This Day in Pop Culture for September 28

1981: Olivia Newton-John Gets ‘Physical’

The single “Physical” from Olivia Newton-John’s 12th album was released by MCA Records on this day in 1981. The song, written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick, was originally intended for Rod Stewart. The song was a huge success selling two million copies in the U.S. It was certified as Platinum and spend ten week at the #1 spot of the Billboard Hot 100. “Physical” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and it won the Billboard Award for Top Pop Single. To date, it has been Newton-John’s biggest hit song.

1963: Roy Lichtenstein’s Most Popular Painting

You may appreciate pop art, but did you know that “Whaam!,” a 1963 pop art piece painted by Roy Lichtenstein, is one of the best-known works of the art form? The painting was first exhibited at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New Your City on this day in 1963. It was purchased by the Tate Gallery in London three years later and has been on permanent display at Tate Modern since 2006. It is said the Lichtenstein was inspired by several comic book panels. Lichtenstein studied art before and after serving in the United States Army during World War II. His themes of art focused on romance and war.