Thursday January the 31st
        THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED .. ON LG73.

ON THIS DAY in 1892  
comedian Eddie Cantor was born Edward Israel Iskowitz in New York City.  The man known for his "banjo eyes" and his five daughters was the first of the great vaudevillians to hit it big on radio, after an appearance on the Rudy Vallee Show in early 1931.  In 1950 he jumped into TV & was an instant hit in the new medium.  But he never fully recovered from a heart attack two years later, and died Oct 10, 1964 at age 72.  

On this day in 1902, eccentric actress Tallulah Bankhead was born in Huntsville Alabama. Her most important broadcast credit is as hostess of NBC Radio's last hurrah, the star-studded "The Big Show" as the tidal wave of TV was taking effect. Her last screen appearance was in 1966 as The Black Widow on TV's Batman. She died of pneumonia Dec 12, 1968 at age 66.

On this day in 1915, Emmy-winning broadcaster Garry Moore was born Thomas Garrison Morfit in Baltimore.
                                                        
Best remembered for his TV variety show that introduced Carol Burnett, plus hosting the game shows I've Got A Secret & To Tell the Truth.   He first caught the public ear as co-host of the Chicago-based daytime radio show, Club Matinee.  He went on to co-star with Jimmy Durante in a top rated evening variety show, then hosted his own daily daytime one-hour radio show before moving to TV.  He died of emphysema Nov 28, 1993 at age 78.  

Also this day in 1915, jazz trumpeter/guitarist Bobby Hackett was born in Providence Rhode Island.  He is perhaps best remembered for his horn work with Glenn Miller in the early 40's.(String of Pearls) He died June 7,1976 after a heart attack at age 61.

On this day in 1920, "Dardanella" by Ben Selvin's Novelty Orchestra hits #1 for 13 weeks and becomes the first record to sell over 3 million copies.

                                                                                                
On this day in 1921, singer/actor Mario Lanza was born Alfred Cocozza in Philadelphia.  With very limited TV credits his major broadcast impact was via the airplay of his hit records on the radio: Be My Love, The Loveliest Night of the Year, Because You're Mine, etc.   He died after a heart attack Oct 7, 1959 at the age of just 38.

On this day in 1922, actress Joanne Dru, the sister of Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall, was born in Logan, West Virginia.  When her big screen career dried up she took guest star spots on TV's Playhouse 90, Lux Video Theatre, Ford Television Theatre, etc.  In 1960 she starred in the short-lived series Guestward Ho!  She died of lymphedema Sep 10, 1996 at age 74.

On this day in 1927, twenty years before the famous hit record by Art Mooney, Jean Goldkette and his Dancing Orchestra recorded, "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover". Though the name of the bandleader may not be so famous, two of his sidemen on this Victor recording session certainly were: Big band fans know Bix Beiderbecke and Joe Venuti.

On this day in 1934, actor James Franciscus was born in Clayton Missouri.  He starred in three TV series, Mr. Novak, Longstreet & Doc Elliot, as well as dozens of guest spots. He died July 8, 1991 of emphysema, at age 57.

On this day in 1936, "The Green Hornet" was introduced by its famous theme song, "The Flight of the Bumble Bee". The George W. Trendle radio production was first heard on WXYZ radio in Detroit, the same radio station where "The Lone Ranger" was performed. You may remember that the title character in "The Green Hornet" was really named Britt Reid. He was, in fact, supposed to be the great nephew of John Reid, the Lone Ranger. The Hornet stayed on the air for 16 years.

On this day in 1946, guitarist & founding member of the group Chicago Terry Kath was born.  He died accidentally by his own hand in a gun incident Jan 23, 1978, just a week short of his 32nd birthday.

On this day in 1949, the first daytime soap came to TV.  "These Are My Children" aired on WNBQ, the NBC station in Chicago.

                                                                          
On this day in 1954, radio pioneer Edwin H Armstrong, who was instrumental in the development of FM radio, committed suicide by jumping from his 13th floor flat at age 63.

On this day in 1955, the RCA Corporation demonstrated the 1st music synthesizer.

                                                                                                                            
On this day in 1956, eleven-year-old Brenda Lee made her T-V debut on A-B-C's "Junior Ozark Jubilee."

On this day in 1958, "Jackpot Bowling" premiered on NBC TV with Leo Durocher as host.

On this day in 1960, Julie Andrews, Henry Fonda, Rex Harrison and Jackie Gleason appeared in a two-hour TV special titled, "The Fabulous Fifties".

On this day in 1961, the "Bobby Darin and Friends" TV special aired on NBC-TV.

On this day in 1963, the Beach Boys recorded "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Shutdown."

          
On this day in 1965, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin''' by The Righteous Brothers. The song was the first No. 1 song for the duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield.

On this day in 1969, singer Bobby Darin walked off the set of the "Jackie Gleason Show" when he was not allowed to sing "Long Line Rider."

On this day in 1970, "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 topped the charts .. but only for a week.

Also this day in 1970, the Greatful Dead were busted in New Orleans for possession of LSD and barbituates. The event was alleged to be the inspiration for the song "Truckin."

                                                                                                          
Again on this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) filmed a television special.

On this day in 1971, "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison hit #1 on the UK pop chart.

On this day in 1972, orchestra leader Howard Barlow died at age 79.  He began conducting for CBS radio in 1935, was musical director for the long-running radio newsreel The March of Time, and conducted the Voice of Firestone Monday night concert during its final 10 years. Much of that time it was simulcast on TV.  

On this day in 1972, Aretha Franklin sang at Mahalia Jackson's funeral.

On this day in 1974, Roger Pryor, the actor Universal & Columbia studios regarded as the poor man's Clark Gable, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 72.  He had been host of two of network radio's best drama anthologies, Screen Guild Theatre & Theatre Guild on the Air.

