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Today In Dementia History Datebook-January 23rd

For The Weekday Of: Friday in 2009, Saturday in 2010
Today in Dementia History!
E-Mail: Add/Correct Facts!

People on January 23rd: birthdates

Jerry Lawson: 1944 (is 65 in 2009, 66 in 2010)
Singer, of Persuasions

People on January 23rd: birth anniversaries

Danny Arnold: 1925=d.Aug 19, 1995 (was 70)
TV Producer, RN:Arnold Rothman; Barney Miller
Florence Halop: 1923=d.Jul 15, 1986 (was 63)
TV Actress, Meet Millie's Mama Bronson, St. Elsewhere's Mrs. Hufnagel, Night Court's Florence Kleiner; Billy's sister
John Hancock: 1737 N.S.=d.Oct 8, 1793 (was 56)
Statesman, Revolutionary, b. in Braintree, MA; 1st signer of The Declaration of Independence; the most prominent of the signers; other style says b. Jan 12, 1737 O.S.
Ernie Kovacs: 1919=d.Jan 13, 1962 (was 42)
HALL OF FAMER, Actor, Comedian, Game Show Host, Radio Disc Jock, Variety Show Host, b. in Trenton, NJ; Unconventional veteran TV innovator; Edie Adams' hubby; Ernie Kovacs Show & other 50-60s TV; some say 1-19; always 10-5/8 years ahead of his time; d. in a car crash in West Los Angeles
George McManus: 1884=d.Oct 22, 1954 (was 70)
ComicStrip Cartoonist, Maggie & Jiggs, Bringing Up Father
Bob Steele: 1906=d.Dec 21, 1988 (was 82)
TV/Movie Actor, RN:Robert North Bradbury Jr.; 30-40s cowboy star (in 400 films in 50 years); F Troop's Trooper Duffy

People on January 23rd: death anniversaries

Richard Berry: 1997 (was 61)/b.Apr 11, 1935
Songwriter, Music Producer, Pop Singer, Louie Louie composer
Johnny Carson: 2005 (was 79)/b.Oct 23, 1925
HALL OF FAMER, Producer, Comedian, TV Talk Show Host, Tennis Player, Protestant, b. in Corning, IA; Who Do You Trust, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson host 1962-92
Bob Keeshan: 2004 (was 76)/b.Jun 27, 1927
TV Host, Commentator, Author, b. in Lynbrook, NY; Howdy Doody's Clarabell the Clown, Tinker's Workshop, Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Sender in "The Stupids"

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Entertainment-TV events on January 23rd

