The America We Knew: January 1964

[@LimitlessThinker]

I remember that percolator on every morning. Such a historic period. I remember the magazine racks and as a kid always loved the ones with comic books. Jackie Kennedy was admired by everyone. My mother used to talk about Jackie Kennedy and mentioned a diet of cottage cheese and strawberries that Jackie had said she used to lose weight. The soda bottles were made of thick glass and my father used to drive a 7up truck. Wooden cases filled with glass bottles, were much heavier than the plastic bottles of today. My dad eventually opened up a gas station, where he gave full service. Years later a friend mentioned they were going to have self-service stations and my dad couldn't imagine that. Everyone in town liked stopping by and having conversation, when going to my dad's gas station. Those days are long gone. This captured many memorable clips. Thank you Fred.

[@jaydouglas5847]

`This was still the wholesome era....by 1966 it all became undone. 60 to 64 was perhaps the high point of America optimism. I'd go back this minute if I could.

[@Janus10001]

Just shared this with my son so he'll understand what TV-and America-was like when I was a kid.

[@FredFlix]

That's good, Mike.

[@Rippypoo]

I was almost 6 and in kindergarten then. We went to the World's Fair in New York City that year. I was fascinated.

[@peternighswander9629]

Dr Strangelove is one of my favorite films. George C Scott is absolutely priceless in it

[@FredFlix]

"I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed!"

[@David-yw2lv]

The whole cast was superb.

[@kizzume]

I really appreciate these videos.

[@FredFlix]

Good to know, kizzume.

[@jptaylor]

I was born in January 1964. This makes me feel so old. I'll be dead before I know it!

[@davidkenner-rb8go]

When I was a kid I saw "Strait Jacket" on TV and it scared the living daylights out of me. I think it was responsible for an entire summer's sleep lost. Today it just seems funny.

[@ordinaryperson1808]

This video was the best thing I woke up to this morning! Thank you for the upload Fred, your videos are always such a treat.

[@alecfoster4413]

Ditto that!

[@FredFlix]

I'm hay to hear that, OP.

[@FredFlix]

I meant happy! ("hay"?)

[@gregggoss2210]

You okay there Fred? You sound a little "horse" today. 🙄

[@LeslieGMN]

“[Perking] ‘Maxwell House, good to the last drop!” Thank you, Fred, for another wonderful collection that woke me up like coffee. Your creations are a most welcome palate cleanser 😊 from, um, current events.”

[@gregggoss2210]

Another lunchtime treat for me. Boy, I sure would love to have that Chevy II. Oh, and the girl in the Dial commercial. 🤪 Thanks Fred 👍.

[@FredFlix]

You can drive her in your Chevy II, Gregg.

[@Ij-jan]

January my birthday month! I wish I could go back even for a day. Thanks so much for the video.

[@FredFlix]

I'd go back, too, Jan, just to soak in the atmosphere.

[@mrwoodandmrtin]

It would be pretty weird to go back. Just for a day. I guess you would have to dress up in more formal clothes. And leave the iPhone at home. Get a haircut and put some gel in? Was the money the same? Better watch those serial numbers. Get some old suff. You'd probably be way fatter than the average back then too. And have to watch your slang and manners. And be careful not to fall madly in love with a person who would be as old as your grandmother when you got back. Have you seen the film "Midnight in Paris"?

[@Ij-jan]

@@mrwoodandmrtin I think you’re reading way too much into the statement.

[@David-yw2lv]

My mother subscribed to Look Magazine,my uncle had the JFK Memorial Album.

[@Borella309]

January 1964 - The calm before the musical and cultural storm (though the rumblings were certainly on the horizon). One thing, as an Australian, I must say about The Beatles "explosion" though, is that there is this ongoing belief that The Beatles success in America was as a reaction to the grief of the teenagers losing JFK, but in all other parts of the world, where the teenagers weren't experiencing that grief, The Beatles impact was exactly the same - in Australia the impact was possibly even greater (early 1964 The Beatles had the top 7 spots on the charts one week, and crowds of over 100,00 and even 200,000 to greet them in the cities of Melbourne and Adelaide), so this was obviously based not on a reaction to JFK's death, but more on what The Beatles phenomenon was. That said, Yet another great instalment Fred!

[@FredFlix]

Much appreciated, Borella. Didn't know they made such a big impact in Australia, though I'm not surprised.

