Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1961. This year saw 229 significant events. 51 notable figures were born. 3 notable figures passed away.
20th Century1960s
1961 Timeline
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records
The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes.
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
"I Fall to Pieces" single released by Patsy Cline (Billboard Song of the Year 1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline.
Soviet flight Sputnik 9 carries and returns from orbit a dog named Chernushka (Blackie), frogs, and a guinea pig
Soviet flight Sputnik 9 carries and returns from orbit a dog named Chernushka (Blackie), frogs, and a guinea pig
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (79) weds his French model Jacqueline Rocque (37), until his death
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (79) weds his French model Jacqueline Rocque (37), until his death
Playwright Samuel Beckett (54) weds Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil on a secret civil ceremony in England
Playwright Samuel Beckett (54) weds Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil on a secret civil ceremony in England
After a four-and-a-half-year trial, Nelson Mandela is acquitted of treason in Pretoria
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space and orbit Earth, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecra
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space and orbit Earth, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft
1,400 Cuban exiles land in the Bay of Pigs in a doomed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (Spanish: Invasión de la Bahía de los Cochinos, sometimes called Invasión de Playa Girón or Batalla de Playa Girón after the Playa Girón) was a failed military landing…
Singer Judy Garland appears in concert at Carnegie Hall, NYC; the event is recorded for a double live album and wins a G
Singer Judy Garland appears in concert at Carnegie Hall, NYC; the event is recorded for a double live album and wins a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, the first by a female artist
JFK announces the US goal of putting a man on the Moon before the end of the decade
The year 1961 saw a new American president, John F. Kennedy, attempt to cope with a deteriorating military and political situation in South Vietnam.
Fiorentina of Italy wins the first European Cup Winners' Cup against Glasgow Rangers 4-2 in Florence (second leg)
Associazione Calcio Firenze Fiorentina, commonly referred to as Fiorentina, is an Italian professional football club based in Florence, Tuscany.
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
The Beatles perform their first gig as the house band at Liverpool's Cavern Club
The Cavern Club at 10 Mathew Street, in Liverpool was the venue where the Beatles' UK popularity started.
American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (42) divorces American film producer James Hill (45) after 3-1/2 years of marriag
American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (42) divorces American film producer James Hill (45) after 3-1/2 years of marriage
Baseball player Ted Williams marries model Lee Howard (divorced 1967)
Baseball player Ted Williams marries model Lee Howard (divorced 1967)
"Fiorello!," starring Tom Bosley, closes at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City after 796 performances and a Pulitze
"Fiorello!," starring Tom Bosley, closes at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City after 796 performances and a Pulitzer Prize
US government issues a stamp to honor the 100th birthday of James Naismith, the Canadian-born inventor of basketball
US government issues a stamp to honor the 100th birthday of James Naismith, the Canadian-born inventor of basketball
Gordie Howe becomes the first to play in 1,000 NHL games
Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Dutchman Anton Geesink becomes the first non-Japanese judo world champion
Dutchman Anton Geesink becomes the first non-Japanese judo world champion
German-American educator Ruth Siegel (33) weds third husband, German-American Fred Westheimer, until his death in 1997
German-American educator Ruth Siegel (33) weds third husband, German-American Fred Westheimer, until his death in 1997
For second consecutive year, AP names Wilma Rudolph female athlete of year
For second consecutive year, AP names Wilma Rudolph female athlete of year
Actor Martin Sheen (21) weds Janet Templeton
Actor Martin Sheen (21) weds Janet Templeton
Hawaii's then all-time low temperature, 14°F, is recorded atop Haleakalā
Hawaii's then all-time low temperature, 14°F, is recorded atop Haleakalā
1st NFL Playoff Bowl (runner-up bowl): Detroit Lions beat Cleveland Browns, 17-16, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida
1st NFL Playoff Bowl (runner-up bowl): Detroit Lions beat Cleveland Browns, 17-16, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida
Bollingen Prize for Poetry is awarded to Yvor Winters
Arthur Yvor Winters (October 17, 1900 – January 25, 1968) was an American poet and literary critic.
Twins agree on $500,000 payment to AA for Minn/St Paul territory
Twins agree on $500,000 payment to AA for Minn/St Paul territory
Racial riot at University of Georgia
The University of Georgia desegregation riot was an incident of mob violence by proponents of racial segregation on January 11, 1961.
