Steve and Dave's
@steveanddaves1.bsky.social
Steve Foulke & Dave Zook, American academics & friends for four decades, post daily about numerous American pop culture matters from the 60s, 70s & 80s, focusing on film & television, rock & pop music & electoral politics from these decades.
Boz Scaggs’ seventh studio lp – the jaw-dropping Silk Degrees – was released today in 1976 on Columbia. Produced by Joe Wissert, it yielded four singles (“It’s Over” “Lido Shuffle” “Lowdown” & “What Can I Say”) & many fine deep tracks, like “Jump Street” “We’re All Alone” “Harbor Lights” & “Georgia”
February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Boz Scaggs’ seventh studio lp – the jaw-dropping Silk Degrees – was released today in 1976 on Columbia. Produced by Joe Wissert, it yielded four singles (“It’s Over” “Lido Shuffle” “Lowdown” & “What Can I Say”) & many fine deep tracks, like “Jump Street” “We’re All Alone” “Harbor Lights” & “Georgia”
Lives in the Balance – one of Jackson Browne’s most stridently political lps – was released on this date in 1986 on Asylum. Songs like, “For America” “Soldier of Plenty” “Lawless Avenues” “Till I Go Down” & the title track unleash sharp-edged commentary on many of Ronald Reagan’s policy priorities.
February 18, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Lives in the Balance – one of Jackson Browne’s most stridently political lps – was released on this date in 1986 on Asylum. Songs like, “For America” “Soldier of Plenty” “Lawless Avenues” “Till I Go Down” & the title track unleash sharp-edged commentary on many of Ronald Reagan’s policy priorities.
The Eagles recorded several monumental albums, but none were more popular than Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – released on this date in 1976 on Asylum. This Eagles’ album is generally regarded as the biggest selling lp of all time – with Michael Jackson’s Thriller a close second.
February 17, 2026 at 12:16 PM
The Eagles recorded several monumental albums, but none were more popular than Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – released on this date in 1976 on Asylum. This Eagles’ album is generally regarded as the biggest selling lp of all time – with Michael Jackson’s Thriller a close second.
Percy Sledge (1940-2015) recorded the vocal track to “When a Man Loves a Woman” today in 1966 at Quin Ivy’s Norala Studios in Sheffield, Alabama. Written by Calvin Lewis & Andrew Wright, the record would top both the American pop and R&B charts later this year. A career defining song for Sledge.
February 17, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Percy Sledge (1940-2015) recorded the vocal track to “When a Man Loves a Woman” today in 1966 at Quin Ivy’s Norala Studios in Sheffield, Alabama. Written by Calvin Lewis & Andrew Wright, the record would top both the American pop and R&B charts later this year. A career defining song for Sledge.
Stephen Gaskin (born today in 1935) has a storied place in the American counterculture, as he co-founded The Farm in Lewis County, Tennessee in 1970. He was a key leader in ensuring The Farm became a center for alternative thought, diet & medical practices (including midwifery). Gaskin died in 2014.
February 16, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Stephen Gaskin (born today in 1935) has a storied place in the American counterculture, as he co-founded The Farm in Lewis County, Tennessee in 1970. He was a key leader in ensuring The Farm became a center for alternative thought, diet & medical practices (including midwifery). Gaskin died in 2014.
The mild-mannered George F. Kennan (born on this date in 1904) influenced American history in the late 20th century like few others. Kennan is credited with creating the “containment” doctrine at the dawn of the Cold War, which led to wars & havoc across the globe. Kennan passed in 2005.
February 16, 2026 at 12:29 PM
The mild-mannered George F. Kennan (born on this date in 1904) influenced American history in the late 20th century like few others. Kennan is credited with creating the “containment” doctrine at the dawn of the Cold War, which led to wars & havoc across the globe. Kennan passed in 2005.
Actor Harvey Korman (born today in 1927 in Chicago) was a key supporting player on The Carol Burnett Show (where he often was incapacitated by Tim Conway’s antics). Korman also appeared in three films by Mel Brooks: Blazing Saddles; High Anxiety; & History of the World, Part 1. Korman died in 2008.
February 15, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Actor Harvey Korman (born today in 1927 in Chicago) was a key supporting player on The Carol Burnett Show (where he often was incapacitated by Tim Conway’s antics). Korman also appeared in three films by Mel Brooks: Blazing Saddles; High Anxiety; & History of the World, Part 1. Korman died in 2008.
Composer Harold Arlen (born on this date in 1905) co-wrote dozens of memorable songs, including: “Blues in the Night” “Come Rain or Come Shine” “Get Happy” “If You Believed in Me [It’s Only a Paper Moon]” “Stormy Weather” & “Over the Rainbow” Arlen passed in 1986.
February 15, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Composer Harold Arlen (born on this date in 1905) co-wrote dozens of memorable songs, including: “Blues in the Night” “Come Rain or Come Shine” “Get Happy” “If You Believed in Me [It’s Only a Paper Moon]” “Stormy Weather” & “Over the Rainbow” Arlen passed in 1986.
