Suds in the Bucket – Sara Evans
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson
SEATTLE – Tony Ventrella, a major player in Seattle’s sports and broadcasting industry, has died.
Before his death at age 80, he was known to the Western Washington community for his love and work at television stations all over town including FOX 13, King, KIRO, and Komo.
In addition to reporting, he was also an author and involved in politics, even launching a bid for congress in 2016. He challenged now-Governor candidate Dave Reichert.
Following a career spanning more than 40 years, tributes are pouring in from the Seattle community.
Barry Allen Sadler (November 1, 1940 – November 5, 1989) was an American soldier, singer-songwriter and author. Sadler served as a Green Beret medic, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in the Vietnam War from late December 1964 to late May 1965. Most of his work has a military theme, and he is best known for his patriotic “Ballad of the Green Berets,” a #1 hit in 1966. He died at age 49 after being shot in the head in Guatemala City.
offered a chance to buy, for the first time, a two-sided record. The Columbia Gramophone Company’s “Double-Disc” Records, so called because there was a song on either side, sold for 65 cents.
On this day in 1915, influential Nashville-sound record producer Owen Bradley was born. Besides the top country talents of his era, Bradley also worked with Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Buddy Holly, and Conway Twitty. He died Jan 7 1998 at age 82 from respiratory problems.
Also this day in 1915 the first transatlantic radiotelephone message was transmitted from Arlington, Virginia to Paris.
On this day in 1917, Grammy-winning jazz & bebop trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was born in South Carolina. He was famous for his puffed cheeks & bent trumpet. He died Jan 6 1993 at age 75.
On this day in 1920, radio announcer & TV director Hy Averbach was born in Minneapolis. He died Oct. 14 1997 after surgery, a week before his 77th birthday.
On this day in 1921, Canadian actor Robert Clothier was born in Prince Rupert, BC. His defining role was as Relic in all 209 episodes of the CBC TV series, Beachcombers. He died Feb 10 1999 at age 77.
On this day in 1924, it was a big night for a big band in New York’s Cinderella Ballroom. The crowd loved the Wolverine Orchestra from Chicago and the guy on the cornet, Bix Beiderbecke, the “young man with a horn”, who now was “discovered.”
Also this day in 1924, actress Joyce Randolph, who played Trixie (Norton’s wife) on TV’s “The Honeymooners,” was born in Detroit. Happy 99th Birthday, Ms. Randolph!
On this day in 1945, popular longtime Vancouver deejay Fred Latremouille was born in Nanaimo. From 1962 to 2oo7 he was a witty, intelligent program host at a number of Lower Mainland radio outlets, for a large chunk of that time as the first voice listeners heard at the start of a weekday. Fred also was a much-in-demand personality on CBC and other local TV outlets. He succumbed to liver ailments at his Arizona retirement home March 5 2015 at age 69.
On this day in 1948 the first Facsimile (FAX), was demonstrated through high-speed radio transmission. It was demonstrated in Washington D.C.
On this day in 1957, “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis topped the charts .. but only for one week.
Also in 1957, Billy Vaughn and his Orchestra recorded the future #1 hit instrumental, “Sail Along Silv’ry Moon.”
On this day in 1958, orchestral strings were used for the first time in a rock and roll tune. During what would prove to be his last recording session (at Decca’s Pythian Temple Studios in New York) Buddy Holly waxed “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” in just one take; it was written by Paul Anka. The now-iconic track wasn’t released until after Holly’s death in February of 1959. (Other future Holly classics recorded that day were True Love Ways, Moondreams, and Raining in my Heart.)
Also in 1958, Ricky Nelson recorded his ninth Top Ten single, “It’s Late.”
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan completed recording his first album for Columbia Records. The self-titled album was recorded over just two days at a cost of $400.
On this day in 1962, British hit-maker Cliff Richard appeared on CBS TV’s “Ed Sullivan Show,” singing his #1 song in the UK, “Living Doll.”
On this day in 1965, Brenda Holloway, The Kingsmen and the Dave Clark Five guested on ABC TV’s prime time music showcase “Shindig!”
Also this day in 1965, musician Bill Black died four months after brain tumour surgery at age 39. He played double bass on Elvis’ early records, and went on to have a string of instrumental hits as “Bill Black’s Combo” from 1959-62.
