On this day in music, April 24, 1995, Oasis scored their first No.1 hit in the UK with their sixth single, “Some Might Say.” Written by Noel Gallagher, the tune was taken from the Manchester band’s second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, and marked the last recording made with their original drummer, Tony Carroll. The song became a defining hit for the band and was one of the biggest singles of the year in the UK.
In 1970, Elton John released his single “Border Song” in North America. While the song tanked during its initial release in the UK, it found better success across the Atlantic, where it gave the British singer and pianist his first appearance on any chart (peaking at No.34 in Canada). Co-written with John’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, “Border Song” was plucked from the singer’s self-titled second album.
In 2016, Philadelphia soul legend Billy Paul died at 81. Born Paul Williams in the City of Brotherly Love, the singer made his recording debut in 1952 but didn’t begin to enjoy success until 1970, when he began collaborating with noted songwriters and producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who signed him to their Philadelphia International label. He was best remembered for 1972’s “Me and Mrs. Jones,” a No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, which peaked at No.12 in the UK, also earned Paul a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Male Artist.
In 1968, The Beatles’ newly formed Apple label turned down signing David Bowie, who had just left Deram Records. Bowie’s then-manager Kenneth Pitt submitted a demo tape, only to receive a letter from the company’s A&R chief, Peter Asher, stating that “Apple Records is not interested in signing David Bowie. The reason is that we don’t feel he’s what we’re looking for at the moment.”
In 1965, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders scored their sole No.1 hit in the US with “Game Of Love.” The Manchester band – whose frontman took his stage name from Elvis Presley’s drummer, D. J. Fontana – would only break the Hot 100 once again with “It’s Just A Little Bit Too Late,” which peaked at No.46.
In 1961, Bob Dylan made his first officially released recording, earning $50 for playing harmonica on the title track of Harry Belafonte’s LP, The Midnight Special. Dylan had made his debut recording five months earlier on a record by folk singer Carolyn Hester, but it wasn’t released until after Belafonte’s album.
In 1968, New Orleans jazz legend Louis Armstrong scored his only UK No.1 hit with “What A Wonderful World.” At the time, Armstrong, then 69, was the oldest act to top the UK charts.
BORN ON APRIL 24
1942: Barbra Streisand
1945: Doug Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
1951: Nigel Harrison (Blondie)
1958: Boris Williams (The Cure)
1963: Billy Gould (Faith No More)
1964: Paul Ryder (Happy Mondays)
1967: Patty Schemel (Hole)
1982: Kelly Clarkson
1987: Ben Howard
The Parade of Bands will be held in Litchfield on June 16th and it will feature 13 high school marching bands this year. This is the 7th year of the event.
Shane Zeppelin says the bands this year will include Fergus Falls, St. Michael-Albertville, Foley, Benson, Owatonna, Sartell, Richfield, Milaca, Albany, Sauk Rapids-Rice, KMS, Alexandria and host band – Litchfield. He says it would be nice to have more bands in the Watercade parade in July, but the parade season is over for the bands by then which is why they started the Parade of Bands.
Zeppelin says the parade route will start at 10th Street and Armstrong Avenue, then south to 5th Street, then east to Gilman Avenue, and then north on Gilman to Litchfield High School and there will be 3 performance areas – in front of Wagner School, midway on 5th Street and on Gilman Avenue near the softball field where the judges sit. He says 6th Street will be closed that day between Armstrong and Gilman Avenues as about a dozen food vendors will be set up.
Zeppelin says the Parade of Bands will be live-streamed for anyone to watch who can’t make it in person. He says any donations to help fund the event are greatly welcome and may be dropped off at the Chamber office in downtown Litchfield.
The Chamber Serving Meeker County Area held it’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Thursday at the Litchfield Opera House with lunch catered by Any Thyme Catering of Litchfield.
Board of Directors Chairman, Tim Erickson welcomed everyone. Deana Wheeler, Executive Director introduced Ellen Wolter, U of M Extension Leadership and Civic Engagement Expert gave a presentation on navigating complex change – tools for your community transformation.
Awards were then given out by Tim and Deana. The Small Business award went to Miller Automotive. And the Large Business award went to Meeker Memorial Hospital. The Presidential Award went to Jeff Woods, our very own Woody! He’s been a community supporter for 48 years, working with the youth hockey program, being a business owner and an employee of KLFD Radio. Congratulations to all the winners. There was one other award given away – the first person to RSVP for meeting. That award went to Brent Brekke.
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Cheryl Norman to serve as president of Ridgewater College. The appointment becomes effective July 1, 2026.
“Dr. Norman brings a proven track record in enrollment management, developing data-driven strategies that strengthen student recruitment, retention, and completion,” said Scott Olson, Minnesota State chancellor. “Her ability to lead initiatives that drive equitable student success and post-completion outcomes will serve Ridgewater College and the Willmar and Hutchinson communities well.”
Dr. Norman has dedicated her career to higher education at Minnesota State colleges and beyond. She currently serves as the vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples, a position she has held since 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, St. Paul, a master’s from Shenandoah University in Virginia, and a doctorate from St. Cloud State University.
Dr. Norman succeeds Craig Johnson, who has served as president of Ridgewater College since 2018 and has announced his intention to retire.
