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THIS DAY IN BROADCAST HISTORY
Thursday
March the 11th
ON THIS DAY in 1903
bandleader Lawrence Welk was born in Strasburg North Dakota.
The Champagne Music Maker was, early on, a popular staple of radio station WNAX in Yankton South Dakota. When he settled in for 10 years at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom, his dance remotes developed a national radio following. In 1951 Welk began weekly appearances on KTLA Los Angeles, which led to an ABC television show beginning in 1955. His show was near the top of the ratings throughout the 1950's and '60s. His big hit was the 1961 million seller, Calcutta. He died from pneumonia May 17, 1992 at age 89.
In 1918, actor Al Eben was born in Philadelphia. He is best remembered as Doc Bergman in more than 50 episodes of the TV hit, Hawaii Five-0. He died July 24 2003 at age 85.
In 1919, songwriter/bandleader Mercer Ellington was born in Washington DC. As the only son of Duke Ellington, he led the Duke's band after he died and for the musical about his life, Sophisticated Ladies. He died of a heart attack Feb 8, 1996 at age 76.
In 1928, actor Albert Salmi ( was born in Brooklyn. As an established Broadway thespian it was easy for him to adapt to the demands of live TV, so he was used a lot in the dramatic anthologies The US Steel Hour, Studio 1, and Alcoa Presents. He later became comfortable with the film process, and was seen repeatedly in westerns such as Daniel Boone, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train & Bonanza. He & his wife were found dead in their Spokane home Aprill 22 1990 in what was ruled a muder/suicide. He was 62.
In 1932, actress [b]Valerie French was born in London. She began appearing in US TV in 1956, and had running roles on some of the major soaps, The Edge of Night, the Nurses, All My Children & One Life to Live. She died of leukemia Nov. 3 1990 at age 58.
In 1942, Vaughn Monroe and his orchestra recorded the classic, Sleepy Lagoon, his last session for Bluebird Records. Vaughn sang on the track while Ray Conniff played trombone. Racing With the Moon and Ghost Riders in the Sky were two of Monroe's greatest contributions to popular music.
In 1950, "The Cry of the Wild Goose" by Frankie Laine topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.
In 1956, Sir Lawrence Olivier starred in the three-hour afternoon NBC-TV special, Richard III. The network reportedly paid $500,000 for the rights to the program, written by a fella named William Shakespeare.
In 1958, contestant Charles Van Doren finally lost on the rigged TV game show "21." He left with $129,000. The scandal over leaking him the answers was yet to erupt.
In 1962, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Hey! Baby'' by Bruce Channel.
In 1963, the Rolling Stones entered the I-B-C Studios in London for their first recording session. They recorded cover versions of songs by their rhythm-and-blues heroes -- Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Jimmy Reed. The recordings were never released.
Also in 1963, Manfred Mann's first concert was held in London.
In 1967, the song "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" by the Supremes topped the charts .. the group's 9th #1 song.
Also in 1967, Pink Floyd released their 1st song (Arnold Layne).
In 1968, Otis Redding posthumously received a gold record for the single, (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay. Redding was killed in a plane crash December 10, 1967. He recorded 11 charted hit songs between 1965 and 1969.
In 1969, Motown bought the Jackson 5 out of their contract with Steeltown.
In 1970, at the Grammys, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young won as Best New Artists. The 5th Dimension won Record of the Year for "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.' Joe South won song of the year with 'Games People Play'.
In 1971, the US TV pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth died from pneumonia at age 64. He was the first person to demonstrate and patent a working electronic television system.
Also in 1971, television networks ABC, CBS and NBC were told by the Federal Communications Commission that a limited three-hour nightly program service -- or "prime time" -- would begin in September. The network programs were to be slotted between 8 and 11 p.m. on the East and West coasts. Syndicated shows were drastically cut back by local stations to make way for the new network packages.
In 1972, Neil Young went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with 'Harvest.' The album featured the hit single 'Heart Of Gold.'
In 1974, Albert Grossman, Janis Joplin's manager, was awarded 112-thousand dollars on her life insurance policy. The insurance company had argued that Joplin's drug overdose death in 1970 was a suicide, not an accident.
In 1975, orchestra leader Sammy Spear, who led the band throughout Jackie Gleason's TV variety shows & The Honeymooners, died after a heart attack at age 65.
In 1983, Joni Mitchell played the first night of a 13 date tour of Australia and New Zealand at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.
