Category Archives: 1950s

‘Lucy’s Italian Movie’ episode airs on ‘I Love Lucy’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 16 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'Lucy grape fight scene'

(Monday, April 16, 1956, 9:00-9:30 p.m. EST) — En route to Rome by train, Lucy is spotted by a famous Italian cinema director and chosen to play a part in his new movie Bitter Grapes on tonight’s episode of the CBS sitcom television series I Love Lucy.

In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode number 18 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.

First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 60 years ago today (Apr 14 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s

(Saturday, April 14, 1956) — Ampex Corp. demonstrated the first practical videotape recorder (in a format known as 2″ Quadruplex) today at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (NARTB) convention in Chicago. Continue reading First practical videotape recorder demonstrated in Chicago 60 years ago today (Apr 14 1956) →

‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’ by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers peaks at #6 in USA 60 years ago today (Apr 14 1956)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Saturday, April 14, 1956) — “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers peaked at #6 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for three weeks.

The song was ranked #314 on the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Singer Nat ‘King’ Cole beaten by racial segregationists in Birmingham, Alabama 60 years ago tonight (Apr 10 1956)

1950s, African-American Civil Rights


Video: 'Nat King Cole Is Attacked By White Supremacists - Apr 10 - Today In Music'

(Tuesday, April 10, 1956, early evening CST) — African-American singer Nat “King” Cole was attacked and beaten today by a group of racial segregationists while performing on stage in Birmingham, Alabama.

Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s, Television 1950s


Video: '''The Milton Berle Show'' - 3 April 1956'

(Tuesday, April 3, 1956, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Elvis Presley made the first of two appearances on the comedy-variety show The Milton Berle Show, broadcast live from the deck of the USS Hancock on NBC while docked at the Naval Air Base in San Diego, California, performing 13-second “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” He earned $5,000. Continue reading Elvis Presley performs on ‘The Milton Berle Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 3 1956) →

Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'Vintage Soap Opera Classic: As the World Turns ( April 10, 1957)'

(Monday, April 2, 1956, 1:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. EST) — The television soap operas As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiered this afternoon on CBS. Continue reading Soap operas ‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Edge of Night’ premiere 60 years ago this afternoon (Apr 2 1956) →