Friday July the 4th ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE USA!

ON THIS DAY in 1898
actor Johnny Lee was born in Missouri.  
              
He played shady lawyer Algonguin J. Calhoun on the -Amos 'n' Andy radio & TV series.   He suffered a fatal heart attack Dec. 12 1965 at age 67.

In 1900, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong was born in New Orleans. He was a charismatic, innovative performer whose musical skills and bright personality transformed jazz from a rough regional dance music into a popular art form. One of the most famous jazz musicians of the 20th century, he first achieved fame as a trumpeter, but later became best known as a vocalist and one of the most influential jazz singers.  He died after a heart attack July 6th 1971, two days after his 71st birthday.

In 1913, radio & TV hostess Virginia Graham was born in Chicago (pictured w/Joan Crawford.)
              
She started in radio in the 1930's as host of 'Weekday'. She was hostess of TV talk shows from the 50's to the 70's that are considered forerunners to today's daytime TV. She was best known for the nationally syndicated 'Girl Talk' on ABC from 1963-1969, 'The Virginia Graham Show' from 1970-1972, and guesting on other talk shows, including a dozen appearances on The Tonight Show.  She died following a heart attack Dec 22, 1998 at age 85.

In 1916, the woman tried for treason after WW II as Tokyo Rose,  Iva Toguri D'Aquino was born in Los Angeles.  She was one of at least a dozen women who did Japanese propaganda broadcasts from Radio Tokyo.   The post-war trial convicted her on just one innoquous charge not involving treason, while she claimed to have subtly subverted the Japanese war effort, and was eventually pardoned by President Ford.  She died Sept. 26 2006 at age 90.

In 1918, twin sisters who would grow up to be competing advice columnists and radio broadcasters, Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby) were born in Sioux City Iowa.  Landers died June 22, 2002 at age 84; Abby, who suffers from Alzheimers, is 89 today.

              
In 1943, the Rhythm Boys, Bing Crosby, Al Rinker and Harry Barris, were reunited for the first time since the 1930s on Paul Whiteman Presents on NBC radio.

In 1948, Life Begins at 80 debuted on Mutual.  Jack Barry hosted the panel show patterned in reverse on his successful Juvenile Jury.

In 1951, Jack Webb did a summer switch -- from his Dragnet role of Sgt. Joe Friday to that of Pete Kelly. Pete Kelly's Blues, a crime drama, was the summer replacement on NBC radio for Halls of Ivy (with Ronald Colman and Benita Hume). Webb also played Pete Kelly in the 1955 movie of the same name; then produced and directed a 1959 TV series, also titled Pete Kelly's Blues, starring William Reynolds as Pete.

In 1953, "I'm Walking Behind You" by Eddie Fisher topped the charts and stayed there for 7 weeks.

In 1958, WKBW Buffalo changed its format to "Top 40" and became one of the top exponents of the genre.

In 1963, actor Grant Richards, who was a regular on radio's Gangbusters, and guested repeatedly on TV's Untouchables, Perry Mason, M Squad, Bonanza, The Rifleman & Love of Life, died in a car accident at age 48.

              
In 1964, "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

Also in 1964, the Rolling Stones' "Tell Me" was released.

In 1966, The Beatles were attacked in the Philippines after insulting first lady Imelda Marcos

In 1967, Tom Jones appeared on the first telecast of CBS-TV's "Spotlight'' summer musical variety series.

In 1970, deejay Casey Kasem hosted radio's American Top 40 for the first time.  The first #1 song was "Mama Told Me Not to Come" by Three Dog Night.

              
In 1972, Willie Nelson inaugurated his annual "Fourth of July Picnic'' at Dripping Springs, Texas.

Also in 1972, WCBS-FM, New York, changed its format to "Oldies".

In 1974, Steely Dan performed a concert in Santa Monica, California. They did not tour again for 18 years.

In 1976, Elton John and Kiki Dee's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" was released.

In 1977, Nigel Harrison replaced Gary Valentine as bassist of Blondie.

In 1980, the Beach Boys gave a free outdoor performance to an estimated 500,000 people in Washington.

              
In 1982, shock rocker Ozzy Osbourne married his manager, Sharon Arden.  Who'd have believed they'd still be together 26 years later?

Also in 1982, Diana Ross began her first solo world tour at Giant Stadium in New Jersey's Meadowlands.

