This very very odd grouping of people all share today November 30th as the date of their birth.
So can you name them all?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Grammy Awards
Today in 1959 the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards were aired on NBC television as part of the anthology series Sunday Showcase.
The big winner that night was Duke Ellington with 3 awards, and all 3 were for his soundtrack of the motion picture "Anatomy of a Murder".
The Grammys would not air live on TV until 1971 when ABC bought the rights to air the awards and were broadcast from Los Angeles. In 1973 CBS bought the rights after they were moved to Nashville, TN thus paving the way for ABC and Dick Clark to start the American Music Awards to air from Los Angeles and compete against the Grammy telecast.
The 1959 winner for Record of the Year (awarded to the artist) and Best New Artist of the Year went to Bobby Darin for his smash hit "Mack The Knife".
The winner of the Song of the year (for the writer) went to "The Battle of New Orleans" written by Jimmy Driftwood and sung by Johnny Horton. This also got Johnny Horton the Grammy for Best Country & Western Performance.
The Grammy for Album of the Year went to Frank Sinatra's "Come Dance with Me".
The big winner that night was Duke Ellington with 3 awards, and all 3 were for his soundtrack of the motion picture "Anatomy of a Murder".
The Grammys would not air live on TV until 1971 when ABC bought the rights to air the awards and were broadcast from Los Angeles. In 1973 CBS bought the rights after they were moved to Nashville, TN thus paving the way for ABC and Dick Clark to start the American Music Awards to air from Los Angeles and compete against the Grammy telecast.
The 1959 winner for Record of the Year (awarded to the artist) and Best New Artist of the Year went to Bobby Darin for his smash hit "Mack The Knife".
The winner of the Song of the year (for the writer) went to "The Battle of New Orleans" written by Jimmy Driftwood and sung by Johnny Horton. This also got Johnny Horton the Grammy for Best Country & Western Performance.
The Grammy for Album of the Year went to Frank Sinatra's "Come Dance with Me".
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Blind Side
Went with my lovely wife last night to see the movie "The Blind Side". A story of now Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oehr and his remarkable life and path from homeless teen to All American at Ole Miss to first round NFL draft pick.
I cannot recommend this movie enough. Not a tearjerker because you know the outcome but still you get drawn into the story and it just makes you feel good.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
#1 Song of the Week
Today's #1 song is from this week in 1974, Billy Swan and his only #1 hit "I Can Help".
It spent 2 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
This is his only top 40 hit but it was the first of several country chart hits for Billy Swan.
"I Can Help" topped the US and Canadian Country Charts as well as the Austrailian Top 40.
It spent 2 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
This is his only top 40 hit but it was the first of several country chart hits for Billy Swan.
"I Can Help" topped the US and Canadian Country Charts as well as the Austrailian Top 40.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Top of the Pops!
This week we step way back to November 28 1964.
America was in the grip of Beatlemania but the girls groups were still hanging strong and Bonanza was on top of the TV ratings as shown by this weeks Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart Top 5.
#5) Ringo - Lorne Greene
Riding the wave of western tv shows and especially the huge success of Bonanza,which was the top rated tv show for 3 straight seasons starting in 1964,Lorne Greene's only hit record jumped into the top 5 on its way to #1.
#4) She's Not There - The Zombies
Starting a 6 week run in the top 5 on the way to #2.
#3) Come a Little Closer - Jay & The Americans
Peaking at #3 this week and the biggest hit for Jay & The Americans
#2) Baby Love - The Supremes
After 4 weeks in the top spot with their second #1 song, Diana and the girls drop a notch.
#1) Leader of the Pack - The Shangri-Las
The 4 girl group from New York hit the top spot for only 1 week. This clip is from the gameshow "I've Got A Secret" and you can see how nervous the girls were but they managed to get through it.
Here they are only a trio as the sister of lead singer Mary Weiss had left the group shortly after recording the single.
America was in the grip of Beatlemania but the girls groups were still hanging strong and Bonanza was on top of the TV ratings as shown by this weeks Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart Top 5.
#5) Ringo - Lorne Greene
Riding the wave of western tv shows and especially the huge success of Bonanza,which was the top rated tv show for 3 straight seasons starting in 1964,Lorne Greene's only hit record jumped into the top 5 on its way to #1.
#4) She's Not There - The Zombies
Starting a 6 week run in the top 5 on the way to #2.
#3) Come a Little Closer - Jay & The Americans
Peaking at #3 this week and the biggest hit for Jay & The Americans
#2) Baby Love - The Supremes
After 4 weeks in the top spot with their second #1 song, Diana and the girls drop a notch.
