Writer of Pop Culture

For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) is just another excuse to party and eat Mexican food, and although this special date is celebrated in Mexico it can be argued that this pop culture event is more popular in the United States.

1862: Cinco de Mayo

It may not be surprising to learn that the annual celebration known as Cinco de Mayo (aka “the fifth of May”) is actually more popular in America than in Mexico. The celebration is a symbol of Mexican-American identity.

Some people confuse the day with Mexico’s Independence Day, but that is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo originates back to 1862 and 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.)

In more modern times, it is said that Cinco de Mayo rose in popularity in the 1980’s due to advertising campaigns from beer and wine companies. But something that everyone can agree on is that this pop culture event is a celebration of food.

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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 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.

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 for “Peaches” number seven, Meritxell Negre.

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