Still this day in 1965, big band singer and WW2 pinup Marie McDonald died due to a drug overdose at age 42.
Again in 1965, unsatisfied with a first attempt The Beatles started from scratch on recording ‘Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)’; they had it finished in just three takes. The Fab Four also began working on another new John Lennon song ‘Nowhere Man.’
On this day in 1966, actress Gertrude Hoffman, who played Mrs Odetts on the TV sitcom My Little Margie, died at age 95.
On this day in 1967, the song “To Sir with Love” by Scotland’s Lulu topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.
On this day in 1972, Chuck Berry‘s “My Ding-a-Ling” hit #1 in the U.S. It was number one for two weeks. YouTube presents, Chuck Berry and…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYnt3RTwl0M
Also in 1972, The O’Jays guested on the syndicated TV music show “Soul Train.” They played their #1 song “Back Stabbers,” already a Gold Record.
On this day in 1975, Elton John was on hand to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this day in 1976, Keith Moon played his last show with The Who at the end of a North American tour at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens.
On this day in 1980, radio pitchman Gilbert Templeton died. Canada’s ‘grand old medicine man’ peddled his patent medicines, T-R-C’s and Raz-Mahs for decades over the airwaves.
On this day in 1985, the Cinemax cable TV special “Carl Perkins and Friends,” honoring the 30th anniversary of his hit “Blue Suede Shoes,” was taped in London with special guests George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Dave Edmunds. The special was seen on US cable the following New Year’s Day.
On this day in 1988, Canadian rock/folk musician Robbie Robertson‘s self-named first album as a solo artist was certified Gold.
Also this day in 1992, a $35 million lawsuit was filed by Elton John against the TV show “Hard Copy.” The suit claimed the gossip show had falsely stated John had moved to Atlanta so as to be nearby an AIDS treatment center.
Also in 1992, actor Jackson Weaver, known far & wide as the voice of Smokey the Bear, died of complications from diabetes.
On this day in 1995, vocalist Maxene Andrews, one of the singing Andrews Sisters (pictured left), suffered a fatal heart attack at age 79.
Also this day in 1995, Mariah Carey‘s Daydream was the number one album in the U.S. The album featured the smash hits Fantasy and One Sweet Day (both debuted on the singles chart at #1).
Still in 1995, Blind Melon singer Shannon Hoon was found dead on his tour bus from an accidental drug overdose. He was 28. The band rose to fame in 1993 with the hit “No Rain.”
Again in 1995, Green Day singer Billie Joe was arrested and fined $141 after mooning at the audience during a gig in Milwaukee.
On this day in 1996, a former executive of EMI Records, Jay Barbieri, announced the official launch of the first Internet record label, J-Bird Records at http://www.j-birdrecords.com. The record label is the first of its kind, a label that operates almost exclusively on the World Wide Web.
On this day in 1997, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind 1997, his tribute to the late Princess Diana, was declared by The Guinness Book of Records to be the biggest-selling single recording ever. In just 37 days it sold 31.8 million copies worldwide, eclipsing the previous record held by Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. The Crosby classic sold an estimated 30 million singles — but over more than 50 years!
On this day in 1998, Kiss members Paul Stanley and Bruce Kulick were sued for copyright infringement over the song “Dreamin’,” which the suit alleged sounded too similar to the Alice Cooper hit “Eighteen.”
On this day in 1999, Santana’s “Supernatural” album hit number one on the Billboard album chart. It was Santana’s first number one album since “Santana Three” in 1971.
On this day in 2001, concerts at Madison Square Garden and the RFK Stadium in Washington were expected to raise millions in funds for victims of the Sept 11th terrorist attacks. Stars who appeared included Michael Jackson, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, *NSYNC, P Diddy, James Brown, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Who and Elton John.
On this day in 2003, BC radio man Bob Hall died at his home in Salmon Arm at age 73. His career began at Port Alberni’s CJAV in Port Alberni in 1949, with stops at CHWK Chilliwack and CKOV Kelowna. In 1965 he and CKOV co-worker Walter Gray were awarded radio licenses for Salmon Arm and Revelstoke.
