Unedited Vintage Photos And The Chilling Stories Behind Them
By | February 28, 2023
Stewardess Kris Houghton ( Jenner) back in 1977, she was 22 years old at the time and dating a photographer.
Take a trip with us back to see pics of the stars before they made it big. Learn a little bit about Alan Alda and Alex Trebek in the early days of their careers. Reminisce about road trips, and check out the cars of George Harrison and Clint Eastwood, as well as Jim Henson’s playful car that looks a bit like Kermit the Frog. Read about some celebrity friendships you may not have known about. And learn the backstories of people like Kris Jenner (did you know she was a stewardess?) and “Macho Man” Randy Savage, back when he was Randy Poffo. Enjoy this trip down memory lane with the celebrities, musicians, and events that decorated our lives. Maybe you’ll learn something that might help you in a bar trivia contest.
Kris Jenner wasn’t always a wealthy matriarch and reality television star. She got her start working as a teenager in a donut shop, where she cleaned the donut makers and removed the glaze from the floor. She went on to work as a flight attendant for American Airlines, a job that taught her important people skills as well as responsibility. At the time, she was dating professional photographer Alfred M. Garcia, who shot modeling photos of her. She married Robert Kardashian in 1978.
Susan Sarandon in the early 1970's in a Disneyland shirt
Sarandon attended Catholic University in Washington D.C. from 1964 to 1968, graduating with a BA in Drama. Her career started soon after she graduated, as she went to a casting call with her then-husband Chris. He didn’t get a role in the film, but she was cast in a major role in Joe (1970). She played a teen who gets lost in the seedy underworld. Then, between 1970 and 1972, she was in the soap operas, A World Apart and Search for Tomorrow.
Cher watching as Sonny Bono gets on his Triumph Bonneville.
Sonny and Cher met in 1963 when she was just 16. He was 27 and married, although he and his wife were separated. However, their relationship just began as friendship. She moved in with him and it was more of a paternal relationship. It did become romantic, and in 1965, they recorded “I Got You Babe.” They officially married in 1969. Cher let him take the lead, and has admitted to having “hero worship” of him, but their relationship wouldn’t last.
The cast of 'Friends' in their high school yearbook photos. (1980's)
Of course before they became Friends living in Manhattan apartments and hanging out at the Central Perk, they had to endure high school. From the looks of it, they didn’t have to suffer through the awkward years at that point (although David Schwimmer’s hair looks like he had aspirations of finding fame as a rock star). If you look closely, you can see who they would become once they were stars. But they definitely look really young.
French beauties Leslie Caron and Brigitte Bardot in 1954.
Before either of them were stars, they were both ballerinas. Caron was a ballerina in Ballets des Champs-Elysees, as was Brigitte Bardot. Canon was discovered by Gene Kelly, and was cast in her first film, An American in Paris (1951). Bardot, who had become friends with Canon while they were both ballerinas, first became a model, where she was discovered and cast in her first film, Crazy for Love (1952). Although the friends got their starts on similar paths, they soon diverged, with Bardot’s acting career ending in 1973.
'Harrison, George Harrison.' George and his Aston Martin DB5 in 1965.
George Harrison was fascinated by cars. In fact, he was so fascinated that he followed the Formula One World Championship around the world for the better part of a year. He got the first car that was registered to his name three days after he turned 21. This car, the Jaguar E-Type, was followed the next year by his first extravagant car, his 1964 Aston Martin DB5. The car was sold at auction in 2011. This would not be his last extravagant car however, as he bought Porsches and Mercedes, and the priciest, his McLaren F1.
Clint Eastwood and his Ferrari 365 GT4 that he bought in 1977.
Clint Eastwood has made more than enough money to satisfy his habit of collecting cars. This Ferrari was originally sold in Italy, but then it was imported to America in 1977, when Eastwood added it to his collection. He, however, made some changes to the car. Specifically, he didn’t like the roof, so he had it removed. He kept the car until 1985, when he sold it. It ended up in Japan eventually, but finally made it back the U.S. in 2011.
The Jackson 5 pass by the Brady Bunch kids on the ABC studio lot back in 1971.
In September 1971, the stars of the Brady Bunch were part of a promo video, Brady Bunch Visits ABC. In the video, Mike and Carol Brady drop their kids off at the studio, where they had a tour of the studio. During the tour, which was a promo for the Saturday morning cartoon line-up that fall, they learned about the shows that were starting, and they met creatures from Sid and Marty Krofft, as well as the Jackson 5, who were there promoting their new cartoon.
