Saturday, December 24, 2016
Among the 2017 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced this week is the rock band Journey, which is best known for its song “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which gained new life years after its release from remakes and use on TV and in movies. Here are five facts about that ubiquitous song from songfacts.com:
v Introduction: “Don’t Stop Believin’” is the first song on Journey’s seventh album, “Escape” (1981). It was given that position because of its opening piano line, which is reminiscent of a book opening up.
v “Sopranos”: In the last episode of the TV show “The Sopranos,” mob boss Tony Soprano plays this song on a jukebox during the final scene. The episode abruptly ends with the lyrics “Don’t Stop” as the scene cuts to black.
v Pace-setter: In November 2008, it was announced that this track had become the first song, which was available in the pre-digital era, to sell more than 2 million downloads through iTunes.
v Remake: In May 2009, a remake by the cast of the Fox TV musical comedy “Glee” debuted at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, five places higher than Journey’s version ever reached.
v Geographically challenged: The opening lyrics refer to “a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit.” The problem is, there is no part of the Motor City called South Detroit. The city distinguishes only between east side and west side.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (8 p.m., NBC): OK, you’ve seen it a million times, but lovely Bedford Falls beckons again. “It’s a Wonderful Life” returns for its annual Christmas Eve airing, and after a tumultuous year, it’s very much welcome, indeed.
“A Christmas Story” (8 p.m., TBS): We triple-dog dare you to watch all 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” marathon. It’s a feat of stamina that’s worth at least one glorious leg lamp.
“Holiday Handbells: THE RALEIGH SINGERS” (10 P.M., PBS): The acclaimed community handbell choir based in Raleigh, N.C., performs holiday favorites.
For complete listings, see TV Week magazine.
LOCAL TOPICS ON TV
“Community Connection” (Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on 21 WFMJ-TV and 11 a.m. on WBCB-TV): Pastor Lewis Macklin will join host Madonna Chism Pinkard to offer a Christmas blessing; then Vera Horton Little and magician Eric Thompson will discuss First Night Youngstown.
“A Conversation with Dee” (today at 6:30 p.m. on MyYTV-TV and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on WYTV-TV): Host Dee Crawford will welcome Jim Ferraro and Judy Rodrigues of Western Reserve Transit Authority, who will discuss transportation services.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Chorus welcomes new members
YOUNGSTOWN
The Stambaugh Chorus invites all singers to an open house at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Stambaugh Auditorium ballroom.
New members are being accepted for the spring season. Highlights this spring will include a “Messiah” sing-along in March and a Best of John Rutter concert in June, accompanied by the Stambaugh Chamber Orchestra. For information, go to Stambaughchorus.org.