June 28, 1969 The Stonewall riots continue in New York City, having begun the night before. Police harassment of patrons of a well-known gay bar boils over into violence. The event is commemorated a year later, and that march has gone on to become the annual Pride celebrations that take place across the country. It's … Continue reading New this week in ’69: June 28
Month: June 2019
New this week in ’69: June 21
(Above: A song that almost didn't make it into a movie.) June 21, 1969 It's the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. That doesn't keep people in the UK from watching television: the documentary Royal Family, about - you guessed it! - is watched by an estimated 30 million people. A shorter … Continue reading New this week in ’69: June 21
A night in front of the TV: REO Speedwagon, “Roll With the Changes” (1978)
(The famous Los Angeles Times photo of the Bronco chase.) "So - what are we going to do about the O.J. thing?" This was the topic of conversation after my morning show finished on Monday, June 20, 1994. I was working as the lead character of the show on Oldies WQQL-FM in Springfield, Illinois. The … Continue reading A night in front of the TV: REO Speedwagon, “Roll With the Changes” (1978)
New this week in ’69: June 14
(Above: Roy Clark and friends.) June 14, 1969 Some people you know are turning 50 this week. Today's the birthday of tennis star Steffi Graf, who is born in West Germany (back when that was still a thing.) Tomorrow O'Shea Jackson will be born in Los Angeles; you know him as Ice Cube. Tomorrow a … Continue reading New this week in ’69: June 14
New this week in ’69: June 7
(Above: The Echo satellite, obviously pre-destruction.) June 7, 1969 In the news: the Echo communications satellite burns up in re-entry. It had been in orbit for five years. That same day Blind Faith make their debut in Hyde Park before a crowd estimated to be over a hundred thousand people. June 7 is also the … Continue reading New this week in ’69: June 7
Rest in peace, Dr. John: “Right Place Wrong Time” (1973)
(Above: 1973's In the Right Place LP cover) Malcolm John Rebennack, better known as Dr. John, passed away today in New Orleans of a suspected heart attack. He was 77. Renneback's career started as a backup and session musician in the 1950s. He cut his teeth in New Orleans, working with luminaries such as Professor … Continue reading Rest in peace, Dr. John: “Right Place Wrong Time” (1973)
“Born in the USA” at 35: Ranking the tracks
It was 35 years ago today - June 4, 1984 - that the album that may be Bruce Springsteen's best known, Born in the U.S.A., was released. If I didn't buy it that day, I bought it on the 5th. It was during my junior year of high school, which would also have ended about … Continue reading “Born in the USA” at 35: Ranking the tracks
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