From Asheene K – Our local “Eyewitness News” in Los Angeles features “Dancing With The Stars” updates on its morning and evening newscasts. As a story. All the time. Everyday. Why?
Mr. Pop History – Who knows? It’s not news, but a concise plug for the show. Why this show? I have no idea, but someone, somewhere wants it on the news. Makes you wonder and it must tick-off the producers of other ABC-TV shows. This one is getting quite a ride – and in the news, no less.
Deanna R – Mr. Pop – It’s been established that the 1980′s pop band, Duran Duran – was a success largely, because of MTV. Anything to add?
Mr. Pop History – Let’s face it – the music had to be good too! And it was. But, early Duran videos such as “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Save A Prayer” used exotic locations and better production techniques – better then most music videos of the day. That created buzz.
Hope that helps.
From Anne C – Mr. Pop – Ricky Nelson set a big trend of singing songs on his TV show to sell records. Came you name others right around that time – the late 1950′s?
Mr. Pop History – Yes – either directly or indirectly – TV producers began realizing the power of their stars and the synergy of cutting a record, particularly shows aimed at younger audiences – the record-buying crowd.
Warner Brothers tried so hard with the likes of Ed “Kookie” Byrnes and Connie Stevens and others. Some had hits – others bombed such as Bob (Robert) Conrad. To be fair – these WB records were not sung on their respective TV shows – unlike Ricky Nelson. But some did…
Let’s face it – acting and singing are two different things – and the audience has to accept both. Sometimes – it just didn’t work. After Ricky Nelson – Dwayne Hickman of “Dobie Gillis” actually sang something called “I’m A Lover, Not A Fighter” on his comedy show. The episode aired September 27, 1960 and the single was released the following week (on Capitol) – but went no where.
From Erica H – Mr. Pop – When SoundScan took over as the official album-seller counter, who was champ?
Mr. Pop History – Well, SoundScan’s first full year charting album sales was 1991 – so let’s go back to that year, which saw Garth Brooks’ “Ropin’ the Wind” at 4 million album sales for 1991. Even though it was released September of that year – and that album sold millions more in 1992 – it’s really the first SoundScan year-end champ.
From Brad J. – Specifically, where did Adam Carolla come from?
Mr. Pop History – Carolla, a part-time boxing instructor and former construction worker – made a name for himself for his comedic portrayal of a character named Mr. Birchum on the KROQ (LA) radio morning show – back during the early 1990′s.
His big break came when Dr. Drew Pinsky recommended him to co-host the MTV version of KROQ’s “Loveline” in the late 1990′s.
From Rene C – Mr. Pop – Which Rapper had the most violent life – during his or her celebrity?
Mr. Pop History – There’s no doubt – it was Tupac Shakur. Starting from May of 1992, he had been arrested at least six times before he was gunned down in 1995.
And many forget – he was also shot five times – and lived to tell that tale – back in November, 30 1994.
From Tad J – Mr. Pop – What animal – a well-known animal, is known to have never died of old age? Quiz.
Mr. Pop History – I know of two – Crocodiles and Alligators. They die of disease and such – but there is no documentation of them dying of old age. In fact, these creatures are as alive and vital at age 7 as they are at age 70. Pretty amazing.
From Gabe T – I remember one of the cable channels doing a warped take of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Only saw it once and it made reference to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Mr. Pop History – Good memory as Comedy Central did such a spoof back in 1996. In it,James Stewart’s George Bailey gets jealous of Arnold and wants to make an action move instead of telling his holiday tale.
From Tara J. – I remember back when I was in grade school, hearing about Slash’s ouster from Guns ‘N Roses – but can’t remember the year and the circumstances. Thanks.
Mr. Pop History – The year was 1995 when Slash and Axel Rose just had it with each other. The remaining members continued (of course) while searching for a new guitarist and Slash began his own band around 1996.
Mr. Pop Culture Report
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