Died On This Date (August 5, 1962) Marilyn Monroe
themusicsover Marilyn Monroe
(Born Norma Jean Mortenson, baptized Norma Jean Baker)
June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
Although better known for her other iconic attributes, Marilyn Monroe definitely earned herself a spot in pop music history. After a less-than-spectacular childhood and early adult life, Monroe signed a contract with 20th Century Fox who began her with acting, singing and dancing lessons. Fox quickly dropped her. She was quickly picked up by Columbia Pictures who gave her first significant part in the 1949 musical, Ladies Of The Chorus, in which she sang two numbers. Four years later, she was well on her way to becoming a superstar, co-starring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she performed the scene-stealing “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” in 1954, Monroe signed to RCA Victor Records and co-starred in the hit musical, There’s No Business Like Show Business. Throughout her career, she added her distinctive voice to songs written by the likes of Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, and Irving Berlin. Perhaps her most lasting musical impression came on May 19, 1962 when she lead a Madison Square Garden crowd a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday To You” for President John F. Kennedy. Three months later, 36-year-old Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her home of a barbiturate overdose. It will perhaps never be known if her death was accidental, suicide or murder.
What You Should Own
Born in Louisiana but raised in Los Angeles, Willie Egan began playing the piano while still a pre-teen, and by the time he turned 15, he had a record deal and was cutting his first sides. Over the next decade, Egan would release such early R&B gems as “Wow Wow” and “Wear Your Black Dress.” Unfortunately, Egan never broke out as he should have – some blame poor management and sub par distribution of his records. By the late ’60s he was all but forgotten, working as a hospital orderly. In the early ’80s, Egan presumed dead, was located down-and-out in Los Angeles by a British record label head who arranged for him to perform in the UK, sparking a minor comeback. A live album of that event as well as another studio album followed shortly thereafter. On August 5, 2004 Walter Egan passed away after years suffering with cancer.
Lee Hazlewood was a country singer, songwriter, musician and producer whose work with Nancy Sinatra during the ’60s are essential records of the era. Hazlewood settled in Arizona as a disc jockey after being leaving the military in the early ’50s. He soon partnered with Duane Eddy as a songwriter and producer on such hits as “Peter Gunn.” During the mid ’60s, he began working with Nancy Sinatra, writing and producing “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” and many more. Hazelwood all but retired from music during the ’70s, but his songs lived on having been covered by such unlikely artists as Megadeth, Beck, Nick Cave, Lydia Lunch and the Tubes. He died of renal cancer at the age of 78.