In 1919, comedian Ernie Kovacs was born in Trenton, New Jersey. A zany, creative TV comic, he brought his offbeat, cigar-smoking personality to films in the late 1950s, with roles in such productions as "Operation Mad Ball," "Bell, Book and Candle," "It Happened to Jane," "Our Man in Havana," "Strangers When We Meet," "North to Alaska," "Pepe," "Wake Me When It's Over," "Five Golden Hours" and "Sail A Crooked Ship." Before "Monty Python, or "Saturday Night Live," there was "Ernie in Kovacsland." From pioneering the teaser opening and blackouts to "breaking the fourth wall," Kovacs did it first, faster and funnier. David Letterman screened some of Kovacs' groundbreaking shows for inspiration in developing his program. He was married to actress Edie Adams at the time of his death, which occurred when Kovacs was involved in a single-car accident in West Los Angeles on January 13, 1962.
In 1937, in an article published in Literary Digest, Edgar Bergen mentioned that he made his dummy pal, Charlie McCarthy, the beneficiary of a $10,000 trust fund to keep him in serviceable condition and repair.
In 1957, The "Disneyland" TV show features "Our Friend the Atom".
In 1965, Gilligan's Island episode #17. "Little Island, Big Gun". A mob leader and his henchmen, fleeing from the police, land on the island.
In 1967, Gilligan's Island episode #87. "Lovey's Secret Admirer". Mrs. Howell starts receiving mysterious love notes, and the source remains a mystery until Mr. Howell is caught in the act. Mrs. Howell dreams that she is Cinderella, and Gilligan is her fairy godfather. The Professor rigs up a lie detector using the ship's horn and batteries from the radio.
In 1970, in a Brady Bunch episode called "The Undergraduate", Dodger first baseman Wes Parker makes his acting debut and Gigi Perreau guest stars, Greg appears to be sick but Alice discovers a love note he wrote to a mysterious "Linda." Mike and Carol attempt to resolve the problem by trying to find out who Linda is.
In 1971, on the cover of TV Guide: "Flip Wilson". Other Articles: Dark Shadows, Lassie
In 1975, Hal Linden is kindly "Barney Miller," captain of the wild 12th Precinct on ABC. Also on the police payroll: Abe Vigoda as Fish, Max Gail as Wojo, Gregory Sierra as Chano, Jack Soo as Yemana, Ron Glass as Harris, Ron Carey as Levitt, Steve Landesberg as Dietrich and James Gregory as Inspector Luger. The talented cast made the show a hit for eight seasons (it is still in syndication). There are 170 episodes in the series; making it one of television's most durable comedies.
In 1976, "Donny & Marie" [Osmond] musical variety show premiered on ABC-TV. ABC offered more white teeth than previously allowed by FCC regulations with this sketch-filled hour of music and comedy starring the Osmond siblings and assorted other relatives. Marie Osmond's excessive cuteness gave One Day at a Time's Valerie Bertinelli over on CBS a run for the money!
In 1977, "The Brady Bunch Hour", TV Variety, debut on ABC. Not only did it premiere one year and a week to the anniversary "Donny & Marie" did, it was virtually cloned after it!
In 1978, filming began for the five-episode pilot for the "Dallas" series.
In 1983, A weekly thrill ride of "Mad Max"-style action! One of television's most intellectual, sophisticated and classy shows came into American homes this night. It was full of action and drama and starred some guy named, Mr. T., as the not so mild-mannered, Sgt. Bosco B.A. Baracus and George Peppard as John Hannibal Smith. Remember "The A-Team", the TV Adventure on NBC? Sure you do. It was Must See TV back then? You don't believe me? You'd better, or Mr. T. will rip your face off, fool!
In 1991, "Seinfeld" TV Comedy debut on NBC as a regular series, and the rest is history.
In 1993, on the cover of TV Guide: "Fresh Prince's Will Smith". Other Articles: Northern Exposure, Gloria Estefan
In 2000, "Rotten Television" hosted by Johnny Rotten premiered on VH1
In 2004, Bob Keeshan, TV's "Captain Kangaroo," died in Windsor, Vt., at age 76.
In 2004, The enduring situation comedy "Friends" filmed its final episode in front of an invitation-only audience.
In 2005, Former "Tonight Show" host Johnny Carson died in Malibu, Calif., at age 79.

Entertainment-Movies events on January 23rd

In 1948, The Goofy film, "They're Off" is released.

Music events on January 23rd

In 1948, "I'm My Own Grampaw" by Guy Lombardo entered the Top 40 chart.

Music-Easy events on January 23rd

In 1965, R.C., "Downtown" by Petula Clark peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart; it was parodied by Allan Sherman into "Crazy Downtown" and Mrs. Miller into a parody version of "Downtown".

Music-Rock events on January 23rd

In 1977, Pink Floyd's "Animals" LP was released.
In 1997, "Presidents Of The United States Of America" album by Presidents Of The U.S.A, was certified Multi Platinum 3.00 by the RIAA

Music-Country events on January 23rd

In 1976, C.W. McCall performed his novelty hit "Convoy" on NBC-TV's Midnight Special.

Music-R and B / Dance events on January 23rd

In 1988, R.C., "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by The California Raisins (Buddy Miles) peaked at #84 on the pop singles chart.
In 1997, "Louie Louie" composer Richard Berry died in his sleep at his home in South Central Los Angeles.

Weird and Other events on January 23rd

In 1945, it was 1:23:45 on 1/23/45.

Dr. Demento Show Song Almanac

First Time Dr. Demento Played a Song

In 1977 - ** Dry Bones - Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians (last played on 1995-01-15)

In 1977 - ** Holiday for Strings - Spike Jones http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/jones-spike.htm & His City Slickers (last played on 2007-03-18)

Albums: Musical Depreciation Revue: The Spike Jones Anthology  / Strictly For Music Lovers  / Spike Jones' Greatest Hits!  / V-Disc Recordings  / Musical Depreciation  / Musical Mayhem  / People Are Funnier Than Anybody  / Spike Jones Transcribed  / Spiked! The Music Of Spike Jones  / The Ones You Always Wanted But Thought You'd Never Get  / Very Best of Spike Jones and His City Slickers  / Very Worst of Spike Jones  / Wacky World of Spike Jones and His City Slickers  / Not Your Standard Spike Jones Collection 

In 1977 - ** March from the Nutcracker Suite - Portsmouth Sinfonia (last played on 1977-01-23)

In 1977 - ** Pink Shoelaces - Dodie Stevens (released 1956, last played on 2004-09-11)