Michael Jordan in his Granville Towers dorm room while at college, 1983.
Michael Jordan attended the University of North Carolina, where he was named ACC Freshman of the Year. In the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, he made the game-winning jump shot. He left college the year before he would have graduated to enter the NBA draft, but returned to complete his BA in geography in 1986. His dorm room definitely reflects his passion, though we’re not sure what that umbrella is all about.
Tennis legends and rivals Björn Borg and John McEnroe in 1979.
This photo was taken during McEnroe’s first year on the pro circuit, which was when the two met for the first time. McEnroe was only 19 at the time, and he and Borg became friends. Although the two had very different personalities on the court, they had a lot in common when they weren’t playing tennis. They had similar ways of looking at the world and similar senses of humor. In 1981, at the Wimbledon final, McEnroe beat Borg, who would then retire a few years later. The two remained friends.
Helen Slater was 'Supergirl' in the 1984 film.
After Superman III, Christopher Reeves had little interest in reprising his role, and the creators wanted to milk a little more money out of the franchise, so they decided to make Supergirl. The role was Helen Slater’s film debut, and she played alongside Faye Dunaway and Peter O’Toole. While the film did well for its first weekend, it was considered a box office bomb, and critics were equally unimpressed. Slater may not have reprised this role, but she did find a modicum of success in Hollywood.
Marlon Brando before and after getting made up for his character 'Don Corleone' in 'The Godfather' (1972)
Marlon Brando’s makeup for the role of Don Corleone was not too complex, honestly. Once he got the role, he had to get his hair cut, dyed, and slicked back. Yes, Corleone had a heavy jowled look that Brando accomplished for the audition by stuffing tissue, a look that had to be created as they were filming the movie, although not with tissue. The main part of Brando’s daily prep for the shoot was to get his face to look like a man who had see a lot. And this is a look that can’t be accomplished with makeup.
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall stylin' in Paris. 1979
Jagger and Hall reportedly met while both were involved with other people. When Jagger got divorced in 1978, his relationship with Hall started. They quickly became one of the most talked about couples in the entertainment industry. Their relationship was tumultuous, to say the least, as they had their first breakup in 1982, three years after this picture was taken. They got back together shortly after that first breakup and had their daughter in 1984. However, this reunion wasn’t going to last either.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon at the Aintree Institute in Liverpool. (1961)
McCartney and Lennon first met on a church hall stage in Liverpool in 1957 when McCartney was 15 and Lennon was a little bit older. In 1960, they formed the Beatles. They had their first live performance at the Litherland Town Hall, and their second, at St. John’s Hall in Bootle came the next day. For their third, they performed at the Aintree Institute and would return on 31 occasions from 1961 to 1962.
'The Sweet' band members looking pretty funky on stage in 1974.
The Sweet got their start in London as The Sweetshop in 1968. The British glam rock band rose to prominence in the 1970s, starting with their first hit, “Funny Funny.” From 1971 to 1972, their music ranged from the bubblegum style of their first hit to a sound that was influenced by the Who and stood out because of their use of high-pitched backing vocals. By 1974, their music became more hard rock. With “Love is Like Oxygen,” they had their final international success in 1978.
Jim Henson’s groovy and green Lotus. (1978)
While Henson did not collect cars, he did enjoy driving and he did like sports cars. He bought a white Thunderbird with his early earnings from Sam and Friends, a five-minute show which had an early version of Kermit, although Kermit was not yet a frog. In the midst of the The Muppet Show era, he bought a Lotus Éclat to drive around London in. Henson ended up not only painting the car green like his famous frog, but also detailed the headlights so that they looked like Kermit’s eyes.
Attitude times two! Blackie Dammett with his son Anthony Kiedis in the mid 70's.
Blackie Dammett, whose real name was John Kiedis, was an actor, who had small parts, (although he did appear in three episodes of Starsky and Hutch). He was a bit unconventional, raising wolves and wolf hybrids, and allegedly dealt drugs part time. His son, Anthony Kiedis, was raised by Dammett’s ex-wife in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but when Kiedis was almost12, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his father. Kiedis, of course, would grow up to found the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
John F. Kennedy, Jr behind the wheel of a car in 1963.
John F. Kennedy Jr. was born in 1960, two weeks after his father was elected, and eight weeks before he took office. On his third birthday, he attended his father’s funeral. From the time he was born until his untimely death in 1999, he was rarely far away from media scrutiny. The public was fascinated by the young boy who spent the first few years of his life in the White House.
