(Saturday, January 21, 1939) — “Jeepers Creepers” by Al Donahue and his Orchestra (vocal chorus by Paula Kelly) peaked at #1 on today’s Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for five non-consecutive weeks (Jan. 21, Feb. 4/11/18/25, 1939). Continue reading ‘Jeepers Creepers’ by Al Donahue peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 21 1939) →

Video: 'George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue'

(Sunday, July 11, 1937, 10:35 a.m. PDT) — American composer and pianist George Gershwin, 38, died today five hours after being operated on for removal of a brain tumor at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles. Continue reading Composer George Gershwin, 38, dies of brain tumor 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 11 1937) →

Video: 'Captains Courageous' trailer

(Thursday, May 11, 1937, 8:45 p.m. EDT) — Captains Courageous, an adventure film about a spoiled rich boy who is lost at sea and rescued by a fishing boat, where hard work and responsibility help him become a man, had its world premiere tonight at the Astor theater in New York City. Continue reading ‘Captains Courageous’ premieres in New York City 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 11 1937) →

Video: 'Apollo Theater Tour with Billy Mitchell' (7 videos in playlist)

(Friday, January 26, 1934) — The Apollo Theater opened today in New York City’s Harlem district with the show “Jazz a la Carte” headlined by Benny Carter and his Orchestra, Ralph Cooper and Aida Ward.

Video: 'Jimmie Rodgers - Blue Yodel No 1 (T For Texas)'

(Friday, May 26, 1933) — The man credited with being country music’s first superstar died today of tuberculosis from a pulmonary hemorrhage while staying at the Taft Hotel in New York City at the age of 35. Jimmie Rodgers’ first million-seller was “T for Texas,” also known as “Blue Yodel.”