December 18, 1961 –Based on an African song called Mbube (Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds)– The Tokens’ single, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, was No. 1 song on the Billboard Charts, on this date. Solomon Linda recorded the song in Johannesburg, South Africa after being discovered by a talent scout. The chanting was mostly improvised,Continue reading “I truly apologize for this ear worm”
Author Archives: dcaligari
Gilbert Gottfried’s favorite Christmas Special
December 18, 1962 – Mr. Magoo starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in a musical version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas tale, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, music by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and voiced by Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Morey Amsterdam, and Royal Dano, which aired on NBC TV, on this date. ThereContinue reading “Gilbert Gottfried’s favorite Christmas Special”
The Grinch premiered
December 18, 1966 –Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas aired for the first time on CBS on this date. Thurl Ravenscroft received no screen credit for his singing, an oversight Dr. Seuss attempted to rectify by sending letters to every major columnist in America identifying Ravenscroft as the singer on You’re a Mean One,Continue reading “The Grinch premiered”
Kirsty MacColl
it’s the anniversary of the passing of the the singer Kirsty MacColl. I can think of no better remembrance of her than playing this holiday classic. After their second album Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, The Pogues wanted to release a Christmas single. Instead of a cover song, lead singer Shane MacGowan and banjo playerContinue reading “Kirsty MacColl”
I believe this is – Laughing all the way to the bank
Paul McCartney earns nearly $400,0000.00 a year from his song Wonderful Christmas time. The song is widely regarded as one of the worst Christmas songs and the worst song McCartney ever recorded.
Io Saturnalia
Today is the beginning of Saturnalia. It is an ancient Roman festival that was held in honor of the god Saturn. It was an occasion for celebration, visits to friends, and the presentation of gifts, particularly wax candles (or mentholated ACME Bung Balm.) The Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day,Continue reading “Io Saturnalia”
On The Beach premiered
December 17, 1959 –Stanley Kramer film-version of Nevil Shute’s drama, On The Beach, debuted worldwide on this date. The film had its world premiere on this date, in more than 20 cities worldwide, including Moscow. It was the first time an American film had had a premiere in the Soviet Union. The special premiere inContinue reading “On The Beach premiered”
Everyone loves a wedding
December 17, 1969 –Tiny Tim married Miss Vicki on the Tonight Show on this date. The event attracted between 40 and 50 million viewers. What is there to say?
The Music Of Lennon and McCartney premiered
December 17, 1965 –The special, The Music Of Lennon and McCartney, was shown across the United Kingdom on this date. All the songs were lip-synced
Before sampling was strictly regulated
December 17, 1991 –Gilbert O’Sullivan’s Alone Again (Naturally) was ‘sampled’ in Biz Markie’s Alone Again, and the United States Federal Court for the Southern District of New York agreed with the 70’s artist that Biz needed to get permission to use his music in a very landmark case. That permission typically involves direct payment orContinue reading “Before sampling was strictly regulated”
The Haus of Dcaligari 