Dec. 24, 1941: Duke Ellington plays Detroit’s Paradise Theatre
On this day in 1941, Orchestra Hall reopens as Paradise Theatre.
Tonight’s attraction: Duke Ellington and his big band.
Ticket price: 50 cents.
Dec. 23, 1972: Pro wrestler Bobo Brazil wins fifth heavyweight title
Bobo Brazil is considered one of the most successful African-American wrestlers.
Dec. 20, 1943: Respected Detroit businessman Don Hamilton Darden born
Respected in the boardroom and on the boulevard, businessman Don Hamilton Barden was born on this day in 1943.
Dec. 19, 1947: Sugar Ray Robinson defeats Chuck Taylor
Sugar Ray Robinson retained his welterweight championship belt after defeating Chuck Taylor on this day in 1947.
Dec. 17, 1939: Temptations’ legendary falsetto, Eddie Kendricks, born
On this day in 1939, Eddie Kendricks was born in Union Springs, Alabama. He will go on to become a prominent member of the Temptations and successful solo artist.
Dec. 16, 1966: WJLB’s Ernie Durham releases his list of Top 10 hits in ’66
On this day, WJLB DJ “Frantic” Ernie Durham’s list of 1966’s Top 10 Hits are published in the Detroit Free Press. Click on the story to hear the tracks.
Dec. 13, 1983: Pistons beat Nuggets in highest-scoring NBA game ever (video)
Lasting into triple-overtime, the Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in the highest scoring NBA game of all time.
Dec. 13, 1983: Pistons beat Nuggets in highest-scoring NBA game ever
Lasting into triple-overtime, the Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in the highest scoring NBA game of all time.
Dec. 11, 1931: Myron Hastings Wahls, an activist, journalist & judge, is born
Wahls also was a musician, wrote for the Michigan Chronicle and helped blacks vote in the South.
Dec. 10, 1950: First African American is awarded Nobel Peace Prize
On this day in 1950, Detroit native Ralph J. Bunche became the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with Arabs and Jews in the Middle East.