UN genocide pact goes into effect
UN genocide pact goes into effect
Chicago Bear Willard Dewveall becomes 1st NFLer to join AFL
Chicago Bear Willard Dewveall becomes 1st NFLer to join AFL
Russian espionage ring detected in Great Britain
Russian espionage ring detected in Great Britain
Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi party wins 1 seat by a single vote & parliament by a single seat
Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi party wins 1 seat by a single vote & parliament by a single seat
Francis Poulenc's "Gloria" premieres in Boston, Massachusetts by Boston Symphony and Chorus Pro Musica under conductor C
Francis Poulenc's "Gloria" premieres in Boston, Massachusetts by Boston Symphony and Chorus Pro Musica under conductor Charles Münch
US Supreme Court rules cities and states have the right to censor films
US Supreme Court rules cities and states have the right to censor films
"Sing Along with Mitch" [Miller] premieres on NBC TV
"Sing Along with Mitch" [Miller] premieres on NBC TV
Republic of Rwanda proclaimed
The national flag of Rwanda is a horizontal tricolour of light blue, yellow, and green, in a 2:1:1 ratio, charged with a golden sun in the upper fly-side corner.
Outstanding West Indian spin bowler Lance Gibbs takes hat-trick (Ken Mackay, Wally Grout, Frank Misson) in drawn 4th Tes
Outstanding West Indian spin bowler Lance Gibbs takes hat-trick (Ken Mackay, Wally Grout, Frank Misson) in drawn 4th Test v Australia in Adelaide
1st full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful
1st full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful
Dutch Prince Bernhard opens new RAI building in Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, formerly Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre or simply RAI Amsterdam, is a complex of conference and exhibition halls in the Zuidas business district of...
6th largest snowfall in NYC history (17.4 inches or 44.2cm)
6th largest snowfall in NYC history (17.4 inches or 44.2cm)
"Jail, No Bail" Jail-in movement starts in Rock Hill, South Carolina
The sit-in movement, sit-in campaign, or student sit-in movement, was a wave of sit-ins that followed the Greensboro sit-ins on February 1, 1960, led by students – Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond,...
Joseph Ileo appointed Premier of Congo
Joseph Ileo appointed Premier of Congo
AFL's LA Chargers move to San Diego
The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL).
Robert Weaver sworn in as Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, the 1st African American to be appointed
Robert Weaver sworn in as Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, the 1st African American to be appointed to a US cabinet-level position
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Soviet Union fires a rocket from Sputnik V to Venus
The Soviet space program was the state space program of the Soviet Union, active from 1951 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Element 103, Lawrencium, is first produced in Berkeley, California, by bombarding a three-milligram target of three isot
Element 103, Lawrencium, is first produced in Berkeley, California, by bombarding a three-milligram target of three isotopes of californium with boron-10 and boron-11 nuclei from the Heavy Ion Linear Accelerator
Australia beat West Indies 2-1 in one of best Test Cricket series ever
Australia beat West Indies 2-1 in one of best Test Cricket series ever
China uses its 1st nuclear reactor
China uses its 1st nuclear reactor
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Albania disavows Chinese "Revisionism"
Albania disavows Chinese "Revisionism"
NASA Explorer S-45 mission; ionosphere beacon satellite fails to reach Earth orbit
Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961.
Niagara ends St Bonaventura's 99-game home college basketball win streak
Niagara ends St Bonaventura's 99-game home college basketball win streak
3rd Daytona 500: Marvin Panch wins in a 1960 Pontiac owned by Smokey Yunick when race leader Fireball Roberts' car suffe
3rd Daytona 500: Marvin Panch wins in a 1960 Pontiac owned by Smokey Yunick when race leader Fireball Roberts' car suffered a blown engine with 13 laps remaining
The first congress of the Spanish Trade Union Organisation is inaugurated
The first congress of the Spanish Trade Union Organisation is inaugurated
Cellist Jacqueline du Prés debut in Wigmore Hall
Jacqueline Mary du Pré (26 January 1945 – 19 October 1987) was a British cellist, widely regarded as one of the prominent cellists of the 20th century.
Paul-Henri Spaak resigns as Secretary-General of NATO
Paul-Henri Spaak resigns as Secretary-General of NATO
1st London minicabs introduced
London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.1 million people in 2024.
Jean Kerr's "Mary, Mary" premieres in NYC
Jean Kerr's "Mary, Mary" premieres in NYC
Mine cave-in in Japan, kills 72
Mine cave-in in Japan, kills 72
Then NHL record 40 penalties, Black Hawks & Maple Leafs (20 each)
The Toronto Maple Leafs, officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Leafs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto.
