September 22 in Pop Culture History: "Lost," "The West Wing," Farm Aid, and Joan Jett

Some dates on the calendar quietly carry more pop culture weight than they get credit for, and September 22 is one of them. Twenty-five years ago, 35 TV networks set aside the ratings battle and aired“A Tribute to Heroes”together, raising over $200 million for 9/11 victims’families with performances and appearances from stars like Bruce Springsteen and George Clooney. One night, every channel, one purpose.

Television changed on this date too, twice.“The West Wing”premiered 27 years ago and made fast-talking politics appointment viewing, while“Lost”debuted 22 years ago and turned a mysterious island into six seasons of watercooler debate. The date also belongs to music history: Farm Aid launched 41 years ago with Willie Nelson leading the charge and $7 million raised for family farmers, a mission that continues today. And the Huntington Library released the Dead Sea Scrolls to the public 35 years ago, opening ancient history to anyone curious enough to look.

Then there’s the birthday. Joan Jett turns 68 today, and her influence has never faded, from punk clubs to stadiums to every artist who refuses to wait for permission. Which piece of September 22 history would you put on a playlist?