By Keefer
ON THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY:
1973 - NBC debuts The Midnight Special rock variety show, its response to ABC s popular In Concert series. The 90-minute program followed the Friday night edition of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The Midnight Special was noted for featuring musical acts performing live, which was unusual since most television appearances during the era showed performers lip-synching to prerecorded music. The series also occasionally featured performances of comedians such as Richard Pryor, Andy Kaufman, and George Carlin.
1973 - Elvis Presley meets Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas. The two exchange gifts. Presley presented Ali with a custom-designed robe made especially for Ali. The bejeweled white robe had a similar look to the jumpsuits that Presley wore on stage at the time. Ali reciprocated by giving Elvis boxing gloves that he signed: “Elvis, You are the Greatest. From Muhammad Ali. Peace 1973.” Ali later says, I felt sorry for him because he
Emmy-winning screen and stage icon Cicely Tyson, who distinguished herself by performing electrifying portrayals of Black women as a pioneering Black actress, has died.
Tyson’s family made the announcement through her manager Larry Thompson. Tyson passed away in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Jan. 28. No details were immediately provided. She was 96 years old.
“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” according to a statement issued through Thompson.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MAY 19: Actress Cecily Tyson arrives at the 40th Anniversary Gracies Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 19, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)