Elizabeth Gurley Finn (70) becomes President of US Communist Party
Elizabeth Gurley Finn (70) becomes President of US Communist Party
New York City District Attorney arrests professional gamblers who implicate Seton Hall players
New York City District Attorney arrests professional gamblers who implicate Seton Hall players
NY Senate approves $55M for a baseball stadium at Flushing Meadows
NY Senate approves $55M for a baseball stadium at Flushing Meadows
3rd place game is one of the wildest contests in NCAA Tournament history as St Joseph's defeats Utah, 127-120 in quadrup
3rd place game is one of the wildest contests in NCAA Tournament history as St Joseph's defeats Utah, 127-120 in quadruple overtime
Black demonstrators in Charleston staged ride-ins on street cars
Black demonstrators in Charleston staged ride-ins on street cars
23rd Amendment to the US Constitution ratified, allowing Washington, D.C. residents to vote in presidential elections
The Twenty-third Amendment (Amendment XXIII) to the United States Constitution extends the right to participate in presidential elections to the District of Columbia.
Aklilou Habtewold becomes 1st premier of Ethiopia
Tsehafi Taezaz Aklilu Habte-Wold was an Ethiopian statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I from 1961 to 1974 until his...
Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia is sold to J Schleifer Properties
Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia is sold to J Schleifer Properties
British liner "Dara" explodes in Persian Gulf, kills 236
British liner "Dara" explodes in Persian Gulf, kills 236
Austrian 4th & last government of Raab resigns
Austrian 4th & last government of Raab resigns
UN General Assembly condemns South-Africa's apartheid
Apartheid ( ə-PART-(h)yte, especially South African English: ə-PART-(h)ayt, Afrikaans: [aˈpart (ɦ)əit] ; transl. "separateness", lit. 'aparthood') was a system of institutionalised racial segregation...
Cuban-American invasion army departs Nicaragua
Cuban-American invasion army departs Nicaragua
15th Tony Awards: "Becket" (play) & "Bye Bye Birdie" (musical) win
The 15th Annual Tony Awards took place on April 16, 1961, in the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom in New York City.
CONCP is founded in Casablanca as a united front of African movements opposing Portuguese colonial rule
CONCP is founded in Casablanca as a united front of African movements opposing Portuguese colonial rule
American Harold Graham makes 1st rocket belt flight
American Harold Graham makes 1st rocket belt flight
Dirk Stikker chosen as secretary general of NATO
Dirk Stikker chosen as secretary general of NATO
Uprising of French parachutist of General Salan and Challe in Algeria
Uprising of French parachutist of General Salan and Challe in Algeria
Algiers putsch by French generals
The Algiers putsch, also known as the putsch of the generals (Putsch des généraux), was a failed coup d'état intended to force French President Charles de Gaulle not to abandon French Algeria, the...
French paratroopers' revolt suppressed in Algeria
French paratroopers' revolt suppressed in Algeria
NASA launches Explorer 11 into Earth orbit to study gamma rays
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agency of the U.S.
Lt Col Gueorgui Mossolov takes E-66A to 34,714 m altitude
Lt Col Gueorgui Mossolov takes E-66A to 34,714 m altitude
ABC's "Wide World of Sports" debuts
ABC's Wide World of Sports is an American sports anthology television program that aired on ABC from April 29, 1961 to June 21, 1997, primarily on Saturday afternoons.
"Tossin' and Turnin'" single released by Bobby Lewis (Billboard Song of the Year, 1961)
"Boll Weevil" is a traditional blues song, also known by similar titles such as "Boweavil" or "Boll Weevil Blues".
1st US airplane hijacked to Cuba
1st US airplane hijacked to Cuba
CORE begins freedom rides from Washington, D.C.
CORE begins freedom rides from Washington, D.C.
Omer Vanaudenhove chosen chairman of Belgium Liberal Party
Omer Vanaudenhove chosen chairman of Belgium Liberal Party
MLB Baltimore Oriole Jim Gentile hits 2 grand slams vs Minnesota Twins; 4th player in history to hit a grand slam in con
MLB Baltimore Oriole Jim Gentile hits 2 grand slams vs Minnesota Twins; 4th player in history to hit a grand slam in consecutive innings
Bus with 1st group of Freedom Riders bombed & burned in Alabama
Bus with 1st group of Freedom Riders bombed & burned in Alabama
"Bonanza" by Al Caiola Orchestra hits #19
"Bonanza" by Al Caiola Orchestra hits #19
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman,
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman, New Jersey
14th Cannes Film Festival: "The Long Absence" directed by Henri Colpi and "Viridiana" directed by Luis Bunuel jointly aw
14th Cannes Film Festival: "The Long Absence" directed by Henri Colpi and "Viridiana" directed by Luis Bunuel jointly awarded the Palme d'Or
New pier opens in Scheveningen, the Netherlands
The Scheveningen Pier is a pleasure pier in the Dutch resort town of Scheveningen near The Hague.
Henzes opera "Elegy for Young Lovers," premieres in Schwetzingen
Henzes opera "Elegy for Young Lovers," premieres in Schwetzingen
Governor Patterson declares martial law in Montgomery, Alabama
Governor Patterson declares martial law in Montgomery, Alabama
27 Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Mississippi
Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years to challenge the non-enforcement of the United States...
