November 16 Music et al
LSD
Louis Lewin
In 1886 Louis Lewin, a German pharmacologist, published the first systematic study of the the cactus from which mescal buttons were obtained (his own name was subsequently given to the plant: Anhalonium lewinii).
The plant was new to science, but not to the Indians of Mexico and the American Southwest. It was (according to Aldous Huxley’s 1954 essay, The Doors of Perception), “a friend of immemorially long standing. Indeed, it was much more than a friend. In the words of one of the early Spanish visitors to the New World, “they eat a root which they call peyote, and which they venerate as though it were a deity.”
November 16 Music et al
Albert Hoffman
November 16, 1938: Albert Hofmann, a chemist working for Sandoz Pharmaceutical in Basel, Switzerland, was the first to synthesize LSD-25. He discovered LSD, a semi-synthetic derivative of ergot alkaloids, while looking for a blood stimulant.
He set it aside for five years, until April 16, 1943, when he decided to take a second look at it. While re-synthesizing LSD, he accidentally absorbed a small amount of the drug through his fingertips and discovered its powerful effects. (see April 16, 1943)
November 16 Music et al
Beatles Christmas Show sold out
November 16, 1963: tickets for The Beatles’ Christmas Show sold out. CBS News bureau London – at the suggestion of Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein – sent a news crew to the British seaside resort of Bournemouth where they film a Beatles concert, thousands of screaming fans, and a few Beatles’ comments on camera. This film clip is later sent to New York. (see Nov 21)
“Deep Purple”
November 16 – 22, 1963: “Deep Purple” by Nino Tempo and April Stevens #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. [In 1968 Richie Blackmore suggested the title as the name for his new band named after his grandmother’s favorite song.]
November 16 Music et al
Jimi Hendrix
November 16 – 29, 1968: Electric Ladyland the Billboard #1 album. (Rolling Stone review) (see June 20, 1969)
November 16 Music et al
John Lennon’s Mind Games
November 16, 1973: US release of Lennon’s fourth album, Mind Games. I’ve posted this video before, but it’s so beautiful and worth watching again. Take a Central Park walk with John. (see Nov 24)
November 16 Music et al
Whatever Gets You Through the Night
November 16, 1974: John Lennon was at No.1 in the US singles chart with ‘Whatever Gets You Through The Night.’ Elton John played on the session and made a deal with Lennon that if the song reached No.1, Lennon would have to appear on stage live with Elton. Lennon kept his side of the deal and appeared live with Elton. They played three songs together: ‘I Saw Her Standing There,’ ‘Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds’ and ‘Whatever Gets You Through the Night.’ Backstage after the concert, Lennon got back with Yoko Ono after a temporary split. (see Nov 28)
| Whatever gets you through the night It’s all right, it’s all right It’s your money or your life It’s all right, it’s all right Don’t need a sword to cut through’ flowers Oh no, oh noWhatever gets you through your life It’s all right, it’s all right Do it wrong, or do it right It’s all right, it’s all rightHold me, darlin’, come on, listen to me |
I won’t do you no harm Trust me, darlin’, come on, listen to me Come on, listen to me, come on, listen, listenDon’t need a watch to waste your time Oh no, oh noHold me, darlin’, come on, listen to me I won’t do you no harm Trust me, darlin’, come on, listen to me Come on, listen to me; come on, listen, listenWhatever gets you to the light It’s all right, it’s all right Out of the blue, or out of sight It’s all right, it’s all right Don’t need a gun to blow you mind Oh no, oh no |
November 16 Music et al
Bob Dylan
November 16, 2016: the Nobel Academy said on its website that it had received a letter from Dylan explaining that due to “pre-existing commitments” he was unable to travel to Stockholm in December. “We look forward to Bob Dylan’s Nobel Lecture, which he must give ― it is the only requirement ― within six months counting from December 10.” (see Dec 10)