[@dwaynecoy1871]

That percolating pot on the Maxwell House coffee commercial is one of the most memorable and iconic commercials of my lifetime. I always hated coffee and never drink it (strange for guy who grew up in Seattle), but it's such a memorable commercial and reminds me of life growing up the 60's, great job Mr. FredFlix, leading off with that one.

[@FredFlix]

Dwayne, I try to be good to the last clip (or the first).

[@dwaynecoy1871]

@@FredFlix - thanks, you're doing a great job with these monthly segments. I look forward to seeing them whenever available. Really a great way to start my day (they are usually available in the AM in Seattle).

[@smilinmoo]

My husband and I were just talking about that commercial, how memorable and effective it was. All these years later we still remember the percolator tune.

[@FredFlix]

@@dwaynecoy1871 I appreciate that, Dwayne.

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

Thank you so much Fred!! These videos always make me smile 😊. This one starting out with the Maxwell House coffee commercial put that smile on my face right off the bat!!!

[@FredFlix]

Then I've done my job, Bridget!

[@gittes98]

Love how un-PC the Jack Jones song Wives and Lovers has become. Remember this was on the radio a lot back in the day and it;s still good for bringing back memories

[@paul41to45]

Now I want that Chevy II, nice little car

[@melaniemills4505]

I've never seen the footage of Jacqueline Kennedy thanking all the people who sent her condolences after the passing of her husband. I'm impressed. Keep making your videos. ❤

[@RobertR3750]

Oh GOD, Fred, you began with the song that makes me feel UBER nostalgic! It exudes the innocence of a much better time! Johnson's "War on Poverty" was ill conceived. William Castle was such a showman! Kathie Browne was a real cutie. When my mom saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, she kept saying "that hair!". Love Dr. Strangelove. Lots of double entendre names in it.

[@jehobden]

Kathie Browne's future husband, Darren McGavin, was on TV GUIDE's cover 5 years later to the date: www.tvguidemagazine.com/archive/suboffer/1960s/1969/19690118_c1.jpg.html

[@Wolfinger1935]

She played Deela on Star Trek... Episode: Wink of an Eye

[@RobertR3750]

@@Wolfinger1935 Yeah, she looked great in that episode. Great outfit she wore. Showed ALL of one leg and the side of her midriff. Lovely.

[@Wolfinger1935]

@@RobertR3750 KIrk really did her dirty... all in the name of saving the galaxy!

[@dougmorris9317]

Man what I wouldn’t give for one of those Mustangs! The Jacqueline Kennedy segment broke my heart, she was class thru and thru. Well, I wasn't in school yet but was still alive then, hard to believe. This was special, thank you Fred. 😊

[@FredFlix]

My pleasure, Doug.

[@bobtaylor170]

I especially love the Bobby Vinton songs, most of all the terribly underappreciated "There, I Said It Again."

[@johnmoreno96]

I still have an original 7” 45rpm copy of “Popsicles and Icicles” by The Murmaids on the Chattahoochee label it was my brother’s. I miss him and those days. Thanks for the memories ✌

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, John.

[@peternighswander9629]

Bobby Vinson is still alive at 89. Was even performing up until 9 years ago. Unfortunately, a case of shingles forced him to retire. Hang in there there Bobby

[@mikedrown2721]

I turned 18 years old in 1964😊

[@LeslieGMN]

I was nine, Mike! I probably haven’t seen Johnny Carson try on a Beatle wig since then. More recently, I saw Bob Hope and Jack Benny wear them to welcome The Beach Boys. Whatever the LA set designers thought, I can prove that beach concessions in 1965 did not sell BAGELS.

[@biancagerade4229]

Thank you Fred I was born in 1964❤❤❤❤

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, youngster.

[@shyphyre]

Me too.

[@dennisdeleo74]

I used to wonder why my mom’s percolator didn’t play music when in use…did you ever think that George C. Scott would be in a comedy with Peter Sellers? Vinyl 45s at Kmart for 66 cents…Mantle and Koufax at their peak, and football when it was football…I miss my’71 ‘Stang…I remember when the “Polish” Sinatra had his TV show, and buckle up, Beatlemania is right around the corner…Fred, you should be going into the World Series, you’re the champ!

[@jamesthomas7405]

I was 5 in January 64 I have vague memories of that time. It sure looks like a fun time living in that time. Thanks Fred😊

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, James.

[@calescapee9642]

Then Feb 9th 1964 came along and Everything Changed.

[@marthawelch4289]

The lads came over the pond to wish me a happy 10th birthday on my grannie's favorite TV show. My dad liked their music but absolutely hated their hair.