Janis Joplin in front of the Hotel Chelsea in NYC. (1969)
The year before her death from a heroin overdose, Janis Joplin had just left Big Brother and the Holding Company to strike out on her own. She formed a new backup group, the Kozmic Blues Band. Her new group would release an album in September 1969, despite Joplin’s serious heroin problem (she was reportedly shooting $200 worth a day in early 1969). In this photo, she is in front of the Chelsea Hotel, where she had an affair with Leonard Cohen that year.
Here's one for the ladies, a 1959 pink Chevrolet Impala Convertible.
Chevrolet debuted the Impala moniker in 1956, and in 1958, it appeared on the Bel Air Impala Sport Coupe and Convertible. During the second year of production, they decided to expand their design portfolio, and the Impala unseated the Bel Airs as Chevrolet’s premium series. This is the year that they introduced the four-door hardtop and the four-door sedan, which was in addition to their two-door hardtop or convertible. Chevrolet may not have intended the Impala to be anything more than a family sedan, but this pink model seems to be geared towards a slightly different demographic.
Betty White on a boat ride in 1957. You don't luck into integrity. You work at it.
Before Betty White became a star, she wanted to be a forest ranger, but she couldn’t because she was a woman. By 1952, she had her own talk/variety show, The Betty White Show. She had full creative control over her show, and she hired a female director. Her show was the first variety show to feature an African American as a regular, Arthur Duncan, a tap dancer. When she faced criticism and the show faced boycott, she responded “I’m sorry. Live with it.” Then she gave Duncan more airtime.
Oldschool-cool photo of a kid standing by his soap box derby car in 1978.
The Soap Box Derby got its start in the Great Depression and continues to this day. To make a qualifying Soap Box Derby car, the competitors have to design it to be less than a specific weight which is calculated by the weight of the car and the driver. The reason for this? Soap Box Derby cars are propelled by gravity, not by a motor. The cars are carefully designed and balanced as they race at speeds that can exceed 30 miles per hour as gravity pulls them downhill.
A very groovy Alex Trebek back in 1963.
Alex Trebek worked in television long before he became the beloved host of Jeopardy. Trebek got start working for the CBC before he finished his undergraduate degree, and in 1963, by the age of 23, he was hosting his first show, Music Hop. The show was basically a Canadian version of American Bandstand. The host (in this case, Trebek), would introduce the visiting musicians, or the songs being played by the house musicians. The house musicians played for crowds of dancing teenagers. This was definitely a far cry from the more intellectual hosting gig he would land in 1984.
George Harrison, holding his niece Leslie, with his siblings Lou and Peter in Illinois, 1963.
In 1956, George Harrison’s sister left Scotland with her husband who was an engineer in the mining business. The couple and their children moved to Canada and Peru before ending up in Benton, Illinois. In 1963, he and his brother took a trip to Benton to visit Louise, the oldest of his siblings. Louise also became one of Harrison’s biggest promoters, contacting anyone who would listen to try to help her brother’s band break into the U.S. market.
Lita Ford (The Runaways) and Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) chilling out in the late 70's.
In 1975, Lita Ford was recruited to join The Runaways when she was only 16. They released their first album the next year. The band played hard rock-oriented songs, and Ford’s lead guitar playing became an integral part of their sound. The singer and songwriter Paul Rodgers got his start in music in 1968 with the band Free, and when they broke up, The Doors wanted Rodgers to replace Jim Morrison after his death. He had other ideas though and formed Bad Company.
Ride Away'- Roy Orbison having fun in 1965.
Although Orbison signed with Sun Records in 1956, he didn’t reach his greatest success until he signed with Monument Records. From 1960-1966, 22 of his singles made it to the Billboard Top 40. In 1965, the year this photo was taken, he had reconciled with his wife (they divorced in 1964), so he had something else to be happy about. In addition to his love for music, he also loved all sorts of machines, which apparently was not limited to cars and motorcycles.
'Time Out For Fun'- Devo band members take some time out to feed some Canadian geese in 1980.
Devo, the band that formed in 1973, found its name in the concept of devolution, the idea that man was regressing, not progressing, got their recording contract in 1978 and by 1980, they had broken through to the mainstream. Although they were not performing for the geese, they were wearing the energy dome hats that they became known for. Incidentally, the energy dome hats were not introduced until the year that this picture was taken, and apparently, the geese don’t really care, as long as they’re being fed.
