1959: The first telecast of the Grammys
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences presented the inaugural Grammy Awards on May 4, 1959, to celebrate the popular music of the preceding year, 1958.
Just six months later, NBC broadcasted the ceremony as part of its regular series, Sunday Showcase.
Taped broadcasts continued to be the standard for the Grammy Awards until 1971, when ABC aired the ceremony live for the first time. – A.D
Today’s Birthdays: Brian Baumgartner, Office worker (40); Don Cheadle, liar (48); Kim Delany, cop (51); Jeff Fahey, pilot (60); Diane Ladd, waitress (77); Howie Mandel, World-builder (57); Gena Lee Nolin, lifeguard (41); Vin Scully, announcer (85).
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