On this day, 57 years ago, the National Basketball Association granted franchise licenses to the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey for both teams and their loyal fanbases. The Suns, known as the ultimate underdogs, boast the second-highest franchise win percentage of teams that have yet to secure a championship title. Meanwhile, the Bucks held a fan contest to select their team name, ultimately favoring ‘Bucks’ over the more popular ‘Robins’. Let’s delve into some memorable moments from the histories of these two franchises… (1968)
The Milwaukee Bucks made history as the only team to clinch championship titles in both the Eastern and Western Conferences of the NBA. They have experienced remarkable periods of dominance in their divisions during 1971-1974, 1980-1986, and most recently, 2021-2023. The legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is perhaps the most iconic player to don the Bucks’ jersey, leading the team to its 1971 NBA Championship victory with a commanding 4-0 sweep against the Baltimore Bullets.
In a creative twist, the Arizona Republic newspaper hosted a contest to name the new Phoenix basketball team, resulting in ‘Suns’ being chosen over other intriguing options like Scorpions, Rattlers, Thunderbirds, Wranglers, Mavericks, Tumbleweeds, Mustangs, and Cougars.
After facing a setback in the 1976 NBA Finals, the Suns entered a rebuilding phase throughout the 1980s. The tide turned in 1988 when they acquired Kevin Johnson, who, alongside future Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, propelled the Suns into a dazzling era of high-scoring play, although they still fell short of winning the championship. In 2004, the Suns welcomed free agent Steve Nash, and throughout the next decade, they consistently contended for playoff positions, yet the elusive championship trophy remained out of reach.
In more uplifting news from this date:
Ninety-four years ago, the talented jazz trumpeter Clyde McCoy recorded “Sugar Blues” for Columbia Records. Originally penned in 1919 by Clarence Williams with lyrics by Lucy Fletcher, McCoy’s signature wah-wah trumpet style transformed it into a personal anthem. The single became a massive success, selling an astounding 14 million copies worldwide.
It is widely believed that McCoy pioneered the wah-wah trumpet technique by fluttering a Harmon mute in the bell of his trumpet. His innovative sound was so influential that he partnered with the King Instrument Company to produce and market the device. This unique style is said to have inspired countless musicians, including the legendary Jimi Hendrix, particularly in his creation of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”
In 1967, a similar effect was introduced to electric guitars with the Vox “Clyde McCoy” Wah-Wah Pedal, although McCoy himself was not involved in its development or use, his name was simply used for promotional purposes. LISTEN to the song… (1931)
Two hundred thirty-eight years ago today, one of the most celebrated English Romantic poets, Lord Byron, was born in London. Born into a life of luxury that never quite suited him, Byron, the 6th Baron of Byron, followed in the footsteps of many great artists, embarking on a life of travel, romance, and creative expression that ultimately led him into debt. His adventurous spirit and passionate works continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
