"Venus": Frankie Avalon # 1 for 5 weeks in 1959

In 1959, Frankie Avalon recorded "Venus" and it was a landmark moment in pop music.

"Venus" became one of the biggest hits ever and made Avalon (20 yrs old) into a huge teen idol.

"Venus" opened the door to the softer and clean cut male and female vocalists who dominated pop music between Elvis and the arrival of The Beatles.

It was a huge hit and the "teen idol" was born! (Did you watch "Grease" or "Bye bye Birdie"?)

Avalon went on to have more hits and make all of those "teen movies" with Annette Funicello!

Best of all, the girls loved it a lot!

They still do! They did when it was originally released and when a disco version was reissued in the 1970s!

Here is Frankie Avalon singing the first version from 1959 and the disco version from the 1970's.    

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1953: The Boston Braves became the Milwaukee Braves

On this day in 1953, The Boston Braves made it official and moved to Milwaukee.       

The Braves spent 13 seasons in Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta for the 1966 season.  

In Milwaukee, they won the World Series in 1957 and the NL pennant in 1958. 

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We remember President Grover Cleveland (1837-1908)

We remember President Grover Cleveland, who was born in New Jersey on this day in 1837.   He died in 1908.

He was the only president to serve 2 non-consecutive terms in the office.   He won in 1884, lost in 1888 and came back to win 1892.

We may have a repeat of that if President Trump comes back in 2024 and everyone is talking about Cleveland again.

Here is a great trivia question:  What First Family had a baby in the White House?  The answer is Grover Cleveland who married Frances Folsom during his first term.  The couple had a daughter Esther or the first child born in the White House.  Frances lived until 1947.    Esther lived until 1980.

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We remember the great Wilson Pickett (1941-2006)

Wilson Pickett was born in Alabama on this day in 1941.   

In the 1960's he recorded a bunch of great songs such as "Mustang Sally", "Funky Broadway" and a wonderful version of "Hey Jude".   

Pickett died in 2006.   He left a great legacy of soul music.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

We remember Chuck Berry (1926-2017)

We remember Chuck Berry died on this day in 2017.   

Chuck Berry was a huge influence and the "author" of those rock guitar riffs that we grew up listening to!

His songs were covered by everyone, from Beatles to The Rolling Stones to every garage band from coast to coast. 

We are delighted to remember a real American legend, the one and only Chuck Berry!

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