Word circulated on social media today that Daryl Q. Nathan passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 22 at the age of 54. That sentence, by itself, tells a story. But that story is incomplete. Anyone who spent time in and around Grand Rapids in the 1990s was aware of The Great Daryl Nathan. … Continue reading Rest in peace, The Great Daryl Nathan: “Freaky Freaky Girl” (circa 1996)
television
Rest in peace, Johnny Mandel: “Suicide is Painless” (1970)
Award-winning composer Johnny Mandel passed away on Monday at the age of 94. A classically-trained musician, Mandel was responsible for a wide variety of movie soundtrack music. His first notable work was 1958's I Want to Live!, which earned him three Grammy nominations. Mandel was no stranger to the Grammys; he was nominated for a … Continue reading Rest in peace, Johnny Mandel: “Suicide is Painless” (1970)
New this week in ’70: May 30
(Above: One of these two is on the charts this week.) May 30, 1970 The Indianapolis 500 is run; Al Unser (senior, of course) wins the checkered flag. The next day New York Rangers goalie Terry Sawchuk will succumb to injuries he suffered in a fight with teammate Ron Stewart a month earlier. He was … Continue reading New this week in ’70: May 30
Rest in peace, Millie Small: “My Boy Lollipop” (1964)
(Millie poses with her LP. Credit: Getty Images) Millie Small, known as the "Blue Beat Girl," passed away on May 5 at the age of 73 due to complications from a stroke. A native of Jamaica, Small had been living in England since 1973. Small was first discovered in a talent contest in Jamaica at … Continue reading Rest in peace, Millie Small: “My Boy Lollipop” (1964)
New this week in ’70: April 25
April 25, 1970 It's the day after the People's Republic of China became the sixth nation to put a satellite into orbit. That same day was the last airing of Death Valley Days, which had been airing since 1952. Stanley Andrews was the long-running host, giving up the show in 1964 to Ronald Reagan. On … Continue reading New this week in ’70: April 25
Rest in peace, Bill Rieflin: Ministry, “Work For Love (1983)”
Word circulated late last night that drummer Bill Rieflin lost his battle with cancer at the age of only 59. The discography of Rieflin's work reads like a "who's who" of industrial rock. Rieflin played either in studio, on tour, or both with a wide variety of bands. A quick scan of the list shows … Continue reading Rest in peace, Bill Rieflin: Ministry, “Work For Love (1983)”
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 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
Sesame Street at 50: A Musical Legacy
November 10, 1969 was the premiere of Sesame Street. This show - back when we had a separate television history course in our program - is one that I spend considerable time on. The impact of Sesame Street on generations of young children, preparing them to read, to go to school, to learn how to … Continue reading Sesame Street at 50: A Musical Legacy
New this week in ’69: November 8
(Above: Oscar should be orange.) November 8, 1969 It's just two days before a new television program airs on the National Education Television (NET) network: Sesame Street. Some critics have suggested that this just might be the most important show ever to air on television, given the combination of the effect that it has had … Continue reading New this week in ’69: November 8