Who remembers Little Mikey in the Life cereal commercial back in 1972
Mikey was the character played by John Gilchrist, who was born in 1968. In the ad itself, in case you don’t remember, three brothers are eating breakfast, and they prod each other to take a taste of the Life cereal in the bowl in front of them. The two older brothers convince Mikey to try it, and much to their surprise, “He likes it!” The commercial won a Clio in 1974 and was ranked the No. 10 commercial of all time in 1999 by TV Guide. A survey conducted in 1999 found that 70% of adults could identify it with only a “brief generic description.”
The Boston Blizzard of '78 had a record 27.1 inches of snow, destroyed hundreds of homes and flooded the coast. It caused $500,000,000 in damage, left 73 people dead and 4,324 injured.
On February 5, off the coast of South Carolina, an extratropical cyclone started to mix with an arctic cold front and cold air mass, becoming the catastrophic nor’easter that moved up the coast, wreaking havoc in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the New York metropolitan area, and New England. The snow mainly fell from Monday morning, February 6 through the evening of Tuesday, February 7, ending after 33 hours. In addition to the record-breaking snowfall, because the storm developed during the new moon, the high tide was unusually large, and coastal communities were damaged. It was also accompanied by hurricane force winds. In some parts of New England, the snow changed to ice.
Sabrina Duncan (Kate Jackson) on the phone in a scene from 'Charlie's Angels,' she was on the TV series from 1976–79.
The character of Sabrina Duncan was one of the founding Angels in the Charles Townsend Detective Agency, otherwise known as Charlie's Angels. She had her training at the Los Angeles Police Academy and became the team leader for three years before she resigned when Kate Jackson left the show. Prior to the beginning of the series, she was married to Bill Duncan, but apparently was divorced by the time it started. Once Kate Jackson decided it was time to pursue other acting opportunities, they wrote Sabrina Duncan out of the show by having her get married.
Headshot of Alan Alda in 1968.
Although he had not yet become Hawkeye Pierce, by the time this picture was taken, Alan Alda had been acting for a number of years. He got his start on stage and spent a season with Second City in Chicago (1958-1959). In 1966, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor for his appearance in The Apple Tree in 1966. His first Hollywood appearance came in Gone Are the Days!, which was followed by other film roles. In 1968, he was on What’s My Line! as a panelist several times.
Bobby Sherman, Robert Brown and David Soul were the 'Bolt brothers' on the TV series 'Here Come the Brides,' which ran from 1968-70.
This Western comedy was one of the first shows targeted at women. Robert Brown played Jason Bolt, a logging company boss who travels to New Bedford, Massachusetts to recruit marriageable women to move to Seattle and stay for a year. Once the Bolt brothers recruit the women, they charter a mule-ship to transport them all back to Seattle. Jason Bolt struggles to keep the women there, and eventually convinces them to stay. One of the themes is the importance of family since they stick together and overcome obstacles.
Isabella Rossellini (1975)
This picture the stunning young Isabella Rossellini was taken before her acting career (or her modelling career for that matter) even began. She got her start as an actress, appearing as a nun in 1976’s A Matter of Time, opposite her mother, Ingrid Bergman. When she was 28, she started modelling, and her first gig was being photographed by Bruce Weber for British Vogue and by Bill King for American Vogue. She has been photographed by renowned photographers throughout her career, including Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz.
Early photo of The Monkees when their TV show premiered in 1966.
Inspired by the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider decided to develop a show about a fictional band called The Monkees. The four actors/musicians were taught improvisational techniques and given character “types” that had things in common with the personalities of the Beatles. The show was a hit at first, and after its first season, it won an Emmy.
The 'Happy Day's' gang, including the forgotten, oldest Cunningham son- 'Chuck'.
Chuck Cunningham was played by three different actors over two seasons of the long running series Happy Days, which apparently was not a big deal, since he was rarely seen and had very few lines. Chuck was Richie’s big brother and a high school jock. When he made his rare appearances, he was accompanied by a basketball. By the third season, Chuck had simply disappeared. Fans believe he may have left for college, but his non-existence was never addressed. It did, however, inspire a new term, Chuck Cunningham Syndrome, which is when a central character is around at the start of a series and then disappears.
Cannon was a CBS detective TV series that aired from 1971 to 1976 and the title character, private detective 'Frank Cannon' was played by William Conrad.
William Conrad played the part of Cannon, a veteran of the Korean War and former member of the L.A.P.D. Not only was the character street smart, but he also appeared to be highly educated, since he had familiarity with several languages and knowledge of diverse subjects. Since the role was played by an overweight actor, the series frequently mentioned his weight, but that didn’t hold him back from using not just his wits to outsmart the bad guys, since he engaged in fistfights and shoot-outs with them as he tried to solve crimes.
