Mr. Pop History – Let’s face it. Disney is known for – Disney. But, did you know that the Disney studios did work on at least one (outside) movie production?
That’s correct. It was the 1956 color sci-fi movie “The Forbidden Planet” where the Disney studios contributed some of the special effects. But – this was not a Disney film. Not by any means. So, just so you know – it did happen, once – back in 1956.
Mr. Pop History -
Early in her career – Ms. Monroe did a TV commercial for (Unocal) United Oil of California. In it, she tells a service station attendant – that she wants her new car, to be the best cared for car – ever.
Service station attendant – those guys who filled-it-up, wiped the windows and performed other minor, quick services.
Marilyn Monroe – then, a minor player – would soon become a star. No more commercial endorsements. I believe this was the only one she did. And, it was only seen in places such as Los Angeles.
Mr. Pop History – That is correct – as Perkins died of AIDS back in 1992. His wife, Berry Berenson, had no idea how he became infected, but later it was revealed he was gay – even had a pre-marriage liaison with music great Leonard Bernstein.
She would perish in a 9-11 plane.
If we only had the medications we had today. Back in the 1980′s and 1990′s, AIDS was certain death.
Mr. Pop History – That is correct. Unknown James Dean was breaking into the business. It was 1950 when Dean was cast – with an assembly of other teenagers – in a Pepsi-Cola commercial. “Pepsi Cola Hits The Spot” was the tagline – and Dean was paid $10 for his services.
It was Pepsi’s first TV commercial. Dean was 19 at the time.
Mr. Pop History – If you know this song, you’ll find this very interesting. Note for note, this one’s called “Baby, Baby Have You Got Cheating On Your Mind.” Cathie Taylor sings.
It was the only way to get the “guy” thing in… using the word baby. Pretty clever. And, here it is – from 1968.
“Woman Woman” began a string of 1968 and 1969 hits for the Union Gap.
Baby Baby, Have You Got Cheating On Your Mind – Cathie Taylor mrpopculturedotcom
Mr. Pop History – He may have loved mice, but detested unions. He once told the HUAC that unions were nothing more than Communist tools. His studio was the stage for many a union labor strike – sending Uncle Walt into small fits.
Mr. Pop History – “Bullwinkle” the moose was based from a Berkley, CA car dealership. The voice of Bullwinkle was that of Bill Scott, who with Jay Ward, created “Rocky and Bullwinkle.”
Mr. Pop History – It’s interesting that even Fred Mertz cut a record. At one time, it seemed the “in thing” – to get every popular actor in the recording studio. I mean, so many did it.
Back in 1958, after “I Love Lucy” morphed into “The Luci-Desi Hour” on CBS-TV, you could go to record stores and purchase, “William Frawley Sings the Old Ones” on Dot Records. This is the same label that later released albums by actors Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and Greg Morris (Barney) on “Mission: Impossible.”
Mr. Pop History – Long before “Transformers” – there was a cartoon character who could transform himself into any thing – any shape. He was Tom Terrific – Over CBS-TV. This was 1957. Tom was a boy who could assume any shape he wanted to, as he battled villains. Along with his sidekick dog – they were unique.
Tom Terrific first came to us on CBS’ “Captain Kangaroo” in living black and white and produced by Terrytoons – a company making a big splash in the newer business of made-for-television cartoons. Tom’s unique boy-like voice was given to us by Lionel Wilson. The Tom Terrific cartoon intro was catchy. Here’s a sample here: Tom Terriffic Cartoon Opening CBSTV 1957 wwwmrpopculturecom
Mr. Pop History – Some of the radio boards bring up a consistent subject – pop music on radio today has very little in the way of presentation from air talent (use to be called DJ).
That’s true. A good pop music radio personality today is measured in a totally different way. If they get the job done, they’re labeled good to great. Back when personality pop radio was king, “getting the job done” was kind of an insult. It said – you could get by. So, what are the differences between say, a 1960′s, 1970′s pop radio personality (DJ) and today’s talent?
1) Your own personality came through between the music. Your own. You weren’t reading Hollywood gossip all the time. You had you’re own take on things – at that very moment. Very spontaneous.
2) You could read a live commercial between songs – complete with music underneath – and be entertaining. And, leaving the audience wanting more. Not many today can even read a live commercial without flubbing the words.
3) You could work the format between music and commercials – be part of it all.
4) You could talk and entertain between songs. There were fewer music sweeps (songs-in-a-row) so you were as important as the music and station jingles. You were part of the presentation.
5) Then – DJ’s did “shows” – today, they do shifts.
6) Bigger than life – Pop radio DJ’s were true stars.
Here’s a great example of a personality DJ and high-profile radio station. Listen to Jack Spector of WMCA, NY back in 1965. The presentation and style is nothing less than exciting and Jack keeps everything moving forward. BTW – the crackle you hear was from area lightening storms. A typical summer afternoon in the New York area. Yes, on AM radio – you can hear approaching lightening storms!
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