Freedom Ride Coordinating Committee establishes in Atlanta
Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years to challenge the non-enforcement of the United States...
1st black light is sold
1st black light is sold
Dutch DC-8 crashes after takeoff at Lisbon, 62 die
Dutch DC-8 crashes after takeoff at Lisbon, 62 die
Arthur Michael Ramsey appointed the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury
Arthur Michael Ramsey, Baron Ramsey of Canterbury (14 November 1904 – 23 April 1988), was a British Anglican bishop and life peer.
FM multiplex stereo broadcasting 1st heard
FM multiplex stereo broadcasting 1st heard
US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev meet at the Vienna Summit in Austria
The Vienna Summit was a summit meeting held on June 4, 1961, in Vienna, Austria, between President of the United States John F.
Ryne Duren sets AL record with 7 straight strikeouts against Red Sox
Rinold George "Ryne" Duren (February 22, 1929 – January 6, 2011) was an American professional baseball relief pitcher who played ten seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was known for the...
"Winston Churchill" last airs on ABC-TV
"Winston Churchill" last airs on ABC-TV
Dutch Lockheed Electricity "Sirius" accident at Cairo, kills 20
Dutch Lockheed Electricity "Sirius" accident at Cairo, kills 20
°F, hottest temperature in San Francisco
°F, hottest temperature in San Francisco
Expansion Washington Senators are 30-30, latest date an expansion team will be at .500, Washington will lose their next
Expansion Washington Senators are 30-30, latest date an expansion team will be at .500, Washington will lose their next 10 games
Dave Garroway is fired as host of NBC's "Today Show"
Dave Garroway is fired as host of NBC's "Today Show"
CBS radio cancels Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston.
Beatles record "Ain't She Sweet", "Cry for a Shadow", "When the Saints Go Marching In", "Why", "Nobody's Child" & "My Bo
Beatles record "Ain't She Sweet", "Cry for a Shadow", "When the Saints Go Marching In", "Why", "Nobody's Child" & "My Bonnie", in Hamburg, Germany
Baltimore and California use a record 16 pitchers in a game (8 each) in 14 inns
Baltimore and California use a record 16 pitchers in a game (8 each) in 14 inns
Ghana imposes a total ban on exports to South Africa and South West Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa.
Phils and San Francisco set then record longest night game (5h11m) 7-7 15 innings tie
Phils and San Francisco set then record longest night game (5h11m) 7-7 15 innings tie
Launch of Transit 4a, with 1st nuclear power supply (SNAP-3)
Launch of Transit 4a, with 1st nuclear power supply (SNAP-3)
Buddy Rogers beats Pat O'Conner in Chicago, to become NWA champ
Buddy Rogers beats Pat O'Conner in Chicago, to become NWA champ
Haleakala National Park forms in Hawaii
Hawaii is an island state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles (3,200 km) southwest of the U.S. mainland. One of the two non-contiguous U.S.
Walt Disney is one of the two main speakers on the Independence Day in The Rebuild Hills at Skørping in Denmark
Walt Disney is one of the two main speakers on the Independence Day in The Rebuild Hills at Skørping in Denmark
80 die in collisions in Algiers
80 die in collisions in Algiers
James R Hoffa elected chairman of Teamsters
James R Hoffa elected chairman of Teamsters
Fred Trueman takes 5-0 in 24 balls to rip through Aussies
Fred Trueman takes 5-0 in 24 balls to rip through Aussies
Portuguese cargo ship "Save" explodes after catching fire and running aground off coast of Mozambique; over 250 crew mem
Portuguese cargo ship "Save" explodes after catching fire and running aground off coast of Mozambique; over 250 crew members are killed
Gene Kiniski defeats Verne Gagne in Minneapolis to become NWA champion
Gene Kiniski defeats Verne Gagne in Minneapolis to become NWA champion
Finland's Miettunen government forms
Martti Miettunen's first cabinet was the 46th government of Republic of Finland. Cabinet's time period was from July 14, 1961 to April 13, 1962. It was a minority government.
Spain accepts equal rights for men and women
Spain accepts equal rights for men and women
John Chancellor becomes news anchor of "Today Show"
John William Chancellor (July 14, 1927 – July 12, 1996) was an American journalist who spent most of his career with NBC News. He is considered a pioneer in television news.
1st in-flight movie shown on TWA
1st in-flight movie shown on TWA
French military forces break the Tunisian siege of Bizerte
French military forces break the Tunisian siege of Bizerte
NASA launches Mercury 4 (Liberty Bell) with Gus Grissom
Virgil Ivan "Gus" Grissom (April 3, 1926 – January 27, 1967) was an American engineer and pilot in the United States Air Force, as well as one of the original Mercury Seven selected by the National...