Robert Clark Seger performing on stage in 1973.
Bob Seger got his start in the Detroit music scene in 1961 as the front man for a band called the Decibels. He then joined the Town Criers followed by Doug Brown & The Omens. After this, he continued fronting bands until The Bob Seger System disbanded, when he became a solo act, releasing his first solo album in 1971. After the album failed, he started to look to become part of a band again. The year this picture was taken, he had left yet another band, but the following year, he put together the Silver Bullet Band.
John Landis' groundbreaking horror-comedy film, 'An American Werewolf in London' with Griffin Dunne and David Naughton. (1981)
John Landis, director of Animal House, found his inspiration for the film while he was working in Yugoslavia. While in the back of a car when they encountered a group of gypsies who seemed to be performing some sort of rituals to prevent a man being buried from rising from the grave. He imagined the story of a man confronting the undead. He based the film’s title on a combination of An American in Paris and Werewolf of London. People were nervous to provide him with funding because it didn’t fall neatly into either the horror or the comedy category.
Here's a photo of the late Dolores O'Riordan of 'The Cranberries' when she was a child in the 70's.
Born on September 6, 1971 in Ballybricken, County Limerick, O’Riordan sang before she could talk. At the age of five, the principal of her school sat her on the desk of the sixth-grade teacher and told her to sing. She became a liturgical soloist in a local church choir, and when she was 10, her uncles took her to pubs, where she also sang. Throughout high school, she won local and national singing competitions. She left home at 18 because she wanted to sing, and by 1990, she had joined the Cranberries.
Lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist of the Canadian rock group 'Rush', Geddy Lee Weinrib in 1978.
Known as Geddy Lee, he joined Rush in September 1968, after his childhood friend, Alex Lifeson, asked him to replace the original bassist and frontman, Jeff Jones. He was only 15 at the time, and the next year, Rush began playing professionally. By 1971, they were playing original songs, and by 1972, they were playing full concerts. In 1977, the year before this picture was taken, the band added synthesizers which Lee could play simultaneously with his bass, as they had a foot pedal. Pretty impressive!
Going on a 1956 roadtrip with a 1953 Chevy Bel Air pulling a trailer.
Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, road trips were the way to travel. You packed everything you needed for your time on the road, and, if you wanted, hitched up the camper and went. While the cars at that time were bigger, the campers did seem to be a bit smaller. And what better way to hit the road in style? This was the boom time for road trips, since airline tickets were prohibitively expensive, and fast food was becoming easy to find. Of course, with a camper, you had the luxury of using a rudimentary kitchen.
Randy Poffo (pictured here in 1975) spent 4 seasons in the minors, playing in the Cardinals and Reds systems but never rising above Single-A ball.
Randy Poffo’s father Angelo had a 42-year career in wrestling, and from a young age, Randy had a passion for baseball. He played on his high school team, and broke state records. He hoped to be drafted, but the scouts overlooked him. Then, he turned down a scholarship offer to play ball for Arizona State. Instead, he was drafted in the minors during an open-agent tryout. After two injuries, he taught himself to throw left-handed. As it became clear that he wasn’t going to make it to the majors, he started a secret wrestling career. Once he was cut from the minors, he pursued this new career path that led him to the top of the food chain in the WWF.
Buddy Holly and his wife María Elena with Phil Everly and his date - 1958.
Phil Everly first met Buddy Holly in 1957 in the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room during the Fats Domino Tour. This was a big package tour, and all the performers were in the locker room which was their wardrobe. Everly was 18 at the time, and they traveled on the buses together from city to city. Apparently, Buddy Holly and the Crickets were impressed with the Everly Brothers’ clothing, although the camaraderie didn’t end there. Their friendship lasted until Holly’s death on February 3, 1959.
Michael Jackson in his childhood, 1969
Born in 1958 as the 8th out of 10 Jackson children, Michael's musical talent was apparent from a young age. At just 5 years old, his father had the genius idea to form a singing group with Michael and his 4 brothers.
With Michael as the lead singer, the group began winning talent shows left and right. Their big break came when they won shows at both Chicago's Regal Theater and Harlem's Apollo Theater. But it wasn't all smooth sailing - after being rejected by Motown, they eventually caught the attention of Bobby Taylor, who helped them land a record deal with the label in 1969.
