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
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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
New this week in ’70: February 7
(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
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
Rest in peace, Dean Ford: The Marmalade, “Reflections of My Life” (1970)
(Above: The Marmalade. Ford is in the blue jacket.) Dean Ford, the lead singer of the Scottish band The Marmalade, passed away on New Year's Eve at the age of 72. If I were to ask you "Who was the first Scottish band to have a #1 hit in the UK," here's your answer. The … Continue reading Rest in peace, Dean Ford: The Marmalade, “Reflections of My Life” (1970)
Great playlists: WGRD’s “Big 30 In the Furniture City,” July 15, 1970
(Above: The same groovy look that CKLW, KHJ, and many other stations used for their surveys.) Every few weeks I've made it a point to dig out an old AM radio survey and look at what was popular on a local playlist. Inevitably, two things happen: a) I look at WLS from Chicago, since those … Continue reading Great playlists: WGRD’s “Big 30 In the Furniture City,” July 15, 1970
Rest in peace, Michael Parks: “Long Lonesome Highway” (1970)
(Above: The picture sleeve from the MGM single.) Singer and actor Michael Parks passed away today at the age of 77. Fans of television may remember him best for his role as Jean Renault in "Twin Peaks," while film buffs may recall his role in "Argo" or his part in the "Kill Bill" series. In … Continue reading Rest in peace, Michael Parks: “Long Lonesome Highway” (1970)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 