Tuesday December the 4th


ON THIS DAY in 1915
pianist & composer Eddie Heywood Jr. was born in Atlanta Georgia.
His main claim to fame is composing the song Canadian Sunset; he played piano on Hugo Winterhalter's hit recording of it, a feat the more remarkable because he had previously suffered a partial paralysis in his hands.  Heywood died Jan 2, 1989 at age 73.

Also this day in 1915, longtime newscaster Alan Jackson was born in Hot Springs Arkansas.
He was the head anchor at CBS Radio News for over twenty-five years beginning during the Second World War, reading the 6:00 PM national evening news (then the network's main news program) and anchoring coverage of many of the major news headlines of the day. He anchored CBS News's coverage of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, and of V-E Day in May 1945. He is thought to have been the first to announce the assassination of JFK in 1963. Alan Jackson retired from CBS in or before 1981.

On this day in 1921, actress/singer Deanna Durbin was born Edna Rae Durbin in Winnipeg.  She had a short but successful film career, retiring at age 29 just at the start of the TV era.  However she has genuine radio credentials as a singing star of the popular Eddie Cantor Show.  Happy 86th Birthday, Deanna!

On this day in 1923, WEAF (which later became the NBC radio New York Flagship) began broadcasting the "Eveready Hour," the first bigtime variety show of the air.

On this day in 1927, Duke Ellington's big band opened the famed Cotton Club in Harlem. It was the first appearance of the Duke's new and larger group. He played the now-fabled club until 1932.

On this day in 1932, the famous opening was heard for the first time. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. North and South America and all the ships at sea. Let's go to press!" The Walter Winchell Show, later The Jergens Journal and still later, Kaiser-Frazer News, was first heard on the NBC Blue network. Winchell (below) kept that gossip show going on the radio for 23 years.
                                                                                                    

On this day in 1933, one of America's great radio soap operas made the leap to the big time. Ma Perkins moved from WLW Cincinnati to the NBC-Red network. The show proved to be so popular that it was later carried on both CBS and NBC simultaneously!

Also in 1933, actor Horst Buchholz was born in Berlin.  In a 50 year acting career he appeared in more than 60 films, mostly German, and a handful of American TV shows: Charlie's Angels, How the West Was Won, Raid on Entebbe, Crossings, Logan's Run, and the Danny Thomas Hour. He died of pneumonia Mar 3, 2003 at 69.

On this day in 1934, actor Victor French was born in Santa Barbara.  He co-starred in three successful TV series, Little House on the Prairie, Highway to Heaven, & Carter Country.  A heavy smoker he died June 15, 1989 at 54, at which point Michael Landon abruptly ceased production of Highway to Heaven.

Also this day in 1934, singer Ethel Merman recorded I Get a Kick Out of You, from Cole Porter's musical, Anything Goes. She was backed by the Johnny Green Orchestra for Brunswick Records.

On this day in 1944, rocker Dennis Wilson was born in Inglewood Calif.  The middle Wilson brother he was only included in the Beach Boys after his mother twisted Brian's arm.   His lifestyle (drinker) became an issue of tensions with Brian & cousin Mike Love, although at one point he became the most popular Beach Boy.  Dennis died in a drowning accident Dec 28, 1983 at the age of 39.

Also this day in 1944, country singer Eddy Arnold made his first recordings in Nashville, shortly after signing with R-C-A Victor. It was one of the earliest recording sessions in what would later be known as "Music City.''

On this day in 1954, Billboard magazine reported that a New York Supreme Court Justice denied Disc-Jockey,[bAlan Freed[/b], any further use of the nickname "Moon Dog" on his radio show.

Also this day in 1954, the song "Mr. Sandman" by the Chordettes topped the charts and stayed there for 7 weeks.

On this day in 1956, future rock icons Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins (the Million Dollar Quartet) held an impromptu recording session at Sun Studios in Memphis.  The session would not be released for 25 years.

On this day in 1961, Gene Chandler's future smash hit "Duke of Earl" was released.

On this day in 1962, James Caan made his TV acting debut in A Fist of Five, an episode of The Untouchables on ABC-TV, starring Robert Stack.

On this day in 1964, the Beatles released the "Beatles For Sale" album.

On this day in 1965, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by the Byrds topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

Also this day in 1965, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones was knocked unconscious when his guitar touched an ungrounded microphone during a concert in Sacramento, California. He still managed to finish the show.

