Grand Junction 36 Years Ago – Check Out Ralph Dinosaur
Travel back in time 36 years with this awesome Grand Junction band. Check out this video featuring Ralph Dinosaur and the Fabulous Volcanoes.
There I was, messing around on YouTube when I was supposed to be working, when I stumbled across this amazing video captured October 16, 1984. This is a KJCT special monthly news broadcast called "Captions." The topic for October 16, none other than Western Colorado's very own Ralph Dinosaur.
How about that lovely little number Ralph is sporting in this video? From what I've seen, this is one of his more conservative selections. The last time I saw him perform he was in a mid-thigh skirt. How about that Marshall stack right behind Ralph? I'm not entirely sure, but that looks very much like Dan Scott on bass.
Those were the days. So, besides Ralph Dinosaur rocking the venue at Mesa College and other area clubs, what was happening that same date 36 years ago? Here are few memorable events from the date of Tuesday, October 16, 1984:
- Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop, wins the Nobel Peace Prize
- The #1 song in America was Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You"
- Baboon heart transplanted into a 15-day-old baby girl
- "Teachers" was the #1 movie in America (The Terminator would take over the top spot in two weeks)
- U2's "The Unforgettable Fire" was the #1 album on the charts. (Wham! "Make It Big" would be the #1 album the following month)
- Frederick Forsyth's "The Fourth Protocol" was the #1 selling book in America
- On October 16, 1984, the most popular baby names in America were Jennifer and Michael
While you're enjoying the video, be sure to check out the "Picaflic" commercial at the :50 mark. Do you remember that place? That's Grand Junction 1984 for you. Back then, it was live music five nights a week from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and $3 VHS tape rentals.
Special thanks to Mark Shortess and Hot Rod Recording Studios for sharing this video.