On this day in 1976, Kansas released their timeless classic, “Carry On Wayward Son,” from their fourth studio album, ‘Leftoverture.’ The song became the band’s first Top 40 hit, peaking at No. 11 on the U.S. singles chart. With its soaring vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics, “Carry On Wayward Son” established Kansas as a powerhouse in progressive rock. The track’s complex arrangement and spiritual undertones resonated with listeners, earning it a place as one of rock’s most enduring anthems. To this day, it remains a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite among fans of the genre.
In 1984, Don Henley released his second solo album, ‘Building the Perfect Beast.’ This critically acclaimed record produced four Top 40 singles, including the iconic “The Boys of Summer.” The track, with its haunting lyrics and atmospheric production, won Henley a Grammy Award and four MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year. Other hits from the album, like “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “Sunset Grill,” showcased Henley’s ability to craft thoughtful and socially conscious rock music. ‘Building the Perfect Beast’ solidified Henley’s success as a solo artist following his time with The Eagles and remains a landmark album in his career.
And in 1992, R.E.M. performed an intimate and historic concert at the 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, Georgia. This was their only concert appearance of the year and served as a benefit event for Greenpeace. The band used a solar-powered mobile studio to record live versions of “Everybody Hurts” and “Man on the Moon,” tracks that would later appear on their album ‘Automatic for the People.’ The event underscored R.E.M.’s commitment to environmental causes and their reputation as pioneers in integrating music and activism. The concert became a cherished moment for fans and a unique highlight in the band’s storied career.
NOVEMBER 19TH IN ROCK HISTORY
1966: The Supremes hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” further cementing their status as one of Motown’s biggest acts.
1981: Queen released their greatest hits album in the UK, which remains one of the best-selling compilations in music history and includes iconic tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”
1990: Milli Vanilli faced a scandal when it was revealed they didn’t sing on their Grammy-winning debut album, shaking the music industry and sparking debates about authenticity.
WORLD HISTORY FOR NOVEMBER 19
Ancient History
On November 19, 1493, during his second voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Puerto Rico. This marked the beginning of European influence on the island and its eventual integration into global trade routes.
Modern History
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the American Civil War. His brief yet powerful speech redefined the purpose of the war and became one of the most iconic speeches in American history.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A man lived in a replica of Noah’s Ark for years
In 2018, Dutch carpenter Johan Huibers completed a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, following the dimensions described in the Bible. Measuring 410 feet long, the ark became a floating museum featuring animals, exhibits, and Bible stories. Huibers spent years constructing the massive vessel and later lived in it part-time. He hoped to sail the ark to Israel, but logistical challenges prevented the voyage. The ark has since become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its craftsmanship and Huibers’ dedication to bringing a biblical story to life.
2. Starfish can regrow lost arms—and even entire bodies
Starfish are renowned for their regenerative abilities. If a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one. Even more astonishing, some species can regenerate an entirely new body from a single severed limb, provided the arm contains part of the central nerve ring. This incredible ability allows starfish to survive injuries and escape predators. Scientists study their regenerative process to better understand healing and tissue regeneration, with hopes of applying these insights to human medicine. Starfish regeneration showcases nature’s remarkable capacity for survival and recovery.
3. Weird news: A dog called 911 to save its owner
In 2020, a German Shepherd named Buddy in Florida saved its owner’s life by dialing 911. The owner, who suffered from a seizure, trained Buddy to press a programmed emergency call button in case of medical emergencies. When the seizure struck, Buddy activated the system, alerting paramedics to the scene. The story gained widespread attention as an example of the extraordinary intelligence and loyalty of dogs. Buddy’s heroic act highlights the potential of service animals to assist people with disabilities, proving that dogs truly are humans’ best friends.
4. Whales sing complex songs that change every year
Humpback whales are known for their hauntingly beautiful songs, which can travel for miles underwater. Scientists have discovered that these songs are not random but follow patterns that evolve each year, almost like cultural trends. Male humpbacks sing these songs during mating season, and the melodies are passed between populations. Some researchers believe the songs may serve to attract mates or establish dominance. The dynamic nature of whale songs reveals the social complexity of these ocean giants, suggesting they may communicate in ways far more intricate than we understand.
