Author: Rick Sebak
The Soundtrack to Downtown — by Chico Marx
Rick Sebak breaks down the many connections between the legendary pianist and comedic performer and Downtown Pittsburgh.
Sting’s Secret WQED Gig in Pittsburgh
In the early 1990s, Rick Sebak witnessed an exclusive Oakland performance by Sting, frontman for The Police.
The Comic and the Car Crash
Rick Sebak recounts the troubling tale of legendary comic Lenny Bruce’s near-fatal Pittsburgh car crash.
Pryor Conviction: A Famous Comic's Pittsburgh Jail Stay
Rick Sebak revisits the troubling story that landed famed comedian Richard Pryor in the Allegheny County Jail.
Lance Armstrong's Climbs (and Decline)
Long before the accomplished cyclist’s cheating was exposed, he triumphed in Pittsburgh — but, as Rick Sebak explains, Armstrong’s local achievements aren’t without controversy.
A Masterpiece: W. Eugene Smith's Photos of Pittsburgh
Smith documented subjects around the world, but, as Rick Sebak explains, he considered his photos of Pittsburgh to be a crowning achievement.
Gertrude Stein: Firmly Born in Allegheny
She may have been a North Sider only briefly, but Rick Sebak still counts the novelist, poet and playwright as part of the former Allegheny City’s legacy.
The (Official) Birth of Pittsburgh
As the city begins to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its incorporation, Rick Sebak discovers what exactly we’re commemorating.
‘Silence’ was Golden
Rick Sebak revisits “Silence of the Lambs,” the Pittsburgh production that went on to become one of the biggest winners in Oscar history.
Bill Clinton's Most Unusual Visit to Pittsburgh
At the beginning of an election year, Rick Sebak flashes back to an incline ride with former President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister John Major.
All Roads Lead to Pittsburgh: Como for the Holidays
Rick Sebak recalls memories of Canonsburg’s favorite son.
What Steve Jobs Did During his Three Visits to Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak dives into the deep connections between the city of Pittsburgh and the late tech visionary Steve Jobs.
The Time 'Wrong-Way Corrigan' Came to Town
The aviator famous for a risky intercontinental journey once planned a Pittsburgh visit.
Influential & Down-to-Earth: Remembering Elsie Hilliard Hillman
Rick Sebak recalls his relationship with Pittsburgh’s late philanthropist and activist.
Why Kurt Vonnegut Used to Sing in Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak chronicles several Pittsburgh visits by the outspoken author.
A President Makes Baseball History (and Buys Pants) in Pittsburgh
The largest of the nation's presidents left a big impression in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburghers Gave Revolutionary War Hero the Royal Treatment
The Marquis de Lafayette stopped in Pittsburgh just before the 50th anniversary of America’s independence.
Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Burgh Snubs
Rick Sebak reveals the Fallingwater architect’s schemes for downtown — and digs directed at the Steel City.
Harry Houdini's Handcuffed Pittsburgh Plunges
Uncovering the legendary magician's local exploits.
Juicy Tale: What Really Happened to Bob Hope at the Omni William Penn
Busting the myth of an A-List wedding proposal at one of Pittsburgh's historic hotels.
We Three Kings of Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak discovers a post-Christmas secret — an enduring carol has deep local roots.
All Roads, Even Some Royal Ones, Lead to Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak reveals the gig that might’ve kept Wallis Simpson away from King Edward VIII — hawking steel in Pittsburgh.
'That's Life' in the Steel City
Rick Sebak recalls Frank Sinatra’s encounters with legions of Pittsburgh fans, as well as Myron Cope, Franco Harris — and Peggy Sebak.
Trick or Treatment
The scariest visitor to Pittsburgh wasn't a who — but a what. Rick Sebak recaps some of our microscopic adversaries.
The Beatles Never Slept Here
Despite drawing a sell-out crowd for the group's September 1964 concert, no local hotels welcomed The Fab Four to stay overnight.
Joan Baez's Night of Music and Peace
Rick Sebak recounts the time the singer played a free show in the Steel City.
Bill Gates: Honorary Pittsburgher
Rick Sebak catalogues the Microsoft founder’s trips to the Steel City.
Ernie Pyle Got a Taste of Our Steely Charm
The roving reporter's travels brought him to Pittsburgh in the 1930s, allowing him to observe mill activity and take in our rolling hills and gritty features.
The Last (Curtain) Call
Recounting the 90-year-old tale of Eleonora Duse, once the most famed actress in the world, who spent her final days in an Oakland hotel.
The Prince Was Charming
When the Prince of Wales paid us a visit in the late '80s, he proposed changes and made a crowd laugh with his plan for seeing the view of the city.
George Washington's 7 Trips to Pittsburgh Were Certainly Eventful
A look back at our nation’s first president’s many visits. Don’t worry — we’ll save the best (and first) for last.
Lucky Lindy's Pitt Stop
A look back at Charles Lindbergh's visit to the Steel City while on a whirlwind tour.
The King of Pop Makes a Royal Visit
You'll never guess what had to be installed in Michael Jackson’s hotel when he visited Pittsburgh.
The Way We Were
Take a look at 150 years of Pittsburgh history, as curated by four notable locals with a deep passion for the city's past.
A Little Witchcraft in the Neighborhood
The time Mister Rogers welcomed the Wicked Witch of the West with open arms.
Glass Goes to Class
Before he became one of America's most influential musicians, Philip Glass was a composer-in-residence for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Stars over Kennywood
Sebak recounts tales of Kennywood’s tendency to book big-name acts and celebs, including The Lone Ranger.
When Sousa Marched Through Town
In the late 1870s, John Philip Sousa’s vaudeville orchestra caused a Beatlemania-style moral panic in Pittsburgh.
Rip This Joint
Take a trip back to 1964, when the Rolling Stones made their maiden voyage to Pittsburgh and played in front of a crowd of 400.
Mayoral Madness
A brief history of Pittsburgh's most memorable (and unusual) mayors.
Wearing a Pith Helmet in Beaver County
During his month-long stay in Pittsburgh, author Rudyard Kipling still dressed as if he were in India.
The Portable Abraham Lincoln
During his brief visit to the Steel City, Honest Abe advised secessionists to “keep cool.”
Rock Around the Clock
Remember the time Elvis came to the Civic Arena? We do.
What the Dickens?
The great English novelist Charles Dickens came to the very young city of Pittsburgh 170 years ago.
Current Affairs
How the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla left his mark on Pittsburgh.
When Khrushchev Came to Town
Find out what the Soviet leader had to say about Pittsburgh when he visited in autumn 1959.
A Rough Landing in Fox Chapel
How Amelia Earhart crash-landed in the 'Burgh.
Einstein's 'Relatively' Short Visit to Pittsburgh
Did you know that Albert Einstein's first major speech in the U.S. happened at Carnegie Tech?
