10 ready-to-read segments for October 19, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1985, 41 years ago: a-ha's "Take On Me" reaches No. 1 in America. The song flopped twice in the UK before a third release clicked. Its pencil-sketch video took about 3,000 hand-rotoscoped frames. Here's a-ha with “Take On Me.”
On this day in 1955, 71 years ago: Broadcasters approve the first Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU General Assembly approved the idea in Rome. Seven countries entered the first contest, and Switzerland's Lys Assia won with "Refrain".
On this day in 1973, 53 years ago: David Bowie releases Pin Ups. Bowie covered 1960s songs by bands he had watched at the Marquee as a teenager, and posed with Twiggy for the cover.
On this day in 1979, 47 years ago: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release Damn the Torpedoes. Petty fought a label sale by declaring bankruptcy. The album then sat at No. 2 for seven weeks behind The Wall, and Petty said he hated Pink Floyd that year.
On this day in 1993, 33 years ago: Pearl Jam release Vs. in the US. It sold about 950,000 copies in five days, a SoundScan first-week record that lasted five years.
On this day in 1913, 113 years ago: Vinicius de Moraes born in Rio de Janeiro. The poet co-wrote "The Girl from Ipanema" with Antônio Carlos Jobim.
On this day in 1944, 82 years ago: Peter Tosh born in Westmoreland, Jamaica. Born Winston McIntosh, he was a core Wailer with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. His solo "Legalize It" became an anthem worldwide.
On this day in 1960, 66 years ago: Jennifer Holliday born in Houston, Texas. Playing Effie in Dreamgirls, she won a Tony, and a Grammy for "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", both in 1982.
On this day in 1987, 39 years ago: Cellist Jacqueline du Pré dies at 42. She recorded the Elgar Cello Concerto at 20, and it became the benchmark. Multiple sclerosis ended her career by 1973.
On this day in 1988, 38 years ago: Delta blues legend Son House dies in Detroit. He shaped both Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, then quit music. In 1964 fans found him in Rochester, New York, and brought him back.
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