11 ready-to-read segments for December 15, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1944, 82 years ago: Glenn Miller vanishes over the English Channel. The bandleader took off from England for Paris to prepare for his orchestra's move to France, and his plane never arrived. Hits like "In the Mood" outlived him. Here's Glenn Miller with “In the Mood.”
On this day in 1969, 57 years ago: John Lennon's all-star Peace for Christmas show. At London's Lyceum Ballroom, a UNICEF benefit brought Lennon onstage with George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon. Their "Cold Turkey" later came out on a live album.
On this day in 1973, 53 years ago: Charlie Rich's "The Most Beautiful Girl" hits No. 1. Charlie Rich took the Carpenters' place at the top of the Hot 100 and stayed two weeks, until Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle" arrived.
On this day in 1992, 34 years ago: Dr. Dre releases The Chronic. Released on Death Row, Dre's album made the G-funk sound popular and introduced a young Snoop Doggy Dogg. Its single "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" reached No. 2.
On this day in 2001, 25 years ago: Usher's "U Got It Bad" goes to No. 1. The 8701 single, written with Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, lost the top spot to Nickelback after one week, then returned in January 2002 for five more weeks at No. 1.
On this day in 1891, 135 years ago: A. P. Carter of the Carter Family is born. A founding member of the Carter Family, one of country music's most popular acts ever. Their recordings in Bristol, Tennessee, soon became popular across the country.
On this day in 1910, 116 years ago: Talent scout John Hammond is born. He set up Billie Holiday's first recordings, brought Count Basie to New York, discovered Aretha Franklin, and signed Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen to Columbia.
On this day in 1921, 105 years ago: DJ Alan Freed is born. Broadcasting from Cleveland, he helped spread the phrase "rock and roll" on mainstream radio, and his 1952 Moondog Coronation Ball is seen as the first big rock and roll concert.
On this day in 1955, 71 years ago: The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon is born. He is the man smashing a bass on the London Calling cover, a photo taken at a 1979 New York show. He also wrote "The Guns of Brixton."
On this day in 1943, 83 years ago: Fats Waller dies at 39 on a train. The pianist caught pneumonia and died aboard the Santa Fe Chief at Kansas City's Union Station. "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose" are both in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
On this day in 2024, 2 years ago: Tabla master Zakir Hussain dies at 73. The eldest son of tabla great Alla Rakha and a founder member of Shakti, he won three Grammys in a single night in 2024, adding to earlier wins in 1992 and 2009.
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