And so begins another week. Here at the Mermaid Lounge, we’re trying to accomplish the impossible: Programming a week in advance. It’s a valiant effort, but the jury is OUT. Nevertheless, we have a lot of info here for you.
November 23, 1899: The first jukebox was placed at The Palais Royale Hotel in San Francisco (see photo).
November 23, 1962: The Beatles auditioned at St. James’ Church Hall in London for The BBC, which was looking for people with potential to be on TV. The Beatles failed. I wonder if the guy who made that decision kept his job.
November 23, 1963: Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs have the top R & B song with Sugar Shack.
November 23, 1964: /The Beatles release the single, I Feel Fine. The B-side is She’s A Woman.
The Rolling Stones are late for the radio shows Top Gear and Saturday Club, and were banned by The BBC.
November 23, 1965: The Beatles film promos for I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride, Help!, Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out at Twickenham Studios in London. The BBC paid 1,750 pounds for the broadcast rights, and then deals were made with other broadcasters around the world.
November 23, 1967: The Who played the New Barn at The Lions Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie, Indiana.
November 23, 1968: Little known fact, here: After Dusty Springfield had recommended Jimmy Page to Ahmet Ertegun, head of Atlantic Records, Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant finalized their recording contract.
Steve Miller debuted on the charts after his first single, Living in The USA.
The Beatles tied the existing rock era record (held by Bobby Darin’s Mack The Knife) with a ninth week at #1 for Hey Jude.
Judy Collins’ version of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now enters the Top 40, where it will peak at #8. It will also win The Best Folk Performance of the year.
November 23, 1970: George Harrison released his first solo single, My Sweet Lord, in the US.
November 23, 1972: Bob Dylan arrives in Durango, Colorado, to film the movie Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door).
November 23, 1975: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody goes to #1 on the UK charts, where it will remain for nine weeks.
November 23, 1976: Wings kicked off a 19-date UK tour at The Royal Court in Liverpool.
November 23, 1983: Tom Evans of Badfinger committed suicide after the band decided to break up.
Born On This Day
November 23, 1939: Betty Everett, of The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss) fame, was born in Greenwood, Mississippi.
November 23, 1940: Freddie Marsden, drummer for Gerry & The Pacemakers, was born in Liverpool.
November 23, 1954: Bruce Hornsby, one of the greatest keyboardists ever, leader of Bruce Hornsby & The Range and keyboardist for The Grateful Dead, was born in Williamsburg, Virginia.
And that is it, children. Today’s lesson is over.
#BecomeUngovernable Radio 