Monthly Archives: August 2020

‘It’s Now or Never’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 15 1960)

(Monday, August 15, 1960)“It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for five consecutive weeks (Aug. 15/22/29, Sept. 5/12, 1960). Continue reading ‘It’s Now or Never’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 15 1960)

President Carter accepts nomination for second term 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)


Video: '1980 Jimmy Carter Democratic Convention Acceptance Speech'

(Thursday, August 14, 1980, 10:29-11:20 p.m. EDT; during the 1980 Democratic National Convention) — President Jimmy Carter of Georgia accepted the Democratic presidential nomination tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City, declaring that he would “mount a campaign that defines the real issues, a campaign that responds to the intelligence of the American people, a campaign that talks sense. And we’re going to beat the Republicans in November.” Continue reading President Carter accepts nomination for second term 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)

‘Playmate of the Year’ Dorothy Stratten, 20, killed by estranged husband in murder-suicide 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)


Video: 'Dorothy Stratten Biography * Biography Documentary Channel'

(Thursday, August 14, 1980, 1:00 p.m. PDT)Playboy magazine’s current “Playmate of the Year,” actress-model Dorothy Stratten, 20, was brutally raped and shot to death today in Los Angeles by her estranged husband and manager, Paul Snider, who then killed himself. Continue reading ‘Playmate of the Year’ Dorothy Stratten, 20, killed by estranged husband in murder-suicide 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)

John Lennon tracks ‘I Don’t Wanna Face It’ and ‘(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess’ 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)


Video: 'John Lennon Alternate Fantasy 2/14 - I Don't Wanna Face It'

(Thursday, August 14, 1980; during sessions for Double Fantasy and Milk And Honey) — Former Beatle John Lennon, who returned to the recording studio last week after a five-year absence for what would turn out to be his final studio albums, Double Fantasy and Milk And Honey (both with his wife, Yoko Ono), tracked “I Don’t Wanna Face It” and “(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess” today in New York City. Continue reading John Lennon tracks ‘I Don’t Wanna Face It’ and ‘(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess’ 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)

Thousands of shipyard workers in Poland strike for their rights 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)


Video: '14th August 1980: Lech Walesa leads Gda?sk shipyard workers on strike'

(Thursday, August 14, 1980, 6:00 a.m. Central European Summer Time) — Thousands of workers at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, staged a successful strike today to protest the Aug. 7, 1980, dismissal of Anna Walentynowicz, a crane operator and workers’ rights activist, in a job action resulted in creation of Solidarity, the first independent labor union in a Soviet-bloc country. Continue reading Thousands of shipyard workers in Poland strike for their rights 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 14 1980)

Ted Kennedy delivers ‘The Dream Shall Never Die’ speech at Democratic Convention 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1980)


Video: '"The Dream Shall Never Die" Ted Kennedy DNC 1980'

(Tuesday, August 12, 1980, approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT; the 1980 Democratic National Convention) — U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, having withdrawn his challenge to President Jimmy Carter for the Democratic presidential nomination on Aug. 11, delivered his “The Dream Shall Never Die” speech tonight at the Democratic National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City, calling for Democrats to “keep the faith” with their traditional principles.

Kennedy defended post-World War II liberalism, advocated for a national healthcare insurance model, criticized Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan and implicitly rebuked Carter for his more moderate political stances.

“For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end,” Kennedy said as he concluded the speech. “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”

The address has been remembered by some as Kennedy’s best speeches, and one of the most influential orations of the era.

Janis Joplin performs final concert at Harvard Stadium in Boston 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1970)


Video: 'Janis Joplin - Harvard Stadium 1970 (last concert)'

(Wednesday, August 12, 1970, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EDT) — Singer Janis Joplin, 27, performed what would prove to be her final concert, appearing with the Full Tilt Boogie Band before 35,000 people tonight at Harvard Stadium in Boston, closing with George Gershwin’s “Summertime.” Continue reading Janis Joplin performs final concert at Harvard Stadium in Boston 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1970)

John Lennon tracks ‘I’m Losing You’ with Cheap Trick 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1980)


Video: 'John Lennon; Cheap Trick - I'm Losing You [Extended Version]'

(Tuesday, August 12, 1980; during sessions for Double Fantasy and Milk And Honey) — Former Beatle John Lennon, who returned to the recording studio last week after a five-year absence for what would turn out to be his final studio albums, Double Fantasy and Milk And Honey (both with his wife, Yoko Ono), tracked “I’m Losing You” with Cheap Trick’s guitarist Rick Nielsen and drummer Bun E. Carlos backing Lennon today in New York City. Continue reading John Lennon tracks ‘I’m Losing You’ with Cheap Trick 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1980)

Rock star Jim Morrison goes on trial for ‘Lewd and Lascivious Behavior’ 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1970)


Video: 'Jim Morrison Interview in Miami August 12, 1970'

(Wednesday, August 12, 1970, approximately 1:00 p.m.) — Jim Morrison, the lead singer of the Los Angeles-based rock group The Doors, went on trial today, charged with one felony count of lewd and lascivious behavior, along with three additional misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, open profanity, and drunkenness. Continue reading Rock star Jim Morrison goes on trial for ‘Lewd and Lascivious Behavior’ 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1970)