“When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV“– Mike Damone, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”
At over 32 million copies sold, Led Zeppelin IV is the third best selling album ever in the United States, behind only “Thriller” and “Eagles Greatest Hits.” Referred to as “IV” because there’s no words on the cover, the album, released today in 1971, received universal acclaim and came in at #69 on Rolling Stone’s, 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
Side 1: Black Dog, Rock and Roll, The Battle of Evermore, Stairway to Heaven. Side 2: Misty Mountain Hop, Four Sticks, Going to California, When the Levee Breaks.
Today in 1960 John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon in one of the closest elections to date to become President. Kennedy easily won the electoral votes, with 303 (the same number Obama got on Tuesday), but his win in the popular vote was 49.7 % to 49.5%.
Tom Dempsey, who kicked with half a foot, set an NFL record today in 1970 with a 63-yard field goal for the New Orleans Saints. The record has since been equaled three times.
After seeing her picture on his daughter’s wall, Garry Marshall cast glam rocker Suzi Quatro as Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days. Quatro made her debut on the show tonight in 1977, fronting a band that Joanie Cunningham briefly played in. Marshall offered Quatro a spin-off, but she declined.
Today in 1979, four days after the Iran hostage crises started, ABC late night began airing, “The Iran Crises: America Held Hostage.” What was supposed to be a short-lived show, became “Nightline” in January of 1980 and still airs today.
Eminem’s version of “Purple Rain” came out ten years ago today. “8 Mile” was a critical and commercial smash and vaulted the rapper to superstardom.
The world of television changed forever today in 1972 when HBO made it’s debut on 350 homes in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The first movie they showed was, prophetically, “Sometimes A Great Notion.”
Happy birthday to Parker Posey, who’s 44 today. Here are the five best movies she’s been in:
1. Waiting For Guffman
2. Dazed and Confused
3. You’ve Got Mail
4. Best In Show
5. Party Girl
— Bill Hubbell