From there, the Jackson 5 moved to Hollywood and opened for none other than Diana Ross and the Supremes. In October of that same year, they released their first single "I Want You Back," which skyrocketed to the top of the charts. And thus began the incredible career of Michael Jackson, who went on to become one of the most iconic musicians of all time.
Couple at Woodstock, 1969
Woodstock! It was a time of peace, love, and of course, incredible music. Thousands of people descended upon a dairy farm in upstate New York for three days of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes. From Jimi Hendrix's legendary guitar solos to Janis Joplin's soulful vocals, the lineup was stacked with some of the biggest names in rock and roll.
But Woodstock was about more than just the music - it was a cultural moment that represented a shift in the way people thought about the world. It was a time of anti-war protests, civil rights movements, and a general sense of rebellion against the status quo.
People camped out, shared food and drinks, and danced the night away under the stars. Despite the rain, mud, and logistical challenges, the spirit of Woodstock prevailed, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.
George Harrison meets Bob Marley backstage at the Roxy in LA, 1975
Oh, the music of the 60s! The Beatles and Bob Marley - two names that will always be etched in the minds of music lovers around the world.
The Beatles were a British band that captured the hearts of the masses with their unique sound and charming personalities. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (pictured), and Ringo Starr - these four lads from Liverpool went on to become one of the most influential bands of all time.
Meanwhile, Bob Marley and his band, The Wailers, were bringing reggae music to the forefront of popular culture. With hits like "No Woman, No Cry," "Buffalo Soldier," and "One Love," Marley's music spoke to people all over the world, transcending borders and cultural barriers. His message of peace, love, and unity continues to inspire generations of fans.
Despite their differences in style, The Beatles and Bob Marley both shared a love for music that was raw, powerful, and authentic. They were true pioneers of their time, and their impact can still be felt today.
Muhammad Ali aka Cassius Clay trains in a pool at the Sir John Hotel in Miami in 1961
Let me take you back to a time when Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was just a young boy in Louisville, Kentucky. It was there that he first laced up his gloves at the tender age of 12, and little did he know that he would go on to become one of the greatest American boxers of all time.
At the age of 18, he won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1960s Summer Olympics in Rome, and by the time he was 22, he already held multiple professional heavyweight titles. But it wasn't just his incredible talent in the ring that made him so special.
In the midst of the 60s Civil Rights Movement, Ali became a symbol of African pride and a powerful voice for change. He later converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, and he famously refused to be conscripted into the military due to his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.
Despite being stripped of his boxing titles, Ali never lost his fighting spirit, and he eventually made a triumphant comeback in 1974, winning the heavyweight championship once again. And when he finally retired from boxing in 1984, he left behind a legacy that still inspires us to this day.
Bruce Lee chillin’ in the 1970’s
Born in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, Bruce Lee was destined for greatness. He was born in the year and hour of the Dragon, which is considered a sign of good fortune in Chinese culture.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Lee got into his fair share of scraps. To keep him out of trouble, his parents decided to enroll him in martial arts classes. This not only taught him how to defend himself but also ignited a passion for the art that would change his life forever.
Although his parents sent him away to the US for his safety, Lee continued to pursue martial arts and started teaching in 1959. However, it wasn't until he joined forces with James Lee that he caught his big break. Ed Parker, an influential martial artist, saw Lee's talent and gave him the exposure he needed to break through in the acting world.
Lee's legacy continued to inspire generations after his untimely death. He was more than just a martial artist; he broke down barriers and changed the way Americans saw Asians in Hollywood. Bruce Lee truly left his mark as an icon of American cinema.
LSD hits for $1 at The Powder Ridge Rock Festival, 1970.
The Powder Ridge Festival, held in Middlefield, Connecticut in the summer of 1970, was meant to be a three-day music festival that would rival the likes of Woodstock. But things didn't go quite as planned.
The festival was held on a ski resort, which at the time was closed for the summer season. The organizers expected a crowd of around 50,000 people, but only about 30,000 showed up due to a lack of publicity and bad weather.
Despite the low turnout, the festival still featured some legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker, and Ten Years After. However, due to a series of problems, the festival was shut down after only one day.
Local residents had complained about the noise and the crowds, and the town had issued a court injunction to stop the festival from continuing. The police also arrested several people for drug possession and other crimes.
Last known image of Jim Morrison, June 1971.
Jim Morrison was the enigmatic frontman of the rock band The Doors, known for his mesmerizing performances and provocative lyrics. His death at the age of 27 left a lasting impact on the music world and his fans.