[@ricklaino6385]

The commercials and advertising graphics from that era strike such a nostalgic chord with me......... Thanks Fred......!!!

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Rick.

[@alecfoster4413]

Joan Crawford herself was the real horror-show. Interesting thing about The Beatles, they actually made it big first in West Germany. My dad once saw them at an O'Hare airport lounge in the 60's when he was on a business trip. He said he never saw "more tired kids" in his whole life. Thanks Fred!

[@FredFlix]

What year was that, Alec?

[@alecfoster4413]

@@FredFlix I think it was 1965 but could have been a year or two earlier or later. I was in grade school. :)

[@smilinmoo]

They were hard-working boys. In those early days they went from one gig to another at a pace that was almost inhuman, and didn’t have the perks that rock stars of today have. They even moved their own equipment.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Crawford was a real professional as M.C. at the Hollywood Palace.

[@luisreyes1963]

Always enjoy films of classic football games. Thanks, FredFlix. 🏈

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Luis.

[@tomklock568]

Thanks Fred! Just a bit over 5 years old then, it’s a help to see these things my memory doesn’t bring back!

[@FredFlix]

Sure thing, Tom.

[@NickvonZ]

Jackie had GRACE!

[@Wolfinger1935]

Ohhh! Mr. Pitt!

[@jlthomps1]

Fantastic ,Fred.

[@FredFlix]

Thanks, jlthomps.

[@emilysantoyo918]

A great era. I recently saw Dr. Strangelove with my mom & we both thought the movie was okay. I wanted to see more screen time of Peter Sellers playing the title role, but it was fine as it is. The one thing I really enjoyed seeing that got the most screenshots was Slim Pickens who I loved as Mr. Tagger in one of my all time favorite movies, Blazing Saddles. BTW I did hear that was the era or at least in my prediction that The Beatles became internationally well-known other than when English girls go crazy over them. But still a great decade.

[@garytafolla2845]

Another great Fred Flix video. I was 7 years old that January. I remember all of this as if it was just yesterday. Thanks again for these awesome videos, Fred. 😊

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Gary. I was 7 as well. Amazing time to be a kid!

[@eringo-bragh4243]

You Don't Own Me, one of the first female anthems from Lesley Gore

[@scottburton9701]

This is outstanding-Thanks for posting!

[@dawnjensen5615]

I love the song Popsicles and Icicles

[@Henry-r2f]

Popsicles and Icicles was, believe it or not, written by David Gates of Bread. It was knocked out of first place by I Want to Hold Your Hand and is considered to the be last American pre British invasion pop hit.

[@FredFlix]

Popsicles, icecicles and bread. Who knew they would go together?

[@lesliegmn3927]

David Gates was the author.

[@jchow5966]

Wow!!!!!!!!!

[@sonnytoo9077]

Thanks Fred 👍

[@bucksdiaryfan]

One of the most interesting stories in Amerian pop culture history is how The Beatles went from unknown to national phenomenon in America during the 1963 holiday season and continuing up until their historic first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. America had never seen anything like this kind of an act, and the whole country -- including adults -- had their imaginations captured by this musical group that reminded so many of the Marx Brothers

[@lesliegmn3927]

Though a Beatlemaniac since February 9, 1964, I just learned that Ed Sullivan was at Heathrow in 1963 when he saw a crowd of 10,000 fans welcoming the Beatles home from a European tour. He missed his flight to call his NYC office and order, “Book them ASAP,” without even hearing the group first.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

@@lesliegmn3927 That's right! He saw Beatlemania up close and got in on it... that launched them into the stratosphere

[@mrwoodandmrtin]

It's just so odd to see Sinatra style crooning, old 50's style rock and roll and beatless type music all overlapping at the same time. Jackie K was so brave. Also funny to see that every commercial is a mini musical.

[@bobtaylor170]

What a great discovery this channel is! A delight. Thank you.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Bob.

[@W1RMD]

Thanks Fred! Have a great weekend!

[@FredFlix]

You too, W1RMD.

[@ernestcruz6316]

Another nice compilation from FredFlix. Have a good weekend!

[@FredFlix]

You too, Ernest.

