In 2018, a new digital milestone occurred when Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” became the first video released before the advent of YouTube to surpass one billion views on the platform. One of the most expensive music videos of its time, the 1992 visual was directed by Andy Morahan and featured supermodel Stephanie Seymour, the then-girlfriend of frontman Axl Rose. The power ballad, which peaked at No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100, also marked the longest song to enter the US Top Ten at the time.
In 1972, Elton John earned his first No.1 album in the US with his fifth studio effort, Honkey Chateau. Named for the 18th-century French chateau in which it was recorded (Château d’Hérouville), the album featured the Top 10 singles “Rocket Man” and “Honkey Cat.”
In 1978, The Rolling Stones began a two-week run at the top of the US album chart with Some Girls. Despite the popularity of the album (which marked their 16th LP in the US), the Peter Corriston-designed jacket cover caused a stir among some of the era’s biggest celebrities. The image, which featured the likenesses of Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Judy Garland, Raquel Welch, and Marilyn Monroe, was instantly challenged by the women and/or their estates. Corston redesigned the cover, without the starlets’ faces, and the album was promptly reissued.
In 1958, John Lennon’s mother, Julia Lennon, was hit and killed by a car driven by an off-duty policeman. While John, who was 17 at the time of the tragedy, lived with his aunt Mimi, he was very close with his mother. Julia, in turn, was one of his biggest supporters at Quarrymen shows. The loss inspired several of the artist’s songs, including 1968’s “Julia” (with The Beatles) and his 1970 solo track, “Mother.” John’s first son, Julian, was named for Julia.
In 1956, 13-year-old Frankie Lymon (with The Teenagers) became the youngest artist to hit the top spot on the UK pop charts with “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”
In 1989, Pink Floyd performed on a floating barge in Venice’s Grand Canal, during the Italian city’s annual Festa del Redentore. More than 200,000 fans attended the show (double what authorities had planned for), taking over buildings and bridges along the San Marco Basin. Following the concert, which was broadcast to global audiences, the Italian Army was called in to help clean up the trash and damage that resulted from the overflow of onlookers.
BORN ON JULY 15
1946: Linda Ronstadt
1947: Roky Erickson (13th Floor Elevators)
1949: Trevor Horn (Buggles)
1952: Johnny Thunders (New York Dolls)
1956: Ian Curtis (Joy Division)
1956: Joe Satriani
1966: Jason Bonham
1973: John Dolmayan (System of a Down)
1977: Ray Toro (My Chemical Romance)
1990: Olly Alexander (Years & Years)
Litchfield Community Education is in the middle of a busy summer season. They are now promoting the Litchfield Community Theatre production of “Mary Poppins.”
Litchfield Community Education Director Grant Solem says the show can be seen July 23rd, 24th and 25th at 7 p.m. and July 26th at 2 p.m. in the Bernie Aaker Auditorium. He says auditions were held at the end of May and the cast and crew have been busy with rehearsals since that time and Tim Nelson is once again back in Litchfield, directing the summer musical.
Solem says tickets for the main floor are $20 and they are $15 for balcony seats and they’re available at litchfieldcommunitytheatre.com, on the Litchfield Community Education website, or you can stop at the office on East 6th Street or call 693-2354 for more information. He says you can take a chance on getting tickets at the door, but there’s always a chance that the performances would sell out, and if you get tickets in advance, you’re better able to sit where you’d like.
Solem says Litchfield Community Education is offering more swimming lessons which will start on July 20th; will be offering fall sports soon for youth; and has a country western line dancing class coming up. He says Litchfield Community Education also has a Mississippi boat cruise coming up which is full, but they’re trying to get some more tickets.
Litchfield School Board member Darrin Anderson has announced that he has decided not to seek reelection to the Litchfield School Board. He says serving the Litchfield School District for the past 12 years has been one of the greatest honors of his life.
Anderson says during that time, we have accomplished so much together by investing in our students, our schools, and the future of our community. From enhancing our learning environments in traditional classrooms to expanding opportunities through our agriculture and business education spaces, these achievements reflect the collective vision and commitment of our students, staff, families, and community.
Anderson says, like every school district, we have faced our share of challenges – yet time and again, our community came together with resilience, compassion, and determination. He says he’s incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that our district will continue to build on that strong foundation.
Anderson says the relationships he’s formed over these past 12 years are among the most meaningful gifts of this experience. They have strengthened his commitment to continue advocating for our schools and the Litchfield community in new ways. He says he’s deeply grateful for the trust that the community placed in him and for the privilege of serving the students, staff, families, and residents of the Litchfield School District.
Anderson concluded his announcement, “Thank you for allowing me to be part of this important work. It has been a privilege to serve, and I will always cherish the opportunity and the memories we created together.”
On this day in music, July 14, 1982, Pink Floyd’s psychological musical drama, The Wall premiered in London at The Empire, Leicester Square. David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason of the band all attended the event, alongside Pete Townshend, Sting, and Queen’s Roger Taylor, among other stars. The film, which starred musician Bob Geldof (The Boomtown Rats), blended live-action with animation, and was based on Pink Floyd’s hit 1979 album of the same name. A commercial success on both sides of the Atlantic, The Wall later earned two BAFTA Awards and remains a cult favorite among fans of the band.
In 1977, Elvis Costello and his new band, The Attractions, played their first show together at the Penzance Winter Gardens in Cornwall, England, opening for Wayne County & the Electric Chairs. A week and a day later, Costello released his debut album, My Aim Is True via Stiff Records in the UK.
In 1964, The Rolling Stones scored their first No.1 hit in the UK with “It’s All Over Now.” The song was written by Bobby Womack and his sister-in-law, Shirley Womack, and originally recorded by Bobby’s group, The Valentinos, that same year.
In 1967, The Who kicked off their first major North American tour at Portland, Oregon’s Memorial Coliseum. The British rockers served as the support act for Herman’s Hermits throughout the 55-date run.
In 1986, Madonna owned the UK charts when she had both the No.1 single (“Papa Don’t Preach”) and the No.1 album (True Blue).
In 1973, audiences at Southern California’s Knott’s Berry Farm were shocked during an Everly Brothers concert when Phil Everly smashed his guitar and stormed off stage. His brother, Don, continued the set at the John Wayne Theater, before announcing that the band had split. It would be nearly a decade before the duo performed again.
BORN ON JULY 14
1912: Woody Guthrie
1945: Jim Gordon (Drummer, Songwriter)
1948: Tommy Mottola (Record Executive)
1952: Chris Cross (Ultravox)
1955: Matthew Seligman (The Soft Boys, The Thompson Twins)
1971: Nick McCabe (The Verve)
1975: Taboo (Black Eyed Peas)
1978: Ruben Studdard
1986: Dan Smith (Bastille)
1987: Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons)