#ThrowbackThursday – 13 February
It’s 13 February, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:
1866 – The Birth of Infamy
No one is a criminal until they commit their first crime.
On 13 February 1866 – nearly a year after the US Civil War ended – soon-to-be-infamous outlaw Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang carried out America’s first daytime bank robbery during peacetime in Liberty, Missouri.
Per reports, they stole nearly $60 000 in bonds, dollars and silver from the Clay County Savings Association. The robbery claimed only one casualty: a 17-year-old student named George Wymore was killed after being shot by a stray bullet.
This marked the beginning of a notorious criminal career for James. His subsequent robberies, including a daring heist in Gallatin and a disastrous attempt in Northfield, further boosted his outlaw status.
Ultimately, the James-Younger Gang shifted to train robberies in the 1870s, taking advantage of the transcontinental railroad, cementing their infamy in American history.
1944 – Happy Birthday, Jerry Springer!
Today marks what would have been the 81st birthday of prominent (if not controversial) American television host and politician, Jerry Springer!
Born on 13 February 1944 in London, England, Springer immigrated to the United States of America with his family at the age of five, settling in New York City, New York. He graduated from Tulane University in 1965 and earned a law degree from Northwestern University in 1968. His political career began in Ohio, where he served on Cincinnati’s city council and was elected mayor in 1977.
Following a stint in television journalism, he launched and presented “The Jerry Springer Show” in 1991, which evolved from political discussions to exploring sensational topics such as infidelity, racialism and family disputes. The show became known for its outrageous and often chaotic segments, featuring guests who would engage in heated confrontations, that often resulted in physical altercations and shocking revelations
Despite its controversial nature, “The Jerry Springer Show” gained a massive following and became a staple of daytime television, running for 27 seasons until its cancellation in 2018.
On 23 April 2023, Springer passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 79. Despite his show’s controversies, Springer left an indelible mark on American culture and television. His ability to connect with audiences through sensational and often polarising content made him an unforgettable household name.
1996 – A Hip-Hop Masterpiece
Seven months before his untimely death, American rapper Tupac Shakur unveiled what many consider his masterpiece.
Released on 13 February 1996, “All Eyez on Me” is the fourth studio album by Shakur, and the final one issued during his lifetime.
Released by Death Row Records and Interscope Records, the 24-track, double-disc album features collaborations with prominent artists including Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and The Outlawz, showcasing a mix of musical styles while embodying the essence of “thug life” to the fullest.
It made history as the first double-full-length hip-hop solo album, “All Eyez on Me” debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 566 000 copies in its first week. The album includes the Billboard Hot 100 hits “California Love” and “How Do U Want It”, with a total of five singles released.
After Shakur’s death in September of that year, the album won the 1997 Soul Train Award for Rap Album of the Year; in 2014, it was certified diamond by the RIAA. Clearly, its unapologetic embrace of “thug life” and themes of surveillance resonate throughout, marking it as a significant cultural milestone in hip-hop.
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