That's when Gil Noble, a jazz musician, decided to try his hand at journalism. On his try out at Channel 7, they sent him to cover the riots in Newark.
He got the job.
And he stayed for the rest of his career.
In between then and now Gil became a legend. But that's way-too-simple a description, as you will see in the many tributes to our friend and colleague Gil Noble.
Gil died today. Peacefully. He never recovered from the debilitating stroke he suffered last summer. And so six weeks after turning 80 Gil is gone.
Whether it was in the field or in the studio where Gil hosted the public affairs program "Like It Is" Gil never feared seeking the truth and, more importantly, speaking it.
He was a true believer in justice and equal rights, and came to symbolize both for so many people in the tri-state.
Gil was also a student of the school that believes part of a journalist's job is to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. And we sensed he tried to do that.
Gil's journalism also took him into documentary filmmaking he produced several of them. And he wrote his autobiography was titled "Black Is The Color Of My TV Tube."
He was such an important part of this station, and of New York, for so many years. We're remembering our friend, this New Yorker born and raised in Harlem, tonight, and we invite you to share your memories of Gil as well. CLICK HERE for a link to our website.
We'll also pay tribute to Gil, tonight at 11.
Also at 11, maybe it's all about nostalgia and maybe that's what pro baseball depends on but when the sun's out, the sky's blue, the grass is bursting green with chlorophyll, and it's opening day, well, it's hard not to think back to all the other opening days.
And for some of us, there are plenty to think back upon.
The Mets may be as bad as the oddsmakers are betting they'll be this year, or maybe they'll surprise everyone and do well but today, on opening day, hope springs eternal. Rob Powers leads our coverage tonight of Game One of the 2012 baseball season. The Yankees are on the road and begin tomorrow.
And since we're on the topic of spring our Carolina Leid tonight has the myths and facts about allergies and how to help control them.
We'll also have any breaking news of the night, plus Meteorologist Jeff Smith (in for Lee Goldberg) with the night's sports. I hope you can join Sade Baderinwa and me, tonight at 11.
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