55 years ago today, Detroit was digging out of an unexpected 4 inches of snow. Doesn’t seem like much for those of us who have endured northern winters these past few years, but the Motor City was blanketed just before the morning rush and the road crews couldn’t keep up.
1964 was also an Presidential Election Year and on this date, Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge upset presumptive Republican nominee Barry Goldwater as a write-in in the New Hampshire Primary. New York Governor, Nelson Rockefeller came in a distant third.
Six members of “Parents Against Encouragement of Violence” picketed the 61st American Toy Fair in New York City. Among the toys on display were cap pistols (remember them?), miniature tanks and bazookas. I wonder how those parents would react to today’s video games?
An ad in today’s paper in 1964 promoted a 10 day jet tour package to Hawaii on Trans World Airlines, including accommodations at a Waikiki Beach Hotel for just $449.00 per person. If that sounds cheap, in today’s dollars, it would be $3,661.17.
Elvis Presley‘s film, “Kissin Cousins“, was rolling into its second week at number one at the Box Office. (Trailer)
The Beatles held down the top 3 spots on the week’s Billboard Hot 100, a record that Adele recently broke after 55 years.
#1: I Want to Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
#2: She Loves You – The Beatles
#3: Please Please Me – The Beatles
#4: Dawn (Go Away) – The 4 Seasons
#5:Java – Al (He’s the King) Hirt
Quick Takes:
Jeopardy ace, Ken Jennings, on the “irreplaceable” Alex Trebek. via @NYTimes
What Google wants to know about you. Via @Axios
Why we need AI; Audience Intelligence: “Knowledge is power. Audience Intelligence – radio’s AI – is a superpower. It goes to the heart of how the smartest, most strategic radio broadcasters will innovate their way to a successful future, despite the headwinds, hardships, and challenges. “ ~@jacobsmedia
Today In History:
1967: “Yesterday” by the Beatles became the most covered version in history with 446 versions since the Fab Four released it in 1965.
1968: Otis Redding‘s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is certified Gold, three months after his death in a plane crash.
1969: The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records.
1970: In addition to The 5th Dimension‘s Record of the Year win at the Grammys for “Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In.” Blood, Sweat & Tears is nominated for a record 11 awards, win three, including Album of the Year. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young win Best New Artist.
1971: Jim Morrison leaves for Paris to reorient himself emotionally and creatively and to avoid the jail sentence given to him in Miami. He will never return to the US.
1994: The Supremes receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2016: Keith Emerson, the keyboard player and primary music composer in Emerson, Lake & Palmer, dies of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 71.
Albums Released on This Date:
1968: Manfred Mann – Up The Junction
1970: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu
1972: Harry Chapin – Heads And Tales
1974: Chicago – Chicago VII
1975: Alice Cooper – Welcome To My Nightmare
Happy Birthday to:
(1903) Lawrence Welk (d. 1992)
(1926) Ralph Abernathy (d. 1990)
(1934) Sam Donaldson
(1947) Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge)
(1950) Bobby McFerrin
(1952) Douglas Adams (d. 2001)
(1957) Cheryl Lynn
(1971) Johnny Knoxville
(1989) Anton Yelchin (d. 2016)
Much More Music:
1947: Happy Birthday to Vanilla Fudge lead singer Mark Stein born in Bayonne, New Jersey on this date in 1947. His band made its name covering soul hits in psychedelia. The band has been cited as “one of the few American links to what soon became heavy metal. The Nice, Deep Purple, Yes, Styx, Led Zeppelin, and Uriah Heep all site Vanilla Fudge as an influence. “Set me free, why doncha babe..” (Video)
1965: Tom Jones scored the first of 16 No.1 songs in the U.K. with “It’s Not Unusual”. He eventually recorded less, preferring the more lucrative Las Vegas stage. Jones and his idol Elvis Presley met in 1965 at Paramount, when Elvis was filming Paradise, Hawaiian Style. They became lifelong friends, spending more and more time together in Las Vegas and duetting until the early hours at Presley’s private suite. (Video)
1970: The 5th Dimension win the Record of the Year Grammy for “Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In.” Written for the 1967 musical Hair by James Rado and Gerome Ragni (lyrics), and Galt MacDermot (music). Bill Holman arranged the music, which was recorded by the Wrecking Crew. The actual recording is something of a “rarity”; the song was recorded in two cities, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, then mixed together in the studio. (Video)
Today’s Quote Worth Re-quoting: “If you put all your strength and faith and vigor into a job and try to do the best you can, the money will come.” ~Lawrence Welk
One More for the Road: I have to admit that the second half of today’s “one for the road” got old pretty quick. “I’ve Seen All Good People” has its fans, but the repetition of the hook became tiresome. Not so with the opening movement, “Your Move.” The lyrical metaphor of chess as a descriptor of a love affair mixes well with the acoustic guitar opening, the swelling keyboards and background chorus. In the modern world of on-line messaging, I’ve purposely miss-heard the John Lennon reference, “Send that instant karma to me” as “Send an instant comment to me.” Across the sands of time, this one endures as a classic that never gets old. (Video)