Neil Young’s outstanding lp Harvest was released today in 1972 on Reprise. Recorded the previous year, “The Needle and the Damage Done” “Old Man” “Heart of Gold” “Out on the Weekend” “There’s a World” “Harvest” & “Words (Between the Lines of Age)” are all Young at his finest.
February 15, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Neil Young’s outstanding lp Harvest was released today in 1972 on Reprise. Recorded the previous year, “The Needle and the Damage Done” “Old Man” “Heart of Gold” “Out on the Weekend” “There’s a World” “Harvest” & “Words (Between the Lines of Age)” are all Young at his finest.
Poor Devil (featuring Sammy Davis Jr.) aired tonight in 1973 on NBC. Directed by Robert Scheerer, this tv-movie (a failed comedy pilot) about an aspiring satanic figure searching for new souls has plenty of star power apart from the Candy Man – including Christopher Lee, Jack Klugman & Adam West.
February 15, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Poor Devil (featuring Sammy Davis Jr.) aired tonight in 1973 on NBC. Directed by Robert Scheerer, this tv-movie (a failed comedy pilot) about an aspiring satanic figure searching for new souls has plenty of star power apart from the Candy Man – including Christopher Lee, Jack Klugman & Adam West.
Jack Benny – one of the most influential comedians of all-time – was born today in 1894. He was successful in vaudeville, radio, television – even in movies (one of his long-running gags). His self-deprecating, unhurried style influenced many – from Johnny Carson to Steve Martin. Benny died in 1974.
February 15, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Jack Benny – one of the most influential comedians of all-time – was born today in 1894. He was successful in vaudeville, radio, television – even in movies (one of his long-running gags). His self-deprecating, unhurried style influenced many – from Johnny Carson to Steve Martin. Benny died in 1974.
The specter of fascism in Berlin in the early 1930s creates a rich atmosphere for the vibrant film Cabaret – which premiered on this date in 1972. Alongside the electric Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey’s performance is career-defining. Cabaret also marked a directorial comeback (of sorts) for Bob Fosse.
February 13, 2026 at 12:09 PM
The specter of fascism in Berlin in the early 1930s creates a rich atmosphere for the vibrant film Cabaret – which premiered on this date in 1972. Alongside the electric Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey’s performance is career-defining. Cabaret also marked a directorial comeback (of sorts) for Bob Fosse.
A Trick of the Tail – Genesis’ seventh studio lp – was released on this date in 1976. The band was adjusting to Peter Gabriel’s recent departure (with Phil Collins now also shouldering lead vocals). “Squonk” & “Ripples…” (both penned by Tony Banks & Mike Rutherford) are key tracks.
February 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM
A Trick of the Tail – Genesis’ seventh studio lp – was released on this date in 1976. The band was adjusting to Peter Gabriel’s recent departure (with Phil Collins now also shouldering lead vocals). “Squonk” & “Ripples…” (both penned by Tony Banks & Mike Rutherford) are key tracks.
The Morning After (starring Dick Van Dyke) aired this evening in 1974 on ABC. This made-for-television movie startled Americans with its frank depiction of an alcoholic’s downward spiral. Informed by his own well-publicized struggles with alcoholism, Van Dyke delivers a jarring performance.
February 13, 2026 at 11:56 AM
The Morning After (starring Dick Van Dyke) aired this evening in 1974 on ABC. This made-for-television movie startled Americans with its frank depiction of an alcoholic’s downward spiral. Informed by his own well-publicized struggles with alcoholism, Van Dyke delivers a jarring performance.
Director John Frankenheimer’s classic Cold War thriller Seven Days in May premiered today in 1964. Burt Lancaster was rarely more convincing than he was here as an overzealous Air Force general looking to hatch a coup. The edgy screenplay was penned by the legendary Rod Serling.
February 12, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Director John Frankenheimer’s classic Cold War thriller Seven Days in May premiered today in 1964. Burt Lancaster was rarely more convincing than he was here as an overzealous Air Force general looking to hatch a coup. The edgy screenplay was penned by the legendary Rod Serling.
Studs Terkel’s ground-breaking oral history – Working – was published today in 1974 by Pantheon. Terkel’s interview technique enabled interviewees to share the deepest details of their careers & identities. Terkel (1912-2008) had a special touch with the down & out, as they held back very little.
February 12, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Studs Terkel’s ground-breaking oral history – Working – was published today in 1974 by Pantheon. Terkel’s interview technique enabled interviewees to share the deepest details of their careers & identities. Terkel (1912-2008) had a special touch with the down & out, as they held back very little.
The Carpenters’ version of “There’s a Kind of Hush” was released on this date in 1976 on A&M. Written by Geoff Stephens & Les Reed, the song had been a massive hit for Herman’s Hermits a decade earlier. For Karen & Richard Carpenter, the single peaked at #12 on the American pop charts.