Also in 2003, actor Fred Berry, who hit the bigtime as Rerun in the 70’s TV sitcom What’s Happening, died of heart trouble at the age of 52.
Still in 2003, Elton John signed a three-year, $50 million deal to perform 75 shows at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace.
On this day in 2004, Bo Diddley postponed a concert in Lancaster California to stay in Florida and have a toe amputated, a sad result of his diabetic condition.
On this day in 2005, the new owners of radio stations in Courtenay and Powell River shuffled formats. Magic FM’s adult contemporary format moved to CHQB 1280 Powell River, while FM 98.9 in Courtenay was now called “Jet FM,” playing “The Island’s Best Rock.”
On this day in 2006, internationally reknowned film & TV producer/director and CKVU-TV Vancouver co-founder Daryl Duke died in West Vancouver at the age of 77.
Also in 2006, BBC broadcaster John Peel left over £1.8m and over 25,000 vinyl records in his will. Peel died suddenly at the age of 65 from a heart attack in 2004.
Still in 2006, Evanescence were at No.1 on the US album chart with their second album ‘The Open Door.’ It became the 700th No.1 album in Billboard since the chart became a weekly feature in 1956.
On this day in 2007, Kid Rock and five members of his entourage were arrested after an argument with a man escalated into a fight in a restaurant in Atlanta. Kid Rock also had the No.1 album on the Billboard chart with ‘Rock N Roll Jesus’ his eleventh album release, and first to debut at #1.
Also in 2007, a free copy of Ray Davies (of The Kinks) solo album, “Working Man’s Café,” was distributed in the Sunday Times of London. “Personally, it’s about reaching as many people as possible,” said Davies.
Still in 2007, the National Geographic Channel aired a special called Incredible Human Machine featuring Steven Tyler‘s vocal cords. It included high-definition footage of the Aerosmith frontman’s larynx taken during his throat surgery in the spring of ‘06.
On this day in 2008, Jackson Browne played the Dream Believe Achieve Inspiration Gala in L.A. Proceeds went to nonprofit groups that “provide educational, recreational and cultural opportunities” for South Los Angeles youths and their families.
On this day in 2010, ‘I Met The Walrus‘, an animated video telling the story of a young Beatles fan, Jerry Levitan, meeting John Lennon in a hotel room, was named one of the top 25 ‘most creative YouTube videos ever’. Over 23,000 videos were submitted from 91 countries.
Also in 2010, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler sang the US National Anthem at the Boston Bruins home opener. He was there to help the hockey team’s foundation kick-off their season-long fundraising raffle for a customized Bruins motorcycle built by Tyler’s motorcycle company, Dirico Motorcycles.
On this day in 2011, Trinidadian bandleader Edmundo Ros, whose British recordings of latin melodies were radio staples in Canada and the US in the 1940’s and ’50’s, died at age 100. His 1949 recording of “Wedding Samba” sold 3 million copies.
On this day in 2012, hit country music lyricist Tim Johnson died after a long battle with liver and colon cancer at age 52. His credits include ‘I Let her Lie,’ a 1995 hit for Daryle Singletary, ‘God Only Cries,’ a 2006 single for Diamond Rio, and more recently, Jimmy Wayne‘s ‘Do You Believe Me Now’ and Kellie Pickler‘s ‘Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.’
On this day in 2013, Sid Bernstein, the concert promoter who staged early US shows by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, died aged 95. Bernstein booked The Beatles for their legendary show at Shea Stadium in New York in 1965, which was the first concert to be staged in a stadium. Bernstein also promoted the Fab Four’s gigs at Carnegie Hall in New York on their first US tour in 1964.
Also in 2013,Arcade Fire appeared on ‘The Colbert Report‘ as the ‘Reflektors’ (the title of their fourth album). During the pre-performance interview, host Stephen Colbert jokingly told Arcade Fire’s Winn and Will Butler, “I’m just glad you’re not like Arcade Fire, though. Those guys: kind of pretentious.” The Butlers laughed off the dig and performed “Normal Person.”
On this day in 2014, Boston radio Legend Dale Dorman died following a long illness at age 71. In a four-decade on-air career he played top 40 hits on WRKO through the 1960s and 70s before moving to Kiss 108 for 20 years, then ended his career working at CBS’s WODS, “Oldies 103” until 2008.
