Daily Archives: May 26, 2013

‘The Defenders’ and ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ top Emmys 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'The Defenders TV Intro'

(Sunday, May 26, 1963, 10 p.m. EDT) — The courtroom drama The Defenders captured top honors tonight at the 15th Primetime Emmy Awards, winning five Emmys including Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Drama for the second year in a row.

The Dick Van Dyke Show, the situation comedy about a television comedy writer, was hailed as the Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Humor. Continue reading ‘The Defenders’ and ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ top Emmys 50 years ago this hour (1963) →

Country music’s first superstar Jimmie Rodgers, 35, died 80 years ago today (1933)

1930s, Popular Music 1930s


Video: 'Jimmie Rodgers - Blue Yodel No 1 (T For Texas)'

(Friday, May 26, 1933) — The man credited with being country music’s first superstar died today of tuberculosis from a pulmonary hemorrhage while staying at the Taft Hotel in New York City at the age of 35. Jimmie Rodgers’ first million-seller was “T for Texas,” also known as “Blue Yodel.”

Actors’ Equity Association organized 100 years ago today (1913)

1910s, Broadway


Video: '2013 Helen Hayes Tribute to Actors' Equity Association'

(Monday, May 26, 1913) — The Actors’ Equity Association, a labor union representing the world of live theatrical performance, was organized today by a group of actors at the Pabst Grand Circle Hotel in New York. The union’s first president was Francis Wilson.

Skylark performs on ‘Midnight Special’ 40 years ago this hour (1973)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, Television 1970s


Video: 'Skylark - Wildflower'

(Saturday, May 26, 1973, 1:00 a.m. EDT) — Skylark was among the performers on tonight’s episode of the late-night musical variety NBC-TV series The Midnight Special as hosted by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Continue reading Skylark performs on ‘Midnight Special’ 40 years ago this hour (1973) →