In 1985, Disc-Jockeys around the U.S. began questioning listeners to see which ones could name the 46 pop music stars who appeared on the hit, We Are the World. The song, airing first on this day as a single, contained a "Who's Who" of contemporary pop music.
In 1986, blues singer and harmonica player Sonny Terry, who became famous with his guitar-playing partner, Brownie McGhee, died at 75 after a lengthy illness. Terry, whose real name was Sanders Terrell, was blinded in both eyes in separate accidents by the time he was 16.
In 1987, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Jacob's Ladder'' by Huey Lewis & the News. The song was written by brothers John and Bruce Hornsby.
In 1989, Debbie Gibson started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Electric Youth.'
In 1991, Janet Jackson (below) announced she was switching record labels, from A&M to Virgin. The deal was reportedly worth about $40 million.
In 1994, Mary Wilson was the only original member on hand as the Supremes received their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Diana Ross, who split with the Supremes in 1970, was in Europe. The third original Supreme, Florence Ballard, died in 1976.
In 1996, actor Vince Edwards, who starred in the 60's as Ben Casey MD, died of cancer at age 67.
In 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney was officially knighted by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Also in 1997, the cremated ashes of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry were launched into space.
In 2000, Destiny's Child went to No.1 on the Billbord singles chart with 'Say My Name'.
Also in 2000, KISS began their "Farewell Tour."
In 2001, the Dave Matthews Band started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Everyday.'
In 2006, Vancouver-born broadcaster Bill Cameron (below), who became a top journalist with CBC TV, died from throat cancer at age 62.
Also in 2006, the Disney Channel Original Movie, ‘High School Musical’ was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart. The album went on to break all records for a soundtrack selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
In 2007, actress Betty Hutton died in Palm Springs, CA at 85 years of age. Her many film and TV appearances include Annie Get Your Gun, Somebody Loves Me, The Fleet’s In, The Greatest Show on Earth and The Betty Hutton Show.
In 2008, Madonna was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a star-studded ceremony in New York City, she received her honour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from singer Justin Timberlake.
Today's Birthdays:
Media/sports FOX boss Rupert Murdoch is 79.
News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 76.
Accordionist Flaco Jimenez of the Texas Tornadoes is 71.
Actress Tricia O'Neil (Murder She Wrote, Hart to Hart) is 65.
Actor Mark Metcalf (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) is 64.
Singer-keyboardist Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge is 63.
Singer Bobby McFerrin is 60.
Actress Susan Richardson (Eight is Enough) is 58.
Country singer Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers is 55.
Singer Nina Hagen is 55.
Singer Cheryl Lynn is 53.
Montreal-born actor Elias Koteas (Traffic, American Dad) is 49.
Actress Alex Kingston (ER) is 47.
Actor Wallace Langham (C.S.I., Veronica's Closet, Larry Sanders Show) is 45.
Singer Lisa Loeb is 42.
Singer Pete Droge is 41.
Actor Terrence Howard (Independent Lens, Street Time) is 41.
Keyboardist Rami Jaffee of The Wallflowers is 41.
Singers Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte are 31.
Actor David Anders (Alias) is 29.
Singer LeToya Luckett (Destiny's Child) is 29.
Actress Thora Birch (Day by Day, Parenthood) is 28.
Actor Anton Yelchin (Huff) is 21.
Chart Toppers - March 11
1946
Oh, What It Seemed to Be - The Frankie Carle Orchestra (vocal: Marjorie Hughes)
Let It Snow - Vaughn Monroe
Symphony - The Freddy Martin Orchestra (vocal: Clyde Rogers)
Guitar Polka - Al Dexter
1955]/b]
The Ballad of Davy Crockett - Bill Hayes
Sincerely - McGuire Sisters
Pledging My Love - Johnny Ace
In the Jailhouse Now - Webb Pierce
[b]1964
I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
She Loves You - The Beatles
Please Please Me - The Beatles
Saginaw, Michigan - Lefty Frizzell
1973
Killing Me Softly with His Song - Roberta Flack
Love Train - O’Jays
Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) - Deodato
’Til I Get It Right - Tammy Wynette
1982
Centerfold - The J. Geils Band
Open Arms - Journey
I Love Rock ’N Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had - Ed Bruce
1991
Someday - Mariah Carey
One More Try - Timmy -T-
Show Me the Way - Styx
I’d Love You All Over Again - Alan Jackson
2000
Bye Bye Bye - ’N Sync
Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely - Backstreet Boys
Take A Picture - Filter
Smile - Lonestar
ON THIS DAY in 1903
bandleader Lawrence Welk was born in Strasburg North Dakota.