In 1985, a crowd, estimated at one million, gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the 209th anniversary of America's independence. The Beach Boys were joined by Mr. T. on drums to really add some fireworks to the festivities. The Oak Ridge Boys, Joan Jett and Jimmy Page joined in the celebration (but wouldn't let Mr. T. play ...)

              
Also in 1985,  Bryan Adams has a North American #1 hit with 'Heaven'.

In 1987, the crowd left early at a Moscow rock concert featuring US artists. The performers on the bill included James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana and the Doobie Brothers. About 25,000 attended the free show.

In 1990, the rap group 2 Live Crew released the single "Banned in the U.S.A.'' with the blessing of "Born in the U.S.A.'' creator Bruce Springsteen. The song, which racked up 2 million advance orders, was in part a response to anti-obscenity groups that had targeted the rappers.

In 1992, rocker John Phillips, leader of the Mamas and Papas, underwent a liver transplant.

Also in 1992, "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.

              
In 1995, actress Eva Gabor, who became a household name in the TV sitcom Green Acres, died of complications from food poisoning & pneumonia at age 74.

Also in 1995, at Lollapalooza in George, Wash., Courtney Love belted Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna. Charged with assault, Love received a suspended one-year sentence and was required to take courses in anger management.

Still in 1995, the Ramones released "Adios Amigos.'' It was speculated to be the band's last album ever.

                
In 1997, CBS newsman/anchor Charles Kuralt, host of CBS Sunday Morning & spearhead of "On The Road" human interest news from small town America, died of complications from lupus at age 62.  

In 1999, Sir Elton John, 52, collapsed. Tests showed he had an irregular heartbeat. John soon had a pacemaker fitted at a London hospital.

In 2002, "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley, remixed by Junkie XL, hit number one on the singles chart, 25 years after Presley's death.

              
In 2003, singer Barry White died in Los Angeles after battling kidney problems and a stroke. He was just 58. White�s rich bass voice stirred romance in the hearts of a generation of fans

Also in 2003, financial expert and radio personality, Larry Burkett, died at age 64. He was best known for his show "Money Matters", which aired on 1,000 radio stations.

In 2005, football coach/broadcaster Hank Stram, who was color man on CBS Radio's Monday Night Football, died at age 82.  

Tonight's Birthdays:

Actress Gloria Stuart (General Hospital, Touched by an Angel, Murder She Wrote) is 98.

Conductor Mitch Miller (Singalong With Mitch) is 97.

Actress Eva Marie Saint (Moonlighting, A Year in the Life, How the West Was Won) is 84.

Actress Gina Lollobrigida (Falcon Crest) is 81.

Playwright Neil Simon (The Odd Couple, Your Show of Shows) is 81.

Singer Bill Withers is 70.
  
TV talk show host Geraldo Rivera is 65.

Percussionist Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind and Fire is 57.

Rock musician Domingo Ortiz (Widespread Panic) is 56.

Singer John Waite is 53.

Guitarist Kirk Pengilly of INXS is 50.

Country musician Teddy Carr is 48.

Rock D.J. Zonka (Big Audio Dynamite) is 46.

Bassist Matt Malley of Counting Crows is 45.

Actress Jenica Bergere (Girls Behaving Badly, Drew Carey Show) is 34.

Singer Stephen "Ste" McNally (BBMak) is 30.


Chart Toppers:

July 4

1948
ou Can�t Be True, Dear - The Ken Griffin Orchestra (vocal: Jerry Wayne)
Nature Boy - Nat King Cole
Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kyser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids)
Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold

1957
Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley
Love Letters in the Sand - Pat Boone
Over the Mountain; Across the Sea - Johnnie & Joe
Four Walls - Jim Reeves

1966
Strangers in the Night - Frank Sinatra
Red Rubber Ball - The Cyrkle
You Don�t Have to Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield
Think of Me - Buck Owens

1975
Love Will Keep Us Together - The Captain & Tennille
When Will I Be Loved - Linda Ronstadt
Wildfire - Michael Murphey
Tryin� to Beat the Morning Home - T.G. Sheppard

1984
The Reflex - Duran Duran
Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
When Doves Cry - Prince
I Can Tell by the Way You Dance (You�re Gonna Love Me Tonight) - Vern Gosdin

1993
That�s the Way Love Goes - Janet Jackson
Weak - SWV (Sisters With Voices)
Whoomp! (There It Is) - Tag Team
That Summer - Garth Brooks

2002
A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
Without Me - Eminem
Hot In Herre - Nelly
Living and Living Well - George Strait