Statuesque Darine Stern was an in-demand, high fashion model throughout the 1970s. She was represented by Ford Models, Nina Blanchard, Ellen Hart and Shirley Hamilton Models of Chicago. Her compelling beauty, as well as her voluminous Afro, afforded Darine the respect of her peers. Darine’s career began in a notable, yet unusual manner. In October 1971, she became the first …
His name may not be familiar, but you have heard Ken Nordine’s soothing, rich baritone. Maybe it was on Word Jazz, the weekly show he hosted on Chicago Public Radio for over forty years. Perhaps it was on a commercial for Taster’s Choice Coffee, Levi Jeans, Flair Pens, Kraft Caramels or Gallo Wine. Maybe you …
“He’s a white rabbit. Six feet three and a half inches. Now let’s stick to the facts.” — Elwood P. Dowd
Jani Lane conquered the local music scenes in Cleveland, Orlando and Los Angeles before breaking out with Warrant, the popular glam-metal band. With Jani’s songs and charismatic persona, Warrant scored big with four Top 40 hits in 1989. Their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich went double platinum. Warrant’s follow-up album Cherry Pie, also …
Before Captain Robert K. Morgan flew his first of 25 missions in the massive Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, he decided the aircraft needed a more familiar nickname. He chose “Little One,” the pet name he had for his sweetheart, Margaret Polk, back in Memphis, Tennessee. Morgan and his copilot Jim Verinis saw the John Wayne – Joan …
“To be stupid, selfish, and have good health are three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, all is lost.” — Gustave Flaubert The celebrated French author Gustave Flaubert lived a life of outspokenness and debauchery and suffered from venereal disease most of his life. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of …
If you’re going to believe a made-up story about a strong and inspiring woman during the Revolutionary War, forget the one about Betsy Ross. Here’s the story of Nancy Hart. According to various accounts, Nancy Hart and her husband Benjamin lived near Savannah, Georgia with their eight children. Nancy was a strong and resourceful woman, …
As a teen, Roger Charlery was a fan of punk rock and was the drummer in the punk band Nam Nam Boys. He began a friendship with second wave ska band The Beat… and by friendship, I mean Roger would crash their gig, storm the stage and begin “toasting” (a form of rapping originating in …
“Allright! Break time is over in two minutes!,” yelled the dungeon keeper, as he checked his watch.
George and Ira Gershwin wrote the character “Bess” in their opera “Porgy and Bess” with popular contralto Etta Moton Barnett in mind. When she was approached to play the role, the singer was firm about refusing to sing the “N” word that was prominent throughout the libretto. The Gershwins honored her conviction and deleted the …