On this day in 2015, Marty Ingels, an actor, talent agent and industry raconteur who was married to Shirley Jones for nearly 40 years, died following a massive stroke at age 79. He co-starred in the 1962 ABC-TV comedy “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster” about two carpenters.
On this day in 2016, standup comic and actor Kevin Meaney, who made numerous appearances on late-night TV, starred in the CBS sitcom Uncle Buck, and was famous for delivering the line, “That’s not right,” suffered a heart attack and died at age 60.
On this day in 2018, comic actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus of TV’s Seinfeld and The Veep was presented with the Mark Twain Prize, comedy’s top honor, at a ceremony in New York.
Today’s Birthdays
Keyboardist Manfred Mann is 84.
Guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T. and the M-G’s is 83.
Singer Elvin Bishop is 82.
TV judge Judy Sheindlin (Judge Judy) is 82.
Singer Kathy Young (A Thousand Stars) is 79.
Actor Everett McGill (Twin Peaks) is 79.
Trumpeter Lee Loughnane (LAHK’-nayn) of Chicago is 78.
Actor Dick Christie (Small Wonder, The Bold & the Beautiful) is 75.
Portland-born country singer/songwriter/actor Tom Everett (Journeyman, Profiler, Picket Fences) is 76.
Author/actress/former US First Daughter Patti Davis (Romance Theater, For Ladies Only) is 72.
Guitarist Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go’s is 71.
Singer/songwriter Steve Lukather of Toto is 67.
Singer Julian Cope is 67.
Actor Shea Farrell (Hotel, 1990s TV series The Untouchables) is 67.
Actress Melora Walters (Big Love, L.A. Doctors) is 64.
Singer-bassist Nick Oliveri (Queens Of The Stone Age) is 53.
Montreal-raised actor Sasha Roiz (Grimm, Caprica, Delta State) is 51.
Keyboardist Charlie Lowell of Jars of Clay is 51.
Actress Nakia Burrise (Power Rangers Zeo, Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse) is 50.
Actor Andrew Scott (Sherlock) is 48.
Actor Jeremy Miller (Growing Pains) is 48.
Producer/actress Lindsay Crystal (The Daily Show) is 47.
Actor David Clayton Rogers (H+, Jane By Design) is 47.
Singer Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion is 47.
Actor Will Estes (Blue Bloods, American Dreams) is 46.
Actor Michael McMillian (True Blood) is 46.
Actress Kim Kardashian (Keeping Up w/the Kardashians, Dancing With the Stars) is 44.
Actor Matt Dallas (Kyle XY) is 42.
Actor Aaron Tveit {Graceland, Gossip Girl) is 41.
Toronto-born actress Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue) is 41.
Model/singer Amber Rose (Dancing with the Stars) is 41.
Actor Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman (unREAL, SGU Stargate Universe) is 40.
Toronto-born actor Mark Rendall (King, Arthur, Jane & the Dragon) is 36.
Actor Glen Powell (Scream Queens) is 36.
Actress Natalie Distler (Rescue Me) is 35.
Country singer Kane Brown is 31.
Actress Ashley Liao (Fuller House, The Kicks) is 23.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 21
1949 You’re Breaking My Heart – Vic Damone Someday – Vaughn Monroe That Lucky Old Sun – Frankie Laine Slipping Around – Margaret Whiting & Jimmy Wakely
1958 It’s All in the Game – Tommy Edwards Topsy II – Cozy Cole It’s Only Make Believe – Conway Twitty City Lights – Ray Price
1967 To Sir with Love – Lulu How Can I Be Sure – The Young Rascals Expressway to Your Heart – Soul Survivors I Don’t Wanna Play House – Tammy Wynette
1976 Disco Duck (Part 1) – Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots Lowdown – Boz Scaggs If You Leave Me Now – Chicago You and Me – Tammy Wynette
1985 Take on Me – a-ha Saving All My Love for You – Whitney Houston Part-Time Lover – Stevie Wonder You Make Me Want to Make You Mine – Juice Newton
1994 I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow When Can I See You – Babyface She’s Not the Cheatin Kind – Brooks & Dunn
2003 Here Without You – 3 Doors Down Baby Boy – Beyoncé Knowles featuring Sean Paul Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5 Real Good Man – Tim McGraw
Today in Broadcast History compiled by Ron Robinson
Mitzi Gaynor, star of 1950s big-screen musicals including “South Pacific” and “Les Girls” and a series of beloved variety specials in the 1970s, died on Thursday. She was 93.