Albums: Wackiest Album In The Universe, Vol.1 

In 1977 - ** Potlucky - Walt Kelly (last played on 1977-01-23)

In 1977 - ** Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long - Vaughn Monroe (last played on 1977-01-23)

In 1977 - ** The Big Sniff (Featuring Ralph & Herbie) - Cheech and Chong http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/cheechandchong.htm (released 1976, last played on 2004-08-08)

Albums: Sleeping Beauty / Where There's Smoke There's Cheech and Chong 

In 1977 - ** The Wreck Of The Old '97 - Vernon Dalhart (last played on 1979-02-25)

In 1983 - ** Baa Baa Black Sheep - The Singing Sheep (released 1982, last played on 2007-03-11)

Albums: Dr. Demento Gooses Mother

In 1983 - ** Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins (released 1969, last played on 1984-05-27)

Albums: At San Quentin  / Loud, Fast & Out Of Control 

In 1983 - ** Circular Impression - The Extras (released 1981, last played on 2005-06-26)

Albums: Ripe

In 1983 - ** Go! Go! Go! - Roy Orbison (last played on 1983-01-23)

Albums: Loud, Fast & Out Of Control 

In 1983 - ** I Like - Heathen Dan (released 1982, last played on 2008-01-20)

Albums: World's Worst Records

In 1983 - ** Jonny's So Log - Furious Pigs (last played on 1983-01-23)

In 1983 - ** Milkcow Blues Boogie - Elvis Presley http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/presley-elvis.htm (last played on 1983-01-23)

In 1983 - ** Mr. Sandman - Homer and Jethro (last played on 1983-01-23)

Albums: America's Song Butchers: The Weird World Of Homer & Jethro 

In 1983 - ** Yogi - The Ivy Three (released 1960, last played on 2005-05-22)

Albums: 25 All Time Novelty Hits  / Golden Age of American Rock'N'Roll: Special Novelty Edition 

In 1983 - ** The Chicken Walk - Hasil Adkins (last played on 1983-01-23)

In 1983 - ** The Gory Story Of Duane And Debbie - Count Floyd (last played on 2003-10-20)

In 1983 - ** The Sit Song - The Barron Knights (last played on 1988-08-21)

In 1994 - ** Doctor medley - assembled by Damaskas (various artists, including The Rolling Stones, Jackson Browne, Groucho Marx, The Beatles, etc.) (last played on 2007-11-04)

In 1994 - ** Satellite Fever and The Asiatic Flu - Paul Perryman (last played on 1994-01-23)

In 1994 - ** State Prison - Sparky & The Time Pirates (last played on 1994-02-06)

In 1994 - ** Teenage Romance - Stuart Paul (last played on 2000-07-30)

Albums: Worse Than Slime No. 1

In 1994 - ** The Best Friend I've Ever Had - James & Kling (last played on 2007-07-08)

In 1994 - ** The Itch - Jim Copp (last played on 1994-01-23)

In 2000 - ** God 'N' Guns - Jesus H. Crisis & The Holy Guns Of God (Rob Moitoza) (last played on 2000-01-23)

Albums: Rob Moitoza's Cavalcade of Stars 

In 2000 - ** I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself - Buddy Knox (last played on 2000-01-23)

In 2000 - ** Kick In The Butt - Schwump (last played on 2000-02-20)

In 2000 - ** One Note Song - The Music Butchers (Rob Moitoza) (last played on 2001-04-01)

Albums: Rob Moitoza's Cavalcade of Stars 

In 2000 - ** Sniper Girl - The Cowards (last played on 2000-01-23)

Albums: A Condition For Our Parole

In 2000 - ** Will The Turtle Be Unbroken? - The Mrs Ackroyd Band (last played on 2008-01-13)

Albums: Tubular Dogs 

In 2005 - ** Anna, You're A Bim - Ken Johnson (last played on 2007-02-25)

In 2005 - ** Backyard Wrestler Guy - Wally Pleasant http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/pleasant-wally.htm (last played on 2005-03-19)

Albums: Music For Nerds And Perverts

In 2005 - ** Demented News January 23, 2005 - Whimsical Will http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/whimsicalwill.htm (last played on 2005-02-26)

In 2005 - ** Fraternity Life - Owen Egerton (released 2001, last played on 2005-03-12)

Albums: Big Thick Wooden Board 

In 2005 - ** Jedi Mind Trick - Ethan Lipton (last played on 2007-07-29)

Albums: A New Low

In 2005 - ** Wagdi - Mr. Wompy (last played on 2005-02-26)

In 2005 - ** The Duck Tape Song - Johnny Roquemore (last played on 2005-02-26)