#1) Leader of the Pack - The Shangri-Las
The 4 girl group from New York hit the top spot for only 1 week. This clip is from the gameshow "I've Got A Secret" and you can see how nervous the girls were but they managed to get through it.
Here they are only a trio as the sister of lead singer Mary Weiss had left the group shortly after recording the single.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Obit page always yields something interesting #3
Today's NY Times obituary page had the notice for the passing of Colonel Lewis Millett who died last Saturday at the age of 88. Col. Millett was Medal of Honor winner from the Korean War. He was given the medal for leading a bayonet charge up Hill 180 near Osan, South Korea. It was the called the most complete bayonet charge by American troops since Cold Harbor, a bloody 1864 Civil war battle in Virginia.
His story is fascinating and show he is truly an American hero.
His NYTimes Obituary
Another great article on Col Millett and a recent photo.
To me its sad that so many of our great veterans and Medal of Honor winners pass without the general public having no knowledge of them.
His story is fascinating and show he is truly an American hero.
His NYTimes Obituary
Another great article on Col Millett and a recent photo.
To me its sad that so many of our great veterans and Medal of Honor winners pass without the general public having no knowledge of them.
Allan Sherman
Today November 20th in 1973 Allan Sherman died of emphysema at the Motion Picture home in Calabasas California, just 10 days short of his 50th birthday.
By all accounts he was not a happy man nor was he well liked among tv people he worked with, although his talent was obvious.
He will live forever in his song "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh" which reached #1 on the Cashbox Hot 100 and spent 3 weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1963.
In 1952 his idea for a game show became "I've Got A Secret" ,which he was named prodcuer of instead of getting paid for his idea by Mark Goodson-Bill Toddman Productions. He lasted until 1958 as producer before being asked to leave after one too many of his stunts endly badly.
I could not find any clips of him singing his classic hit but here is an old commercial for a board game based on the song with Allan Sherman.
By all accounts he was not a happy man nor was he well liked among tv people he worked with, although his talent was obvious.
He will live forever in his song "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh" which reached #1 on the Cashbox Hot 100 and spent 3 weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1963.
In 1952 his idea for a game show became "I've Got A Secret" ,which he was named prodcuer of instead of getting paid for his idea by Mark Goodson-Bill Toddman Productions. He lasted until 1958 as producer before being asked to leave after one too many of his stunts endly badly.
I could not find any clips of him singing his classic hit but here is an old commercial for a board game based on the song with Allan Sherman.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Number 1 Album Spotlight
In November and December of 1985 the soundtrack for the tv show "Miami Vice" sat at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.
It included hits from Phil Collins "In The Air Tonight", Tina Turner "Better Be Good To Me", Glenn Frey "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to the City".
The album went quadruple platinum (over 4 million copies) and produced one #1 single, "Miami Vice Theme" by Jan Hammer.
Miami Vice became the first tv show to produce both a #1 album and #1 song.
It included hits from Phil Collins "In The Air Tonight", Tina Turner "Better Be Good To Me", Glenn Frey "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to the City".
The album went quadruple platinum (over 4 million copies) and produced one #1 single, "Miami Vice Theme" by Jan Hammer.
Miami Vice became the first tv show to produce both a #1 album and #1 song.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dana White: Brock Lesnar May Never Fight Again
This is a really weird story and until we get the full story and details from Brock himself all this speculation will continue. He pulled something similar with the WWE and played sick to get a better deal. I dont think the UFC works that way, but you never know.
Dana White: Brock Lesnar May Never Fight Again
Dana White: Brock Lesnar May Never Fight Again
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Trailer Park
Today's edition of the Trailer Park celebrates this day in 1956, the premiere in theaters of "Love Me Tender".
This was the first, and probably the best, of all the Elvis movies.
This was the first, and probably the best, of all the Elvis movies.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Top of the Pops!
In honor of my youngest, Jessie Marie, turning 13 today we are going to look at the Top 5 of Billboard's Hot 100 for the Week ending November 13/14 1971.
5- I Found Someone of My Own - Free Movement
A true One Hit Wonder. This song peaked at #5 this week up from #8 and was the only top 40 hit for the group from Los Angeles.
4- Maggie May - Rod Stewart
The smash #1 hit for the big sensation of 1971. This song spent 5 weeks at the top before being moved out 2 weeks ago.
3-Imagine - John Lennon
The former Beatle is at #3 for the second week in a row.