5. Weird news: A man attempted to smuggle a live snake on a plane in his pants
In 2019, a man in Germany was caught attempting to smuggle a live python onto a flight by hiding it in his pants. Airport security flagged the man after noticing unusual movements, leading to the discovery of the snake. Authorities confiscated the reptile, and the man was fined for violating animal transport regulations. The bizarre attempt made headlines as one of the strangest smuggling stories ever reported, drawing attention to the challenges of controlling wildlife trafficking and the lengths some individuals go to transport exotic animals.
6. Cows align with Earth’s magnetic field while grazing
Research has revealed that cows tend to align their bodies with Earth’s magnetic field when grazing or resting. Using satellite images, scientists found that cows consistently face north or south, regardless of where they are in the world. The exact reason for this behavior remains a mystery, but some speculate it may be related to their internal compass, similar to birds and other migratory animals. This unexpected finding adds cows to the list of creatures with magnetoreception, showcasing yet another way animals are in tune with the natural world.
7. Weird news: A man turned his lawn into a giant Monopoly board
In 2020, a man in Canada transformed his backyard into a life-size Monopoly board during quarantine. Using painted tiles, oversized dice, and large property cards, he recreated the game, allowing his family to walk the board and physically participate in the gameplay. The unique project gained attention online as a creative way to pass time during lockdowns. His effort to bring the classic board game to life became an inspiration for others looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces in an unconventional way.
8. The mantis shrimp punches so fast it creates light
The mantis shrimp, a small marine crustacean, has one of the fastest punches in the animal kingdom. Its club-like appendages strike with the speed of a bullet, generating heat and light through a process called cavitation. The force of the punch can break aquarium glass and kill prey instantly. This incredible power has inspired researchers to study its mechanics, with applications ranging from robotics to materials science. The mantis shrimp’s “super punch” is a testament to the surprising strength and complexity of marine life.
9. Weird news: A couple discovered a 1950s fallout shelter in their backyard
In 2021, a couple in California made a surprising discovery while gardening: an intact fallout shelter buried beneath their backyard. The shelter, built during the Cold War, contained preserved supplies, including canned food, water, and radiation equipment. The find provided a glimpse into the era’s fears of nuclear war and the lengths people went to protect themselves. The couple decided to restore the shelter as a historical artifact, sharing their discovery with local museums. The story highlighted the remnants of history that can lie hidden in the most unexpected places.
10. Sloths risk their lives to go to the bathroom
Sloths are famously slow-moving creatures, and one of their most dangerous activities is descending from trees to defecate. They only do this about once a week, and the process can take hours, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Scientists aren’t sure why sloths risk coming to the ground instead of staying in the trees, but one theory suggests it’s a way to fertilize the trees they live in. This unusual behavior highlights the delicate balance sloths maintain to survive and thrive in their environment.
Founded in 2019, Sophia’s Mission is a registered 501(c)3 organization committed to creating employment opportunities for Autistic individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans in the dynamic fields of audio, radio, and media. By partnering with NEWHD Media, Sophia’s Mission has become instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusivity across these industries.
This partnership is embodied in the iconic stations NEWHD New York, “Where Rock Lives,” NEWHD Los Angeles, “LA’s Rock and Pop,” and Veterans Classic Rock. Available on platforms like the NEWHD Radio App, Audacy, TuneIn, and Apple Music, these stations offer listeners a unique experience while providing job opportunities to individuals who face barriers in traditional job markets.
You can support Sophia’s Mission by sharing their impactful journey and downloading the NEWHD Radio App to listen to NEWHD New York and NEWHD Los Angeles. Together, we can promote inclusivity in the audio industry. Plus, with seamless integration into Apple CarPlay, it’s easier than ever to enjoy great music while supporting an important cause. Let’s work together to amplify the voices that need to be heard!
