“Way Back When” Today!

way-back-when
way-back-when

Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Thurs., Feb. 3, 2022

1870 The 15th amendment was ratified, giving African Americans the right to vote.

1913 The 16th amendment was ratified, giving the U.S. Congress the power to collect income taxes.

1953 A chimpanzee named J. Fred Muggs joined NBC’s Today Show to boost sagging ratings. He was an instant hit and it’s estimated that Muggs earned the network over $100 million in advertising and merchandising.

 

Music History:

1959 “The Day the Music Died.” As Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper J.P Richardson were killed in a plane crash. Tommy Allsup was supposed to be on the plane but lost his seat to Valens in a coin toss. Richardson was supposed to ride the bus but was suffering from the flu and didn’t want to ride the cold bus, so Waylon Jennings voluntarily gave up his seat on the plane for him. As they were preparing for the plane flight, Holly found out Allsup and Jennings were taking the bus, so he joked, “Well, I hope your ol’ bus freezes up again.” Jennings jokingly replied, “Well, I hope your ol’ plane crashes,” words that would haunt him the rest of his life.

 

Notable Birthdays:

Actor Nathan Lane 66

Actress Morgan Fairchild 72

Actress Blythe Danner 79

 

 

 

Credit to:

Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com