Arizona – Time Rewind

On This Day February 26

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On This Day February 18

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Celebrity Birthdays

1898 – Race car driver and Ferrari Motor founder Enzo Ferrari (d. 1988)

1931 – Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison (“The Bluest Eye,” “Song of Solomon,” “Beloved”) (d. 2019)

1950 – Golden Globe-winning actress Cybill Shepherd (“The Last Picture Show,” “Taxi Driver,” “Moonlighting,” “Cybill”)

1954 – Golden Globe-winning actor John Travolta (“Welcome Back, Kotter,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Grease,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Get Shorty,” “Broken Arrow,” “Face/Off,” “Hairspray”)

1964 – Actor-director Matt Dillon (“Rumble Fish,” “The Outsiders,” “The Flamingo Kid,” “Drugstore Cowboy,” “In & Out,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Crash,” “You, Me and Dupree”)

1965 – Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneer Dr. Dre, born Andre Young

1968 – Actress Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Something to Live for: The Alison Gertz Story,” “The Stand”)

History Highlights

1885 – Writing under the pen name Mark Twain, author Samuel Clemens publishes “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” At the surface of Twain’s novel is the journey of a boy named Huck and his friend Jim, a runaway slave, who travel down the Mississippi River on a raft. However, at its core, the literary classic is a satirical look at racism, religion and other social attitudes of the time. It remains one of the most beloved, and most banned, books in American history.

1929 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces the winners of the first Academy Awards to the press. Emil Jannings is the first Best Actor and Janet Gaynor the first Best Actress. Three months later, a black-tie banquet honoring the winners is held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, with 270 guests paying $5 apiece to attend.

1930 – Peering through a powerful telescope at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto, formerly the ninth planet in our solar system.

1967 – J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” dies of throat cancer at the age of 62.

1970 – Five members of The Chicago Seven are found guilty of conspiring to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

1977 – The space shuttle Enterprise test vehicle is carried on its maiden “flight,” sitting on top of a Boeing 747 to determine how well the two vehicles flew together.

Musical Milestones

1956 – The Platters serve up the No. 1 single in America: “The Great Pretender.”

1956 – “Rock Around the Clock,” by Bill Haley and His Comets, becomes the first rock and roll LP to make the U.S. pop album charts.

1959 – At the Atlantic Records studio in New York, Ray Charles records “What’d I Say,” considered one of the greatest soul/R&B records ever produced. The track paves the way for Charles to break into mainstream pop music.

1967 – “Kind of a Drag,” by The Buckinghams, begins two weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100.

1982 – Cher makes her Broadway acting debut in “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.”

1995 – TLC marks its fourth and final week on top of the pop chart with “Creep.”

2006 – “Check On It,” by Beyoncé featuring Bun B and Slim Thug, is in the midst of a five-week domination of the Billboard Hot 100.

On This Day January 11

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Celebrity Birthdays

1757 – Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, credited with establishing the nation’s financial system and first political party (d. 1804)

1930 – Actor Rod Taylor (“The Time Machine,” “The Birds”) (d. 2015)

1942 – Bruce Springsteen/E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemens (d. 2011)

1946 – Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Naomi Judd of The Judds (d. 2022)

1952 – Golf legend Ben Crenshaw

1971 – Grammy-winning R&B, soul and hip-hop singer Mary J. Blige

1972 – Actress Amanda Peet (“The Whole Nine Yards,” “Saving Silverman,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “Identity,” “Syriana”)

History Highlights

1908 – Calling it “the one great sight which every American should see,” U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt declares the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona a national monument. It is designated a national park in 1919.

1935 – Three years after becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to achieve a solo flight across the Pacific from Hawaii to California.

1964 – U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry publishes a report stating that smoking may be hazardous to one’s health. It is the first such statement ever made by the federal government.

1973 – Major League Baseball’s American League adopts the Designated Hitter (DH) rule, clearing the way for another player to bat for the pitcher while allowing the pitcher to remain in the game.

1989 – After eight years as U.S. president, Ronald Reagan gives his farewell address to the American people. In his speech, President Reagan said the U.S. was “respected again in the world and looked to for leadership.”

Musical Milestones

1964 – Columbia Records’ “Ring Of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash” becomes the first country album to reach No. 1 on the U.S. album chart. The first track on Side 1 of the album is Cash’s signature “Ring of Fire.”

1969 – Marvin Gaye has the hottest song on the radio with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

1975 – Elton John’s cover of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” begins its second and final week as a No. 1 single.

1986 – Lionel Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” wraps up a four-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100.

1992 – Nirvana’s “Nevermind” claims the top spot on the Billboard album chart. That same evening, the band is the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”). It marks the first time a grunge act performs for a mainstream national television audience.