[@jehobden]

Great job, Fred! 0:40 - This song was written by future Bread lead singer, David Gates. 2:40 - I"m guessing that the man over LBJ's left shoulder, sitting where the VP would usually sit, was the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The US had no VP again until Hubert Humphrey was sworn in a year later. The 25th Amendment, which allowed the VP to be replaced before the next election, was passed in 1967. It was needed several years later when the VP then the President both resigned. 3:20 - It's sad that Meredith MacRae died at the young age of 56. Her mother survived her by many years. 3:52 - Joan looks just like "Mommie Dearest" there. :) 13:27 - That's a worse loss than the Patriots suffered in their 1st SB, losing SB XX to the Bears 46-10. 15:57 - "There I've Said It Again" was the last Hot 100 #1 before The Beatles went to #1 with "I Want to Hold Your Hand".

[@jaydouglas5847]

The man sitting to the left of LBJ is Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, D , Mass. He was the majority leader prior to his selection as speaker of the House in '62 following the passing of the late great Sam Rayburn. McCormack served as speaker until retiring in 1971.

[@jehobden]

@@jaydouglas5847 Thank you. Since he was the House Speaker, who was the other man sitting on LBJ's other side?

[@jaydouglas5847]

@@jehobden That would be President pro tempore of the Senate Carl Hayden, AZ, Dem and powerful longtime chairman of the Senate appropriations committee.

[@stanleycostello9610]

"Leaves your hair so civilized." Right. Got it. You have a good weekend, Mr. Flix.

[@FredFlix]

Ditto, SC.

[@NickvonZ]

I was a little BABY! 😂

[@dennismccowan5375]

They made fun of the Beatles, little did they realize how much their lives would soon change because of the influence of the Beatles.

[@LynneFowler-h1g]

👍🎯💯❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@disoriented1]

I was born late in the month of January 1964. President Kennedy should have been president when I was born. I remember, as a kid in the 70s. watching reruns of the tv series 'Bewitched', and seeing huge change from the premiere in 64..when Samantha was in black and white and wore white gloves when going out, to 1972, where she was wearing psychadelic miniskirts. To those a few years older, did things really change that much in 8 years?. I know most people think the 50s were the idyllic time to grow up, but the 70s weren't that bad!

[@BrandonYusufToropov]

When you use up all the months I would like you to consider doing this for specific WEEKS. :-) JOKING, but maybe not. Thank you so much for doing this. Love your channel so much.

[@FredFlix]

Thanks a lot, Brandon. But weeks? My god, ya killin' me! 😴

[@davidrosler5413]

Wow, the newsreel about Johnson reminds me bigly of the fake newsreel that opens the classic Citizen Kane 24 years earlier, especially the announcer with the aggressive delivery!

[@merce10554]

Breaking Point... That was it, in more than one way. What am I saying! In *every* possible way!! And it was fab, Fred-ssi. 💜🤟

[@1701echopapa]

It would be interesting for you to do an entire video on the media of the day and popular culture's reaction to Beatlemania.

[@lesliegmn3927]

“Popsicles and Icicles” was the Murmaids’ only hit, despite the frenetic efforts of producer Kim Fowley, Sunset Strip scenester.

[@thetraveler2561]

I have a few ideas for your channel Fred I will ThermoFax them to you. 😀

[@FredFlix]

Good! Give me time to warm it up.

[@bettyir4302]

Bing was such a Hollywood legend but then we found out he abused his kids.

[@bettyir4302]

And so did Joan Crawford.

[@thetraveler2561]

@@bettyir4302 Again being strict and abusive are 2 different things. Hollywood can twist the facts.

[@gmwcfhg]

Though The Murmaids never had another hit, the writer of Popsicles and Icicles, David Gates, would go on to major music stardom in the decade to come, most notable as the lead singer of Bread, of course! (This is one of my favorite 60's one hit wonder songs BTW)

[@FredFlix]

Didn't know about the song/Gates connection.

[@ChrisN1344]

Great music choices., Fred - particularly wise placement of Vinton and “There I’ve Said It Again.” Most people here I’m sure know why. Sadly … this month in many ways represents the last gasp of “The America We Knew”. The world I would emerge into late the following year would very different from this one.

[@FredFlix]

Chris, it's the last gasp of America the Great.

[@davidkenner-rb8go]

After "There I've Said It Again" spent it's 4th week at #1, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" came crashing in. Things would never be the same again. I love the Beatles and everything that followed but hate how so much of the pop music of the "adult world" has started to be erased by later generations, as if it's not worth listening to. One more thing that troubles me: a disc jockey I heard on the radio this past week (on a hard rock station) mentioned that she knew Paul McCartney had a band after the Beatles, but she couldn't recall their name.

