Word spread tonight that Country singer Joe Diffie passed away today from complications connected to the COVID-19 virus. He was 61. Diffie had tested positive for the disease last week. Diffie hailed from Oklahoma, where he began his career performing in various bars, small clubs, and VFW halls before hitting it big. That required … Continue reading Rest in peace, Joe Diffie: “A Night To Remember” (1999)
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New this week in ’70: March 28
(Above: That one's not even close.) March 28, 1970 It's the day that actor Vince Vaughan is born in Minneapolis. That same day, two members of the Weathermen, a domestic political protest group, were killed when a pipe bomb they were preparing exploded prematurely. Two days later, another famous figure is born: Secretariat, probably the … Continue reading New this week in ’70: March 28
Rest in peace, Eric Weissberg: “Dueling Banjos” (1973)
Eric Weissberg, who had a huge hit in 1973 with the instrumental hit "Dueling Banjos," passed away Sunday at a senior care facility near Detroit after a long battle with dementia. He was 80. Weissberg was fascinated by the banjo after seeing Pete Seeger play it as a part of his folk act in the … Continue reading Rest in peace, Eric Weissberg: “Dueling Banjos” (1973)
Rest in peace, Manu Dibango: “Soul Makossa” (1973)
Word circulated today that Manu Dibango, best described as a jazz-funk saxophonist, passed away at the age of 86 as a result of COVID-19 infection. Dibango was a legend in his native Cameroon for his music, which went worldwide in 1973 with the release of "Soul Makossa." The tune made it up to #35 in … Continue reading Rest in peace, Manu Dibango: “Soul Makossa” (1973)
New this week in ’70: March 21
(Above: We don't put folding chairs on the court enough anymore.) March 21, 1970 It's a big day in college sports. UCLA claims the NCAA men's basketball championship, defeating Jacksonville University 80-69. That's right - Jacksonville, home of the Dolphins, which has just over four thousand students today and in 1970 was the second-smallest school … Continue reading New this week in ’70: March 21
New this week in ’70: March 14
(Above: Tammi Terrell, gone too soon.) March 14, 1970 Today's the day that actress Meredith Salenger is born. She's also the wife of comedian Patton Oswalt. Three days earlier we lost Erle Stanley Gardner, writer of the Perry Mason series and - at one time - the top-selling American author. He was 80. Monday the … Continue reading New this week in ’70: March 14
New this week in ’70: March 7
(You probably think this one is about you.) March 7, 1970 Today's the 50th anniversary of a total eclipse of the sun that was viewable in a narrow path across North America, from Mexico, up the Atlantic Coast, and up to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, Canada. If the last part sounds vaguely familiar to you, … Continue reading New this week in ’70: March 7
New this week in ’70: February 28
February 28, 1970 The bigger events of the week both happened a few days ago. On February 26th National Public Radio was incorporated; we don't celebrate its 50th anniversary, however, until April 21, 1971 as that's the day it went on the air. It's also the same day that The Beatles' Hey Jude LP … Continue reading New this week in ’70: February 28
New this week in ’70: February 21
(Above: This is relevant this week, but only from a historical perspective.) February 21, 1970 It's the day after the Georgia legislature unanimously approved the Nineteenth Amendment. If you're confused, you're not alone: the 19th was ratified in 1920 and gave women the right to vote. The measure was largely symbolic, as women had been … Continue reading New this week in ’70: February 21
New this week in ’70: February 14
(Above: Sabbath at 50.) February 14, 1970 Heavy metal turns fifty this week. The LP considered by many to be the first metal record, the eponymous Black Sabbath, was released in Britain on February 13. It'll go on to be a big hit there and not see release until June 1 in the States, where … Continue reading New this week in ’70: February 14
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 