                                                            
Also this day in 1974, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "The Way We Were'' by Barbra Streisand. The title song to the Streisand-Robert Redford film won a Grammy for songwriters Marvin Hamlisch and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and an Academy Award for Best Song.

On this day in 1976, the song "Love Rollercoaster" by the Ohio Players topped the charts.. but only for a week.

On this day in 1978, Greg Herbert of Blood Sweat & Tears, died of a drug overdose in Amsterdam during the band's European tour. He was only 30 years old.

On this day in 1979, The Clash began their first U.S. tour with Bo Diddley as their opening act.

On this day in 1981, Cozy Cole, perhaps the only drummer to have a solo #1 record (Topsy Part II), died at age 71.

Also this day in 1981, "The Tide Is High" by Blondie topped the charts ... for just a single week.

On this day in 1984, newsman Edwin Newman retired from NBC News after 35 years with the network.

Also this day in 1984, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Karma Chameleon'' by Culture Club. The song was the group's biggest hit in England and only No. 1 single in the U.S.

On this day in 1985, Barbara Cowsill, mother of the group The Cowsills, died in Arizona.

Also this day in 1985, John Fogerty, former leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, returned to the A&M recording studios in Hollywood, CA to give his first "live" performance in 14 years. Actually, Fogerty performed in a video called "Rock and Roll Girls".

On this day in 1987, Madonna's record, "Open Your Heart", moved to the #2 spot on the pop charts (right behind "At This Moment" by Billy Vera and The Beaters). A week later, "Open Your Heart" became Madonna's fifth #1 hit since 1983. She had 11 consecutive singles in the Top 10 -- the most for any female artist of the rock era.

                                                      
On this day in 1988, the first episode of the family sitcom "The Wonder Years" aired on ABC.

On this day in 1989, writer & humourist Jack Douglas, one of the eccentrics who turned up regularly for entertaining conversation on the Jack Paar shows of the 50's & 60's, died at age 80.

On this day in 1992, sportscaster Howard Cosell retired at age 73.  He would pass away little more than 3 years later.  

On this day in 1993, Michael Jackson and 35-hundred children performed during halftime at the Super Bowl. He sang a variety of his hits, including "Heal The World." The game began with country star Garth Brooks singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Actress Marlee Matlin (The West Wing) rendered the song in sign language.

On this day in 1998, the Presidents of the United States of America played their final show at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. The show benefitted the Chicken Soup Brigade, which provided food and services to Seattle residents with HIV/AIDS.

Also this day in 1998, the song "Together Again" by Janet Jackson topped the charts and remained on top for 2 weeks.

On this day in 1999, Cher sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIII.

                                                                                                              
Also this day in 1999, Reba McEntire closed her first European tour with a sold-out performance in Munich, Germany.

Again this day in 1999, two members and the road manager of hit Tejano band Intocable were killed in a car crash outside of Monterey, Mexico.  Lead singer/founder Ricky Munoz and other bandmembers were injured and kept overnight at a Monterey hospital.

On this day in 2000, rapper Jay-Z, whose real name was Shawn Carter, was indicted in New York Criminal Court on two assault charges stemming from the Dec. 1 stabbing of record executive Lance "Un'' Rivera.

On this day in 2001, just before midnight, CKLG AM730 Vancouver played its last record,  Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You."  Minutes later it became the "All News NW2, powered by CKNW".  
                  
16 months later that format vanished, clobbered in the ratings by the already established CKWX All-News 1130.  

Also this day in 2001, it was announced that Peter Criss was leaving KISS and that he would be replaced by Eric Singer for the remaining dates of the farewell tour. Criss' last show was on October 7, 2000.


Today's Birthday:

Actress Carol Channing (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Toast of the Town, Where's Waldo?) is 87.

Actress Jean Simmons (Mysteries of the Bible, Angel Falls, Dark Shadows) is 79.

Actress Lynn Carlin (James at 15, The Waltons) is 78.

Actor Stuart Margolin (The Rockford Files, These Arms of Mine, Beggars & Choosers) is 68.

Actress Jessica Walter (Arrested Development, One Life to Live, Love of Life) is 67.

Singer Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band is 57.

Singer Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols is 52.

Actor Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace, Murder One) is 49.

Actress Kelly Lynch (The L Word) is 49.

Singer-guitarist Lloyd Cole is 47.

Actor John Dye (Touched By An Angel) is 45.

Guitarist Jeff Hanneman of Slayer is 44.

Bassist Al Jaworski of Jesus Jones is 42.

Actress Minnie Driver (The Riches, Will & Grace) is 38.

Actress Portia de Rossi (Arrested Development, Ally McBeal) is 35.

Actress Kerry Washington (Boston Legal, 100 Centre Street) is 31.

Singer Justin Timberlake is 27.


Chart Toppers

January 31

1951
My Heart Cries for You - Guy Mitchell
Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
A Bushell and a Peck - Perry Como & Betty Hutton
The Shot Gun Boogie - Tennessee Ernie Ford

1959
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - The Platters
Donna - Ritchie Valens
The All American Boy - Bill Parsons
Billy Bayou - Jim Reeves

1967
I’m a Believer - The Monkees
Tell It Like It Is - Aaron Neville
Georgy Girl - The Seekers
There Goes My Everything - Jack Greene

1975
Please Mr. Postman - Carpenters
Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka
Fire - Ohio Players
(I’d Be) A Legend in My Time - Ronnie Milsap

1983
Down Under - Men at Work
Africa - Toto
Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye
Talk to Me - Mickey Gilley

1991
The First Time - Surface
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) - C & C Music
Factory featuring Freedom Williams
Sensitivity - Ralph Tresvant
Forever’s as Far as I’ll Go - Alabama