There's a radio executive in the Windsor-Detroit area named Warren Cosford who sends out lots of info about radio people. I'm on his mailing list. Today one of his e-mails was about Bob Dearborn who has started up an Almanac online for media pros.
Here's the URL:
http://oldediscjockeysalmanac.blogspot.com/
It appears to be a free service that has some interesting stuff. In his release to Cosford, Dearborn says:
"It's meant to be a service for professional broadcasters who need an accurate and dependable source for this sort of information, another online tool for the disc jockey's arsenal, an alternative to existing sources that I've found to be lacking in accuracy, inclusiveness and reliability.
"How many times have you heard someone on the radio wish a happy birthday to a celebrity who's been dead for years? Why are the typically spotlighted celebrities only from the Kardashian-Spears-Lohan-Simpson generation? Why are Canadian celebrities routinely ignored? What about stars of the sports, media and political worlds? Aren't they celebrities, too?
"Yes, my "this day in history" lists are long, but they're meant to be cherry-picked. Each is filled with interesting tidbits that can be tied together or keyed off for songs and bits.
"Because I think it's important to remember public figures who've had an impact on our lives, there are entries that note the anniversaries of their passing.
"These items are not just about music and showbiz either. To give some context, I've included important moments in world history alongside the showbiz items. Discovering that the 7-day Arab-Israeli war ended on the same day the Monkees recorded "Pleasant Valley Sunday" gives new perspective to both events.
"This offering may expand further in the future, or contract. It might disappear. I'm not sure. But I'd like to do something with a blog -- this new one, the old one, or one that hasn't been thought of yet. It's a way of staying busy, something fun to do in the absence of any appealing opportunities to extend my on-air career.
"I hope you'll bookmark the site and check back daily to enjoy or use the information, and to watch the blog develop. If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear 'em."