Sunday February the 10th


ON THIS DAY in 1893
actor/comedian Jimmy Durante was born in New York City. His distinctive vocal personality made him a natural star in bigtime radio, and later TV.  He was still headlining a weekly TV show as late as 1969 (Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters.) Famous for the sign-off, "Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are."  He died of pneumonia Jan 29, 1980 at age 86.

On this day in 1898, Dame Judith Anderson was born Frances Margaret Anderson in Adelaide, South Australia. She arrived in the US at age 17 and became a dominant force in Broadway drama through the 30's, 40's & 50's. On TV she appeared in 3 Playhouse 90's, 7 Hallmark Hall of Fames, and was a regular for 4 years on the soap Santa Barbara. She died of pneumonia Jan 3, 1992 at age 93.

On this day in 1906, horror movie actor Lon Chaney Jr. was born in Oklahoma City.  He was active in episodic TV from 1950-66, in shows such as Hawkeye & the Last of the Mohicans, Climax, WagonTrain, Rawhide, Have Gun Will Travel & Route 66. He died of liver failure July 12, 1973 at age 67.

On this day in 1929, pianist/composer Jerry Goldsmith was born in Pasadena.  His broadcast scoring career began with the CBS Radio Workshop & Romance series, then continued in TV with Ben Casey, Dr. Kildare, Man from UNCLE, Room 222, The Waltons, Police Story, Star Trek: Next Generation, among other series.  He died July 21 2004 after a long battle with cancer at age 75.  

                    
On this day in 1940, the big band classic "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller hit #1.

On this day in 1942, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra received a gold record for their recording of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which had sold more than one million copies. It was the first gold record ever presented to an artist. Twelve years later, in 1954, "The Glenn Miller Story," starring Jimmy Stewart, premiered in New York.

On this day in 1945, "Rum & Coca Cola" by the Andrews Sisters hit #1.

On this day in 1950, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Rag Mop'' by the Ames Brothers.

On this day in 1951, the novelty spoken-word record "John & Marsha" by Stan Freberg peaked at #21.

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley wiggled his way through "Heartbreak Hotel" for RCA Records in Nashville. The record received two gold records, one for each side. The hit on the other side was "I Was the One".

Also this day in 1956, Little Richard recorded "Long Tall Sally".

                                                                                                                        
Again this day in 1956, "My Friend Flicka" premiered on CBS (later NBC) TV

On this day in 1958, "Don't" by Elvis Presley topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.

Also this day in 1958, the "Annette" serial began on ABC-TV's "Mickey Mouse Club."  

On this day in 1964, the press reported that millions of teenage boys are spending extra time in front of the mirror trying to make their hair look like Paul McCartney's... following an appearance of The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" the night before.

Also this day in 1964, Bob Dylan's album ''The Times They Are A-Changin''' was released.

On this day in 1968, the instrumental "Love Is Blue" by Paul Mauriat topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.

On this day in 1971, Carole King's "Tapestry" was released.

On this day in 1972, the BBC banned "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" by Wings, which had only been released Feb. 1.

On this day in 1978, Van Halen's debut album was released.

On this day in 1979, Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was the #1 single in the US. It was a track from the album "Blondes Have More Fun", which was the #1 U.S. album this day. The album stayed at the top for three weeks. "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was number one for four weeks.

On this day in 1980, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Do That to Me One More Time'' by The Captain & Tennille.
                                                                        

On this day in 1983, stern-faced actor Eduard Franz died after a long illness at age 80. Besides extensive stage & film work he had been cast repeatedly over a 30 year period in TV series such as Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, General Electric Theatre, Zorro, Wagon Train, The FBI & The Waltons.  

On this day in 1986, English-born actor Brian Aherne died of heart failure at age 83.
His theatrical, film & radio career was 20 years old when he started appearing on US TV in guest roles on Lux Video Theatre, Robert Montgomery Prsents, Goodyear Theatre, Star & The Story, Disneyland, etc.  On radio he'd played the lead in The Saint, and acted as a substitute host on Lux Radio Theatre.  

On this day in 1986, John Lennon's "Live in NYC" album was released.

                                                                                                                  
On this day in 1989, one of Canada's best hockey broadcasters Dan Kelly, who spent most of his career in the US (St. Louis Blues), died young from cancer at just 52.

On this day in 1989, the 100th episode of Miami Vice was seen on NBC TV.

On this day in 1990, Paula Abdul became the first female artist to have an album stay in the top ten for over 50 weeks. It was her debut album, "Forever Your Girl."

Also this day in 1990, guitarist Eric Clapton finished an 18-show stand at London's Royal Albert Hall.
                                                                  
The performances, which began Jan. 18, included three different bands, a 60-piece orchestra and blues jams with Robert Cray.

On this day in 1992, Alex Haley, the author of Roots which spawned the most viewed mini-series in history, died in Seattle of a heart attack at age 70.

On this day in 1993, actress Joy Garrett, who had long-running roles in TV's The Young & the Restless and As The World Turns, died of liver failure at age 47.

Also this day in 1993, Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin and that he had had very little plastic surgery.

On this day in 1997, singer Brian Connolly of Sweet died of kidney failure in a hospital in southern England. He was 52.

On this day in 2000, actor Jim Varney, best known for his many TV commercials as Ernest P. Worrell, died of lung cancer at age 50.

On this day in 2004, Rick Dees announced he was leaving the morning show at KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, after 22 years at its helm.


Today's Birthday:

Actress Neva Patterson (Governor & JJ, Nichols, Doc Elliot) is 86.

Actor Robert Wagner is 78. Tacoma-born rock guitarist Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 75.

Singer Roberta Flack is 69.

Former governor-general & CBC journalist Adrienne Clarkson (Take 30, Fifth Estate, A. C. Presents) is 69.

Singer Jimmy Merchant of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers is 68.

Country singer Lionel Cartwright ("I Watched it on the Radio") is 48.

ABC journalist George Stephanopoulus is 47.

Actress Laura Dern is 41. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 36.

Actress Elizabeth Banks (Scrubs) is 34.

Pop singer Rosanna Taverez (Eden's Crush) is 31.

Actress Emma Roberts (Unfabulous) is 17.


Chart Toppers

February 10

1945
Don’t Fence Me In - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
Accentuate the Positive - Johnny Mercer
I Dream of You - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Freddy Stewart)
I’m Losing My Mind Over You - Al Dexter

1953
Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes - Perry Como
Why Don’t You Believe Me - Joni James
Keep It a Secret - Jo Stafford
I Let the Stars Get in My Eyes - Goldie Hill

1961
Will You Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles
Calcutta - Lawrence Welk
Shop Around - The Miracles
North to Alaska - Johnny Horton

1969
Crimson and Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells
Everyday People - Sly & The Family Stone
Touch Me - The Doors
Daddy Sang Bass - Johnny Cash

1977
Torn Between Two Lovers - Mary MacGregor
New Kid in Town - Eagles
Blinded by the Light - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Near You - George Jones & Tammy Wynette

1985
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
Easy Lover - Philip Bailey with Phil Collins
Careless Whisper - Wham! featuring George Michael
Ain’t She Somethin’ Else - Conway Twitty