Monthly Archives: May 2014

Funeral for former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis held 20 years ago this hour (May 23 1994)

1990s


Video: 'Jackie Kennedy Onassis' (11 videos, coverage begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT)

(Monday, May 23, 1994, 2:30 p.m. EDT) — Eulogized by President Clinton as a “remarkable woman whose life will forever glow in the lives of her fellow Americans,” Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was buried this afternoon on an Arlington hillside next to her martyred first husband, John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. Continue reading Funeral for former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis held 20 years ago this hour (May 23 1994) →

Bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker shot to death in police ambush 80 years ago this hour (May 23 1934)

1930s


Video: 'Real Bonnie and Clyde - Crime History Documentary' (May 23, 1934, at 38:58)

(Wednesday, May 23, 1934, approximately 9:15 a.m.) — Wanted outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker were shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police officers today as they attempted to escape apprehension in a stolen 1934 Ford Deluxe near Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

President Johnson outlines goals of his ‘Great Society’ 50 years ago today (May 22 1964)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" Speech'

(Friday, May 22, 1964) — U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking today at the University of Michigan, outlined the goals of his “Great Society,” saying that it “rests on abundance and liberty for all” and “demands an end to poverty and racial injustice.” Continue reading President Johnson outlines goals of his ‘Great Society’ 50 years ago today (May 22 1964) →

Bobby Franks, 14, murdered in ‘thrill killing’ 90 years ago today (May 21 1924)

1920s


Video: 'Leopold and Loeb trial'

(Wednesday, May 21, 1924) — In a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered today in a “thrill killing” carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby’s cousin). Continue reading Bobby Franks, 14, murdered in ‘thrill killing’ 90 years ago today (May 21 1924) →

Bill Haley’s ‘Rock Around the Clock’ released 60 years ago today (May 20 1954)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Thursday, May 20, 1954) — Bill Haley & His Comets’s “Rock Around the Clock,” considered the first rock and roll song to top the charts, was released today, but it didn’t catch on until it appeared on the soundtrack of Blackboard Jungle the following year.

The Beach Boys complete recording of ‘All Summer Long’ album 50 years ago today (May 19 1964)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'The Girls On The Beach - The Beach Boys'

(Tuesday, May 19, 1964) — The Beach Boys completed the final track today for their album All Summer Long at Western Recorders studio in Hollywood: “Girls on the Beach.” The album would be released on July 13, 1964.

‘Raincoats and Recipes’ episode airs on ‘Gilmore Girls’ 10 years ago this hour (May 18 2004)

2000s, Television 2000s


Video: 'Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 22'

(Tuesday, May 18, 2003, 8:00 p.m. EDT) — Momentous changes are in the air as the Dragonfly Inn approaches opening day on tonight’s episode of the WB comedy-drama television series Gilmore Girls.

In 2009, the episode was ranked #75 on TV Guide‘s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.

The Beach Boys complete two tracks for ‘All Summer Long’ album 50 years ago today (May 18 1964)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'Beach Boys.....Do You Remember'

(Monday, May 18, 1964) — The Beach Boys completed two more tracks today for their album All Summer Long at Western Recorders studio in Hollywood: “Do You Remember?” and “We’ll Run Away.” Continue reading The Beach Boys complete two tracks for ‘All Summer Long’ album 50 years ago today (May 18 1964) →

Comedian Andy Kaufman, 35, dies in Los Angeles 30 years ago today (May 16 1984)

1980s, Television 1980s


Video: 'Andy Kaufman- The Tragic Side of Comedy'

(Wednesday, May 16, 1984) — Comedian Andy Kaufman, who played the zany immigrant auto mechanic in the ABC-TV series, Taxi, died today in Los Angeles of an extremely rare type of lung cancer at age 35.

Fender Stratocaster guitar officially released 60 years ago today (May 15 1954)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s


Video: 'Fender 60th Anniversary American Vintage 1954 Stratocaster Electric Guitar'

(Saturday, May 15, 1954) — The Fender Stratocaster, a double-cutaway electric guitar with an extended top “horn” shape for balance designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares, was released today.