On this date in 2007, American born-musician Patti Smith–considered the grandmother of punk rock–was induced into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame. Smith is best remembered for her band’s 1976 album Radio Ethiopia .
On this date on March 12, 1977, the Associated Press reported that the Radio Voice of Gospel in Addis Ababa was seized by the Ethiopian Provisional Government in its nationwide campaign to nationalize and censor potential critics. The station, which began in 1963 and operated by the Lutheran World Federation, reached much of Africa and parts of Asia. Following the March 12 takeover, the station was renamed Radio Voice of Revolutionary Ethiopia and began broadcasting pro-regime content.
On this date on March 12, 1957, the Associated Press reported that a pleased US Vice President Richard Nixon departed from Ethiopia after securing support to build a communications center near Asmara and Massawa.
(Photo: RVOG General Director Sigurd Aske (left) and Ernst Bauerochse explain the expansion project to Emperor Haile Selassie.)
Historical tidbits about Ethiopia on this date on March 12