The Champagne Music Maker was, early on, a popular staple of radio station WNAX in Yankton South Dakota. When he settled in for 10 years at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom, his dance remotes developed a national radio following. In 1951 Welk began weekly appearances on KTLA Los Angeles, which led to an ABC television show beginning in 1955. His show was near the top of the ratings throughout the 1950's and '60s. His big hit was the 1961 million seller, Calcutta. He died from pneumonia May 17, 1992 at age 89.
In 1918, actor Al Eben was born in Philadelphia. He is best remembered as Doc Bergman in more than 50 episodes of the TV hit, Hawaii Five-0. He died July 24 2003 at age 85.
In 1919, songwriter/bandleader Mercer Ellington was born in Washington DC. As the only son of Duke Ellington, he led the Duke's band after he died and for the musical about his life, Sophisticated Ladies. He died of a heart attack Feb 8, 1996 at age 76.
In 1928, actor Albert Salmi ( was born in Brooklyn. As an established Broadway thespian it was easy for him to adapt to the demands of live TV, so he was used a lot in the dramatic anthologies The US Steel Hour, Studio 1, and Alcoa Presents. He later became comfortable with the film process, and was seen repeatedly in westerns such as Daniel Boone, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train & Bonanza. He & his wife were found dead in their Spokane home Aprill 22 1990 in what was ruled a muder/suicide. He was 62.
In 1932, actress [b]Valerie French was born in London. She began appearing in US TV in 1956, and had running roles on some of the major soaps, The Edge of Night, the Nurses, All My Children & One Life to Live. She died of leukemia Nov. 3 1990 at age 58.
In 1942, Vaughn Monroe and his orchestra recorded the classic, Sleepy Lagoon, his last session for Bluebird Records. Vaughn sang on the track while Ray Conniff played trombone. Racing With the Moon and Ghost Riders in the Sky were two of Monroe's greatest contributions to popular music.
In 1950, "The Cry of the Wild Goose" by Frankie Laine topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.
In 1956, Sir Lawrence Olivier starred in the three-hour afternoon NBC-TV special, Richard III. The network reportedly paid $500,000 for the rights to the program, written by a fella named William Shakespeare.
In 1958, contestant Charles Van Doren finally lost on the rigged TV game show "21." He left with $129,000. The scandal over leaking him the answers was yet to erupt.
In 1962, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Hey! Baby'' by Bruce Channel.
In 1963, the Rolling Stones entered the I-B-C Studios in London for their first recording session. They recorded cover versions of songs by their rhythm-and-blues heroes -- Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Jimmy Reed. The recordings were never released.
Also in 1963, Manfred Mann's first concert was held in London.
In 1967, the song "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" by the Supremes topped the charts .. the group's 9th #1 song.
Also in 1967, Pink Floyd released their 1st song (Arnold Layne).
In 1968, Otis Redding posthumously received a gold record for the single, (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay. Redding was killed in a plane crash December 10, 1967. He recorded 11 charted hit songs between 1965 and 1969.
In 1969, Motown bought the Jackson 5 out of their contract with Steeltown.
In 1970, at the Grammys, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young won as Best New Artists. The 5th Dimension won Record of the Year for "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.' Joe South won song of the year with 'Games People Play'.
In 1971, the US TV pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth died from pneumonia at age 64. He was the first person to demonstrate and patent a working electronic television system.
Also in 1971, television networks ABC, CBS and NBC were told by the Federal Communications Commission that a limited three-hour nightly program service -- or "prime time" -- would begin in September. The network programs were to be slotted between 8 and 11 p.m. on the East and West coasts. Syndicated shows were drastically cut back by local stations to make way for the new network packages.
In 1972, Neil Young went to No.1 on the Billboard album chart with 'Harvest.' The album featured the hit single 'Heart Of Gold.'
In 1974, Albert Grossman, Janis Joplin's manager, was awarded 112-thousand dollars on her life insurance policy. The insurance company had argued that Joplin's drug overdose death in 1970 was a suicide, not an accident.
In 1975, orchestra leader Sammy Spear, who led the band throughout Jackie Gleason's TV variety shows & The Honeymooners, died after a heart attack at age 65.
In 1983, Joni Mitchell played the first night of a 13 date tour of Australia and New Zealand at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.