Gaynor’s management team, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, confirmed to Variety that she died of natural causes.
“For eight decades she entertained audiences in films, on television and on the stage. She truly enjoyed every moment of her professional career and the great privilege of being an entertainer,” Reyes and Rosamonda wrote in a statement on Gaynor’s X account. “Off stage, she was a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend, and a warm, gracious, very funny and altogether glorious human being.”
Dr. Lee DeForest demonstrated the electrical vaccuum radio tube…his major contrbution to broadcasting.
On this day in 1907, actress & broadcaster Arlene Francis was born in Boston. She had 25 Broadway shows on her resume, a local New York radio show, and hosted NBC-TV’s Home show, but was best known as a panelist on Goodson-Todman’s “What’s My Line”, 1950-75. She died May 31, 2001 in San Francisco at 93 after a long bout with Alzheimer’s and cancer.
On this day in 1911, entertainer Will Rogers Jr was born in New York. He acted in movies, sometimes portraying his father, and on TV in guest roles. He hosted the Pioneers series of Death Valley Days in 1960. He committed suicide July 10, 1993 at age 81.
On this day in 1913, actor Barney Phillips was born in St Louis. His 30 years of TV is highlighted by a co-starring role with Jack Webb for a year of Dragnet (radio & TV.) He had running roles in Twelve O’Clock High, Dan August, Jabberjaw & the Betty White Show. He died Aug. 17 1982 at age 68.
Also on this day in 1913, Country Music Hall of Famer Grandpa (Louis Marshall) Jones was born in Kentucky. A longtime member of the “Grand Ole Opry” he is best remembered for his years on TV’s Hee Haw. He died Feb. 19 1998 at age 84, several weeks after suffering a stroke.
On this day in 1922, one of the great faces of film & TV, John Anderson was born in Illinois. He was a favorite of western casting directors, beginning as a regular on The Life & Legend of Wyatt Earp in the 50’s, and numerous appearances in Gunsmoke. He died Aug 7 1992 at 69, following a heart attack.
On this day in 1923, Herschel Bernardi was born in New York City. As well as an active Broadway & film career, he had many TV credits over 30 years, including the lead in the series Arnie, and a regular on Peter Gunn, the Jetsons and Hail to the Chief. He is perhaps best known as the voice on the Charlie the Tuna commercials. Herschel died May 9, 1986 at age 62.
On this day in 1927, pop psychologist & advice columnist Joyce Brothers was born in New York City. She won instant national fame in the 60’s by winning BOTH the $64,000 Question & the $64,000 Challenge as an expert on Boxing. She died following a long illness May 13 2013 at age 85.
On this day in 1928,
the song “Sonny Boy” by Al Jolson
hit #1 where it remained for 12 weeks.
On this day in 1930, one of the most memorable radio shows, The Adventures of “Sherlock Holmes”, was first heard on the NBC Red network. It featured William Gillette in the title role .. a part he first played in 1899 … on the stage, not the radio, of course..
On this day in 1932, actor William Christopher was born in Pasadena Calif. He is probably best known for playing Private Lester Hummel on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1965-68) and Father Mulcahy on M*A*S*H (1972-83) and its spinoff AfterMASH (1983-85.) He died of small cell carcinoma Dec. 31 2016 at age 84.
Also in 1932, journalist Robert Trout joined CBS. Trout became a household name to CBS listeners and later viewers.. for 65 years. He died Nov. 14 2000 at age 91.
On this day in 1935, Tony-winning actor Jerry Orbach
was born in New York City. After an extensive Broadway career he became internationally famous with the lead role on TV’s Law & Order. He died Dec. 28 2004 from prostate cancer at age 69.
On this day in 1939, a fine ballad from the “American Songbook”, All the Things You Are was recorded by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra — for the RCA Victor label. Jack Leonard was the featured vocalist.
On this day in 1942, actor Earl Hindman was born in Bisbee Arizona. He is well remembered as the neighbour Wilson whose face was always half hidden on TV’s Home Improvement. He succumbed to lung cancer Dec 29, 2003 at age 61.
