January 13th, 1968
Johnny Cash Performs at Folsom Prison
While never have actually gone to prison for an extended amount of time, Johnny Cash created his song “Folsom Prison Blues” in response to a movie entitled “Insided the Walls of Folsom Prison.”
Cash first played at Folsom Prison in 1966 by the suggestion of a local preacher. Two years later in 1968, Cash asked his record company to let him perform an album live at Folsom Prison.
Johnny Cash invited and entertained a large and excited audience full of inmates, and tailored some of his music toward those stuck in prison.
January 14th, 1784
The Continental Congress Ratifies the Treaty of Paris, Which Ended the American Revolution
Britain officially agreed to recognize the independence of the 13 colonies (after which, becomes the United States of America).
The treaty also settled the boundaries between the U.S. and what remained of Britain. Land claimed by the U.S. from Britain was returned to the British, which was aimed at stopping any more confiscation of British property.
Although the treaty ended the war, the two sides remained contentious to the points they had previously agreed upon. The British did not give up the Western forts and the Americans could not collect debts from their customers which stunted British merchants from collecting debts from Americans.
A serious reconsideration of the Articles of Confederation was in order when farmers rose up in Shays’s rebellion to test American law.
January 15th, 1990
The Soviets Send Troops Into the Country of Azerbaijan
11,000 troops were sent into the country of Azerbaijan to reduce the conflicts between Armenians and Azerbaijani forces.
The infighting between these two people groups was a direct result of the reduction of Soviet power in their own government. This was also a direct result of Gorbachev’s waning of power.
Some supporters of Gorbachev even speculated that anti-Gorbachev activists or exterminate were stirring up issues to discredit his regime.
The troops that were sent to resolve the conflict did little to nothing, as ethnic and racial violence in Azerbaijan continued. Less than 2 years later, Gorbachev resigned from power, and the Soviet Union collapsed.
January 16th, 1938
Artist Benny Goodman Brings the World of Jazz to Carnegie Hall
Goodman and his supporting act in 1938 turned the tides for jazz in American history, and made his concert one of the most important jazz concerts in history.
At the height of his career, Goodman’s publicist suggested that he play at Carnegie Hall. Carnegie Hall is the symbol of American high culture so when presented the idea, Goodman laughed it off.
When he warmed up to the idea, Goodman formed a new “Twenty-Years of Jazz” piece, and an elongated set featuring those in the Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras. The concert sold out two weeks in advance, with tickets selling at the highest price of $2.75.
January 17th, 1945
The Soviets Capture Warsaw
The Polish capital of Warsaw was liberated from German occupation. Warsaw was a battleground area since the fighting opened up in the European theater.
Germany rained hellfire on Warsaw on September 1st, 1939 and launched a ground operation killing thousands upon thousands of Polish civilians.
The USSR had previously gained a portion of Eastern Poland as a part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in August 1939, and found itself at odds with its “ally.” Germans started getting pushed West, eventually advancing on Warsaw.
After Josef Stalin mobilised 180 divisions against the Germans in Poland, General Zhukov’s troops crossed the Vistula (north and south of Warsaw), and liberated it from the Germans. By the time the Soviets had arrived, Warsaw’s population had been reduced to 153,000.
In case your didnt’t notice, this little segment was heavy on Cold War history (as it’s my favorite part of history), with a little emphasis on pop culture and music. I’ll hopefully be able to continue this little segment, as I love doing some research to impart some knowledge to you all. As always, stay safe and have a good week.
-Matt Weed
News Director at 88.3 FM/WXOU
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