Somewhere on Earth on a day not too unlike a day like today…
in 1940, the Lascaux paintings were discovered in France. The cave paintings are some of the best examples of art from the Paleolithic period.
in 1987, the still popular (becoming more popular with your generation?) Morrissey left The Smiths for a solo career.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Jesse Owens (1913)
Owens was an African-American track-and-field star famous for his performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, where he claimed four gold medals in the presence of Adolf Hitler and Nazi leaders, who had hoped the games would promote their idea of racial superiority. Though hailed as a hero, Owens faced segregation upon his return to the US, even suffering the humiliation of having to use a freight elevator to attend a reception in his honor. Growing up in Ohio, every kid knew the story of Owens as he was an Ohio State Buckeye legend.
Deaths (2003)
Johnny Cash, one of America’s most influential musicians, and one of Mr. Sherer’s absolute top 10 favorites artists, died on this day back in 2003 at the age of 71. There are so many stories about Cash that I really wouldn’t know where to begin. There is his influential rockabilly career that started with songs he wrote in the army to his lifetime work with America presidents on prison reform, from starting a forest fire to nearly dying from being kicked by an ostrich. Great human, period. Anyway, here is a link to a cover he did of Trent Reznor’s (of Nine Inch Nails) “Hurt.” What is so great about this track and accompanying video is that Johnny knew the end was near and choose this as a way to go. His wife of many decades had died just a short time earlier and he was very upfront about apparently comfortable following her close behind. Enjoy.
Daily Trivia: It has only been a few weeks into this young school year but I think you all are starting to realize that music is a BIG part of my life and, out of all my favorite musicians, Bob Dylan is right up there in the top two. So today’s trivia is, what album (title and year) features both Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan? What is your favorite track from this fantastic album?