February 6, 2012

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Bob Powless!

60 years ago
1952

Died on this date
George VI, 56. King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, 1936-1952; Emperor of India, 1936-1947. George VI, the second son of King George V, assumed the throne in December 1936 upon the abdication of his older brother Edward VIII. With his wife and Queen consort Elizabeth he led Britain through World War II. King George developed lung cancer, and died in his sleep at Sandringham House. He was succeeded by his eldest child, who became Queen Elizabeth II.

50 years ago
1962

On television tonight
Alfred Hitchcock Presents, on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Woman Who Wanted to Live, starring Charles Bronson and Lola Albright

40 years ago
1972

Olympics
On the first day of competition at Sapporo, Japan, Yukio Kasaya, Akitsuga Konno and Seiji Aochi of the host country swept the medals in the 70-metre ski jump. Japan had won only one medal in all previous Winter Olympics.

30 years ago
1982

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K.: Computer Love/The Model--Kraftwerk

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Centerfold--J. Geils Band

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Centerfold--J. Geils Band (2nd week at #1)
2 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
3 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
4 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
5 Turn Your Love Around--George Benson
6 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
7 Shake it Up--The Cars
8 The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)--Juice Newton
9 Let's Groove--Earth, Wind & Fire
10 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks (with Don Henley)

Singles entering the chart were I Love Rock 'N' Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (#75); Do You Believe in Love by Huey Lewis and the News (#83); Here to Love You by the Doobie Brothers (#84); Why You Wanna Try Me by the Commodores (#86); Don't Let Him Know by Prism (#88); Circle of Love by Steve Miller Band (#90); and Power Play by Molly Hatchet (#96).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 Centerfold--J. Geils Band (2nd week at #1)
2 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
3 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
4 Our Lips are Sealed--Go-Go's
5 Tainted Love--Soft Cell
6 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
7 Under Pressure--Queen and David Bowie
8 Let's Groove--Earth, Wind & Fire
9 Letting Go--Straight Lines
10 Waiting on a Friend--Rolling Stones

Singles entering the chart were Tonight I'm Yours by Rod Stewart (#41) and Cool Night by Paul Davis (#45).

25 years ago
1987

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Reality--Richard Sanderson

At the movies
Light of Day, written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Michael J. Fox, Gena Rowlands, and Joan Jett, opened in theatres.



Law
Justice Mary Gaudron became the first woman to be appointed to the High Court of Australia.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate had held steady at 6.6% in January, continuing at a six-year low.