How 1964 Led to 2004
The Register's “Times They Are a-Changin’” series looks back 40 years to cultural milestones in the 1960s and assess their impact.
In February 1964, the Beatles were dominating the airwaves and teen-agers’ obsessions in America.
On the big and little screen, entertainment options were still fairly innocent. Television hits “Top of the Pops,” “Candid Camera,” “The I Love Lucy Show” and “The Avengers” complemented hit movies Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady for wholesome viewing.
Later in the month, Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight boxing champion.
These were pre-inflation days. The median salary was $5,500, and a loaf of bread cost 24 cents. Later to become cultural icons, the Ford Mustang, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts and Diet Pepsi were new on the market.
— Marjorie Dannenfelser
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- February 29-March 6, 2004