On this day in 1945, the quiz show Break the Bank debuted on Mutual radio. With contestants routinely winning as much as $3,000, It became known as the “highest paying quiz program in the world.”
On this day in 1947 the radio rights to the World Series were sold to Mutual for three years for $475,000.
On this day in 1950, singer/songwriter/record producer Tom Petty was born in Gainesville Florida. As lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and later a member of the Traveling Wilburys he sold 80 million records worldwide. He suffered cardiac arrest and died Oct. 2 2017 at age 66.
On this day in 1953, Edward R. Murrow‘s CBS program, “See It Now”, focused on Lt. Milo Radulovich and sought to disprove the ‘guilty by association’ position of Radulovich during the McCarthy hearings. The network and sponsors refused to promote the show because of the controversy. As a result, Murrow purchased his own ads to promote the show.
Also this day in 1953, Canada’s first privately-owned television station CKSO went into operation in Sudbury Ontario.
On this day in 1954, singer LaVern Baker recorded “Tweedlee Dee” in New York. It became her first major hit.
On this day in 1955,
one of Harry Belafonte‘s most popular hits, “Day-O’ ” was recorded — for RCA Victor. Day-O didn’t make it to the pop charts for over a year until its name had been changed to “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O).”
On this day in 1957, Walter Cronkite hosted a weekly documentary series that began this (Sunday) night. The 20th Century (later The 21st Century) reported on major events shaping modern world history. Cronkite was the only narrator through its final show January 4, 1970.
On this day in 1960, Roy Orbison had his first UK No.1 single with ‘Only The Lonely’ and his first of 33 hits. The song was turned down by The Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley, so Orbison decided to record the song himself.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan began recording his self-titled debut album for the Columbia label. He finished it the next day.
On this day in 1962, the soon-to-be-smash hit “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by the Four Seasons was released.
Also this day in 1962, with Halloween just around the corner, Bobby “Boris” Picket and the “Crypt Kickers” reached the top of the charts this day (for two weeks) with
The “Monster Mash”.
YouTube Presents, Bobby “Boris” Picket http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0thH3qnHTbI
The song had been banned by The BBC in the UK, deemed offensive.
Still in 1962, Peter Paul and Mary went to No.1 on the US album chart with their self-titled debut album.
Again this day in 1962, country singer Leroy Van Dyke, whose “Walk On By” had just spent 19 weeks as the #1 country single, and was later labelled by Billboard as the biggest country record in history, was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
On this day in 1963, the Rolling Stones recorded the first Mick Jagger/Keith Richards composition, “That Girl Belongs To Yesterday.” The song was also given to US pop singer Gene Pitney who had a modest hit with it.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles received a Gold Record for the single, “Yesterday”. This track marked the first time a cello had been featured in a pop hit.
Also in 1965, The Beatles recorded “We Can Work It Out,” which took 11 hours and untold takes before everyone was happy.
On this day in 1968, The Yardbirds performed for the final time together in a concert at Liverpool University.
On this day in 1969, The Who played the first of six nights at New York’s Filmore East, performing a two-hour show featuring the songs from ‘Tommy.’
Also in 1969, John Lennon released “Cold Turkey,” his own composition backed by the Plastic Ono Band.
On this day in 1971, RCA Victor released Elvis Presley‘s second album of Christmas and holiday songs, “Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas.”
On this day in 1973, radio & TV news focused on Washington DC as the Watergate Scandal took an ugly turn. The “Saturday Night Massacre” saw President Nixon abolish the office of special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox, accept the resignation of Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson and fire Deputy Attorney General William B. Ruckelshaus.
Also this day in 1973, “The Six Million Dollar Man: Wine, Women & War”, a TV movie starring Lee Majors, ran in prime time on ABC. It led to a weekly series three months later.
Still in 1973, the song “Angie” by the Rolling Stones topped the charts, the group’s 7th US No. 1. It was allegedly written about David Bowie’s then-wife.
Again in 1973, The Steve Miller Band released their future US #1 single “The Joker,” which featured a wolf whistle played on a slide guitar.
