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 Ron N – Mr. Pop, Someone told me there was a TV show – a sort of comedy about venereal disease. Was this on cable?
Mr. Pop History – No, but it was back in 1972, when VD was all the rage (everyone talked about it). The PBS show was called “VD Blues” with host Dick Cavett. According to the log-line, “VD is now reaching epidemic proportions throughout America.” “VD isn’t funny. Catch VD Clues before it catches you.”
From Rae S – What albums by pop artists took the longest to reach #1?
Mr. Pop History – The New Kids album “Hangin’ Tough” took 55 weeks to reach the national #1 album charts back in 1989. But I’d say the longest was Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album. It took 58 weeks and hit #1 in September of 1976.
Other long runs to #1 included “Whitney Houston,” and “Appetite” from Guns ‘N Roses, as both took 50 weeks to hit the top spot.
From Joseph O – Looking at their hit records a supergroup of the 1970’s, and I mean supergroup, had a problem with time/keeping a clock. Who was the group?
Mr. Pop History – You gave it away when you said hits. Has to be Chicago, with hits such as “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is” and “25 or 6 to 4.”
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.
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.
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.
From Jonie Y – Mr. Pop – Do you know how much music – the maximum music that could be played from a 45rpm record? A 33rpm record?
Mr. Pop History – For each side – 8 minutes was the max for 45rpm singles. A 33 long-play record – 22 minutes. Remember – that’s each side.
What Was Elton John’s First Number One Album?
Mr. Pop History – It was “Honky Chateau” – the first of seven #1 albums for John between 1972 and 1975. Others include “Don’t Shoot Me…” “Captain Fantastic…” and “Caribou.”
From Imelda H – Mr. Pop – With the Dow at about 9,000 points, my question is – when did it first hit 1,000? Love your web page.
Mr. Pop History – Thank you. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 1,000 for the first time back in November 14, 1972. It closed above 2000 on January 8, 1987. 3000 you ask? April 17, 1991. More? 4000 on February 23, 1995 and on November 20, 1995 – the 5,000 mark. Up and up as the Dow closed above 6000 for the first time on October 14, 1996.
Mr. Pop Culture Report
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