In 2005 - ** The Times They Haven't Changed Much - Loose Bruce Kerr (last played on 2005-03-19)

First Time a Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1983 - ** Baa Baa Black Sheep - The Singing Sheep (released 1982, first hit the Funny Five on 1983-02-27)

Albums: Dr. Demento Gooses Mother

In 1983 - ** I Like - Heathen Dan (released 1982, first hit the Funny Five on 1993-05-02)

Albums: World's Worst Records

In 1994 - ** The Best Friend I've Ever Had - James & Kling (first hit the Funny Five on 1994-04-17)

In 2000 - ** Will The Turtle Be Unbroken? - The Mrs Ackroyd Band (first hit the Funny Five on 2000-03-19)

Albums: Tubular Dogs 

In 2005 - ** Jedi Mind Trick - Ethan Lipton (first hit the Funny Five on 2005-02-20)

Albums: A New Low

First Time a Song Reached the Funny Five

In 1977 - ** Pos.4. In the Mood - Ray Stevens http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/stevens-ray.htm & The Henhouse Five Plus Too (first played 1977-01-09)

Albums: All Time Greatest Comic Hits / Bah! Humbug!  / The Best Of Ray Stevens by Rhino / Ray Stevens: All Time Greatest Comic Hits / Ray Stevens' Greatest Hits, Vol 2 [MCA]  / Ray Stevens: Cornball  / Ray Stevens: His All-Time Greatest Comic Hits 

In 1983 - ** Pos.5. Villie And Vaylon - Maclean & Maclean (first played 1982-11-14)

In 1994 - ** Pos.5. The Big Mac Tree - John Forster http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/forster-john.htm (first played 1994-01-09)

Albums: Entering Marion 

In 2000 - ** Pos.4. Toe To Toe With The HMO - Camille West http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/west-camille.htm (first played 1999-09-19)

Albums: Diva's Day Off 

First Time a #1 Funny Five Song Was Played

First Time a Song Reached #1 on the Funny Five

All The Times a Song Reached #1

In 1977 - ** Pos.1. C. B. Savage - Rod Hart (appearance #2)

Albums: Trucker Songs

In 1983 - ** Pos.1. Fish Heads - Barnes & Barnes http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/barnesandbarnes.htm (appearance #14)

Albums: Zabagabee: Best of Barnes & Barnes  / Yeah-Essential Barnes & Barnes  / Voobaha  / The Very Best of Dr. Demento  / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection 

In 1994 - ** Pos.1. Frank's 2000 Inch TV - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (appearance #2)

Albums: Alapalooza  / The TV Album  / The Permanent Record: Al In The Box 

In 2000 - ** Pos.1. It's All About The Pentiums - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (appearance #4)

Albums: Running With Scissors 

In 2005 - ** Pos.1. Girlfriend - Henry Phillips http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/phillips-henry.htm (appearance #3)

Albums: Why Haven't I Heard From You?

This Dave in History (David Letterman)

In 1984, "Dial-It-Services" feature a call to the "Dial-a-Prayer-for-Cable-TV-Viewers" ("Oh, Lord, please don't let it be 'Beastmaster' again") and then a call to "Dial-a-Black-Pro-Bowling-Star" (there's no answer).
In 1985, Dave calls Hollywood's Chamber of Commerce and tries to get a Walk-of-Fame square for Larry "Bud" Melman. Later, Chris Elliott is "King of the Mole People" in another episode of "Guy Under the Seats."
In 1992, After a complete weather update, with nothing else prepared, Dave barks at the scenery.
In 1996, Broadway Show Posters include a look at the posters for "Hootie & the Beast," "Larry King and I," "The Who's Tommy Lasorda," "Arsenio and Old Lace," and "Rats." Carol Channing presides on 53rd St. and sings "Hello Dolly."
In 1996, Maynard Ferguson (trumpet) sits in with the band. Also, Dave acts like a tough guy.
In 1996, Top Ten Surprises in Clinton's State of the Union Address - 2. If re-elected, would bring back the McRib Sandwich.
In 1996, We get to see (through a window) a "sumo wrestler" jumping around. Also, the band plays Dave over to the desk with the (now obsolete?) 20th Century Fox theme song.
In 1997, Composite rerun guests are Robert Downey, Jr., Kelsey Grammer, and Sean Penn.
In 1997, Dave introduces the composite rerun, saying "don't drive or operate heavy machinery after watching this show."

Random Generated Jokes, Quotes, and Other Stuff!

Today in Dementia History, Today in History, Davesfunstuff