On July 3, 1971, less than a month after this photo was taken, Jim Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his apartment in Paris, France. The cause of his death was listed as heart failure, although no autopsy was performed due to French law at the time. His death came just a few months after The Doors released their final album with Morrison, "L.A. Woman."
Morrison's death sparked many rumors and conspiracies, with some speculating that he faked his own death and others suggesting foul play. However, most experts agree that Morrison likely died from complications related to drug use and alcoholism, which had plagued him throughout his life.
Despite the circumstances of his death, Jim Morrison's legacy as an iconic musician and cultural figure endures. His influence can still be felt in the music of countless artists who have been inspired by his style and the boundary-pushing spirit of his music with The Doors.
18 Year Old George Harrison in Hamburg, Germany, 1961
et's take a trip down memory lane to the early days of The Beatles, when they were still known as the Quarrymen. George Harrison, just 15 years old at the time, auditioned to be a part of the group. Despite his undeniable talent, John Lennon was hesitant to bring him on as a full-time member. But George didn't give up and continued to impress the band with his guitar skills until he was finally accepted.
Despite his young age, George was already a dedicated musician and dropped out of school to pursue his passion. He played with the Beatles, worked as an electrician, and even had a job at a local department store.
In 1960, the Beatles traveled to Hamburg to perform in various clubs, but Harrison was deported for being underage before the tour was over. Lennon had to step in to cover for him during the remaining performances.
George's contributions to The Beatles were invaluable and he went on to become a beloved member of the band. But his journey began in those early days with the Quarrymen, and we can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for those humble beginnings.
Stephen Hawking with his wife Jane Wilde, 1965
Stephen Hawking was a brilliant physicist and cosmologist who made waves in the world of science with his groundbreaking work on black holes, the universe, and mathematical breakthroughs. Despite being born into poverty, Stephen's parents were both Oxford alumni, and his upbringing was certainly unique. With his family's love for travel and eccentricity, it's no wonder he developed such a passion for exploring the unknown. Later in life, he found love with Jane Wilde, a friend of his sister's, and together they raised a family of three children.
But like any cosmic journey, there were bumps in the road, and Hawking's personal life was no exception. After separating from his wife for a period of time, he eventually moved on and married Elaine Mason, one of his nurses. While their marriage didn't last, Hawking's dedication to science and his role as the Director at the Center for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge continued to inspire awe and wonder in us all.
The Runaways met Robert Plant, 1970’s
Led Zeppelin and The Runaways are two iconic rock bands that made a significant impact on the music scene in the 1970s. Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, consisted of four talented musicians: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. They are widely considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time and influenced many bands that followed them.
Their music, a blend of blues, rock, and folk, was powerful, unique, and often experimental. Led Zeppelin's songs such as "Stairway to Heaven," "Kashmir," and "Whole Lotta Love" have become timeless classics and continue to be popular among music lovers of all ages.
On the other hand, The Runaways, an all-female rock band formed in 1975, was the first of its kind, challenging gender norms in the male-dominated rock industry. The band consisted of Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox.
Their music was energetic, raw, and rebellious, and their songs such as "Cherry Bomb," "Queens of Noise," and "Rock and Roll" inspired many young girls to pursue their dreams of being in a rock band. The Runaways were trailblazers, and their influence can still be seen in female-fronted rock bands today.
Jimi Hendrix in an Axis Bold as Love Christmas advertisement, 1967.
The year was 1967 and the holiday season was in full swing. But amidst all the traditional yuletide cheer, there was a different kind of Santa Claus making his rounds. Dressed in a red suit, complete with a white beard, this was none other than the legendary rockstar Jimi Hendrix.
In his arms, he held copies of his brand new LP, "Axis Bold As Love". With a twinkle in his eye and a slight smile on his face, Hendrix posed for the camera, his presence commanding attention.
This was no ordinary Christmas photo - this was Jimi Hendrix, one of the greatest guitarists of all time, spreading the gift of his music to the world. And with his album in hand, he was ready to take the music scene by storm once again.
The image captures the essence of the era, where rock and roll was king, and the counterculture movement was in full swing. It's a snapshot of a time when Hendrix was at the top of his game, and his music was changing the world.
For fans of Hendrix, this photo is a timeless reminder of the man and his music. And for those who weren't around during the 60s, it's a window into a bygone era, where music and rebellion went hand in hand.
Star Wars, 1977.