On this day in 1967, comedian/actor Bert Lahr (who was born Irving Lahrheim), died of pneumonia at 72.  Beloved as the Cowardly Lion in TV's most repeated Hollywood film The Wizard of Oz, he also appeared in original television such as the Hallmark Hall of Fame, Toast of the Town, Steve Allen Show, Hollywood Palace and the Kraft TV Theatre.

Also this day in 1967, nationally-known sportscaster Harry Wismer died at age 54. His career began at WJR Detroit; he went on to do radio play-by-play of Notre Dame and Washington Redskins football.  He was a charter owner of the AFL, with the New York franchise (Titans) that became the Jets.  But he died broke, from a combination of depression, cancer & alcoholism ..following a fall.

On this day in 1970, newsman Frank Reynolds was seen co-hosting the ABC Evening News with Howard K. Smith for the final time.  Reynolds commented on the switch to a new co-host (Harry Reasoner) saying, "Due to circumstances beyond my control, the unemployment statistics rose yesterday."

On this day in 1971, the song "Family Affair" by Sly & the Family Stone topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.

On this day in 1972, Billy Paul from Philadelphia received a gold record for his smash hit, Me and Mrs. Jones.

Also this day in 1972, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "I Am Woman'' by Helen Reddy.

On this day in 1976, rocker Tommy Bolin of Deep Purple died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25.

On this day in 1979, actor Robert Karnes died of heart failure at 62.  In a 35 year film & TV career in supporting parts, he had recurring roles in TV's Gunsmoke, The Lawless Years, Perry Mason, Bonanza, Have Gun Will Travel, The Virginian, etc.

On this day in 1980, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones made the announcement of their decision not to re-form Led Zeppelin in the wake of the death of drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham.

On this day in 1981, the nighttime soap "Falcon Crest" premiered on CBS-TV.

On this day in 1987, Madonna filed for divorce from actor Sean Penn. She changed her mind, but would file again in January 1988.

On this day in 1988, singer Roy Orbison gave his final concert in Akron, OH. He died two days later.

On this day in 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ruling that said that Prince did not steal the song, "U Got The Look" from his half-sister. Lorna Nelson claimed the lyrics were similar to ones she had written.

On this day in 1990, the CTV show ENG, a newsroom drama, won the Gemini Award for Best Dramatic Series; 'Love and Hate' won for best dramatic mini series (Thatcher murder saga); Jackie Burroughs won for best lead actress in a continuing dramatic role (Road to Avonlea); Art Hindle won for best lead actor in a continuing role(ENG).    

Also in 1990, actor Edward Binns died of a heart attack at age 74. He had a fine film career over 35 years, including repeated appearances in TV's It Takes a Thief, Brenner, The Defenders, Dr. Kildare, Police Story & The Virginian.  His biggest movie impact was as juror #6 in Twelve Angry Men.  

Still in 1990, Madonna appeared on "Nightline" to defend her "Justify My Love" video. She denied the video's explicit contents were intended to stir up controversy and get her publicity. The video had been banned by MTV.

On this day in 1991, Van Halen performed a free concert in Dallas. Sammy Hagar had promised the show because he had lost his voice during a show in Dallas 3 1/2 years earlier.

Also this day in 1991, Naomi & Wynonna (The Judds) gave their final concert in Nashville.

Again in 1991, Paula Abdul was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On this day in 1992, Diana Ross performed a rare club date at the Ritz in New York. Her performance was also shown live on pay-per-view T-V, and was released on album and video as "Diana Ross Live, The Lady Sings...Jazz and Blues Stolen Moments."

On this day in 1993, musician Frank Zappa died at his home in Los Angeles. He was 52.

On this day in 1994, singer Aretha Franklin, composer Morton Gould and folk singer Pete Seeger were among those honored at ceremonies held by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The center in Washington, D.C., has held the annual ceremonies since 1978.

Also in 1994, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Boston's 1976 self-titled debut album
                                                              
had become the second biggest-selling album of all-time in the U-S. The association said it had sold more than 15 million copies, surpassed only by Michael Jackson's "Thriller," which had sold more than 24 million in the U-S since 1982.

Still in 1994, "Game Show Network" launched in the US with mostly reruns of past TV game shows.

On this day in 1995, Michael Jackson appeared with legendary mime Marcel Marceau at a New York news conference promoting a Jackson special airing on HBO.