[@ChrisN1344]

@@davidkenner-rb8go Agree wholeheartedly.

[@charlesmurphy3222]

I wouldn't be conceived for another 2 and a half years.

[@wheeler71]

👍

[@tubiephrank0707]

12:35 -- The team's only league title in 64 seasons thru 2023. NFL Hall of Famers on the 1963 team include WR Lance Alworth (first AFL player to enter HOF), and head coach Sid Gilman. There was a 3rd HOF person on the Chargers' 63 staff, defensive assistant coach Chuck Noll, who would make the Hall as the 4-time Super Bowl winning coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. BTW -- In 1968, Chuck Noll was an assistant under Don Shula, then the head coach of the Baltimore Colts. Baltimore would win the NFL Championship, but were famously upset by the AFL's New York Jets in Super Bowl III. Noll would join the Steelers in 1969, while Shula moved to the Miami Dolphins in 1970. Both the Steelers and Dolphins became multiple Super Bowl champions in the 1970s.

[@elifoust7664]

Real Women

[@antsforall]

Fred Flix Videos, "Good To The Last Clip" Going to play that Bobby Vinton music to keep the kids away from my door on Halloween..lol

[@FredFlix]

Good stuff from antsforall!

[@hunglikejesus6097]

97.9 billion dollars was the budget in 64. That’s would even get the government started today.

[@elifoust7664]

Cosby and AMPEX

[@jeffscheiner1553]

The Carson clip was from February

[@LeslieGMN]

I could use some of Sheila McRae’s VO-5 hairspray. Probably I should hang onto it, though: I haven’t had my hair cut since before the pandemic. It’s creeping to my waist. 😮

[@jeffscheiner1553]

Joan’s reaction to seeing a wire hanger in her closet.

[@smilinmoo]

😂

[@asimplehorseman4648]

Criminal LBJ declares the war on poverty... And so begins the welfare state. How's that going? Thanks Fred. We appreciate you.

[@FredFlix]

And I you, ASH.

[@LynneFowler-h1g]

💯🎯💯🎯💯🎯

[@SR-se3qw]

Alberto VO5

[@dariowiter3078]

Hey! Where are your personal comments about what you were doing in January of '64,"Fred? 😐

[@ManuelRocha-xz1gd]

Do you have Febuary 1964.

[@continentalgin]

It's the invasion of... The Beatles! Just a trivial, juvenile, flash-in-the-pan of no consequence, after all it's a British outfit and we don't go for that primitive sound in the U.S.A. Guitar bands are on their way out, anyway.

[@smilinmoo]

😂

[@dougbrowne9890]

LBJ begins the war on poverty. HAHAHAHA! Joan Crawford. Absolutely terrible actress and person. Seems Jack Parr and Johnny Carson didn't yet grasp Beatlemania. Pepsi. YUCK! Dr. Strangelove. My all time favorite film. Had a teacher in high school show it to the class (Political Science or American Foreign Relations....can't remember which anymore). Only ones laughing were the teacher and myself. Everyone else had no clue, lol. That K-mart coupon sale.....toy soldiers for 7 cents each (limit 10). A little boy would go nuts over that sale! What a treasure that sports magazine is, with all those awesome athletes. Today such a magazine would have two, maybe three on the cover. Guys like Al Kaline, Mike Ditka and Stan Mikita would be totally ignored. Monsters to Laugh With. Loved those mags. Great stuff Fred.

[@FredFlix]

"I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed."

[@dougbrowne9890]

@@FredFlix "But I do say no more than 10 to 20 million killed tops, depending on the breaks."

[@bettyir4302]

@5:07 "exercises for viewers who are too lazy to exercise" Nooo, Fred, nooo! @8:27 Ah, back when we knew what a woman was. Many of us would love to win one of those Mustangs! Guess that cancer cure didn't work. Profit over people.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

The new Phil Silvers show was beyond stupid ! Looks like ol Jack Paar went a bit heavy on the shoe polish on his hair YIKES!

[@lizadivine3785]

In Joe bidens America I buy any coffee on sale and it’s only half full!! FJB!!!!

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

12:00 Yep, nothing says The 60s like sexist garbage. "You're married but you still have to look like a model! He's not taking care of himself, but you better!" You always hit it right on the head, Fred. I'll go back to Lesley Gore now...

[@ArmpitStudios]

More girls should have and still should listen to the lyrics of “Wives and Lovers” and learn.