Elvis’s Birthday Celebrated Worldwide

Happy Birthday Elvis Presley! The “King of Rock and Roll” born January 8, 1935 and died on August 16, 1977 but his legend lives on. No matter where in the world you live, his name, music and image are easily recognizable. Who doesn’t know how to hum a few bars of “Heartbreak Hotel” or “Jailhouse Rock”? In fact thirty-one of his singles from early in his career ruled the US and UK charts that included, “Don’t Be Cruel”, “Hound Dog” and “All Shook Up”. Along with his music, Elvis starred in over 33 films. In the United States, the television channel TMC will be playing a marathon of his movies, with introductions from Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling.

Celebrating Beethoven’s 239th Birthday

Ludwig van Beethoven was baptized on the 17th of December in 1770 and as it was customary in Germany newborns were baptized the day after their birth. Although no one knows for sure the actual date, Beethoven’s birthday is observed on December 16th….

TSO Culture Trivia: 20th Century America III

Great Americans everyone should know about.

I say goodbye, you (still) say Hello.

The Beatles, be-suited mop-tops or Kaftan clad hippies, whichever incarnation, why are the Americans so obsessed with them? The rest of the world tipped its hat, said thanks and moved on. But here you can’t move for them. Major radio stations still dedicate hours of programming each week, there are literally hundreds of Beatles tribute bands and a new cash-in their old hits CD release is a huge news event. Let’s remember that the Beatles first hit was nearly 50 years ago now. How ridiculous would it be if in 1962, when The Beatles exploded on the scene, our parents were listening to music from 1915 (not to mention still shelling out for repackaged songs that they already owned)? Surely pop music has moved on?

The Beatles Monopoly Raffle

The Spartan Opinion is giving away randomly one of the very collectible “The Beatles” Monopoly game. To enter, simply comment on any of our stories between now and 11:59 PST October 31st. The winner will be announced via email on November 2nd. Good luck! -EH

Jamaica Reggae SumFest 2009

Also known as “Summer Splash”, SumFest 2009 is a week long Reggae music celebration that takes place every year in the beautiful island of Jamaica. The festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting artists and fans from all over the world. This year is no different with artists such as Toni Braxton, Ne-Yo, Damian Marley and Nas are expected to perform.