10 ready-to-read segments for December 19, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1980, 46 years ago: 9 to 5 opens, with Dolly Parton in her first film role. Her theme song topped both the Hot 100 and the country chart, was nominated for an Oscar and won her two Grammys. Here's Dolly Parton with “9 to 5.”
On this day in 1964, 62 years ago: The Supremes' "Come See About Me" hits No. 1. It replaced Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely" atop the Hot 100, then handed the spot to the Beatles' "I Feel Fine" a week later.
On this day in 1997, 29 years ago: Titanic opens in US theaters. James Horner quietly wrote the closing theme, "My Heart Will Go On", with Will Jennings. The soundtrack was the top-selling album of 1998, with more than 27 million copies sold.
On this day in 2020, 6 years ago: Mariah's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" returns to No. 1. The holiday song climbed back to the top of the Hot 100, landing between 24kGoldn's "Mood" and Taylor Swift's "Willow".
On this day in 1915, 111 years ago: French singer Édith Piaf is born in Paris. "La Vie en rose" became the song most tied to her name, and "Non, je ne regrette rien" followed in 1960.
On this day in 1918, 108 years ago: New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair is born. His New Orleans blues piano drew on rumba, mambo and calypso, heard on songs like "Tipitina" and "Go to the Mardi Gras". He is seen as a major influence on Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr. John.
On this day in 1940, 86 years ago: Folk singer-songwriter Phil Ochs is born. His songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "There but for Fortune" and "Draft Dodger Rag".
On this day in 1941, 85 years ago: Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White is born. He started the band and led it as main songwriter and producer. Across his career he earned 22 Grammy nominations and won seven.
On this day in 1993, 33 years ago: Byrds drummer Michael Clarke dies at 47. He drummed for the Byrds from 1964 to 1968, then joined the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1969, after their first album was made. He died of liver failure.
On this day in 2000, 26 years ago: Pops Staples of the Staple Singers dies at 85. He and his wife Oceola started the family gospel group with their children in 1948. They reached No. 1 in 1972 with "I'll Take You There", and he won a Grammy in 1995 for Father, Father.
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