1992 – Michael Jackson is king of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Black or White,” which holds the top spot for seven weeks. It is among four top 10 singles from MJ’s “Dangerous” album.

2003 – “Lose Yourself,” by Eminem from the “8 Mile” soundtrack, is the No. 1 single.

On This Day October 26

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Celebrity Birthdays

1942 – Actor Bob Hoskins, best known for his role as Detective Eddie Valiant in the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” (d. 2014)

1945 – Actress Jaclyn Smith, best known for her role in the popular TV detective series “Charlie’s Angels”

1946 – TV host Pat Sajak (“Wheel of Fortune”)

1947 – Former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

1962 – Actor Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride,” “Glory,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Days of Thunder,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Hot Shots!” “Twister,” “Liar, Liar”)

1963 – Singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, former lead singer of the popular folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs

1967 – Grammy and Golden Globe-winning country music singer Keith Urban (“But for the Grace of God,” “Somebody Like You,” “You’ll Think of Me,” “Stupid Boy,” “For You”)

1973 – Actor-producer and “Family Guy” and “American Dad” creator Seth MacFarlane

History Highlights

1881 – The Earp brothers face off against the Clanton-McLaury gang in a legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. The gunfight only lasts 30 seconds, but when the dust clears, Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers are dead, and Virgil and Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday are wounded.

1958 – The Jet Age begins as the first Boeing 707 commercial airliner, operated by Pan Am, takes off from New York’s Idlewild Airport (now JFK) and crosses the Atlantic to Paris-Le Bourget Airport on an 8.5-hour flight.

1970 – The “Doonesbury” comic strip, created by Garry Trudeau, premieres in 28 newspapers across the U.S.

1982 – “St. Elsewhere,” a drama set at the fictional St. Eligius Hospital in Boston, captivates viewers when it premieres on NBC. Then-unknown actors Denzel Washington and Howie Mandel co-star.

1984 – Surgeons place a baboon heart into the chest of Baby Fae (Stephanie Fae Beauclair), an infant with a heart defect that normally kills newborns within their first 10 days of life. The transplant keeps Baby Fae alive for 21 days.

1984 – Director James Cameron’s career-launching sci-fi action film, “The Terminator,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, opens in theaters. The movie is produced on a $6.4 million budget and grosses more than $78 million worldwide. It supercharges Schwarzenegger’s acting career, and “I’ll be back” becomes a popular catch-phrase.

2001 – President George W. Bush signs the Patriot Act, an anti-terrorism law drawn up in response to the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Musical Milestones

1958 – Bill Haley and his Comets play the first rock and roll concert in West Berlin, Germany, where riots erupt among the 7,000 fans in attendance. The band had to flee the stage as equipment was damaged and four police officers were injured.

1965 – Queen Elizabeth II presents The Beatles with prestigious MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) medals at Buckingham Palace.

1968 – The Beatles are in the midst of a nine-week ride atop the Billboard singles chart with “Hey Jude.”

1974 – The No. 1 single is a collaboration between Dionne Warwick and The Spinners: “Then Came You.”

1985 – Whitney Houston has her first No. 1 single with “Saving All My Love For You,” which goes on to earn the late pop sensation her first Grammy Award.

1991 – Mariah Carey begins her third and final week atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Emotions.”

1999 – Singer, songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton, who penned songs for Elvis Presley, Three Dog Night, John Denver, Ringo Starr and Glen Campbell, dies of a heart attack in Victor, Montana at the age of 61.

On This Day September 4

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Celebrity Birthdays

1931 – Actress-singer-dancer Mitzi Gaynor (“My Blue Heaven,” “Anything Goes,” “South Pacific”)

1942 – Singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Merald “Bubba” Knight (Gladys Knight & the Pips)

1949 – PGA champion Tom Watson

1960 – Comedian, actor and writer Damon Wayans (“In Living Color,” “The Last Boy Scout,” “Major Payne,” “My Wife and Kids”)

1970 – Actress Ione Skye (“Say Anything,” “Four Rooms,” “Zodiac”)

1981 – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles

History Highlights

1886 – Apache leader Geronimo surrenders to U.S. federal troops in Arizona. For 30 years, the Native American warrior battled to protect his tribe’s homeland. However, by 1886 the Apaches were exhausted and outnumbered. With his surrender, Geronimo becomes the last Native American warrior to formally give in to U.S. forces, signaling the end of the Indian Wars in the Southwest.

1951 – President Harry Truman takes to the microphone for the first live coast-to-coast TV broadcast. It originates from the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Francisco.

