Roosevelt outlines plan to create 3.5 million jobs in State of the Union address 90 years ago this hour (Jan 4 1935)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: '1935 FDR - President Franklin D. Roosevelt Address to Congress archival footage'

(Friday, January 4, 1935, 12:30 p.m. EST, during the Great Depression) — In his annual State of the Union address, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt told the Congress today that the “federal government must and shall quit this business of relief” by providing 3,500,000 jobs on public works projects for the nation’s idle “employables.” Continue reading Roosevelt outlines plan to create 3.5 million jobs in State of the Union address 90 years ago this hour (Jan 4 1935) →

‘You’re the First, the Last, My Everything’ by Barry White peaks at #2 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 4 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s

(Saturday, January 4, 1975) — “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” by Barry White peaked at #2 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘You’re the First, the Last, My Everything’ by Barry White peaks at #2 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 4 1975) →

‘The Beatles’ Story’ documentary album peaks at #7 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 2 1965)

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

(Saturday, January 2, 1965) — The Beatles’ Story, a documentary double album featuring interviews, press conferences, and song snippets with voice-overs documenting the band’s history, peaked at #7 on today’s Billboard 200 album chart. It was the group’s sixth of 30 appearances in the top ten of the chart (1964-2006). Continue reading ‘The Beatles’ Story’ documentary album peaks at #7 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 2 1965) →

‘Beatles ’65’ album by The Beatles debuts at #98 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 2 1965)

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


Video: 'Beatles '65 (US) Album' (11 clips)

(Saturday, January 2, 1965) — Beatles ’65, by The Beatles debuted at #98 on Billboard‘s 200 album chart. It was the group’s 11th appearance on the chart since Feb. 1, 1964. Continue reading ‘Beatles ’65’ album by The Beatles debuts at #98 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 2 1965) →

Watergate jury convicts Mitchell, Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Mardian 50 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1975)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: 'KABC-7 Jan-1-1975 News Misc.'

(Wednesday, January 1, 1975, 4:25 p.m. EST; during the Watergate scandal) — Four men who under U.S. President Richard Nixon were among the most powerful officials in the nation—John N. Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman, John D. Ehrlichman and Robert C. Mardian—were convicted today by a jury in Washington on all counts in the Watergate cover-up trial.

A fifth defendant, Kenneth Parkinson, was acquitted, and Mardian’s conviction for conspiracy was later overturned on appeal.

Music cable channel VH1 debuts 40 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1985)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s


Video: 'VH1 first hour no music'

(Tuesday, January 1, 1985, 3:00 p.m. EST) — The music cable channel VH1, based in New York City, made its debut today with a video of Marvin Gaye performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly older demographic than its sister channel, focusing on the lighter, softer side of popular music.

Times Square hosts first New Year’s Eve celebration, drawing 200,000 revelers 120 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 31 1904)

1900s


Video: 'History of the Times Square New Year's Eve party'

(Saturday, December 31, 1904, late evening local time) — New York’s Times Square saw its first New Year’s Eve celebration tonight, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. Continue reading Times Square hosts first New Year’s Eve celebration, drawing 200,000 revelers 120 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 31 1904) →

Former U.S. Vice President George M. Dallas, 72, dies in Philadelphia 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 31 1864)

1890s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'George M. Dallas - 11th U.S. Vice President'

(Saturday, December 31, 1864, morning local time) — George M. Dallas, the 11th vice president of the United States from 1845 to 1849 during the administration of President James K. Polk, died from a heart attack this morning at his home in Philadelphia. He was 72. Continue reading Former U.S. Vice President George M. Dallas, 72, dies in Philadelphia 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 31 1864) →