The Times
Just like the personal computer, the Sony Corporation launched the sale of The Sony Walkman on July 1st, 1979, ushering in a high-fidelity, personal audio cassette player to the delight of Cortland students. The concept of having 1000 songs in your pocket, programmed by the user was a revelation and immediately embraced. It turned music lovers into their own DJs!
On November 4th, 1979, a new crisis was brewing in the Middle East. Iranian students outraged that the US government allowed the ousted Shah of Iran to travel to NYC for cancer treatment, stormed and seized the US Embassy in Teheran and captured 52 American embassy personnel. The hostages endured 14 months or 444 days of captivity, which dominated world news. Five months into the standoff between the US and Iran, a failed rescue attempt called Operation Eagle Claw utilizing the Army, Air Force and the Marines, killed 8 servicemen and was a significant blow to the US Military’s reputation around the world. The hostages were finally released on January 20th, 1981, the day of President Ronald Regan’s inauguration. This crisis significantly impacted Jimmy Carter’s presidency and ultimate defeat.
Getting up close and personal to see your favorite rock stars has always been a thrilling and magical experience, but on December 3rd, 1979, that euphoria turned into tragedy. The Who had just begun their first tour without Keith Moon who had died a few months prior from an overdose and were all set to play Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio. Because of cost cutting measures leading to the lack of adequate security, 8,000 fans rushed through two open doors after hearing the band’s soundcheck thinking they had already taken the stage. This caused a stampede. 11 people died and 26 people were injured after being trampled. The Who took the stage and played the concert totally unaware of the tragedy. The band threatened to cancel their tour and never got over the heartbreak. This tragedy led to significant changes in concert safety protocols.
On February 22nd, 1980, Cortland students along with 36 million viewers gathered around their TVs for the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, NY. The #7 seed USA Olympic Hockey team were clearly the underdogs playing the #1 seed Soviet team who had 4 previous Olympic gold medals and had not lost an Olympic hockey game since 1968. Hearts were pounding as the 3rd period showed the US team was up 4-3 and in the last 10 minutes of play, broadcaster Al Michaels delivered what would become one of the most famous calls of all time: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” The US team won, and the victory known as “The Miracle On Ice” was born. They still had one more game to play against Finland for the gold and they did it!
Notable Events
- The Iranian Hostage Crisis – November 4th,1979
- Iranian students seized the US Embassy taking 52 embassy personnel hostage. After a failed attempt by the Army, Air Force and Marines to rescue the hostages, it took 14 months or 444 days to get the hostages home.
- The Who – Cincinnati Deadly Concert – December 3, 1979
- 11 concertgoers were killed and 26 were injured in the tragic stampede as 8,000 fans pushed to get inside the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio to see The Who. When the band took the stage, they were completely unaware of the tragedy.
- Miracle On Ice – February 22, 1980
- The #7 seed and underdogs, the USA Olympic Hockey Team defeated the #1 Soviet team with a completely unexpected win. Called “The Miracle On Ice” The USA team went on to win Olympic gold!
CONCERTS THAT CAME TO CORTLAND 1979/1980
Papa John Creach – 10/5/79
A professionally trained classical violinist, Papa John Creach came to rock music prominence through the San Francisco music scene in the 1970s as a full and guest member of the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna and the Grateful Dead. He got his nickname “Papa” because he was decades older than the young rockers he played with. Papa John Creach passed away in 1994.
Dixie Dregs – 11/16/79 An instrumental Southern Rock fusion band formed in the early 1970s by music majors at the University of Miami’s School of Music, the Dixie Dregs were all highly trained musicians. Unlike most band members, these guys actually knew music theory and composition and could read music! They were part of the Southern Rock scene and by the time they performed at Cortland, they were supporting their third album “Night of the Living Dregs” which gained the band their first Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance…the Grammy went to Paul McCartney and Wings
Jorma Kaukonen – 11/16/79
Ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as Number 54 on its list of “100 Greatest Guitarists,” Jorma Kaukonen, the country blues fingerstyle guitarist, he was a founding member and helped craft the unique sounds of both the Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Jorma played at Cortland in 1979 supporting his second solo album “Jorma.” He continues to perform in his 80’s with his longtime musical partner and Hot Tuna bassist, Jack Casady.
Tom Paxton – 12/8/79 One of our country’s most enduring and important singer/songwriters, Tom Paxton became the voice of his generation addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity while celebrating the bonds of family, friends and community. He emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in New York City and at the time was one of the mainstays of the folk movement. His songs have been recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, Judy Collins, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Paxton performed on campus to promote his 16th album “Up and Up” which had both environmental and baseball themes. Tom Paxton is still performing for audiences into his late 80s.
Pure Prairie Leage – 5/4/80 – PER Ice Arena
Formed in 1970 in Columbus, Ohio, Pure Prairie League is best known for their Country Rock sound and their song “Amie.” Recorded in 1972, the song didn’t come to prominence on the airwaves until it was re-released in 1975. Craig Fuller, who wrote and sang lead vocals and guitar on the song never got the recognition he deserved after being drafted in 1973 and declaring himself a conscientious objector. Fuller had to leave the band which left them needing a strong lead singer and guitar player. Enter Vince Gill, now one of Country Music’s biggest stars. Back in 1979, Vince became the voice and the musical driving force of the band, playing guitar, mandolin, banjo and fiddle. Their show at the Ice Arena supported their album “Firing Up” and included their 1st and only Top 10 hit “Let me Love You Tonight” written and sung by Vince Gill. Their visual mascot is Sad Luke, a cartoon cowboy appearing on every album cover since 1972.