Saturday April the 19th

ON THIS DAY in 1924,
          
a new radio show joined the US midwest airwaves. The Chicago Barn Dance aired on WLS in the Windy City. It was MC'd by amiable Joe Kelly, later the quizmaster on QuizKids.  In a few years the program would be renamed The National Barn Dance, and would air nationally starting in 1933.  This program was the first country music jamboree on radio. (The Grand Ole Opry on WSM Radio in Nashville began in 1925.) National Barn Dance continued for more than two decades on the radio station that was owned by retailer, Sears Roebuck & Co.  WLS, in fact, stood for "World's Largest Store".

In 1960, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Stuck on You'' by Elvis Presley. The song was Presley's first to be released in stereo and his first since being released from the Army.

In 1965, WINS in New York City became the first all-news formatted radio station.

            
In 1967, Nancy Sinatra and her dad, Frank, found a gold record award in the mailbox, for their collaboration on the hit single, Something Stupid.

In 1968, George Harrison and John Lennon and their wives made a premature departure from a Indian religious retreat run by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr had already left. All four Beatles later denounced their association with the Maharishi.

In 1970, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "ABC'' by The Jackson 5. The song was the group's second consecutive No. 1 single.

In 1978, more than 40 musicians -- including James Taylor, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt and John Hall -- petitioned President Jimmy Carter to halt the United States' commitment to the use of nuclear power.

              
Also in 1978, Patti Smith released the single "Because the Night."

In 1980, "Call Me" by Blondie topped the charts and stayed there for 6 weeks.

Also in 1980, Tommy James appeared on "American Bandstand" and performed "Three Times in Love."

In 1982, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, following their successful reunion concert in New York's Central Park the previous September, announced they would stay together ''as long as the fans want us.'' But by the time their album came out 18 months later, all traces of Garfunkel's contributions had been electronically removed.

In 1985, rhythm-and-blues singer Willie Mabon died in Paris at age 59. He's best known for his early '50s hits "I Don't Know," "I'm Mad" and "Poison Ivy.." Mabon was a favourite of '60s British r-and-b performers like Georgie Fame.

      
In 1986, actor Alvin Childress, who portrayed Amos on TV's Amos 'n' Andy, died at age 78.

In 1986, the song "Kiss" by Prince & the Revolution topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1987, Ronnie Lane, a founding member of the Small Faces, played a comeback concert in London after being sidelined for a decade with multiple sclerosis. Lane died 10 years later at 51.

In 1988, Sonny Bono was inaugurated as the Mayor of Palm Springs, Calif.

In 1989, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Like a Prayer'' by Madonna.

In 1990, the TV movie "Summer Dreams: The Story of the Beach Boys" aired on ABC.
            

In 1993, the Branch-Davidian's compound in Waco, Texas burned to the ground, dominating our TV screens.  It was the anticlimax of a 51-day standoff between the religious cult led by David Koresh and U.S. federal agents . 86 perished including 17 children.

Also in 1993, saxophonist Steve Douglas died of heart failure in Los Angeles during a recording session with Ry Cooder. He was 55. His career began in high school with friend Phil Spector and included early stints with Ritchie Valens and Duane Eddy & the Rebels.

In 1995, members of the British band The Cult called it quits due to tensions between founding members Billy Duffy and Hamilton, Ontario native Ian Astbury. The Cult's most popular album was 1986's "Love," which contained the hit "She Sells Sanctuary." In Canada, the song was used in a 1993 beer commercial.

In 1996, guitars belonging to Darius Rucker and Dean Felber of Hootie and the Blowfish were stolen following an "M-T-V Unplugged" concert in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Two University of South Carolina students were charged, and the guitars were recovered.

            
In 1998, singer-guitarist Earl Bolick, who performed with his brother Bill in a country duo known as the Blue Sky Boys in the '30s and '40s, died of a heart attack at age 78. The duo was a popular radio act and recorded extensively for Victor.  Among the groups who acknowledge the Blue Sky Boys' influence is the Everly Brothers.

In 2002, singer Layne Staley of Alice In Chains was found dead in his apartment in Seattle. He was 34.


Today's Birthdays:  

Harpist & songwriter Robert Maxwell is 87.

Actor Hugh O'Brian (Life & Legend of Wyatt Earp) is 83.

Tacoma-born actress Elinor Donahue (Father Knows Best, Andy Griffith Show, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) is 71.

Actor Tim Curry (Wiseguy, The Wild Thornberrys, Family Affair) is 62.

Singer Mark "Flo" Volman of The Turtles is 61.

Hip-hop mogul Suge Knight is 43.

Country singer Bekka Bramlett of Bekka and Billy is 40.

Actress Ashley Judd (Sisters) is 40.

Actor James Franco (Freaks and Geeks) is 30.

Vancouver-born actor Hayden Christensen (Higher Ground) is 27.

Actor Courtland Mead (Recess, NYPD Blue, Lloyd in Space) is 21.


Chart Toppers

April 19

1949
Cruising Down the River - The Russ Morgan Orchestra (vocal: The Skyliners)
Red Roses for a Blue Lady - Vaughn Monroe
Forever and Ever - Perry Como
Candy Kisses - George Morgan

1957
Little Darlin’ - The Diamonds
Party Doll - Buddy Knox
Come Go with Me - The Dell-Vikings
Gone - Ferlin Husky

1965
I’m Telling You Now - Freddie & The Dreamers
Game of Love - Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders
I Know a Place - Petula Clark
King of the Road - Roger Miller

1973
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicki Lawrence
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree - Dawn featuring Tony Orlando
Sing - Carpenters
A Shoulder to Cry On - Charley Pride

1981
Kiss on My List - Daryl Hall & John Oates
Morning Train (Nine to Five) - Sheena Easton
Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington, Jr./Bill Withers
Old Flame - Alabama

1989
She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young cannibals
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Funky Cold Medina - Tone Loc
I’m No Stranger to the Rain - Keith Whitley