The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

This Week In History: December 7-13

We visit Retro Planet's Planet Retro blog again for another look at This Week In History, which includes more notable events from the Swing Era.
World News & the American Experience:
1941 – Dec 7 – “A date which will live in infamy,” Pearl Harbor Day.  1100 men are lost as America’s Pacific Fleet is attacked.  The catastrophic event leads the US to declare war and enter into World War II.
Movies & TV:
1937 – NBC Radio gets into trouble with the Federal Communications Commission for broadcasting a racy skit with Mae West.  As a consequence, West is banned from its airwaves for 15 years.
1948 – The Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program is broadcast for the first time on NBC TV.
Music & Radio:
1926 – Benny Goodman’s first recording session takes place (at age 17).  He plays clarinet with the Ben Pollack and his Californians.
1944The Chesterfield Supper Club premieres on NBC radio.
1949 – Fats Domino records his first songs for Imperial Records, starting with “The Fat Man”.
Arts & Entertainment:
Betty Grable Life Magazine
1939 – Betty Grable is featured on the cover of LIFE.
1949Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, starring Carol Channing, opens at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.
Sports:
1937 – The Red Sox acquired the contract of 19-year-old Ted Williams.
1939 – Lou Gehrig, 36, is elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Technology & Inventions:
1931 – Coaxial cable is patented.
1945 – The Microwave oven is patented by Dr. Percy Spencer of Raytheon Corp.

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