‘The Wiz’ musical opens on Broadway at Majestic Theatre in New York City 50 years ago this hour (Jan 5 1975)

1970s, Broadway


Video: 'The Wiz Original Cast Album' (17 video playlist)

(Sunday, January 5, 1975, 6:30 p.m. EST) — The Wiz, a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls (and others) and book by William F. Brown featuring an all-black cast, opened tonight on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre at 245 West 44th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, with Geoffrey Holder as director and starring Stephanie Mills as Dorothy. Continue reading ‘The Wiz’ musical opens on Broadway at Majestic Theatre in New York City 50 years ago this hour (Jan 5 1975) →

Nellie Tayloe Ross becomes America’s first female governor 100 years ago this hour (Jan 5 1925)

1920s


Video: 'Nellie Tayloe Ross'

(Monday, January 5, 1925, shortly after noon ) — Democrat Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming took office today as America’s first female governor, succeeding her late husband, William, following a special election. Continue reading Nellie Tayloe Ross becomes America’s first female governor 100 years ago this hour (Jan 5 1925) →

‘Sea of Love’ by The Honeydrippers peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (Jan 5 1985)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, January 5, 1985) — “Sea of Love” by The Honeydrippers peaked at #3 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Sea of Love’ by The Honeydrippers peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (Jan 5 1985) →

‘We Belong’ by Pat Benatar peaks at #5 in USA 40 years ago today (Jan 5 1985)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, January 5, 1985) — “We Belong” by Pat Benatar peaked at #5 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘We Belong’ by Pat Benatar peaks at #5 in USA 40 years ago today (Jan 5 1985) →

Johnson outlines ‘Great Society’ plan in State of the Union address 60 years ago this hour (Jan 4 1965)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'President Johnson's 1965 State of the Union Address, 1/4/1965.'

(Monday, January 4, 1965, 9:00 p.m. EST) — In his second State of the Union address, President Lyndon Johnson tonight outlined a sweeping program for improved education and for moving the nation “toward the Great Society.” Continue reading Johnson outlines ‘Great Society’ plan in State of the Union address 60 years ago this hour (Jan 4 1965) →

‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John peaks at #1 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 4 1975)

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

(Saturday, January 4, 1975) — “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by Elton John (written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles and featuring backing vocals and guitar by Lennon) peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two consecutive weeks (Jan. 4/11, 1975). Continue reading ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John peaks at #1 in USA 50 years ago today (Jan 4 1975) →

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) →

Original ‘Jeopardy!’ ends 11-year run on NBC 50 years ago this hour (Jan 3 1975)

1970s, Television 1970s


Video: 'Jeopardy! "Original" Finale Closing Credits (January 3, 1975)'

(Friday, January 3, 1975, 1:30-2:00 p.m. EST) — The original daytime version of the TV game show Jeopardy!, hosted by Art Fleming, ended its nearly 11-year run on NBC today.

‘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) →