February 12, 2026 at 6:50 PM
The Carpenters’ version of “There’s a Kind of Hush” was released on this date in 1976 on A&M. Written by Geoff Stephens & Les Reed, the song had been a massive hit for Herman’s Hermits a decade earlier. For Karen & Richard Carpenter, the single peaked at #12 on the American pop charts.
Eva Gabor (born today in 1919 in Budapest) first carved out a career in Hollywood based on her startling beauty. Gabor also had comedic timing – & she helped make Green Acres (as the fish out of water Lisa Douglas) delightfully bonkers for six seasons on CBS. Gabor passed in 1995.
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Eva Gabor (born today in 1919 in Budapest) first carved out a career in Hollywood based on her startling beauty. Gabor also had comedic timing – & she helped make Green Acres (as the fish out of water Lisa Douglas) delightfully bonkers for six seasons on CBS. Gabor passed in 1995.
Director Robert Altman’s Thieves Like Us premiered today in 1974. Filmed on location in rural Mississippi, Altman puts the Depression-era South front & center. Shelley Duvall, Keith Carradine & John Schuck are featured here but the real star is the movie’s evocative sense of place.
February 11, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Director Robert Altman’s Thieves Like Us premiered today in 1974. Filmed on location in rural Mississippi, Altman puts the Depression-era South front & center. Shelley Duvall, Keith Carradine & John Schuck are featured here but the real star is the movie’s evocative sense of place.
Josh White (born today in 1914) had two distinct career phases. Using the name Pinewood Tom, he gained a modest following as a blues performer in the 1930s. Two decades later, White grabbed real notoriety playing in Greenwich Village as a part of the folk revival movement. White passed in 1969.
February 11, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Josh White (born today in 1914) had two distinct career phases. Using the name Pinewood Tom, he gained a modest following as a blues performer in the 1930s. Two decades later, White grabbed real notoriety playing in Greenwich Village as a part of the folk revival movement. White passed in 1969.
The Times They are a-Changin’ – Bob Dylan’s third studio album – was released today in 1964 on Columbia. Produced by Tom Wilson (1931-1978), the title track is as fine a song as Dylan has ever penned – with “Only a Pawn in Their Game” “With God on Our Side” & "Ballad of Hollis Brown" not far behind.
February 10, 2026 at 12:34 PM
The Times They are a-Changin’ – Bob Dylan’s third studio album – was released today in 1964 on Columbia. Produced by Tom Wilson (1931-1978), the title track is as fine a song as Dylan has ever penned – with “Only a Pawn in Their Game” “With God on Our Side” & "Ballad of Hollis Brown" not far behind.
Jerry Goldsmith – one of Hollywood’s great composers of the late 20th century – was born today in 1929. Goldsmith wrote the themes to dozens of films, like: Our Man Flint (1966); Planet of the Apes (1968); Patton (1970); & The Omen (1976) – for which Goldsmith won an Oscar. Goldsmith passed in 2004.
February 10, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Jerry Goldsmith – one of Hollywood’s great composers of the late 20th century – was born today in 1929. Goldsmith wrote the themes to dozens of films, like: Our Man Flint (1966); Planet of the Apes (1968); Patton (1970); & The Omen (1976) – for which Goldsmith won an Oscar. Goldsmith passed in 2004.
Bill Veeck (born in Chicago on this date in 1914) was a baseball owner with a flair for – well, for everything. Over the years, Veeck owned the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns & Chicago White Sox – & tried outlandish promotions at every stop (much to the annoyance of MLB). Veeck passed in 1986.
February 9, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Bill Veeck (born in Chicago on this date in 1914) was a baseball owner with a flair for – well, for everything. Over the years, Veeck owned the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns & Chicago White Sox – & tried outlandish promotions at every stop (much to the annoyance of MLB). Veeck passed in 1986.
Martin Scorsese’s magnificently dark Taxi Driver premiered today in 1976. Paul Schrader’s menacing screenplay is in good hands here. Robert De Niro is riveting as the damaged Travis Bickle. Taxi Driver is full of fine performances, starting with Jodie Foster. A landmark film.
February 8, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Martin Scorsese’s magnificently dark Taxi Driver premiered today in 1976. Paul Schrader’s menacing screenplay is in good hands here. Robert De Niro is riveting as the damaged Travis Bickle. Taxi Driver is full of fine performances, starting with Jodie Foster. A landmark film.
Composer & ragtime pianist Eubie Blake was born on this date in 1887. Blake co-wrote several classics, such as: “Charleston Rag” “Chevy Chase” “Gypsy Blues” “You’re Lucky to Me” “I’m Just Wild About Harry” & “Memories of You” Late in life, he rode a renewed wave of popularity. Blake passed in 1983
February 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Composer & ragtime pianist Eubie Blake was born on this date in 1887. Blake co-wrote several classics, such as: “Charleston Rag” “Chevy Chase” “Gypsy Blues” “You’re Lucky to Me” “I’m Just Wild About Harry” & “Memories of You” Late in life, he rode a renewed wave of popularity. Blake passed in 1983