On this day in 1977, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were killed in the crash of a privately-chartered plane in a swamp in Mississippi. The crash took the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
On this day in 1978, The Police opened their 23-date low-budget tour of North America at CBGB’s in New York. The trio had flown from the UK on the ‘no-frills’ Laker Airtrain, carrying their instruments aboard as hand luggage.
On this day in 1979, Bob Dylan appeared as the musical guest on NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live.” Many viewers were shocked with the radical new song choice inspired by his new fundamentalist Christian beliefs.
Also in 1979, the song “Rise” by Herb Alpert started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart, giving the co founder of A&M records his second US No.1.
Still in 1979, The Eagles started a nine week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Long Run’, the bands fourth US chart topper.
On this day in 1983, country singer Merle Travis died of heart failure at age 65. Acknowledged as one of the most influential American guitarists of the twentieth century, he wrote ‘Sixteen Tons’ (1955 Billboard No.1) for Tennessee Ernie Ford.
On this day in 1984, Wham! started a three week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Freedom’, the duo’s second No.1.
On this day in 1990, James Ingram went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Don’t Have The Heart’,
On this day in 1992, the Madonna album “Erotica” was released, one day before her book “Sex” hit the bookshelves.
On this day in 1993, US Attorney General Janet Reno warned the TV industry to limit the violence in their programs.
On this day in 1994, the great American actor Burt Lancaster suffered a heart attack and died at age 80. His TV appearances were almost exclusively in the mini-series “Marco Polo”, “Verdi,” and “On Wings of Eagles“.
Also in 1994, in a surprise appearance, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young took the stage during Bob Dylan‘s concert at New York’s Roseland Ballroom, to perform two songs with him, “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and “Highway 61 Revisited.”
On this day in 1995, Nova Scotia-raised journalist Robert MacNeil co-hosted his final MacNeil-Lehrer Newshour on PBS; Jim Lehrer continued the show solo.
Also in 1995, during her first UK tour Alanis Morissette appeared at The Garage, Glasgow, Scotland.
On this day in 1999, just a year after nearly dying from pneumonia, Johnny Cash found himself battling the condition again. Cash was listed in serious condition at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.
On this day in 2001, VH 1’s Concert For New York was staged at Madison Square Garden. The show opened with David Bowie and featured appearances by Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Elton John, The Who, Bono, The Edge (U2), John Mellencamp, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel andPaul McCartney. More than $30 million was raised to aid victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
On this day in 2004, a turning of the page as ABC announced it was dropping the Miss America beauty pageant. The September 18, 2004, pageant drew a record low 9.8 million viewers.
Also in 2004, Courtney Love won a conditional discharge and was ordered to pay $2,336 in compensation after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct in a New York court. The charge stemmed from a March show where Love injured a concertgoer with her microphone stand.
On this day in 2006, actress Jane Wyatt, who co-starred in TV’s Father Knows Best, died in Los Angeles at age 96.
Also in 2006, George Michael openly smoked a cannabis joint during an interview on a TV show. The singer was filmed backstage at in Madrid, Spain where the drug is legal. Michael said “It’s the only drug I’ve ever thought worth taking, this stuff keeps me sane and happy. But it’s not very healthy,”
On this day in 2008, Elton John performed a charity concert at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the American release of his classic double album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Proceeds went to the fight against AIDS.
On this day in 2010, Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard sang the Star Spangled Banner before Game 3 of the National League Championship series between the hometown San Francisco Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Gibbard’s wife Zooey Deschanel (She & Him) sang “God Bless America” during the 7th Inning Stretch.
On this day in 2012, Aerosmith‘s anthem for the NFL’s New England Patriots was offered as a free download. “Legendary Child – Patriot’s Anthem,” was part of the Pepsi NFL Anthems program. “This is a program the band and I were excited to get behind as it is a true representation of our allegiance to the New England Patriots and the city of Boston,” said Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.
On this day in 2013, country singer-songwriter Leon Ashley died after a long illness at age 77. He made history in 1967 when he became the first person to have a No. 1 hit with a song he wrote, published and sang on his own record label, “Laura (What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got).” It became a favorite also recorded by Marty Robbins, Claude King, Kenny Rogers, Frankie Laine, Tom Jones, Hank Locklin and Brook Benton.
