Throwback Thursday: Simon & Garfunkel – “The Concert in Central Park”

Throwback Thursday: Simon & Garfunkel – “The Concert in Central Park”

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35 years ago today, folk rock duo, Simon & Garfunkel, released their album, “The Concert in Central Park (Live).” The album was recorded in September of 1981 at a benefit concert in Central Park, New York City, which was attended by more than 500,000 people. Proceeds for the concert went towards the redevelopment and maintenance of Central Park, which had begun to deteriorate in the mid 1970s. The duo had split up over eleven years prior to the concert due to artistic and personal differences, but reunited for the benefit, playing old hits like “Mrs. Robinson,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The album itself was a massive success, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The video recordings were initially broadcast on HBO, but were eventually made available for purchase on Laserdisc and VHS.

 

Throwback Thursday: John Lennon is Tragically Shot

Throwback Thursday: John Lennon is Tragically Shot

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36 years ago today, Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon outside his residence, The Dakota, in New York City. Earlier that day, Lennon had signed an album for Chapman, who had been waiting outside Lennon’s home. After the attack, Chapman remained at the scene reading J.D. Salinger’s best-selling novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Lennon was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital at 11:15pm. Chapman pleaded guilty to the killing in court and remains in prison to this day.