“The Co-Founder of the “Packard,” dies” and “Joan Jett’s Rock Anthem” - This Day in History – Mar 20th

John Packard, co-founder of the “Packard Motor Company,” dies

Back in 1928, the co-founder of the Packard Motor Company, James Packard died at the age of 64.  Mr. Packard, who received his mechanical engineering degree from Lehigh University, created this automobile with his older brother, William whom had died back in 1923.  

The Packard vehicle production was started in these brothers hometown of Warren Michigan, with their first v single-cylinder, single-seat roadster back in 1899.  History.com stated that, “In 1903, the Packard Motor Car Company moved its operations from Ohio to a 3.5 million-square-foot plant in Detroit, Michigan. James Packard served as the company's president until 1909 and was chairman of the board until 1915. By the mid-1920s, his initial investment of several thousand dollars in the company was reportedly worth millions and the Packard brand had come to represent quality and style. In March 1921, Warren G. Harding, reportedly the first U.S. president who knew how to drive before taking office, became the first commander-in-chief ever to ride to his inauguration in an automobile--a Packard Twin Six.”

“During World War II, Packard made airplane and boat engines for the U.S. military. In 1954, the company merged with fellow automaker Studebaker to form the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. However, the company struggled financially and in 1956, the Packard plants were shuttered. (Studebaker would remain in business for another decade, before closing its operations in 1966.) In the mid-1990s, two American entrepreneurs purchased the rights to the Packard name and attempted, unsuccessfully, to revive the brand with a new luxury sedan.” 

There are two Packard Museums located in Warren and Dayton Ohio.

Joan Jett tops Billboard Chart with “I Love Rock 'n' Roll,"

Back in 1982, Female Rocker, Joan Jett and her band the “The Blackhearts,” scored a #1 hit with a re-recording of a song originally performed by the British group “The Arrows,” called, “I Love Rock and Roll.” 

According to history.com, “With her smoldering looks and guitar hooks, Joan Jett had rock-star charisma to rival any man's. As big as she became, however, it was always clear that Joan Jett could have been bigger if she made the necessary compromises. With much of the population of America's young men already eating out of her hand, all she needed to do was soften her image just the tiniest bit, and she may just have been able to rule the music world. But by refusing to bend to commercial convention and adopt a more feminized persona, Joan Jett did more than just leave room for the future career of Courtney Love. She also proved that she loved rock and roll more than she loved being a pop star, and she cemented a reputation for integrity that will likely stand intact long after most of her followers have been forgotten.”

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lbj-pledges-federal-troops-to-alabama-civil-rights-march?catId=9