Monthly Archives: December 2025

‘The Beatles Third Christmas Record’ released to UK fan club members 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 17 1965)


Video: 'Beatles Christmas 1965 - The Beatles Third Christmas Record'

(Friday, December 17, 1965) — The Beatles released “The Beatles Third Christmas Record,” a spoken and musical message by the English rock group released on flexi disc to members of their official fan-clubs in the United Kingdom. Continue reading ‘The Beatles Third Christmas Record’ released to UK fan club members 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 17 1965)

Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 premieres in Vienna 160 years ago today (Dec 17 1865)


Video: 'Schubert: Unfinished Symphony No.8'

(Sunday, December 17, 1865) — Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, known as the “Unfinished” because only two movements had been completed, was first performed publicly today in Vienna, 37 years after the composer’s death.

‘The Color Purple’ premieres in New York City 40 years ago tonight (Dec 16 1985)


Video: 'The Color Purple' trailer

(Monday, December 16, 1985)The Color Purple, a period drama film about a young African-American woman who fights for independence during the early years of the 20th century, premiered tonight at Cinemas 1, 2 & 3 at 1001 3rd Avenue in New York City. Continue reading ‘The Color Purple’ premieres in New York City 40 years ago tonight (Dec 16 1985)

Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano shot dead stepping from car 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)


Video: 'The Paul Castellano Hit (Gotti, 1996)'

(Monday, December 16, 1985, at about 5:26 p.m. EST) — Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano, 70, and his bodyguard were shot to death today outside Sparks Steak House restaurant at 210 East 46th Street near Third Avenue in New York City on orders from John Gotti. Continue reading Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano shot dead stepping from car 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)

‘Beautiful Life’ by Ace of Base peaks at #15 in USA 30 years ago today (Dec 16 1995)

(Saturday, December 16, 1995) — “Beautiful Life” by Ace of Base peaked at #15 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Beautiful Life’ by Ace of Base peaks at #15 in USA 30 years ago today (Dec 16 1995)

‘Love is never lost’ Reagan tells crash victims’ grieving families 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)


Video: 'President Reagan's Remarks at a Service in Fort Campbell, Kentucky'

(Monday, December 16, 1985, 10:38 a.m. CST) — Saying that “love is never wasted, love is never lost,” U.S. President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, today to embrace weeping families of the 248 American soldiers who died in a plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland on Dec. 12, 1985. Continue reading ‘Love is never lost’ Reagan tells crash victims’ grieving families 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)

Gemini 6 and 7 perform first controlled rendezvous in Earth orbit 60 years ago today (Dec 15 1965)


Video: 'CBS Special Report : Two Week in Space (Gemini 6/7 Rendezvouz) - 1965-12-15'

(Wednesday, December 15, 1965, 12:27 p.m. EST) — Two U.S. manned spacecraft, Gemini 6A and Gemini 7, maneuvered to within 10 feet of each other today while in orbit. Continue reading Gemini 6 and 7 perform first controlled rendezvous in Earth orbit 60 years ago today (Dec 15 1965)

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ epic space opera film premieres in Hollywood 10 years ago this hour (Dec 14 2015)


Video: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (25 clips)

(Monday, December 14, 2015, approximately 8:00 p.m. PST)Star Wars: The Force Awakens, an American epic space opera film produced, co-written, and directed by J. J. Abrams, premiered today at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Continue reading ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ epic space opera film premieres in Hollywood 10 years ago this hour (Dec 14 2015)

‘Sun City’ by Artists United Against Apartheid peaks at #38 in USA 40 years ago today (Dec 14 1985)

(Saturday, December 14, 1985) — “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid peaked at #38 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Sun City’ by Artists United Against Apartheid peaks at #38 in USA 40 years ago today (Dec 14 1985)

Balkan leaders sign peace accord, ending Bosnian War 30 years ago this hour (Dec 14 1995)


Video: 'Remarks to Press Before the Balkan Peace Agreement Signing'

(Thursday, December 14, 1995, President Clinton spoke at 12:50 p.m. Central European Time) — Presidents Alija Izetbegovic of Bosnia, Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia and Franjo Tudjman of Croatia signed the Bosnian peace treaty today in Paris during a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Bill Clinton and other international sponsors, ending the three-year-old Bosnian War, one of the Yugoslav Wars.