10 ready-to-read segments for December 24, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1818, 208 years ago: "Silent Night" is sung for the first time. Franz Xaver Gruber's music and Joseph Mohr's words were first heard at the Nikolauskirche in Oberndorf, Austria. The carol now exists in about 300 languages. Here's Bing Crosby with “Silent Night.”
On this day in 1906, 120 years ago: Reginald Fessenden's disputed Christmas Eve radio broadcast. By his own account, he played "O Holy Night" on the violin over the air from Brant Rock. No independent record has turned up to confirm it took place.
On this day in 1988, 38 years ago: Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" reaches No. 1. The song held the top of the Hot 100 for three weeks and was the band's only US No. 1.
On this day in 1988, 38 years ago: Nirvana starts recording its debut album, Bleach. The band's first session was a five-hour one at Seattle's Reciprocal Recording with producer Jack Endino. In all, Endino charged $606.17 for thirty hours of studio time.
On this day in 1893, 133 years ago: Songwriter Harry Warren is born. He wrote more than 800 songs and won three Oscars, for "Lullaby of Broadway," "You'll Never Know" and "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe."
On this day in 1918, 108 years ago: New Orleans bandleader Dave Bartholomew is born. He co-wrote Fats Domino hits such as "Ain't That a Shame" and "Blue Monday," and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
On this day in 1945, 81 years ago: Motörhead founder Lemmy is born. After four years in Hawkwind, he led Motörhead as singer, bassist and chief songwriter and was its only constant member from 1975 until his death.
On this day in 1971, 55 years ago: Ricky Martin is born in San Juan. He joined Menudo at 12. His "Livin' la Vida Loca" later spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, his first chart-topper there.
On this day in 1975, 51 years ago: Film composer Bernard Herrmann dies at 64. His film scores include Citizen Kane, Vertigo, Psycho and Taxi Driver. His Oscar came for The Devil and Daniel Webster.
On this day in 2016, 10 years ago: Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt dies at 68. He joined Status Quo in 1967. The band scored in the 1970s with "Rockin' All Over the World" and opened Live Aid in 1985.
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