On this day in 1996, Wilf Carter, acknowledged as the father of country music in Canada, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was two weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. Carter, who had a parallel career in the U-S under the name Montana Slim, performed for more than six decades and was still on the road well into his 80s. Carter made his first recordings for R-C-A Victor in 1932 -- "Swiss Moonlight Lullaby," which showcased his yodelling, and "The Capture of Albert Johnson." The 78 was the first hit record by a Canadian country performer. Carter was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1985, acknowledging his status as the nation's first country star and his influence on -- and assistance to -- other performers.

On this day in 2001, Stampede wrestling host & longtime CFAC Calgary sportscaster Ed Whalen (below)died at 74 after a heart attack.  He was a native of Saskatoon, but was known as "Mr. Calgary" through his work with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation and other charities.  Also the voice of the NHL's Calgary Flames.
                                                                                                                

Also in 2001, Gary MacLean of the Winnipeg-based musical comedy duo MacLean and MacLean died of throat cancer at age 57.

On this day in 2002, the first part of an interview with John Houston, Whitney Houston's father, was aired on ABC's "Celebrity Justice." In the interview he stated to his daughter, "You get your act together, honey, and you pay me the money that you owe me. If you do that, you haven't got a lawsuit." John Houston had filed a lawsuit against his daughter for failure to pay for negotiating work with Arista and drug charges from 2000.

On this day in 2005, show business legends Robert Redford, Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Julie Harris and ballerina Suzanne Farrell headlined the annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.


Today's Birthdays:

Winnipeg-born actress-singer Deanna Durbin (see 1921 above) is 86.

British comedian Ronnie Corbett (The Two Ronnies) is 76.

Game show/radio host Wink Martindale (Tic Tac Doh, Music of Your Life) is 73.

Actor-producer Max Baer Jr. (Beverly Hillbillies) is 70.

Winnipeg-born actor Donnelly Rhodes (DaVinci's Inquest, Danger Bay, Young & the Restless) is 70.

Rocker Freddy Cannon is 67.

British actress Gemma Jones (Duchess of Duke Street) is 65.

Rock musician Bob Mosley (Moby Grape) is 65.

Montreal-born singer/songwriter Anna McGarrigle is 63.

Singer-musician Chris Hillman is 63.

Rock singer Southside Johnny Lyon is 59.

Actor Jeff Bridges (Sea Hunt, The Girls in Their Summer Dresses) is 58.

Rock musician Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd; the Rossington Collins Band) is 56.

Actress Patricia Wettig (Brothers & Sisters, Prison Break, thirty something) is 56.

Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson is 52.

Country musician Brian Prout (Diamond Rio) is 52.

Rock musician Bob Griffin (The BoDeans) is 48.

Rock singer Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) is 45.

Actress Marisa Tomei (A Different World, As the World Turns) is 43.

Actress Chelsea Noble (Kirk, Growing Pains) is 43.

Actor-comedian Fred Armisen Sat. Night Live, Crank Yankers, Reverb) is 41.

Rapper Jay-Z is 38.

Actor Kevin Sussman (Ugly Betty) is 37.

Actress-model Tyra Banks (Tyra Talk Show, America's Next Model, Fresh Prince of Bel Air) is 34.

Country singer Lila McCann is 26.

Seattle-born actress Lindsay Felton (Caitlin's Way, Thunder Alley) is 23.

Actor Orlando Brown (That's So Raven, Proud Family, Filmore) is 20.


Chart Toppers

December 4

1949
Don’t Cry, Joe - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Betty Brewer)
I Can Dream, Can’t I? - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Jack Leonard)
That Lucky Old Sun - Frankie Laine
Slipping Around - Margaret Whiting & Jimmy Wakely

1957
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
April Love - Pat Boone
Raunchy - Bill Justis
Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers

1965
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
1-2-3 - Len Barry
I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown
Make the World Go Away - Eddy Arnold

1973
Top of the World - Carpenters
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Just You ’n’ Me - Chicago
The Most Beautiful Girl - Charlie Rich

1981
Physical - Olivia Newton-John
Waiting for a Girl like You - Foreigner
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic - The Police
My Favorite Memory - Merle Haggard

1989
Blame It on the Rain - Milli Vanilli
We Didn’t Start the Fire - Billy Joel
(It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me - Paula Abdul
It’s Just a Matter of Time - Randy Travis