Author Archives: dcaligari

April 11, 1983 –R.E.M. release their debut album, Murmur, on this date. Radio Free Europe was R.E.M.’s first single, released in 1981 before they signed to a major label. A better-produced version was included on Murmur, the band’s first full-length album, in 1983.

April 11, 1954 –According to a team of Cambridge University scientists, this date in history was the most boring day during the entire 20th Century. It appears to have been so boring that it had to be named National Cheese Fondue Day  (and 8-track Tape Day) just so those people living through it didn’t killContinue reading “I’m not sure how they measured this”

April 10, 1999 –A charity tribute concert for the late Linda McCartney, Here There and Everywhere: A Concert For Linda, was held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Among the performers were Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, George Michael, Elvis Costello and Sinead O’Connor. The concert was held to raise money for animal charities while rememberingContinue reading “Here There and Everywhere: A Concert For Linda was held”

April 10, 1957 –Ricky Nelson sang for first time on TV’s Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. He performed the song, I’m Walking.

April 10, 1925 –…So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past… F. Scott Fitzgerald third book, The Great Gatsby, was published on this date. Among various titles considered were Among Ashheaps and Millionaires, Gold-Hatted Gatsby, The High-Bouncing Lover, On the Road to West Egg and Fitzgerald’s favorite Trimalchio’s BanquetContinue reading “The Great Gatsby went on sale”

April 10, 1953 –Warner Bros.‘ first 3-D movie, House of Wax, starring Vincent Price, premiered on this date. The director Andre DeToth was unable to see in 3D himself, having lost an eye at an early age. It must have been easy for Vincent Price to act alarmed in the sequence in which his museumContinue reading “House of Wax debuted”

April 10, 1970 –Elton John released his self-titled second studio album which included the breakthrough single Your Song, on this date. Grammy nominated for Album of the Year and certified 2x Platinum, it was Elton’s debut LP in the U.S. and established the singer–songwriter’s career.

April 9, 1974 – It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!, the 12th prime-time animated Peanuts TV special debuted on CBS on this date. When the Peanuts characters arrive at the mall at Easter time, the mall is decorated for the December holiday season with banners that proclaim: Only 246 shopping days until Christmas.

April 9, 2009 – We got to meet Leslie Knope and her co-workers when Parks and Recreations premiered on NBC-TV on this date. The original pilot received mixed responses from focus group screenings, leading to parts being rewritten and new scenes shot in order to make Leslie and Mark more likable. Originally, Mark was interestedContinue reading “Parks and Recreations debuted”

April 9, 1977 –ABBA had their only no. #1 US hit on the Billboard Charts – Dancing Queen, on this date. ABBA recorded this about a year before it was released. It was written and recorded around the same time as Fernando, which was chosen as the single. They knew Dancing Queen would also beContinue reading “Dancing Queen topped the charts”