Today in Billings History 0
July 27, 1849-(1928)
Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly, scout for the military, is born in Geneva, New York. Following service late in the Civil War, Kelly comes west, eventually becoming chief of scouts for Colonel Nelson Miles. As chief scout, Kelly’s extensive knowledge about the Yellowstone and upper Missouri River basins proves to be invaluable to the military which is bringing the Sioux and Cheyenne under control. Following his service in Montana, Kelly spends time in western Colorado, Alaska, the Philippine Islands, and Arizona. Upon his death in California in 1928, Kelly’s remains are returned to Montana, where he is buried atop of the rimrocks above Billings.
July 27, 1941-
Chan Romero, rock-and-roll recording artist, is born in Billings. Romero is the author of “The Hippy Hippy Shake.” Romero originally records his song in 1959, hitting the national charts in the early part of 1960. A group called the Swinging Blue Jeans has a hit with the song during the British Invasion Year of 1964. The Beatles also record Romero’s song on two different occasions. In 1988, “The Hippy Hippy Shake,” performed by the Georgia Satellites, is featured in the Tom Cruise motion picture, Cocktail. Chan Romero is still active with his singing family, recording gospel music in the Billings area.
July 27, 1987
The Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League defeat the Salt Lake Trappers 7 to 5 at Cobb Field in Billings. The Mustang victory ends the Trappers’ twenty-nine game winning streak, the longest streak in professional baseball history.
From Montana Dateline
