Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 13hCharacter actor James Callahan (born today in 1930) was often cast as an authority figure, like he was on television’s Charles in Charge (as Walter Powell) in the 1980s. Callahan had guest appearances on many programs, like Perry Mason; Route 66; Adam-12; M*A*S*H; & 7th Heaven. He passed in 2007. 1100
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 13hDirector George Sidney (born today in 1916) spearheaded several Hollywood musicals, such as: Thousands Cheer (1943); Anchors Aweigh (1945); Annie Get Your Gun (1950); Show Boat (1951); Kiss Me Kate (1953); Pal Joey (1957); and the vibrant Viva Las Vegas (1964). Sidney passed in 2002. 091
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 03/10/2026High spirited performer Madlyn Rhue (born today in 1935) turned heads in Operation Petticoat (1959). She had loads of supporting roles on television – with a guest part on Star Trek in 1967 (in the “Space Seed” episode – penned by Carey Wilber) likely the most notable. Rhue passed in 2003. 141
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Author & Hollywood screenwriter Aaron Latham (born on this date in 1943) learned about the subculture (featuring mechanical bulls) developing in the bars in Houston in the mid-1970s & penned the screenplay for Urban Cowboy (1980). He also wrote the screenplay for Perfect (1985). Latham died in 2022. 031
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Actor Moses Gunn – who received accolades for his work on the stage, as well as in Hollywood – was born today in 1929. For many, Gunn was the sturdy pioneer Frank Kagen on NBC’s Little House on the Prairie. Gunn also turned heads in The Great White Hope (1970) & Shaft (1971). He passed in 1993. 0303
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Actor Herb Voland (born on this date in 1918) was active on American television for three decades. Voland had a reoccurring role on M*A*S*H as General Crandell Clayton – & has guest appearances on shows like Bonanza; Green Acres; The Love Boat; & Trapper John, MD. Voland died in 1981. 071
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 01/10/2026KC & the Sunshine Band’s 4th album – Part 3 – was released on this date in 1976 on Florida-based TK Records. It yielded three monster singles: I’m Your Boogie Man (#1 pop); (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty (#1 ); & “Keep It Comin' Love” (#2) 0101
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 01/10/2026When Steely Dan ran aground in the early 1980s, Donald Fagen teamed with trusted producer Gary Katz to record his first solo album – The Nightfly. Released today in 1982 on Warner Bros, the album includes wry gems like “I.G.Y.” “The New Frontier” “The Goodbye Look” and “Walk Between Raindrops” 291
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Captains and the Kings – a sprawling 8-episode miniseries – premiered this evening in 1976 on NBC. The Irish & American immigration saga (drawn from the Taylor Caldwell novel of the same name) featured Richard Jordan (1937-1993) – as well as veteran actors Henry Fonda, John Houseman & Burl Ives. 051
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Science fiction writer Dan O’Bannon (born today in 1946) worked on John Carpenter’s famed film school project in the early 1970s – Dark Star. O’Bannon penned the screenplays for Alien (1979); Lifeforce (1985); Invaders from Mars (1986); Total Recall (1990); & Screamers (1995). O’Bannon died in 2009. 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Director Lennie Weinrib’s jaunty Beach Ball premiered today in 1965. It’s sprightly – but largely a copy of the era’s other beach party hijinks films. Yet, fans of The Supremes can enjoy the original trio (backed by a house band daringly named The Sinners). The film is a time capsule, of sorts. 052
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026The sassy sitcom Designing Women premiered on CBS this evening in 1986. Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Designing Women starred Delta Burke, Dixie Carter (1939-2010), Annie Potts, Jean Smart, & Meshach Taylor (1947-2014). The program aired for seven seasons. 182
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Stevie Wonder’s magnificent double album – Songs in the Key of Life – was released on this date in 1976 on Tamla. Wonder was at the apex of his creative output – & the lp contains superb cuts like “All Day Sucker” “Black Man” “Joy Inside My Tears” “Knocks Me Off My Feet” “Sir Duke” & “I Wish” 0102
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026“Sometimes in the mornin’ when shadows are deep; I lie here beside you just watching you sleep; And sometimes I whisper what I’m thinking of; My cup runneth over with love” Ed Ames recorded “My Cup Runneth Over” today in 1966. Released two months later, the single peaked at #8 (pop) in the U.S. 251
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Ed Sullivan (born on this date in 1901) was a remarkably influential figure in American entertainment. Many got a boost by appearing on his CBS variety show – including the Beatles. Sullivan died in 1974. Learn more about Sullivan here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9Rf...youtube.comBehind the Curtain: Ed Sullivan (1901-1974)YouTube video by Steve and Dave's 122
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Carl Ballantine – a magician & comic actor – entertained generations of Americans. Ballantine (born today in 1917) was a cast member on ABC’s McHale’s Navy in the 1960s – & had guest appearances on dozens of programs, including That Girl; The Monkees; CHiPs; Fantasy Island; & Alice. He died in 2009. 151
