Category Archives: 1960s

Two LAPD officers taken to onion field in Bakersfield, one killed 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s


Video: 'The onion field (1979). Crime scene'

(Wednesday, March 9, 1963, after 10 p.m. local time) — Two Los Angeles police officers, Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger, were disarmed and abducted by ex-convicts Gregory Powell and Jimmy Lee Smith during a traffic stop today in Hollywood. The officers were taken to an onion field near Bakersfield, California, where Campbell was shot to death while Hettinger managed to escape. Powell and Smith were sent to prison; the case was detailed in the book “The Onion Field” by Joseph Wambaugh.

Nixon plays piano on ‘The Jack Paar Program’ 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Television 1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Richard Nixon plays his Piano Concerto #1'

(Friday, March 8, 1963, 10 p.m. EST) — Former Vice President Richard Nixon appeared on tonight’s edition of The Jack Paar Program, performing one of his musical compositions on the piano.

The Beach Boys complete recording of ‘Surfin USA’ album 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'Finders Keepers - The Beach Boys (HQ) 1962'

(Tuesday, February 12, 1963, 10:00 p.m.-Wednesday, February 13, 1:00 a.m. PST) — The Beach Boys completed recording for their second album Surfin’ USA tonight at Capital studio in Hollywood, California, including instrumentation and vocals for “Finders Keepers,” “Surf Jam” and “Stoked.” Continue reading The Beach Boys complete recording of ‘Surfin USA’ album 50 years ago this hour (1963) →

The Beach Boys complete six tracks 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Let's go Trippin''

(Monday, February 11, 1963, 11:00 p.m.-Tuesday, February 12, 2:00 a.m. PST) — The Beach Boys tonight completed six recordings for the group’s second album Surfin’ USA at Capital studio in Hollywood, California, including backing tracks and vocals for “Let’s Go Trippin,'” “Honky Tonk,” “Noble Surfer” and “Misirlou,” and vocals for “Farmer’s Daughter” and “Lana.” Continue reading The Beach Boys complete six tracks 50 years ago this hour (1963) →

‘It May Look Like a Walnut!’ episode airs on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'It May Look Like a Walnut!' (Feb. 6, 1963)

(Wednesday, February 6, 1963, 9:30 p.m. ET) — Rob has a dream, inspired by a late-night horror movie on TV, involving walnuts, missing thumbs, and a creature named Kolac on tonight’s episode of the CBS-TV sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.

In 1997, the episode was ranked #15 on TV Guide‘s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.

The Beach Boys complete ‘Surfin’ USA’ and ‘Shut Down’ 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Surfin' U.S.A.'

(Thursday, January 31, 1963, 8:00-11:30 p.m. PST) — The Beach Boys tonight completed recordings (that both began Jan. 5, 1963) of “Surfin’ USA” and “Shut Down” for the album Surfin’ USA at Western Recorders Studio in Hollywood. Continue reading The Beach Boys complete ‘Surfin’ USA’ and ‘Shut Down’ 50 years ago this hour (1963) →

Kennedy requests $13.5 billion in tax cuts in State of the Union message 50 years ago this hour (1963)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'January 14, 1963 - John F. Kennedy's State of the Union address in color'

(Monday, January 14, 1963, 12:30 p.m. EST) — In a State of the Union message notable for its tone of confidence in the nation’s domestic and foreign prospects, U.S. President John F. Kennedy called today for a three-year program of tax reduction totaling $13.5 billion. Continue reading Kennedy requests $13.5 billion in tax cuts in State of the Union message 50 years ago this hour (1963) →