2- Theme From "Shaft" - Isaac Hayes
On his way up to the top spot,"The Black Moses" pauses briefly at #2.
1- Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
Riding the success of "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" Cher sits at #1 for a 2nd consecutive week with her first #1 solo single.
5- I Found Someone of My Own - Free Movement
A true One Hit Wonder. This song peaked at #5 this week up from #8 and was the only top 40 hit for the group from Los Angeles.
4- Maggie May - Rod Stewart
The smash #1 hit for the big sensation of 1971. This song spent 5 weeks at the top before being moved out 2 weeks ago.
3-Imagine - John Lennon
The former Beatle is at #3 for the second week in a row.
2- Theme From "Shaft" - Isaac Hayes
On his way up to the top spot,"The Black Moses" pauses briefly at #2.
1- Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
Riding the success of "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" Cher sits at #1 for a 2nd consecutive week with her first #1 solo single.
Completed! until the next Academy Awards
I finally got the one movie I didnt have for my Best Picture Oscar DVD collection. Today I taped "The Last Emperor" from TCM. You know I am cheap and most of my movies were taped from TCM or bought at deep discount, but I finally completed this project. Well its complete until the 2010 Academy Awards are announced.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Former wrestler's home to go up for auction
Former wrestler's home to go up for auction - WTHR |
From WTHR.com, the home of Indiana legend Dick "The Bruiser" Afflis is on the market.
From WTHR.com, the home of Indiana legend Dick "The Bruiser" Afflis is on the market.
In Case You Missed It
Cal running back Jahvid Best scored a great looking touchdown this last saturday but he paid the price by being knocked out and getting a concussion.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Top of the Pops
This week for Top of the Pops lets go to November 13th 1982.
5 - "Heartlight" - Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond's 36th Top 40 hit, from the soundtrack of the mega blockbuster movie "E.T."
4 - "Gloria" - Laura Branigan
Going from #9 to #4 is the first top 40 appearance by Laura Branigan. She would take this number to #2 for 3 weeks.
3- "Heart Attack" - Olivia Newton-John
2- "Truly" - Lionel Richie
On his way to the top spot with his debut solo single, he would stay on top for 2 consecutive weeks.
1- "Up Where We Belong" Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
In the second of 2 weeks at #1 this was from the soundtrack of "An Officer and A Gentleman".
5 - "Heartlight" - Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond's 36th Top 40 hit, from the soundtrack of the mega blockbuster movie "E.T."
4 - "Gloria" - Laura Branigan
Going from #9 to #4 is the first top 40 appearance by Laura Branigan. She would take this number to #2 for 3 weeks.
3- "Heart Attack" - Olivia Newton-John
2- "Truly" - Lionel Richie
On his way to the top spot with his debut solo single, he would stay on top for 2 consecutive weeks.
1- "Up Where We Belong" Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
In the second of 2 weeks at #1 this was from the soundtrack of "An Officer and A Gentleman".
Friday, November 6, 2009
In Case You Missed It
Well this would akin to Steve Perry leaving Journey several years ago. They will not be Aerosmith if Steven Tyler leaves.
Check out the story from the Las Vegas Sun.
Check out the story from the Las Vegas Sun.
1978 Yankee World Series Parade/Riot
I am not a fan of the Yankess today but in 1978 when I was 11 years old they were all I wanted to be. With my man "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson,Thurman Munson,Bucky Dent and Sweet Lou Pinellas, this was the greatest team ever in my mind.
Now the fans in NYC during the 1978 World Series Champions parade got a little out of hand
Now the fans in NYC during the 1978 World Series Champions parade got a little out of hand
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Front Page of the Day (possibly the year)
From the front page of today's New York Post. This is reference to a comment a couple of years ago where Pedro Martinez said "the yankees are my daddy". Since he seemed to get hammered when he pitched against the Yankees.
With tonight being game 6 of the 2009 World Series and Pedro being the Phillies starting pitcher, it just may be the front page of the day and probably the year.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Pumpkin House
I saw this on the daily "Ripley's Believe it Not" cartoon today.
Its called the Pumpkin House and its in Kenova, West Virginia.
The owner Ric Griffith, his family and hundreds of volunteers spends months every year carving pumpkins for this gigantic display.
Check out these photos: Pumpkin House
Its called the Pumpkin House and its in Kenova, West Virginia.
The owner Ric Griffith, his family and hundreds of volunteers spends months every year carving pumpkins for this gigantic display.
Check out these photos: Pumpkin House
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