Remembering the Year 1997: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Story by Mark Wilson and Anne Erickson
WRIF first started broadcasting true rock ‘n’ roll to the Motor City on On Feb. 14, 1971, and we’ve never looked back!
It’s been an honor to rock with you for the past 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50.
Let’s look back on these chief events and happenings in Detroit and around the world in the year 1997!
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In January, tragedy struck, as Comair Flight 3272, a flight Cincinnati to Detroit, crashed nose-down 18 miles southwest of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
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In May, The Pistons finished third in the Central Division.
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In June, The Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup in 42 years. Nice!
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In September, The Tigers finished in third place in the American League Eastern Division.
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In December, The Lions finished the season in 3rd for the NFC Central Division with a 9–7 record.
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President Bill Clinton addressed the joint session of Michigan Legislature. He was the first U.S. President to do that since President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907.
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The 1997 Grammy for Record of the Year went to “Change the World” by Eric Clapton.
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The 1997 Grammy for Album of the Year went to “Falling Into You” by Celine Dion.
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Some of the most popular toys from 1997 included the Bananas In Pajamas Figure Set, Casper Glow In The Dark Pillow People, Fashion Magic Hair Wraps N’ Braids and Disney Touch and Sound Lights-Go-Round.
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Popular movies from 1997 included “Titanic,” “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Men in Black.”
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In 1997, “The Simpsons” became the longest-running prime-time animated series.
Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.
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