1957 – In what becomes a landmark event in the civil rights movement, nine African American students attempt to enter Little Rock Central High School, but are blocked by National Guard troops ordered in by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus. The group is known as the Little Rock Nine.

1957 – Ford introduces the Edsel, a car named after company founder Henry Ford’s only son. The vehicle is widely considered to be one of the greatest marketing failures in automotive history.

Musical Milestones

1962 – The Beatles assemble for their first formal recording session at London’s EMI/Abbey Road Studios, recording “Love Me Do” and “How Do You Do It?” with newest band member Ringo Starr on drums.

1971 – About a year after the Fab Four break-up, one of them enjoys his first No. 1 single. It’s Paul McCartney with “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” from the “Ram” album — a collaboration with his wife, Linda.

1976 – The Bee Gees are chart-toppers with “You Should Be Dancing,” from the “Saturday Night Fever” movie soundtrack.

1976 – More than a year after entering the album chart, Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album reaches No. 1. This breakthrough work contains the hits “Rhiannon,” “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me,” and has sold more than five million copies.

1982 – “Abracadabra,” by the Steve Miller Band, appears at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

1993 – UB40 ends a seven-week run on top of the Billboard singles chart with the cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

2004 – Terror Squad begins its fourth and final week on top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Lean Back.”

2010 – “Love The Way You Lie,” by Enimen featuring Rihanna, is in the middle of six weeks as a No. 1 single.

On this Day June 23

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Celebrity Birthdays

1927 – Tony-winning director and choreographer Bob Fosse (“Cabaret”) (d. 1987)

1929 – Grammy-winning country music singer-songwriter June Carter Cash (d. 2003)

1948 – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

1956 – Grammy-winning producer and former “American Idol” judge and musician Randy Jackson

1957 – Oscar, Emmy and Tony-winning actress Frances McDormand (“Raising Arizona,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Fargo,” “Almost Famous,” “Olive Kitteridge”)

1977 – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz (“The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” “Curbside Prophet,” “You and I Both,” “I’m Yours”)

1984 – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Duffy, born Aimee Anne Duffy (“Rockferry,” “Mercy”)

History Highlights

1868 – Pennsylvania native Christopher Latham Sholes receives a patent for a page-numbering machine that leads to development of the first typewriter. His machine features the QWERTY keyboard that all of us still use today on our computers, smartphones and other devices for written communication.

1956 – Gamal Abdel Nasser is elected president of Egypt.

1969 – Warren Burger is sworn in as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by retiring chief justice Earl Warren.

1972 – President Richard Nixon’s advisor, H.R. Haldeman, tells the president to put pressure on the head of the FBI to “stay the hell out of this [Watergate burglary investigation] business.” In essence, Haldeman was telling Nixon to obstruct justice, which is one of the articles for which Congress threatened to impeach Nixon in 1974.

1989 – Moviegoers are introduced to the darker side of Batman when director Tim Burton’s interpretation opens in theaters, starring Michael Keaton as the “caped crusader” and Jack Nicholson as The Joker. “Batman” earns over $400 million at the box office—enough to impress even Bruce Wayne!

1992 – Mafia boss John Gotti, who was nicknamed the “Teflon Don” after escaping unscathed from several trials during the 1980s, is sentenced to life in prison without parole after being found guilty on 14 accounts of conspiracy to commit murder and racketeering.

1995 – American physician and medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk, who pioneered the first safe and effective vaccine for polio, dies of heart failure at the age of 80.

2013 – Aerialist Nik Wallenda becomes the first person to walk a high wire across the Little Colorado River Gorge near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

2018 – Twelve members of a Thai soccer team and their coach become trapped in a flooded cave for more than two weeks until a harrowing rescue effort, covered by international media, that costs one diver his life.

Musical Milestones

1951 – “Too Young,” by Nat King Cole, begins a five-week run as the most popular single.

1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” by Ray Charles, is in the middle of a five-week domination of the singles chart.

1973 – George Harrison kicks off five weeks on top of the Billboard album chart with “Living in the Material World,” which contains his chart-topping hit, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).”

1979 – Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” burns its way to the top of the singles chart. The song later garners Summer a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

1984 – Duran Duran kicks off two weeks at No. 1 on the singles chart with “The Reflex,” the group’s first No. 1 in the U.S.

1990 – “It Must Have Been Love,” by Roxette, is the No. 1 single.

2001 – A new interpretation of LaBelle’s 1974 smash, “Lady Marmalade,” by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa and Pink, is in the middle of five weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100. This version was recorded for the soundtrack to the movie “Moulin Rouge!,” starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

2007 – “Umbrella,” by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, is in the midst of a seven-week run at No. 1 on the pop chart.