This Day in Pop Culture for May 5

1862: Cinco de Mayo

It may not be surprising to learn that the annual celebration known as Cinco de Mayo is actually more popular in America than in Mexico. Originating back to 1862 on this day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. As a David-vs.-Goliath-like event, the fact that the smaller army took over the larger one was a morale booster. (Unfortunately, the Mexican army was defeated by the French a year later.)

Some people confuse the day with Mexico’s Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16. In the U.S., the day became more of a celebration of Mexican-American culture. It is said that Cinco de Mayo rose in popularity in the 1980’s due to advertising campaigns from beer and wine companies. Shocker. (Image: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels)

1962: Sound

West Side Story’s soundtrack is released. It stays #1 spot for 54 weeks.

1921: Smell

Fashion designer Coco Chanel releases Chanel No. 5 Perfume

1989: See

Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams opens in theaters.

1979: Peaches and Herb are ‘Reunited’

On this day in 1979, the pop duo, Peaches and Herb were “Reunited” (and it felt so good) when the song reached #1 on the Billboard pop chart. But here’s the thing, over the years, there have been actually seven “Peaches” who partnered with Herb. In the late ‘60’s, Herb Fame (aka Herbert Feemster) was paired with Francine Barker but due to the rigors of touring, Marlene Mack toured with Herb as a stand in. The act ended in 1970.

The act ended in 1970. Then, in 1976, he found a new partner, Linda Greene and the duo had hits with “Shake Your Groove Thang” and “Reunited.” This successful pair recorded seven albums, but split somewhere between 1983-1986 as Greene recorded new gospel music with her husband, Stephen Tovani.

The fourth “Peaches” came in the form of Patrice Hawthorne in 1990. In 2002, Miriamm Wright became the fifth “Peaches.” In 2008, it was reported that Wanda Makle would record an album with Herb, but that didn’t pan out as she was dropped in favor or “Peaches” number seven, Meritxell Negre. (Image: Polydor Records)