This week:
20th
1969, David Bowie recorded ‘Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola’ , with Italian lyrics by Mogol, to the music of ‘Space Oddity’. He was annoyed when he discovered it was not a translation of the song.
Space Oddity: Worksheet – Lyric Video
21st
1970, Elvis Presley went to the White House with a letter for President Richard Nixon explaining he wanted to help fight illegal drug use. A meeting in the Oval Office ensued where Elvis was given a badge and named ‘Federal Agent at Large’.
Always On My Mind: Worksheet – Lyric Video
22nd
1966, at John Lennon’s suggestion, at Abbey Road producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick spliced together two takes, one lighter and one more intense, to create the final version of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.
Lyric Video
23rd
1971, The Jackson 5, dressed as Santas, distributed gifts to needy children at a Christmas party at the Pacific Town Club, L.A. The next day they performed a charity concert at the Los Angeles Foundation for the Junior Blind.
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town: Lyric Video
24th
1972, David Bowie played the second of two Ziggy Stardust homecoming shows at the Rainbow Theatre, London.
Five Years: Worksheet – Lyric Video
25th
Christmas Day
Christmas Worksheets
Christmas Karaoke
26th
1967, The Beatles’ television film Magical Mystery Tour had its world premiere on BBC 1, shown in black and white and watched by around 20 million baffled viewers.
Hello Goodbye: Worksheet – Lyric Video – Speak Up Video
Number Ones, 20th December:
1961
UK Frankie Vaughan – Tower of Strength
US The Tokens-The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Worksheet
1971
UK Benny Hill-Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)
US Sly & The Family Stone-Family Affair
1981
UK Human League-Don’t You Want Me
US Olivia Newton-John-Physical
1991
UK George Michael & Elton John-Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
US Michael Jackson-Black Or White
2001
UK Daniel Bedingfield-Gotta Get Through This
US Usher-U Got It Bad
2011
UK Olly Murs-Dance With Me Tonight
US Rihanna-We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
2021
UK Official Singles Charts
US Billboard Hot 100
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