1928 – Burt Bacharach Born on this day in 1928, one of the most accomplished popular composers of the 20th century, American songwriter, pianist and arranger Burt Bacharach. In the ’60s and ’70s, he was a dominant figure in pop music, responsible for a remarkable 52 Top 40 songs. To-date, Bacharach has written 70 Top 40 hits in the...
This Day In Music, May 5: Tammy Wynette and Elvis Presley
1942 Happy birthday today to Tammy Wynette who was born Virginia Wynette Pugh, in Tremont, Mississippi on this day in 1942. Known as the First Lady of Country Music, Wynette sold over 30 million records worldwide, was married five times, and once filed for bankruptcy. Many of her hits dealt with classic themes of loneliness, divorce, and the difficulties of...
Dispelling the Royal Wedding Myrtle Myth
Time to correct a myth about royal weddings. Yes, British royal brides do carry a sprig of myrtle in their bouquets. No, the myrtle does not come from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet. You know we’re all in mad royal wedding mode when we’re even talking about sprigs of myrtle and their provenance. But let’s set this straight now so you...
Kate Holds Tight to the Language of Flowers
Oh so many messages in Kate’s bouquet. She’s a new fan of the Victorian Language of Flowers. This must be what happens when you design your own coat of arms. You get caught up in the symbolism of plants and animals. Remember Sarah Ferguson’s own coat of arms with bees and thistles? She had them embroidered all over her wedding...
The Wedding “Ghost” List
The Daily Telegraph says, “Diana’s ghost will be everywhere on Prince William’s big day”. I’m pretty sure they meant that metaphorically, but perhaps William and Kate really should keep an eye out for phantom wedding guests on Friday. History is never too far beneath the surface in London and sometimes the past can seem a little too close for comfort,...