The 1968 Exhibit:
Richard Nixon at 100
Richard Nixon at 100
Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Richard M. Nixon, arguably the single most important political figure of the year 1968. "Covering 1968" has covered Nixon before, of course. One of my favorite posts is this one, inspired by a glossy campaign "yearbook" from 1968, complete with casual photos of "RN" (as he invariably signed his name), including a shirtless one on a beach with his daughters when they were little.
Otis Redding, "Sitting by the Dock of the Bay," January 8, 1968
On this date in 1968, one of the iconic records of the decade was released: Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." Redding co-wrote the song with guitarist Steve Cropper, and he recorded it in late November 1967, with some more work on it on December 8. Two days later, Redding died in a plane crash in Lake Monona in Madison WI. "Dock of the Bay" became the first posthumous single to top the US charts, eventually selling more than 4 million copies worldwide. It was also one of the most significant crossover records of the 1960s, topping the Rhy
George McGovern--the last of the last
George McGovern has died-- the last living "hopeful" for the 1968 nomination for president who is featured in the "1968 Exhibit."
Andy Williams and Robert F. Kennedy, June 1968
The crooner Andy Williams, who died yesterday at age 84, was a close personal friend of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and had plans to go out with RFK after his victory speech in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. Moments after that speech ended, Kennedy was shot and mortally wounded.
