Video: 'Fantasia' trailer
(Wednesday, November 13, 1940, 8:40 p.m. EST) — Fantasia, an American animated film produced by Walt Disney featuring eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski, seven of which are performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, premiered tonight at the Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway (at 53rd Street) in New York City. Continue reading ‘Fantasia’ premieres in New York City 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 13 1940)
(Saturday, October 19, 1940) — “Only Forever” by Bing Crosby With John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Selling Singles chart for nine consecutive weeks (Oct. 19/26, Nov. 2/9/16/23/30, Dec. 7/14, 1940). Continue reading ‘Only Forever’ by Bing Crosby peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 19 1940)
Video: 'The Life and Career of John Lennon'
(Wednesday, October 9, 1940) — English singer, songwriter, record producer and peace activist John Lennon, who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of The Beatles, was born John Winston Lennon today in the Liverpool Maternity Hospital in Liverpool, England. Continue reading Rock music icon John Lennon born in Liverpool, England 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 9 1940)
(Saturday, July 27, 1940) — This week’s issue of Billboard magazine began publishing a top ten list of the best-selling retail records in the United States today with “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (vocal refrain by Frank Sinatra & The Pied Pipers) topping the debut chart (and for 11 more consecutive weeks on Aug. 3/10/17/24/31, Sep. 7/14/21/28, Oct. 5/12, 1940).
(Saturday, July 20, 1940) — “Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)” by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra (vocal refrain by Ray Eberle) peaked at #1 on today’s Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)’ by Glenn Miller peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 20 1940)
Video: 'Ringo Starr - Member and Drummer of The Beatles | Mini Bio | BIO'
(Sunday, July 7, 1940) — English musician, singer, songwriter and actor Sir Richard Starkey MBE, known professionally as Ringo Starr, who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for the Beatles, was born today at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, an inner city area of Liverpool, England. Continue reading Drummer Ringo Starr born in Liverpool, England 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 7 1940)
(Saturday, June 29, 1940) — “Make Believe Island” by Mitchell Ayres and his Fashions in Music (vocal refrain by Mary Ann Mercer) peaked at #1 on today’s Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Make Believe Island’ by Mitchell Ayres peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 29 1940)
Video: 'Stuart Sutcliffe, The Lost Beatle'
(Sunday, June 23, 1940) — Scottish painter and musician Stuart Sutcliffe, better known as the original bass guitarist of the English rock band The Beatles, was born Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe today at the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion in Edinburgh, Scotland. Continue reading Stuart Sutcliffe of The Beatles born in Edinburgh, Scotland 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 23 1940)
(Saturday, June 22, 1940) — “Imagination” by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra (vocal refrain by Ray Eberle) peaked at #1 on today’s Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Imagination’ by Glenn Miller peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 22 1940)
(Saturday, May 4, 1940) — “The Woodpecker Song” by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra (vocal refrain by Marion Hutton) peaked at #1 on today’s Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for seven consecutive weeks (May 4/11/18/25, June 1/8/15, 1940). Continue reading ‘The Woodpecker Song’ by Glenn Miller peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (May 4 1940)
