Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 50 years ago

The year was 1963, and music critic Ed Costello went out to a Spokane nightclub, Vic’s Showcase Room, and gave his seal of approval to traveling lounge singer Charlie Aaron.

“When Charlie sings, there are none of the mysteries of a generic nature that shroud some of today’s male singers,” Costello wrote. “Charlie is open, friendly, and really means the grin he wears much of the time, on and off stage. Charlie doesn’t moon about lost love, either. Nor would he forfeit romance without a fight. His songs are happy and virile and generally reflect the joys that life offers the extrovert. Never is there smut for smut’s sake.”

Besides singing songs such as “Surrey With a Fringe on Top,” Charlie also proved to be an all-purpose entertainer:  He tap-danced and performed some acrobatics.

From the entertainment beat: What else was Spokane doing for entertainment in 1963? The Billy Wilder film “Irma la Douce” was held over for a third week and David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia” was in its sixth week.

Meanwhile, something titled, “Women of the World” (“Every incredible scene is real!”) was playing at the State Theater. No one under 18 admitted.