WBNB TV channel 10 in Charlotte Amaile, Virgin Islands (CBS) begins broadcasting
WBNB TV channel 10 in Charlotte Amaile, Virgin Islands (CBS) begins broadcasting
A US commercial plane is hijacked to Cuba
A US commercial plane is hijacked to Cuba
German DR limits traffic to West Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany, as well as its largest city by both area and population.
Cyrille Adoula becomes Prime Minister of Congo
Cyrille Adoula (13 September 1921 – 24 May 1978) was a Congolese trade unionist and politician. He was the prime minister of the Republic of the Congo, from 2 August 1961 until 30 June 1964.
Pittsburgh Pirates rout St. Louis Cardinals 19-0, the largest lopsided shutout in NL history
Pittsburgh Pirates rout St. Louis Cardinals 19-0, the largest lopsided shutout in NL history
28th NFL Chicago College All-Star Game at Soldier Field: Philadelphia 28, All-Stars 14 (66,000 attendees)
28th NFL Chicago College All-Star Game at Soldier Field: Philadelphia 28, All-Stars 14 (66,000 attendees)
°F (48°C) is recorded at Ice Harbor Dam, Washington (state record)
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam is a hydroelectric, concrete gravity run-of-the-river dam in the northwest United States.
British auto racer Sterling Moss scores his 16th and final Formula 1 victory in the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring
Sir Stirling Craufurd Moss (17 September 1929 – 12 April 2020) was a British racing driver and broadcaster, who competed in Formula One from 1951 to 1961.
Cosmonaut Gherman Titov circles Earth for a full day in Vostok 2
Cosmonaut Gherman Titov circles Earth for a full day in Vostok 2
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) beat Buffalo Bills (NFL) 38-21 in Hamilton, Ontario
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a professional Canadian football team based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. They are currently members of the East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
James Benton Parsons is the first African American to be nominated to a US Federal District Court
James Benton Parsons (August 13, 1911 – June 19, 1993) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
UK applies for membership of the European Economic Community
UK applies for membership of the European Economic Community
Milwaukee Braves future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn records career victory number 300, beating the Cubs 2
Milwaukee Braves future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn records career victory number 300, beating the Cubs 2-1 at County Stadium, Milwaukee
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins in East Germany
The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic (GDR; East Germany).
Philadelphia Phillies lose 9-2 to Chicago Cubs for their 17th straight defeat; 11th consecutive time an opposing pitcher
Philadelphia Phillies lose 9-2 to Chicago Cubs for their 17th straight defeat; 11th consecutive time an opposing pitcher throws a complete game against the Phillies
Keiyo Road is specified as the first expressway in Japan
Keiyo Road is specified as the first expressway in Japan
,000 West Berliners demonstrate against the division of Berlin
,000 West Berliners demonstrate against the division of Berlin
Kennedy administration establishes Alliance for Progress
The Alliance for Progress (Spanish: Alianza para el progreso) was an initiative launched by U.S. President John F.
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up on August 13
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 50th of 61 home runs
Roger Eugene Maris was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Belgium sends troops to Rwanda-Urundi
Belgium sends troops to Rwanda-Urundi
Former South African Nazi leader Johannes Vorster becomes South Africa's Minister of Justice
The first modern humans are believed to have inhabited South Africa more than 100,000 years ago.
Brazilian president Janio Quadros resigns
Jânio da Silva Quadros was a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd president of Brazil from 31 January to 25 August 1961, when he resigned from office.
Official International Hockey Hall of Fame opens in Toronto
The Hockey Hall of Fame (French: Temple de la renommée du hockey) is a museum and hall of fame located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Francis the Talking Mule is a mystery guest on "What's My Line"
Francis the Talking Mule is a mystery guest on "What's My Line"
James Benton Parsons is confirmed as the first African American judge of a US District Court
James Benton Parsons (August 13, 1911 – June 19, 1993) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Oriole Jack Fisher walks 12 LA Angels in a 9-inning game
Oriole Jack Fisher walks 12 LA Angels in a 9-inning game
Amsterdam National Ballet forms
Amsterdam National Ballet forms
1st conference of neutral countries held in Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and at the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.
Athol Fugard's first major play "The Blood Knot" premieres at Dorkay House, Johannesburg, as the first stage performance
Athol Fugard's first major play "The Blood Knot" premieres at Dorkay House, Johannesburg, as the first stage performance with an interracial cast in South Africa [1]
USSR performs a nuclear test at Kapustin Yar, USSR
Kapustin Yar is a Russian military training area and a rocket launch complex in Astrakhan Oblast, about 100 km east of Volgograd. It was established by the Soviet Union on 13 May 1946.
