Today in Broadcast History

It's the date that claimed the lives of TV notables Andy Griffith, Ross Martin and Jim Backus, and radio stars Rudy Vallee and Whispering Jack Smith. In Paris, The Doors' frontman Jim Morrison succumbed to what's believed to be a drug overdose. "Hawaii Calls" began its 60-year run on radio, "Blondie" moved from the comic strips and movie screens to CBS radio, Abbott & Costello got their own show on NBC radio, Andy Williams premiered his summer replacement CBS-TV series, and Crosby Stills and Nash played together for the 1st time ever, at Joni Mitchell's house. Details of these and scores more July 3rd anniversaries INSIDE.

It was the date the 1st million-dollar prizefight (Jack Dempsey vs. Georges Carpentier) aired on US radio. "The Aldrich Family," "The Adventures of the Thin Man" and the satire of "Bob and Ray" had their premieres on NBC radio. Morning radio star Arthur Godfrey signed to host a weekly prime time show. Lawrence Welk debuted his new dance show on ABC-TV. Elvis recorded "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel," Dean Martin recorded "Houston," and Andy Williams recorded "Canadian Sunset." Obits on July 2nd include James Stewart, Betty Grable, Lee Remick, Fred Gwynne and Jan Murray. Details of all the anniversaries for this date INSIDE.

It's the date we said goodbye to these show biz giants .. Marlon Brando, Robert Mitchum, Michael Landon, Karl Malden and Wolfman Jack. The FCC became America's broadcast regulator, Jim Robson broke into radio at CJAV Port Alberni, CFTO aired Canada's first colour TV, Vancouver's JR Country signed on, C-FUN became All-News CKVN, and 11-year old Brenda Lee had her first recording session. Among those born July 1st are Pamela Anderson, Deborah Harry, Michelle Wright, legendary soap opera maven Irna Phillips and network radio sportscaster Bill Stern. Details of these and dozens more anniversaries for the date INSIDE.

It's the date of birth for singers Florence Ballard, Murray McLauchlan and American Idol winner Fantasia, New Westminster broadcaster Terry David Mulligan, and iconic big band drummer Buddy Rich. June 30th saw Loverboy playing Expo'86, a young Frank Sinatra debuting with the Harry James Band, the daytime drama "Guiding Light" debuting on television, and Vancouver's C-ISL radio moving up to 650 on the dial. Leaving us forever were Jack Benny's widow Mary Livingstone, comic Buddy Hackett, actor Gale Gordon and country music's Chet Atkins. Details of these and scores more anniversaries for the date INSIDE.

It's the date we lost Victoria radio icon Joe Easingwood, along with international stars Katherine Hepburn, Rosemary Clooney and Jayne Mansfield. "The Life of Riley" ended its 7-year run on NBC Radio. The whimsical "Vic & Sade" was first was inserted into network radio's daytime soap bloc, Gordon Lightfoot scored his only #1 Billboard hit "Sundown," and the quiz show with a heart "Strike It Rich" debuted on CBS radio. Kamloop's CHNL Radio won permission to more than double its power to 25,000 watts. Details of these and scores more June 29th anniversaries INSIDE.

Puget Sound Radio's Ron Robinson Presents Today In Broadcast History...

It's the birthdate of Captain Kangaroo and Khloe Kardashian, and also gave birth to an ABC-TV soap called "Loving." Red Robinson held his first rock concert at the Kerrisdale Arena starring Bill Haley, Elvis began taping his first TV special, and Billy J. Kramer guested on the Ed Sullivan Show. Hugh Grant was arrested for 'lewd behaviour' with an L.A. prostitute, and John Lennon was finally granted his Green Card. Gale Storm and Don Grady and Canadian teen idol Terry Black breathed their last, as did the TV shows Miami Vice, The Flip Wilson Show, and the NBC Matinee Theatre. Details of these and dozens more milestones for June 27th INSIDE.

It's the birthday of PSR's Michael Easton, along with Peter Lorre, Nick Offerman, Pat Morita, and the late Col. Tom Parker. Ted Rogers Sr. introduced the revolutionary A/C vacuum tube, Bill Hughes hosted Roving Reporter show #12,000 on CKNW, the Rolling Stones released their first #1 hit in Britain, and WNEW-FM was the 1st station anywhere to play the eight-minute version of Don McLean's 'American Pie.' Fred Allen hosted his last radio show under his own name, Edward R. Murrow carried out his 500th and final 'Person to Person' interview, and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff checked himself into rehab. All the milestones for June 26th INSIDE.

It's the birthday of singer Carly Simon, comedian Jimmie Walker, actress June Lockhart, and radio/TV host and singer Peter Lind Hayes, June 25th saw broadcaster Pamela Wallin appointed Consul General in New York City, Dark Shadows debut on ABC-TV, and CBS-TV air its first color TV show to the only 36 color sets in existence! I Want to Hold Your Hand became the Beatles' first #1 in North America. Vancouver's CKWX moved up the radio dial, and "It Pays to Be Ignorant" made its debut on New York's WOR Radio. Michael Jackson died on this date, as did actress Farah Fawcett, songwriting icon Johnny Mercer, UK comedian Tony Hancock, and CNN's first sportscaster Nick Charles. Details on these and scores more June 25th milestones INSIDE.