The original Star Wars cast! Here they are in a black and white photo that takes us back to 1977. Harrison Ford, aka Han Solo, is sporting a devil-may-care look that would make any smuggler jealous. David Prowse, the man behind the Darth Vader mask, looks surprisingly un-intimidating without his dark lord costume. Peter Mayhew, aka Chewbacca, towers over the rest of the cast with his gentle expression. The late Carrie Fisher, our beloved Princess Leia, looks every bit the iconic and strong-willed leader. Kenny Baker, inside the R2-D2 droid, looks like he's having a blast, and Mark Hamil, our young Jedi hero Luke Skywalker, is ready for adventure with a look of determination on his face. This photo captures a moment in time when these actors were just getting started on a journey that would make cinematic history.
Jimi Hendrix, Woodstock, 1969.
This photograph captures the one and only Jimi Hendrix at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. The colorful image shows Hendrix in the midst of an electrifying performance, surrounded by a sea of fans. You can almost feel the energy and excitement emanating from the stage and the crowd.
The Woodstock festival was a defining moment in music history, drawing in approximately 400,000 fans from all over the country. Jimi Hendrix was the perfect choice to close out the festival with his iconic guitar playing and soulful voice.
It's hard not to feel a twinge of nostalgia when looking at this photo, knowing that Hendrix's time on this earth was cut short not long after this performance. But in this moment captured in the photograph, he's the embodiment of the 1960s counterculture, with his wild hair, psychedelic clothing, and unparalleled talent.
The image serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, to inspire and uplift, and to create lasting memories that we can cherish for a lifetime.
The Monkees 1969.
Formed in 1965, The Monkees were initially put together for a TV show of the same name, but quickly became a sensation in their own right. With their groovy outfits, wacky antics, and irresistible charm, they had teens all over America and beyond swooning over them.
Who could forget the dreamy looks of Davy Jones, the heartthrob of the group? Or the hilarious shenanigans of Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork? And of course, we can't leave out the talented guitarist and songwriter, Mike Nesmith, who helped give the band their unique sound.
Their music was the perfect blend of pop, rock, and psychedelic, capturing the essence of the 60s and making us all feel like we were part of the groovy scene. Whether you were dancing to their upbeat tunes or swooning over their romantic ballads, The Monkees had something for everyone.
Even after all these years, their music still holds a special place in our hearts. So let's put on our bell-bottoms and paisley shirts, and take a trip down memory lane with The Monkees!
Regenerate response
Robin Williams, high school senior, age 18 in 1969
Born on July 21st, 1951, in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, Robin Williams was the youngest of three brothers. Despite his lively personality, he often felt overshadowed by his older siblings. However, he had a secret weapon - his mother. Robin would do anything to make her laugh, as he craved her attention and approval.
When Robin was 12 years old, his family moved to a 40 room farmhouse in Michigan. He attended high school there, where he was a star athlete and class president. His father, who was an executive at Ford, was often away on business, leaving Robin and his brothers to be raised by a helper.
But life had bigger plans for Robin. His family moved again, this time to Tiburon, California, when he was just 16. It was there that he attended Redwood High School and was voted "most likely to not succeed" and "funniest in the class." Robin then enrolled in college to study political science but later dropped out to pursue acting.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Clint Eastwood skateboarding in Rome in the 1960’s
This is the quintessential cool guy! Born into wealth, Clint Eastwood's family had the luxury of owning their own cars, but school didn't seem to be his forte, causing him to struggle academically and ultimately not graduate high school.
Despite this, Clint's striking appearance caught the eye of many in Hollywood, and he was soon introduced to big names in the industry. He started out as an amateur actor, but quickly realized that he needed to hone his craft and began taking classes to improve his skills. It wasn't always smooth sailing though, as he faced numerous rejections from casting agents before finally landing minor roles in films and TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
But Clint's hard work paid off in the 1970s when he finally began to receive major recognition for his performances, setting the stage for his directorial debut in 1971 with the acclaimed film, Play Misty for Me. With rave reviews and praise from the New York Post, Clint's career as both an actor and director was on a meteoric rise that would cement his place as a Hollywood icon.
Johnny Cash eating cake, 1971.
We all love a good slice of cake, but it tastes better at the kitchen table! In this iconic photo captured in 1971, the legendary Johnny Cash is seen sitting under a bush, indulging in a delicious strawberry cake with his bare hands. The image captures a mischievous side of the man in black - unapologetically himself, down-to-earth, and always true to his roots.
The photo, which would later become the artwork for the back cover of his album titled "Strawberry Cake," is a testament to the simple pleasures in life. The contrast of the backyard shrubbery with the simple, yet decadent-looking cake in Johnny's hands is a beautiful reminder of the joys of life's little moments.