Nashville-based guitar wizard Hank Garland sustains career-ending injuries in a single vehicle accident near Springfield
Nashville-based guitar wizard Hank Garland sustains career-ending injuries in a single vehicle accident near Springfield, Tennessee
American Ferrari driver Phil Hill wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to clinch the F1 World Drivers' Championship, bec
American Ferrari driver Phil Hill wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to clinch the F1 World Drivers' Championship, becoming the first American F1 world champion
Mickey Mantle becomes the seventh player to hit home run number 400
Mickey Charles Mantle (October 20, 1931 – August 13, 1995), nicknamed "the Mick" and "the Commerce Comet", was an American professional baseball player who played his entire Major League Baseball...
Founding of the World Wildlife Fund in Morges, Switzerland
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact...
Battles between UN & Katanga troops in Congo
The United Nations Operation in the Congo (French: Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, abbreviated ONUC) was a United Nations peacekeeping force which was deployed in the Republic of the Congo in...
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
Novaya Zemlya, also spelled Novaja Zemlja, is an archipelago in northern Russia. It is situated in the Arctic Ocean, in the extreme northeast of Europe, with Cape Flissingsky, on the northern island,...
CDU loses West Germany election
A federal election was held in West Germany on 17 September 1961 to elect the members of the fourth Bundestag. The CDU/CSU remained the largest faction, winning 242 of the 499 seats.
"Car 54, Where are You?" premieres on US TV
"Car 54, Where are You?" premieres on US TV
Betty and Barney Hill claim that they saw a mysterious craft in the sky and that it tried to abduct them.
Betty and Barney Hill claim that they saw a mysterious craft in the sky and that it tried to abduct them.
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits home run #59 and barely misses #60 in game 154 of the season as Yankees cli
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits home run #59 and barely misses #60 in game 154 of the season as Yankees clinch their 26th pennant
Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minut
Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minutes at age 42
MLB Baltimore Orioles' Jim Gentile ties the record with 5 grand slams in a single season
MLB Baltimore Orioles' Jim Gentile ties the record with 5 grand slams in a single season
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 60th home run off Jack Fisher, tying Babe Ruth's record
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 60th home run off Jack Fisher, tying Babe Ruth's record
Sandy Koufax sets the NL strikeout season record at 269
Sanford Koufax, nicknamed "the Left Arm of God", is an American former baseball player.
"Doctor Kildare" debuts on NBC-TV
Dr. Kildare is an NBC medical drama television series which originally ran from September 28, 1961, until August 30, 1966, for a total of 191 episodes over five seasons.
"The Detectives" TV crime drama moves to NBC-TV
"The Detectives" TV crime drama moves to NBC-TV
A volcano believed to be extinct erupts in Tristan da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha (), colloquially Tristan, is a remote group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
American medical drama series "Ben Casey," starring Vince Edwards and Sam Jaffe, premieres on ABC-TV
American medical drama series "Ben Casey," starring Vince Edwards and Sam Jaffe, premieres on ABC-TV
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
American Phil Hill's Ferrari team does not participate in the season-ending US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, having alread
American Phil Hill's Ferrari team does not participate in the season-ending US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, having already clinched the World Drivers' Championship; English driver Innes Ireland wins Lotus's first Grand Prix
Members of the US Communist Party are obliged to report themselves to the police
Members of the US Communist Party are obliged to report themselves to the police
Expansion draft stocks Houston Astros and New York Mets
Expansion draft stocks Houston Astros and New York Mets
USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to 66,100m
USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to 66,100m
USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
22nd Congress of the CPSU opens in Moscow
The 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (Russian: XXII съезд КПСС) was held from 17 to 31 October 1961.
Emergency crisis declared in South Vietnam due to communist attack
Emergency crisis declared in South Vietnam due to communist attack
Barbra Streisand opens Off-Broadway musical-comedy revue "Another Evening With Harry Stoones"
Barbra Streisand opens Off-Broadway musical-comedy revue "Another Evening With Harry Stoones"
75,000 Flemings demand equal rights & Flemish language in Belgium
75,000 Flemings demand equal rights & Flemish language in Belgium
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
First test flight of Saturn launch vehicle
First test flight of Saturn launch vehicle
1st Saturn launch vehicle makes an unmanned flight test
1st Saturn launch vehicle makes an unmanned flight test
US performs a nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...
Federal judge rules that laws against integrated playing fields in Birmingham, Alabama, are illegal
Federal judge rules that laws against integrated playing fields in Birmingham, Alabama, are illegal
Max Frisch's play "Andorra" premieres in Zürich
Max Rudolf Frisch was a Swiss playwright and novelist. Frisch's works focused on problems of identity, individuality, responsibility, morality, and political commitment.
American folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan makes his Carnegie Hall (NYC) debut; tickets priced at $2.00 [1]
American folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan makes his Carnegie Hall (NYC) debut; tickets priced at $2.00 [1]
India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru arrives in NY
India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru arrives in NY
France performs underground nuclear test at Ecker Algeria
France performs underground nuclear test at Ecker Algeria
Imperial Airlines Flight 201/8, a Lockheed Constellation aircraft, crashes near Richmond, Virginia, 77 die
Imperial Airlines Flight 201/8 was a charter flight by the United States Army to transport new recruits to Columbia, South Carolina, for training.
Paddy Chayefsky's "Gideon" premieres in NYC
Paddy Chayefsky's "Gideon" premieres in NYC
"Catch-22" by Joseph Heller is published by Simon and Schuster in New York
Catch-22 is a satirical war novel by American author Joseph Heller. It was his debut novel. He began writing it in 1953; the novel was first published in 1961.
Vladimir Yefimovich Semichastny succeeds Aleksandr Nikolayevich Shelepin as head of the KGB
Vladimir Yefimovich Semichastny succeeds Aleksandr Nikolayevich Shelepin as head of the KGB
Comet C/1961 T1 (Seki) approaches within 0.1019 AUs of Earth
Comet C/1961 T1 (Seki) approaches within 0.1019 AUs of Earth
United Kingdom limits immigration from Commonwealth countries
Since 1945, immigration to the United Kingdom, controlled by British immigration law and to an extent by British nationality law, has been significant, in particular from the former territories of...
Houston Oilers quarterback George Blanda passes for 7 touchdowns in a 49-13 rout of NY Titans at Jeppesen Stadium, Houst
Houston Oilers quarterback George Blanda passes for 7 touchdowns in a 49-13 rout of NY Titans at Jeppesen Stadium, Houston
WPLG TV channel 10 in Miami, FL (ABC) begins broadcasting
Miami is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second-most populous city proper in Florida, with a population of 442,241 at the 2020 census.
"La Ronde," the first revolving restaurant in the US, designed by architect John Graham Jr., opens atop the 23-floor Ala
"La Ronde," the first revolving restaurant in the US, designed by architect John Graham Jr., opens atop the 23-floor Ala Moana Tower in Honolulu, Hawaii
NBA's Bob Cousy becomes the second player to score 15,000 points
NBA's Bob Cousy becomes the second player to score 15,000 points
For 2nd time in his career, St Louis' Jerry Norton has 4 interceptions
For 2nd time in his career, St Louis' Jerry Norton has 4 interceptions
German writer Martin Walser's play "Der Abstecher" (The Detour) premieres in Munich
German writer Martin Walser's play "Der Abstecher" (The Detour) premieres in Munich
John McCone replaces Allen W. Dulles as the 6th director of the CIA
John Foster Dulles (February 25, 1888 – May 24, 1959) was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat who served as United States secretary of state under President Dwight D.
The Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) mission is launched with a chimpanzee named Enos aboard, becoming the first chimp to orbit th
The Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) mission is launched with a chimpanzee named Enos aboard, becoming the first chimp to orbit the Earth
Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs is voted NL Rookie of the Year
Billy Leo Williams is an American former left fielder and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played from 1959 to 1976, almost entirely for the Chicago Cubs.
The Republic of West Papua is proclaimed, declaring independence from Dutch rule
The Republic of West Papua (Indonesian: Republik Papua Barat), alternatively known as the Federal Republic of West Papua (Indonesian: Republik Federal Papua Barat, RFPB) is a proposed state...
Fidel Castro declares he's a Marxist and will lead Cuba to Communism
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (13 August 1926 – 25 November 2016) was a Cuban politician and revolutionary who was the leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008, serving as prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and...
George Blanda of Houston Oilers kicks 55-yard field goal
George Blanda of Houston Oilers kicks 55-yard field goal
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
Antwerp Belgium diocese forms
Antwerp Belgium diocese forms
Tanganyika gains independence from Britain, lights the Ukuru (Freedom) Torch on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
Tanganyika gains independence from Britain, lights the Ukuru (Freedom) Torch on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
Houston Oilers utility back Billy Cannon gains AFL record 373 yards combined rushing/receiving in 48-21 win over NY Tita
Houston Oilers utility back Billy Cannon gains AFL record 373 yards combined rushing/receiving in 48-21 win over NY Titans at the Polo Grounds, NYC
Robert Hofstadter and Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer win the Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering studies of electron sc
Robert Hofstadter and Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer win the Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering studies of electron scattering in atomic nuclei and discoveries concerning the structure of the nucleon
Amateur radio satellite Oscar 1 launched with military Discoverer 36
Amateur radio satellite Oscar 1 launched with military Discoverer 36
Ballon d'Or: Juventus' Argentine forward Omar Sívori wins award for best football player in Europe ahead of Spanish midf
Ballon d'Or: Juventus' Argentine forward Omar Sívori wins award for best football player in Europe ahead of Spanish midfielder Luis Suárez and English forward Johnny Haynes
Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" is the first country song to get a gold record
Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" is the first country song to get a gold record
India seizes Goa & 2 other Portuguese colonies
The State of India, also known as the Portuguese State of India or Portuguese India, was a state of the Portuguese Empire founded seven years after the discovery of the sea route to the Indian...
