64 years ago today, the world was introduced to one of TV”s most celebrated couples, Lucy and Ricky. “I Love Lucy” premiered on CBS on October 15, 1951.
The show made its mark by daring to address some major social issues of the 1950s, by changing the way television is taped with audiences, and by inventing the TV re-run.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz continue to get laughs out of generations of audiences, and their tale will soon be told in an Aaron Sorkin-penned biopic.
Other notable October 15 happenings in pop culture history:
• 1960: The 100th episode of “Perry Mason” aired on CBS.
• 1965: Jimi Hendrix signed a three-year contract with entrepreneur Ed Chalpin. The contract later caused legal and career problems for Hendrix.
• 1977: “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone started its reign on the Billboard Hot 100, knocking Meco”s disco take on the “Star Wars” theme from the top. Boone”s ballad held the No. 1 spot on the chart for 10 consecutive weeks.
• 1997: Julie Taymor”s “The Lion King” stage musical premiered in previews on Broadway at New Amsterdam Theater.
• 1981: “The Evil Dead,” starring Bruce Campbell and directed by Sam Raimi, premiered.
• 1999: “Fight Club” opened in U.S. theaters.
• 2003: “Mystic River” was released in theaters.
• 2005: “Golddigger,” the hip-hop track by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx, started its fifth consecutive week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It dominated the chart for 10 consecutive weeks.
Birthdays: “Laverne & Shirley” actress and “Big” director Penny Marshall (turns 72 today), celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse (56), “The Namesake” director Mira Nair (58), “A View to a Kill” actress Tanya Roberts (60), “The Wire” actor Dominic West (46)