What’s Going On went on sale

May 21, 1971 –Regarded as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history, and one of the greatest albums of the 20th century, Marvin Gaye’s eleventh studio album What’s Going On, was released on this date. The What’s Going On album takes on many issues, including the environment (Mercy Mercy Me) and poverty (InnerContinue reading “What’s Going On went on sale”

The Empire Strikes Back premiered

May 21, 1980 –George Lucas didn’t have enough money (the first time). He produces a sequel to his highly successful Star Wars, which somehow is Part V (don’t ask or someone will go to great lengths to explain it all to you.) The Empire Strikes Back premiered on this date. The film contains, arguably theContinue reading “The Empire Strikes Back premiered”

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears topped the charts

May 21, 1966 –Mamas and the Papas debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, was No. 1 on the Billboard Charts, on this date. Collectors take note: If you can find the original album with the cover showing the toilet in the bathroom photo, it’s worth big bucks. The initial cover wasContinue reading “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears topped the charts”

The last guests on The Johnny Carson Show

May 21, 1992 –Bette Midler, the last scheduled guest, sang a touching impromptu duet with Johnny Carson, on the Tonight Show, on this date. Robin Williams also appeared on the show that night. (This was the apex of TV. It hasn’t gotten any better than this.) This penultimate show was immediately recognized as a televisionContinue reading “The last guests on The Johnny Carson Show”