In 2015, singer Cory Wells, a co-founder and longtime member of the rock group ‘Three Dog Night,’ died of an infection while battling cancer at age 74.
Also in 2015, one of the leading figures in the British jazz scene for 50 years, Don Rendel passed away at age 89. After playing for years with some of the UK’s top jazz groups, he became an educator at London’s Guidhall School of Music beginning in 1984.
Today’s Birthdays
Country singer Wanda Jackson is 87.
Singer Jay Siegel (The Tokens) is 85.
Actor Alan Ackles (Space Mistakes, Walker Texas Ranger) is 76.
Actor William Russ (Home at Last, The Young & the Restless, Mister Sterling) is 74.
Actress Melanie Mayron (thirtysomething) is 72.
Actor Viggo Mortensen (Vanishing Point) is 66.
Actor Eric Scott (Ben on ‘The Waltons’) is 66.
Actress Niamh Cusack (Heartbeat UK) is 65.
Actress Yvette Nipar (General Hospital, RoboCop) is 60.
Rock drummer Jim Sonefeld (Hootie & The Blowfish) is 60.
Actor William Zabka (To Appomattox, How I Met Your Mother, The Equalizer) is 59.
Singer/songwriter Luck Mervil is 57.
Attorney/ABC commentator/TV personality Sunny Hostin (The View) is 56.
Rapper Snoop Dogg is 53.
Singer Dannii Minogue is 53.
Actor Kenneth Choi (The Last Man on Earth, American Crime Story, Sons of Anarchy, Allegiance) is 53.
Actress Ashlee Levitch (The Simple Life, I’ll Fly Away) is 48.
Actor Dan Fogler (The Goldbergs, Secrets & Lies, Man Up) is 48.
Actor Sam Witwer (Star Wars:Rebels, Once Upon a Time, Being Human, Smallville) is 47.
Actress Sheeri Rappaport (CSI, NYPD Blue) is 47.
Actress Jennifer Hall (Up All Night, Unleashed) is 47.
Actor John Krasinski (The Office) is 45.
Edmonton-born actor Niall Matter (When Calls the Heart, Remedy, Eureka, Primeval: New World) is 44.
Actress Katie Featherston (Act-Anon) is 42.
Actress Alona Tal (Cult, Cane) is 41.
Actress Jennifer Nicole Freeman (My Wife and Kids) is 39.
Ontario-born actor Adam Butcher (Played) is 36.
Model Candice Swanepoel (Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2007-13) is 36.
Actress Galadriel Stineman (The Middle) is 40.
Actress Hunter King (Life in Pieces, The Young and the Restless, Hollywood Heights) is 31.
Actor John Bell (Into the Badlands, Hatfields & McCoys) is 27.
Chart Toppers – Oct. 20
1948
A Tree in the Meadow – Margaret Whiting
You Call Everybody Darlin’ – Al Trace (vocal: Bob Vincent)
Hair of Gold, Eyes of Blue – Gordon MacRae
Just a Little Lovin’ (Will Go a Long, Long Way) – Eddy Arnold
1957
Chances Are/The Twelfth of Never – Johnny Mathis
Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
Keep a Knockin’ – Little Richard
Wake Up Little Susie – The Everly Brothers
1966
Reach Out I’ll Be There – Four Tops
96 Tears – ?(Question Mark) & The Mysterians
Psychotic Reaction – Count Five
Blue Side of Lonesome – Jim Reeves
1975
Bad Blood – Neil Sedaka
Calypso/I’m Sorry – John Denver
Miracles – Jefferson Starship
Hope You’re Feelin’ Me (Like I’m Feelin’ You) – Charley Pride
1984
I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) – Billy Ocean
Hard Habit to Break – Chicago
I Don’t Know a Thing About Love (The Moon Song) – Conway Twitty
1993
Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
Right Here/Human Nature / Downtown – SWV-Sisters With Voices
The River of Dreams – Billy Joel
What’s It to You – Clay Walker
2002
Gangsta Lovin’ – Eve featuring Alicia Keys
Sk8er Boi – Avril Lavigne
Underneath It All – No Doubt
Somebody Like You – Keith Urban
2011
Someone Like You – Adele
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
Made in America – Toby Keith
Today in Broadcast History was compiled by Ron Robinson