Germans free hostages on hijacked plane in Somalia 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 18 1977)

1970s


Video: '1977: The Airplane: Palestinian Terrorists Hijack Lufthansa Plane'

(Tuesday, October 18, 1977, at 2:07 a.m. EAT) — Ninety minutes before a threatened massacre deadline, a West German commando unit stormed a hijacked Lufthansa airliner today on an airport runway in Mogadishu, Somalia, ending a five-day, 6,000-mile hijacking episode by shooting the four terrorists (three were killed) and freeing all 86 hostages unharmed. Continue reading Germans free hostages on hijacked plane in Somalia 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 18 1977) →

‘Lost in Emotion’ by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam peaks at #1 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1987)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, October 17, 1987) — “Lost in Emotion” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Lost in Emotion’ by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam peaks at #1 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1987) →

‘U Got the Look’ by Prince Featuring Sheena Easton peaks at #2 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1987)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, October 17, 1987) — “U Got the Look” by Prince Featuring Sheena Easton peaked at #2 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘U Got the Look’ by Prince Featuring Sheena Easton peaks at #2 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1987) →

The Beatles attend memorial service for Brian Epstein 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1967)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'The Beatles arrive for a Brian Epstein memorial'

(Tuesday, October 17, 1967, 6:00 p.m. BST) — The Beatles attended a memorial service for their manager Brian Epstein, who died Aug. 27, 1967, of at the age of 32, tonight at the New London Synagogue at 33 Abbey Road, London, close to EMI Studios. Continue reading The Beatles attend memorial service for Brian Epstein 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1967) →

British forces surrender at Saratoga, New York 240 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1777)

1770s, American Revolutionary War


Video: 'Battle of Saratoga'

(Friday, October 17, 1777; following the Battles of Saratoga, part of the American Revolution) — British forces under General John Burgoyne surrendered to American troops today in Saratoga, New York, in a turning point of the American Revolutionary War. Continue reading British forces surrender at Saratoga, New York 240 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 17 1777) →

Toddler rescued after 58 hours in Texas well 30 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1987)

1980s


Video: 'Jessica McClure Rescue (CBS) 10-16-87'

(Friday, October 16, 1987, just before 8:00 p.m. CDT) — An extraordinary drama Midland, Texas, came to a joyous conclusion tonight when rescue workers pulled 18-month-old Jessica McClure to safety 58 1/2 hours after she tumbled into an abandoned water well in her aunt’s backyard. Continue reading Toddler rescued after 58 hours in Texas well 30 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1987) →

The Monkees complete recording fourth studio album 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1967)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Monkees


Video: 'Star Collector (stereo remix)' (at 31:08)

(Monday, October 16, 1967, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PDT) — The Monkees completed “Star Collector” today at United Recorders Studio A in Hollywood, completing the recording sessions for their fourth studio album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd (released Nov. 6, 1967). Continue reading The Monkees complete recording fourth studio album 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1967) →

‘Stop the Draft Week’ begins in 30 American cities 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1967)

1960s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 10' (Oct. 21, 1967, at 12:01)

(Monday, October 16, 1967; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — “Stop the Draft Week” was launched today in front of the induction centers of 30 American cities, by thousands of people protesting against the Vietnam War. Continue reading ‘Stop the Draft Week’ begins in 30 American cities 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1967) →

‘You Light Up My Life’ by Debby Boone peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 15 1977)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s

(Saturday, October 15, 1977) — “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for ten consecutive weeks (Oct. 15/22/29, Nov. 5/12/19/26, Dec. 3/10/17, 1977), setting a new record for that time. Continue reading ‘You Light Up My Life’ by Debby Boone peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 15 1977) →

‘Ringo the 4th’ album by Ringo Starr debuts at #179 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 15 1977)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: 'Ringo The 4th' (10 videos)

(Saturday, October 15, 1977) —Ringo the 4th, the sixth studio album by former Beatle Ringo Starr, debuted at #179 on today’s Billboard 200 albums chart. Continue reading ‘Ringo the 4th’ album by Ringo Starr debuts at #179 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 15 1977) →