Monthly Archives: June 2010

Pop Culture History At Its Best. Here’s A Larry King Question And Answer.

June 30, 2010

From Diane G – With Larry King announcing his retirement: he never seemed to have a bad guest. My question: who was his worst ever? Has he ever mentioned it?

Mr. Pop History – Larry King once said his absolute low-point came back in the 1970’s, with his overnight national radio show. The guest was actor Demond Wilson, who many remember as the son in “Sanford and Son.” According to Larry King – during that live interview – Wilson answered questions with either a yes or no. He refused to elaborate when King wanted to know. At one point, Wilson blurted out – “When Am I Going To Get Paid?” And lastly, he refused to take telephone calls. It must have been a nightmare for King.

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Our Weeks Are Now Your Weeks. Grab One, Comment, Add A Photo Of Your Own And/Or Video – Then Link Or E-Mail To Someone Special.

June 29, 2010

From Steve N – Mr. Pop – Wasn’t Ed Sullivan resurrected to host a 1990′s special?

Mr. Pop History – A sort of “tales from the crypt” – Sullivan was indeed placed in such a role. Although he was long dead, UPN-TV featured Sullivan “hosting” a prime time special in May of 1998. Through computer technology – his likeness introduced new acts on something called “The New Ed Sullivan Show.”

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Pop Culture History – Week-By-Week. Six Decades. Video below supports today’s Q&A.

June 28, 2010

From Marty U – Mr. Pop… I’ve always wondered what the first week’s ratings were for “Saturday Night Live” – way back in 1975. Do you have any information?

Mr. Pop History – The show debuted with a 6.7 rating and a 23 rating. Back then, a point equaled 1.5 million viewers. The numbers I’m told, climbed through the 1970′s. The 1978 season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” received a 12.5 rating and 37 share. 1979 premiere – even better – a 16 rating.

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What Was A Major Music Trend During The Decade Of The 2000′s? More Pop Culture History. Paul McCartney Video Below.

June 26, 2010

From Lucia L – Mr. Pop – Other than Rap, Hip-Hop and genre/types of music – what would you say were the more important music trends during last decade?

Mr. Pop History – The first one was the way music was sold – as the model shifted from music stores to the Internet and the likes of iTunes.

Another interesting trend – record labels losing their grip on artists – a sort of defiance by artists. For instance – remember when Paul McCartney left Capitol for Starbucks? The Eagles did a partnership with Wal-Mart? And there were many others.

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Week-By-Week Pop Culture History. Danny Sugarman Mr. Pop Video Below.

June 25, 2010

From Raymond L – Mr. Pop, can you give me an instance in pop history – where a music artist fan or a groupie – turned out to be important for that artist?

Mr. Pop History - The one that comes to mind immediately is the late Danny Sugarman – who – as it turned out, kept the legacy of the Doors alive well after they had gone their separate ways.

He was the classic groupie pesk. They’d tell him to leave and he’d come back. They eventually put him on payroll and he answered fan mail. Leader Jim Morrison took a liking to him and introduced him literature and drugs.  Later, Sugarman became the publicist and manager for Ray Manzarek and eventually, become caretaker of the Door’s Legacy. He coauthored the 1980 Jim Morrison bio – “No One Here gets Out Alive” and consulted on Oliver Stone’s “The Doors.” He also got Elektra Records to release “The Doors Greatest Hits” among other feats.

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The Largest News And Pop, Week-By-Week Source

June 24, 2010

From Craig Z – McDonald’s once introduced and alternative to the Big Mac, a diet hamburger if you will. What was the name of it?

Mr. Pop History – It was the “McLean” sandwich – a diet alternative to the Big Mac. This would have been around 1990. A 1991 ad for the “Deluxe” McLean said it was 91% fat free. This was a time when fast food restaurants began offering diet alternatives.

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This Week In Pop Culture History And Much More.

June 23, 2010

From Frank B – ABC had a show that ripped off Fox’ “Cops.” What was the name of this show?

Mr. Pop History – It was 1991′s “American Detective.” It was a broader interpretation of Cops, I suppose, as it focused on jobs, actions and private existences of the men and women who protect the public.

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Pop Culture History – Week-By-Week

June 22, 2010

From Tosha K – Hello Mr. Pop. I’m writing a summer class essay on music. It seems different genres of music are tied to a particular city. Cleveland for rock: various Southern cities for Soul. Can you please tell me – is there one for Rap?

Mr. Pop History – There’s no doubt, Atlanta Georgia. It’s an epicenter for young Hip-Hop/Rap artists and has an area almost dedicated to Hip-Hop/Rap outlets. Lots of Rap and many recording deals have been made in Atlanta.

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Start Your Own Week-By-Diary…. With Our Pop Culture History Weeks.

June 21, 2010

From Steve J – Mr. Pop – TV movies have or are written for 7 acts. Theater movies are written for only three acts. Why?

Mr. Pop History – TV is that way in order to accommodate commercials and station breaks.
And, TV movies on commercial networks are exactly 96 minutes. And remember – each act has to have its sort-of cliffhanger – especially the top-of-the-hour. Now – movies on HBO and other pay nets – they’re written as three acts. The second act is always the hardest to write.

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The Largest Week-By-Week Pop Culture History Destination.

June 19, 2010

From Sandra S – When iTunes first came online, who many songs did they offer?

Mr. Pop History – Steve Jobs announced that his new iTunes would feature some 200,000 songs, a far cry from the millions offered today. Interestingly, iTunes was positioned against all the unauthorized file sharing nets of the day. Jobs said pirated versions of songs were no match for clean downloads for 99cents. Boy was he right. The year was 2003.

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