On May 26, 1933, Jimmie Rodgers, country music’s first superstar, died at the age of 35. In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis was booed off stage in Britain after news of his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin. In 1962, the Isley Brothers released “Twist and Shout,” and in 1965, the Rolling Stones appeared on “Shindig!” John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their second “Bed-In for Peace” in 1969. In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in the Dominican Republic. Fantasia Barrino won the third edition of “American Idol” in 2004. Stevie Nicks, Hank Williams Jr., and Pam Grier celebrate birthdays today.
According to a report from Federal News Network, on May 26th, 1933, Jimmie Rodgers, the man credited with being country music’s first superstar, passed away in New York City at the young age of 35 due to tuberculosis. Rodgers’ first million-seller was “T for Texas,” which is also known as “Blue Yodel.”
Fast forward to 1958, and Jerry Lee Lewis played the third and last show of what was supposed to have been a 37-date British tour. However, news of his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin prompted demands that he be deported. That night, he was booed off the stage.
In 1962, the Isley Brothers released “Twist and Shout,” a classic song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. And in 1965, the Rolling Stones appeared on “Shindig!” along with Jackie DeShannon and Sonny and Cher.
Moving on to 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their second “Bed-In for Peace” in Montreal. The first one had taken place in Amsterdam two months prior. This was a time of great political and social unrest, and Lennon and Ono were using their platform to promote peace and love.
In 1977, singer William Powell of The O’Jays passed away in Canton, Ohio, after a long battle with cancer. He was only 35 years old.
Jumping ahead to 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, their marriage did not last, and Presley filed for divorce just two years later.
Also in 1994, game show host Bob Barker admitted to having a personal relationship with “Price Is Right” model Dian Parkinson. However, he denied any allegations of sexual harassment.
In 1995, Warner Brothers animator Friz Freleng passed away at the age of 86. Freleng was responsible for creating some of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig.
In 2001, Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 tied the knot with Jennifer Jenkins at Coronado Island, California. The wedding band was none other than Jimmy Eat World. Sadly, DeLonge and Jenkins divorced in 2019.
Finally, in 2004, Fantasia Barrino was crowned the winner of the third season of “American Idol,” beating out Diana DeGarmo. Barrino went on to have a successful music career, releasing several albums and even starring on Broadway.
Today’s birthdays include sportscaster Brent Musburger (84), drummer Garry Peterson of The Guess Who (78), singer Stevie Nicks (75), actor Pam Grier (74), actor Philip Michael Thomas (74), country singer Hank Williams Junior (74), actor Margaret Colin (65), singer Dave Robbins of BlackHawk (64), actor Doug Hutchison (“The Green Mile”) (63), and actor Genie Francis (“General Hospital”) (59).
May 26th has been a significant day in entertainment history, with milestones ranging from the birth of classic songs to the passing of influential figures. It’s a reminder of the impact that art and culture can have on our lives, and how they continue to shape our world today.