In 1985, Disc-Jockeys around the U.S. began questioning listeners to see which ones could name the 46 pop music stars who appeared on the hit, We Are the World. The song, airing first on this day as a single, contained a "Who's Who" of contemporary pop music.
In 1986, blues singer and harmonica player Sonny Terry, who became famous with his guitar-playing partner, Brownie McGhee, died at 75 after a lengthy illness. Terry, whose real name was Sanders Terrell, was blinded in both eyes in separate accidents by the time he was 16.
In 1987, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was "Jacob's Ladder'' by Huey Lewis & the News. The song was written by brothers John and Bruce Hornsby.
In 1989, Debbie Gibson started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Electric Youth.'
In 1991, Janet Jackson (below) announced she was switching record labels, from A&M to Virgin. The deal was reportedly worth about $40 million.
In 1994, Mary Wilson was the only original member on hand as the Supremes received their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Diana Ross, who split with the Supremes in 1970, was in Europe. The third original Supreme, Florence Ballard, died in 1976.
In 1996, actor Vince Edwards, who starred in the 60's as Ben Casey MD, died of cancer at age 67.
In 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney was officially knighted by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Also in 1997, the cremated ashes of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry were launched into space.
In 2000, Destiny's Child went to No.1 on the Billbord singles chart with 'Say My Name'.
Also in 2000, KISS began their "Farewell Tour."
In 2001, the Dave Matthews Band started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Everyday.'
In 2006, Vancouver-born broadcaster Bill Cameron (below), who became a top journalist with CBC TV, died from throat cancer at age 62.
Also in 2006, the Disney Channel Original Movie, ‘High School Musical’ was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart. The album went on to break all records for a soundtrack selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
In 2007, actress Betty Hutton died in Palm Springs, CA at 85 years of age. Her many film and TV appearances include Annie Get Your Gun, Somebody Loves Me, The Fleet’s In, The Greatest Show on Earth and The Betty Hutton Show.
In 2008, Madonna was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a star-studded ceremony in New York City, she received her honour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from singer Justin Timberlake.
Today's Birthdays:
Media/sports FOX boss Rupert Murdoch is 79.
News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 76.
Accordionist Flaco Jimenez of the Texas Tornadoes is 71.
Actress Tricia O'Neil (Murder She Wrote, Hart to Hart) is 65.
Actor Mark Metcalf (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) is 64.
Singer-keyboardist Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge is 63.
Singer Bobby McFerrin is 60.
Actress Susan Richardson (Eight is Enough) is 58.
Country singer Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers is 55.
Singer Nina Hagen is 55.
Singer Cheryl Lynn is 53.
Montreal-born actor Elias Koteas (Traffic, American Dad) is 49.
Actress Alex Kingston (ER) is 47.
Actor Wallace Langham (C.S.I., Veronica's Closet, Larry Sanders Show) is 45.
Singer Lisa Loeb is 42.
Singer Pete Droge is 41.
Actor Terrence Howard (Independent Lens, Street Time) is 41.
Keyboardist Rami Jaffee of The Wallflowers is 41.
Singers Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte are 31.
Actor David Anders (Alias) is 29.
Singer LeToya Luckett (Destiny's Child) is 29.
Actress Thora Birch (Day by Day, Parenthood) is 28.
Actor Anton Yelchin (Huff) is 21.
Chart Toppers - March 11
1946
Oh, What It Seemed to Be - The Frankie Carle Orchestra (vocal: Marjorie Hughes)
Let It Snow - Vaughn Monroe
Symphony - The Freddy Martin Orchestra (vocal: Clyde Rogers)
Guitar Polka - Al Dexter
1955]/b]
The Ballad of Davy Crockett - Bill Hayes
Sincerely - McGuire Sisters
Pledging My Love - Johnny Ace
In the Jailhouse Now - Webb Pierce
[b]1964
I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
She Loves You - The Beatles
Please Please Me - The Beatles
Saginaw, Michigan - Lefty Frizzell
1973
Killing Me Softly with His Song - Roberta Flack
Love Train - O’Jays
Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) - Deodato
’Til I Get It Right - Tammy Wynette
1982
Centerfold - The J. Geils Band
Open Arms - Journey
I Love Rock ’N Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had - Ed Bruce
1991
Someday - Mariah Carey
One More Try - Timmy -T-
Show Me the Way - Styx
I’d Love You All Over Again - Alan Jackson
2000
Bye Bye Bye - ’N Sync
Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely - Backstreet Boys
Take A Picture - Filter
Smile - Lonestar
