After being refused to being allowed to perform at a public venue in Washington D.C. famed African American contralto, Marion Anderson blazed a trail of civil rights with the noted assistance from First Lady, lEleanor Roosevelt.

Minority Moments in Pop Culture: Marvin Gaye Singing Star Spangled Banner at ’83 NBA All Star Game In this podcast we have fun exploring some of the unique moments in American pop culture that featured, highlighted or happened to, through or because of a connection with a minority culture or group. Most everybody knows the … Continue reading Minority Moments: Marvin Gaye Singing the National Anthem, 1983. Yes! →

There was not a whole lot going on when Maria Maria by Carlos Santana surprised everyone by reaching the number 1 slot on Billboard. The world was taking a breather from Y2K.   It is hard to believe it now, but the world was on edge because of the potential computer glitch phenomenon of Y2K. … Continue reading Episode 20: Maria Maria, Santana, April 8 2000 →

In the Spring of 1967, deep cultural seeds were being planted that would germinate in ’68 an ’69 and then mature and linger over the ’70’s, 80’s and ’90s. Muhammad Ali refuses induction into the US army and becomes a mainstream social pariah.   Full redemption comes to him as a Parkinson’s afflicted man lights … Continue reading Episode 19: Something Stupid: Frank and Nancy Sinatra, April 28th, 1967. →

During the summer of 1976, people thought that the title fo the song was about “making mid-day whoopie” (thanks Newlywed Game), when they heard the song, Afternoon Delight.  This catchy little earworm reached number one during the week that America was celebrating a 200 year anniversay.  According to Billboard Chart HIstorian, Fred Bronson, the song … Continue reading Episode 18: Afternoon Delight:Starland Vocal Band, July 4, 1976 →

Jeopardy with new host, Alex Tribek, was coming back on the air after an absence of many years. Captain Kangaroo says, “Goodbye” and Vanessa Williams is crowned, “Miss America”. Purple Rain is making Prince, a king! Mary Lou Retton is Queen of the Olympics. Richard Burton passes away at only 58 years of age! Jerry … Continue reading Episode 17: When Doves Cry, Prince, August 4th, 1984 →

Springtime, It happens every Salem and “The Marlboro Man”, were regular slogans on TV as cigarette ads were still allowed. 8-track tapes were new to the land and the Empire State residents were concerned that the new World Trade Center, would block and disrupt TV signals. Jimmy Hendrix, makes his debut at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go. Chuck … Continue reading Episode 16:  Respect, Aretha Franklin, June 12 1967 →

The United States was still at war in Vietnam.  The Mai Lai Massacre is alive in the press as an American soldier is convicted of mass murder.  Archie Bunker, was just getting started and Ali-Frazier was about to be chiseled into American history.  And how did a Marijuana reference “one toke over the line”, get … Continue reading Episode 15: What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye, March 7, 1971 →

The world was at war as Desert Storm was just starting and names like Colin Powell and Schwartzkoff would soon be part of every newscast.  MTV was the king of music.  AIDS had unfortunately claimed more than 100,000 live in the U.S.  Sony Handycam was introduced that week and would soon take over the “Camcorder” … Continue reading Episode 14: Justify My Love, Madonna, January 16, 1991 →

Muhammad Ali had just made Howard Cosell say, “Down goes, Frazier! Down goes, Frazier!  Down goes, Frazier!  Zingy Stardust had matured with, FAME.  Saturday Night had two Live shows launching at the same time.   The one without Cosell would last over 40 years. The wars had just begun between Beta and VHS.  The Service … Continue reading Episode 13: Fame, David Bowie, October 1, 1975 →