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026NBC’s sitcom Amen premiered this evening in 1986. Sherman Hemsley (1938-2012) & Clifton Davis were paired off against each other as religious leaders who saw faith (& the world in general) quite differently. Also featuring Anna Maria Horsford, Jester Hairston & Roz Ryan, Amen aired for 5 seasons. 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Lou Myers – a versatile musician & actor (& proud native of West Virginia) – was born today in 1935. Myers joined the trailblazing NBC series A Different World (1987-1993) in its 2nd season (as the grump with a heart of gold Vernon Gaines, owner of The Pit). Myers passed in 2013. 061
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Jazz singer & actress Julie London – born today in 1926 – has a sizeable hit in the mid-1950s with a version of Arthur Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” (#9 pop). In the 1970s, London was one of the stars of NBC’s Emergency (as E.R. nurse Dixie McCall). London died in 2000. 052
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Kenneth Tigar (born today in 1942) has made a living for decades playing world-weary & slightly off-kilter characters in Hollywood. Tigar appeared several times on ABC’s Barney Miller in the 1970s – & in the 1980s he performed on WKRP in Cincinnati; The Facts of Life; Night Court; and Cheers. 071
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Gordon Clapp (born on this date in 1948) was one of a fine ensemble of performers on ABC’s NYPD Blue. Clapp – as Greg Medavoy – helped anchor the series during its entire twelve-season run on ABC. Clapp also worked with acclaimed director John Sayles on three films, including Eight Men Out (1988). 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Hilly Krystal (born on this date in 1931) was the figure behind one of the most important (albeit tiny) music venues of the 20th century – CBGB in New York City. Krystal (1931-2007) was fascinating – as was his club in the East Village. Learn more about both here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxtN...youtube.comBehind the Curtain (13): CBGB's Hilly KristalYouTube video by Steve and Dave's 121
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026“Don’t get me wrong; If I’m looking kind of dazzled; I see neon lights; Whenever you walk by” The Pretenders’ single “Don’t Get Me Wrong” was released on this date in 1986. Written by Chrissie Hynde – & the lead single from the Get Close album – “Don’t Get Me Wrong” peaked at #10 (pop) in the U.S. 071
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Versatile actor Eugene Roche (born on this date in 1928) had small but memorable parts in films like Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) & Slaughterhouse-Five (1972). He was a guest performer on dozens of television shows – such as, Ironside; Starsky and Hutch; Airwolf; and Lou Grant. Roche passed in 2004 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Dog Day Afternoon – directed by Sidney Lumet (1924-2011) – premiered today in 1975. The story of a bank robbery & hostage situation gone off the rails is fueled by fine performances by Al Pacino & the magnificently understated John Cazale (1935-1978). Their nuanced back-and-forth is one for the ages 172
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026CBS Reports – Ku Klux Klan: The Invisible Empire aired this evening in 1965. Hosted by Charles Kuralt(1934-1997), the documentary details the contemporary violence the KKK was stirring up (in opposition to the Civil Rights movement) & how the Klan operated with relative impunity throughout the South 011
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Bonnie Erickson – a long-time associate of Jim Henson – was born on this day in 1941. Erickson joined forces with Henson in 1970 – & she made Miss Piggy (voiced & acted to perfection by Frank Oz for many years). Erickson also helped create the team mascot of all team mascots – the Phillie Phanatic. 0132
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Singer-songwriter Margo Guryan (born on this date in 1937 rubbed shoulders with many key artists & producers when signed by Atlantic in the 1950s. She penned “Sunday Mornin’” (a hit for both Spanky & Our Gang and Oliver) “Come to Me Slowly” “If I Were Eve” & “Think of Rain” Guryan passed in 2021. 064
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Life with Lucy – starring Lucille Ball (1911-1989) & Gale Gordon (1906-1995) – premiered on ABC this evening in 1986. Hopes were (reasonably) high that Ball could rekindle the magic of earlier decades, but it wasn’t to be. Life with Lucy was cancelled after just a couple of months. 112
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Director Michael Roemer’s segregation-era drama film Nothing But a Man premiered on this date in 1964. The gritty story of Black Americans pushing for freedom (but not so hard as to put themselves & their families in danger) stars Ivan Dixon, Abbey Lincoln, Julius Harris & Yaphet Kotto. 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Cass Elliot (born on this date in 1941) was one of the golden voices of the Mamas & the Papas. Elliot left the quartet in 1968. Her solo career had some setbacks but was just getting traction when she died in 1974. Learn more about Cass here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH7f...youtube.comBehind the Curtain: Cass Elliot (1941-1974)YouTube video by Steve and Dave's 092
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Mike Royko – a dyspeptic newspaper columnist long-linked to Chicago – was born on this date in 1932. Royko covered local politics in the 1950s & 1960s (which often was a full-contact sport in the Windy City during this era). His work as a columnist earned him a Pulitzer in 1972. He died in 1997. 021
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Hard-working character actor Felice Orlandi was born on this date in 1924. Orlandi was often cast as the heavy on television programs, such as I Spy; Burke’s Law; Gunsmoke; The Wild Wild West; Mission: Impossible; Hawaii Five-O; & Dallas. Orlandi passed in 2003. 022
