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)
television
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
New this week in ’69: October 11
(Above: Brett Favre also acted a little.) October 11, 1969 It's the day that the Soviets, trying to remain in the space race, launch the Soyuz 6 spacecraft with two aboard. The very next day Soyuz 7 launches with three more cosmonauts. It's on that day - October 12 - that Sonja Henie passes away … Continue reading New this week in ’69: October 11
Rest in peace, Vinnie Bell: Ferrante and Teicher, “Midnight Cowboy” (1969)
Word circulated that Vincent "Vinnie" Bell passed away on October 3 at the age of 84. Bell's is not a name you would immediately recognize if you're looking for it on record labels. That is, of course, unless you happened to pick up a copy of "Airport Love Theme" in 1970, which lists him as … Continue reading Rest in peace, Vinnie Bell: Ferrante and Teicher, “Midnight Cowboy” (1969)
New this week in ’69: September 27
September 27, 1969 Actually, September 26 may be the more important date in terms of cultural touchstones. That's the date that The Brady Bunch made its premiere on ABC. The show, about a blended family, features something interesting in its run: a married couple in bed together and not in twin beds. But they weren't … Continue reading New this week in ’69: September 27
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
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)
Rest in peace, Leon Redbone: “Seduced” (1981)
I guess thing I was most surprised about in hearing about the death of Leon Redbone today was his age. I figured he was 69 a long time ago. I first remember seeing Leon on Saturday Night Live, back in the days when I was told I was too young to be watching it and … Continue reading Rest in peace, Leon Redbone: “Seduced” (1981)
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