(Above: Fore.) February 7, 1970 It's the fiftieth anniversary of an errant golf ball. Pro golfer Doug Sanders gets beaned by a shot from Vice President Spiro Agnew at the Bob Hope Desert Classic. They were playing in the same foursome, which makes it all the more strange. The next day, two celebrities are born: … Continue reading New this week in ’70: February 7
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New this week in 1970: January 17 and 24
(Above: Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals) January 17-24, 1970 This post combines two weeks into one to play catch-up. Among the history to cover is the final event of the AFL on the 17th. The final AFL All-Star Game takes place in Houston, and the West beats the East 26-3. The newly … Continue reading New this week in 1970: January 17 and 24
New this week in 1970: January 31
(Above: You know you're a big deal when they animate you.) January 31, 1970 Happy 50th birthday to actress Minnie Driver, who was born on this date. It's the same date that Slim Harpo, who had a hit with "Baby Scratch My Back," dies at the age of 46. A few days earlier, on the … Continue reading New this week in 1970: January 31
Fast away the old year passes: The Zombies, “This Will Be Our Year” (1969)
Years ago I remember listening to John Landecker's morning show at WJMK/Chicago, and he made a comment about how he'd like his next job to be the guy who picks out old music to use in movies and television shows. The right song at the right time can evoke a pretty powerful feeling. Not only … Continue reading Fast away the old year passes: The Zombies, “This Will Be Our Year” (1969)
New this week in ’69: December 27
December 27, 1969 It's the night after the last airing of The Joey Bishop Show. The show, created to steal audience from Johnny Carson, didn't do so. On the final episode Bishop did the monologue, thanked the audience, and left - leaving the sidekick, a guy named Regis Philbin, to fill the rest of the … Continue reading New this week in ’69: December 27
New this week in ’69: December 20
December 20, 1969 It's a few days after a bit of television history takes place. On December 17 some 40 million people saw Herbert Khaury and Victoria Budinger get married. Of course they are Tiny Tim and Miss Vicky, and their wedding was shown on The Tonight Show. I've shown the clip in media history … Continue reading New this week in ’69: December 20
Rest in peace, Gershon Kingsley: Hot Butter, “Popcorn” (1972)
Word is making the rounds that Gershon Kingsley passed away last week in New York City at the age of 97. Kingsley made music that you know even though you might not know his name. He was one of the earliest pioneers of the Moog synthesizer. His work with Jean-Jacques Perrey yielded some memorable collaborations; … Continue reading Rest in peace, Gershon Kingsley: Hot Butter, “Popcorn” (1972)
New this week in ’69: December 13
(Above: There's an implication here that she's letting more than her hair down.) December 13, 1969 This is a slow news weekend, unless you are a fan of the Continental Football League. Remember them? Their final championship was played on this date as Indianapolis beat San Antonio 44-38. The league folded the following month. Monday … Continue reading New this week in ’69: December 13
Rest in peace, Jack Scott: “Leroy” (1958)
Jack Scott passed away yesterday in Michigan after suffering from congestive heart failure at the age of 84. His may not be a name that's immediately familiar to you. Let's fix that. Scott was born Jack Scafone in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1936. His family relocated to the Detroit suburbs when he was ten … Continue reading Rest in peace, Jack Scott: “Leroy” (1958)
New this week in ’69: December 6
(Above: Smile now, kids, 'cause this ain't gonna end well.) December 6, 1969 There's a big football game: #1 Texas plays #2 Arkansas in Fayetteville and wins 15-14. What's more interesting is that not only is President Nixon at the game, but also future President George H.W. Bush. The next night the animated Rankin-Bass Christmas … Continue reading New this week in ’69: December 6
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 