One Hit Thunder

In an episode of Mr. Belvedere that first aired on November 22nd, 1985, Kevin plays an entire season of high school football without the rest of the family knowing. When he gets grounded right before the big game that takes place on Thanksgiving, he decides to move into a motel room instead of inviting them to watch him play. We also discover that Belvedere Bro Jim Logrando has a controversial take on pumpkin pie.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone of ANY age who isn’t familiar with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” This timeless 1961 single from the Brooklyn doo-wop group The Tokens is one of the most fun songs ever to sing along with, and its legacy spans from the top of the charts to Disney film soundtracks. Unfortunately, the song’s original writer Solomon Linda wasn’t properly credited or compensated until more recent years, long after his passing. In fact, despite the song’s massive and unending popularity, his family couldn’t even afford a tombstone when he died. This week, we’re joined by One Hit Thunder favorite Robert Bacon to journey into the jungle of this classic track.

In the eighth episode of the second season of Mr. Belvedere (which originally aired on November 15th, 1985), the Owens family discovers that Belvedere is simultaneously wealthy and careless.

By the time that Australian guitar virtuoso Orianthi was a teenager, she was sharing stages with legends such as Steve Vai and Carlos Santana. After relocating to Los Angeles, she not only signed to Geffen, but was also recruited to become Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist. It was during this career whirlwind that she released “According to You,” a pop rock single that at certain moments showcased her shredding abilities. The song was a modest hit, but Orianthi never achieved mainstream chart success again. The question is: does she even care? This week, we dive into the life and career of a musician who seems happy to live the exciting life of a sought-after hired gun.

When George and Marsha reluctantly decide to renew their wedding vows, the Owens children discover a deep, dark secret about their parents’ past. Meanwhile, Wesley continues to play the accordion.