Illinois Rock and Roll Museum Hall of Fame Welcomes a Stellar Class of 2023
Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 698 of The Daily Dirt.
1. Celebrating Classic Sitcom Couples of the 1970s
The 1970s was a golden era for sitcoms, thanks in large part to the unforgettable husband-and-wife duos who anchored these shows. Here are the couples I consider most medal-worthy, along with a few honorable mentions:
Gold Medal: Archie and Edith Bunker (Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton), All in the Family This choice is a no-brainer. Archie’s memorable quip, “God can do anything! He can turn your jawbone into an ass,” still resonates today.
Silver Medal: Bob and Emily Hartley (Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette), The Bob Newhart Show Their humor was subtle yet poignant. Bob Newhart’s line, “Stammering is different than stuttering. Stutterers have trouble with the letters, while stammerers trip over entire parts of a sentence. We stammerers generally think of ourselves as very bright,” is a testament to their clever wit.
Bronze Medal: George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford), The Jeffersons George’s irrepressible personality lit up every conversation. One memorable quote: “Why don’t you take off your belt? I love the sound your belly makes when it hits the floor.”
Very Honorable Mention: Jessica and Chester Tate (Robert Mandan and Katherine Helmond), Soap This classic show was nominated for 17 Emmys, thanks in large part to the hilarity brought by Helmond and Mandan.
Honorable Mention: Howard and Marion Cunningham (Tom Bosley and Marion Ross), Happy Days They perfectly complemented Fonzie, Richie, Potsie, Ralph, Joanie, and Chachi, adding warmth and humor to the show.
2. Illinois Rock and Roll Museum Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Music enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum in Joliet will host its third annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 17. This year’s stellar class includes:
- Earth, Wind and Fire: Their genre-spanning style has sold over 90 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- The Cryan’ Shames: This iconic garage rock band hails from Hinsdale.
- The Shadows of Knight: This Chicago-based group blends influences from the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, and Animals.
- Nat King Cole: With a voice like velvet, his hits like “Mona Lisa,” “Ramblin’ Rose,” and “Unforgettable” are timeless classics.
- Miles Davis: A towering figure in jazz and 20th-century music, his influence is immeasurable.
Hall of Fame Inductees are chosen by votes from charter members of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, ensuring that each honoree is selected by passionate music aficionados.
3. This Week’s Best “Found on Facebook”
- “Hamburger Helper only works if the hamburger is ready to accept it needs help.”
- “Don’t tell me about your childhood problems. I was forced to watch Lawrence Welk as a kid.”
- “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up some place else,” — Yogi Berra.
- “You think you know stress? When I was growing up and you missed a TV show, you just missed it. Forever.”
- “Cougar in area: Please stay on trails, travel in small groups, and do not allow men under 30 to travel alone.”
Steve’s Thought of the Day
If Nat King Cole were alive today, he would still be a huge star. His talent was timeless, and his legacy endures. He passed away in 1965 at the age of 45, but his music remains unforgettable.
Stay tuned for more insights and reflections in the next edition of The Daily Dirt!