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Leon Askin – who left Austria at the beginning of WWII & relocated to California – was born on this date in 1907. He had small roles in dozens of films & television programs, but Askin is best known for the role of General Burkhalter on Hogan’s Heroes during the 1960s. Askin died in 2005. 052
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Neil Sedaka: Steppin’ Out aired on NBC this evening in 1976. Sedaka’s improbable but undeniable mid-1970s comeback was still in high gear. Sedaka is joined by Bette Midler, David Brenner – & the Sedaka’s young children (Marc & Dara). Sedaka’s version of “The Hungry Years” is the highlight here. 054
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Head of the Class – a star vehicle for Howard Hesseman (1940-2022) – premiered on ABC this evening in 1986. Hesseman was featured as a teacher in a classroom of advanced, yet often ornery, students. Scottish comedian Billy Connolly took over the classroom during the show’s fifth & final season. 023
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Hogan’s Heroes debuted on CBS today in 1965. Just two decades removed from WWII, the series was built on a peculiar premise – a POW camp run by amusing Nazis. Nevertheless, Hogan’s Heroes was a top ten show during its debut season – & remained on CBS until the spring of 1971. 154
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The Wild Wild West premiered on CBS this evening in 1965. Part western, part science fiction (a type of nascent steampunk on network television), the series featured Robert Conrad (1935-2020) & Ross Martin (1920-1981). Remarkably, The Wild Wild West lasted four seasons, as it was ahead of its time. 163
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Director & animator Jules Bass – who partnered with writer Arthur Rankin, Jr in the mid-1950s – was born on this date in 1935. Together, Rankin & Bass crafted a signature stop-motion style of animation – with their film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) a classic example. Bass passed in 2022. 041
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 16/09/2026The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. premiered on NBC this evening in 1966. A spin-off from the network’s Man from U.N.C.L.E., the series was a debut, of sorts, for Stephanie Powers – who would gain fame a decade later on ABC’s Hart to Hart. The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. lasted but one season. 252
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Rumble Fish – author S.E. Hinton’s third novel – was first published today in 1975 by Delacorte. The hard scrabble & edgy coming-of-age story of street toughs was made into a film in 1983 by Francis Ford Coppola. The noted director gave Hinton’s gritty book something of an auteur treatment. 130
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Otis Redding’s lp Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul was released on this date in 1965 on Volt. Co-produced by Steve Cropper & Jim Stewart, the album features incredible versions of “A Change Is Gonna Come” “Shake” “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” & “You Don't Miss Your Water” 052
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Lost in Space – created by Irwin Allen (1916-1991) debuted on CBS this evening in 1965. The Swiss Family Robinson in space comedic drama was made memorable by a robot (“danger Will Robinson”) & scenery chewing Jonathan Harris (1914-2002) as Dr. Zachary Smith. Lost in Space ran for three seasons. 162
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Green Acres premiered this evening in 1965 on CBS. A spinoff of Petticoat Junction & The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres featured Eddie Albert (1906-2005) & Eva Gabor (1919-1995) as fish-out-of-water New Yorkers starting life over on a depilated farm outside of Hooterville. The show is bonkers. 230
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Kay Medford – nominated for a Tony &, later, an Oscar for the role of Rose Brice in Funny Girl –was born today in 1916. She also was a repeated guest star on television – whether on dramas (Ben Casey; Medical Center; Kojak) or comedies (That’s Life; Partridge Family; Barney Miller). She died in 1980 071
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Bob Dylan’s concert special – Hard Rain – aired this evening in 1976 on NBC. Unusually, it aired in full (without commercial breaks) – nationally sponsored by the Craig Corporation. Most of the program was a recording of a concert Dylan & his Rolling Thunder Review gave in Fort Collins, Colorado. 0102
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Barbara Bain (born today in 1931) was an action star on American television during the 1960s on the suspense-filled Mission: Impossible. A decade later, Bain was cast on Gerry Anderson & Sylvia Anderson’s Space: 1999. Also, Bain was one of the founders of SAG-AFTRA’s Story Online literacy program. 1143
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 13/09/2026The effervescent Pee-wee Herman – the beloved alter ego of actor Paul Reubens (1952-2023) – found a home on CBS today in 1986 with the debut of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. It was a trippy offering for Saturday mornings, with Chairry, the Magic Screen & a substantial number of puppets & talented actors. 0134
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Poet & gay rights advocate Minnie Bruce Pratt (born on this date in 1946) intertwined the personal & the political in much of her writing. Her collection of poems – The Sound of One Fork (1981) – searingly documented massive changes in her life & in the larger culture. She passed in 2023. 022
Steve and Dave's @steveanddaves1.bsky.social · 12/09/2026The Monkees debuted on NBC this evening in 1966. Producers Bob Rafelson & Bert Schneider launched a massive search for a cast – &, famously, decided upon Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, & Peter Tork. The show ran for two seasons – yielding 58 episodes. 091