Mr. Pop History – It’s still here and still relevant and still delivers the largest TV audiences for advertisers. Its biggest threat now – is the Internet. But that’s another thought.
Here’s a quote from 1984. It’s from Michael Mann, then executive producer of “Miami Vice.”
“If network TV doesn’t move into the ’80’s and become more relevant, they’re going to find all their viewers switching to cable before they know what hit them.”
From Alan H – Mr. Pop – Who came out with the first “replay” recorder for TV and when was it first used?
Mr. Pop History – Instant replay for sports began during the early 1960’s with conventional “quad” video tape recorders – but the process was cumbersome.
Seeing the problem, VTR maker Ampex came to the rescue in 1967 – with a dedicated replay device and that machine was first used by ABC Sports during the U.S. skiing championships.
These were not tape machines. Instead, they used a disc (analog) – a huge advantage when you want to call-up a replay. No rewinding. They came complete with variable speed/reverse plus stop motion. By 1971, some 100 Ampex color instant replay machines were in use by networks and larger TV stations.
From Dan R – When did we know that Bluetooth was going to be big?
Mr. Pop History – Bluetooth took-off in the year 2000 when a group of hi-tech companies agreed to use the wireless technology – nearly 1,600 in all. And, that’s when it came to market.
From Craig V – Mr. Pop – I heard before JFK was assassinated, a rather odd home movie was made by him – showing his death.
Mr. Pop Culture – Such a movie was made on that Labor Day weekend in 1963. According to the book, “A Hero for Our Time” by Ralph Martin – the movie shows Kennedy leaving his Honey Fitz yacht and suddenly – clutches his chest then falls to the ground. Several people including his wife Jackie, are shown walking past his body like nothing happened.
Sounds more like a Frank Zappa music video.
No such film is in the archives at the JFK library – and – it is indeed a mystery.
From Jimmy H – Mariah Carey was a true superstar during the 1990’s, but hit rock bottom shortly thereafter. When?
Mr. Pop History – Due to her bizarre public behavior and sinking album sales, I’d say it was when Virgin Records dropped her. This was in 2002. She had a little comeback in 2005 with “The Emancipation of Mimi” and today – she’s there – but not really a shining star.
From Jeneene S – Mr. Pop. Was looking at Nancy Sinatra’s greatest hits and noticed contributions by Lee Hazelwood as a producer and songwriter with Nancy on certain songs. Was that her father’s idea?
Mr. Pop History – No. Lee Hazelwood was a producer, songwriter and part-time singer, although not the best. Someone once told me he sounded like – well, what John Wayne would sounded like if he sang a song. I thought that was funny.
He was brought to Frank Sinatra’s “Reprise” label to produce Dino, Desi & Billy, then he began working with label mate Nancy Sinatra. He wrote her biggest hit, “These Boots Are Made For Walking” and continued to write and produce her songs – and even sang with her on several minor hits.
He also produced the #1 hit “Something Stupid” with Nancy and her father.
He once said of the line, “One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you” – that it came from a western movie.
From Michelle F – The duo “Wham!” with George Michael – when did they change their name to “Wham U.K?”
Mr. Pop History – It was around this time of the year (July/August) – in 1983. There was a legal hassle with a stateside (U.S.) group with the same name, even though – they really did nothing on the charts.
From Tim P – Who was the first well-known movie director to have a go at a music video?
Mr. Pop History – The year was 1983 when movie producer Bob Rafelson (The Postman Always Rings Twice & Five Easy Pieces) did the new Lionel Richie video for “All Night Long.” Right around that time, Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist) directed a Billy Idol video.
From James A – Before ABC’s 20/20, they had tried another news magazine-type show. What was it?
Mr. Pop History – NBC and ABC envied the ratings and financial success of CBS’ 60 Minutes. It took ABC a while. One was something called “Seven Days” – a sort of week-in-review program. The problem – you couldn’t rerun it – and the ratings weren’t that good.
Over at NBC? Some 10 magazine shows came and went before they hit the right formula and timing. More in another Q&A.
From CR – Ben Stiller question: wasn’t he discovered by way of comic clubs?
Mr. Pop History – Ben Stiller auditioned and won a spot on MTV. From there, he was spotted by Fox, which aired his short-lived – “The Ben Stiller Show” in 1992. Not a big ratings-grabber, it took two years to develop and showed off Stiller’s inventiveness. From there – he went into movies.
Fox-TV was a great launching pad for talented comedians such as Stiller and Jim Carey.
Mr. Pop Culture Report
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