Chappaquiddick tragedy...
There was no bigger story in 1969 than the tragic drowning of Mary Jo Kopechne. Mary Jo, 28, was the former Ted Kennedy campaign worker who lost her life when a car driven by the Massachusetts Senator plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, near Martha's Vineyard...
Just hours after the tragedy Ted Kennedy went before TV cameras, live, to tell us, in detail of the tragic events. I can remember staring in disbelief as the story unfolded of the car careening out of control off the bridge and of Kennedy's attempt to save Mary Jo's life. The senator had a neck brace on, the result of an injury suffered in his attempt to rescue Mary Jo...
A TV poll was taken in Boston and results were overwhelmingly in favor of Ted Kennedy's version of the tragedy. Whether you believed Ted's story or not, a young life was lost forever on this date, July 18,1969...
More July 18 Memories...
1960) Hank Ballard & The Midnighters release the original version of "The Twist"...
1960) "It's Now Or Never" by Elvis Presley is released...
1964) The Beatles release the LP, "A Hard Days Night"...
1969) Tragedy at Chappaquiddick (lead story)...
1969) Joe Namath agrees to sell his interest in Bachelor's 3, to stay in NFL...
1977) #1 song: "Looks Like We Made It" by Barry Manilow...
1980) Billy Joel's "Glass Houses" tops LP charts...
1985) Jack Nicklaus II, 23, makes his pro debut...
1987) Yankee Don Mattingly ties record for home runs in 8 straight games...
1992) Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown marry...
1994) Crayola introduces scented crayons...
1999) Yankee David Cone pitches a perfect game...
2003) Kobe Bryant is charged with sexual assault...
2003) Barry White sings last note...
Happy Birthday to...
1913) Former MLB player's attorney, Marvin Miller...
1918) Nelson Mandela...
1921) John Glenn...
1929) Dick Button...
1939) Dion DiMucci...
1940) Joe Torre...
1940) James Brolin...
1941) Lonnie ("Memphis") Mack...
1941) Martha Reeves...
1961) Elizabeth McGovern...
1967) Vin Diesel...
Commentary...
Congratulations to Joe McCoy who made his debut as co-host of a new sports show on WFAN last night. Joe, paired with Rich Marazzi on the two-hour show that combined baseball's past and present. The show was informative without being overwhelmingly nostalgic and maintained a contemporary feel with phone participation about the present. Here's to a long run for a radio pro I've had the pleasure of knowing for over 30 years. Well done, Joe...
On a rather somber note, the legendary former New York Post columnist who befriended both Bob Dylan, the Beatles and a world of record company friends, Al Aronowitz is fighting for his life at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Al is a fighter and if anyone can pull through this fight, I know Al can. Al and son Joel told me that you can leave messages at Al's home (908.289.8776) or by sending an e-mail to: blacklistedjournalist@yahoo.com. Al will receive every phone call and e-mail message. Al would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as we all would...