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...
Belgium & Congo resume diplomatic relations
The Congo Crisis (French: Crise congolaise) was a period of political upheaval and conflict between 1960 and 1965 in the Republic of the Congo (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Premiere of Dmitri Shostakovich's 4th Symphony in Moscow (completed 1936)
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet composer and pianist who became internationally known after the premiere of his First Symphony in...
Failed coup by Syrian group in Lebanon
The Syrian Social Nationalist Party in Lebanon is a Syrian nationalist party operating in Lebanon.
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is born
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, American actress and comedian, known for american actress and comedian, was born on 1961-01-13.
Mark Messier is born
Mark Messier, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1961-01-18. Mark John Douglas Messier is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward.
Wayne Gretzky is born
Wayne Gretzky, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player and coach, was born on 1961-01-26.
Naruhito is born
Naruhito is born
Ivan Lendl is born
Ivan Lendl, American athlete, known for czech and american tennis player, was born on 1961-03-07. Ivan Lendl is a Czech–American former professional tennis player and coach.
Joe Carter is born
Joe Carter, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1961-03-07. Joseph Chris Carter is an American former professional baseball player.
Adam Clayton is born
Adam Clayton, English musician, known for irish rock musician, bassist of u2, was born on 1961-03-13. Adam Charles Clayton is an English-Irish musician who is the bass guitarist of the rock band U2.
Jeremy Clarkson is born
Jeremy Clarkson, English television presenter, journalist and author, known for english television presenter, journalist and author, was born on 1961-04-11.
Ron MacLean is born
Ron MacLean, Canadian athlete, known for canadian sportscaster, was born on 1961-04-12.
Brad Garrett is born
Brad Garrett actor and comedian, known for american actor and comedian, was born on 1961-04-14. Brad H. Gerstenfeld, known professionally as Brad Garrett, is an American actor and stand-up comedian.
Philippe of Belgium is born
Philippe of Belgium is born
Valerie Bertinelli is born
Valerie Bertinelli, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-04-23. Valerie Anne Bertinelli is an American actress and television personality.
Bono is born
Bono, Irish musician, known for irish musician and activist, was born on 1961-05-10. Paul David Hewson, known by the nickname Bono, is an Irish singer-songwriter and activist.
Jari Kurri is born
Jari Kurri, Finnish athlete, known for finnish ice hockey player, was born on 1961-05-18. Jari Pekka Kurri is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player.
Yannick Noah is born
Yannick Noah, French athlete, known for french former tennis player and pop singer, was born on 1961-05-18.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is born
Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch and mercenary leader, known for russian oligarch and mercenary leader, was born on 1961-06-01.
John Elway is born
John Elway athlete, known for american football player and executive, was born on 1961-06-28. John Albert Elway Jr.
Diana Spencer is born
Diana Spencer, British member of the british royal family, known for member of the british royal family, was born on 1961-07-01. Diana, Princess of Wales was a member of the British royal family.
Yann LeCun is born
Yann LeCun, American computer scientist, known for french computer scientist, was born on 1961-07-08.
Toby Keith is born
Toby Keith, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1961-07-08. Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024) was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer,…
Jane Lynch is born
Jane Lynch, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-07-14. Jane Marie Lynch is an American actress, comedian, and singer.
Kim Alexis is born
Kim Alexis is born
Mark Burnett is born
Mark Burnett is born
Richard Linklater is born
Richard Linklater, American filmmaker, known for american filmmaker, was born on 1961-07-30. Richard Linklater is an American filmmaker.
Antonio Banderas is born
Antonio Banderas, Spanish actor, known for spanish actor, was born on 1961-08-10. José Antonio Domínguez Bandera, known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor.
Sarah Brightman is born
Sarah Brightman, English soprano, known for english soprano, was born on 1961-08-14. Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano singer and actress.
Sean Penn is born
Sean Penn, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-08-17. Sean Justin Penn is an American actor and filmmaker.
Stephen Hillenburg is born
Stephen Hillenburg, American animator and educator, known for american animator and educator, was born on 1961-08-21.
Cal Ripken Jr is born
Cal Ripken Jr athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1961-08-24.
Eric Dickerson is born
Eric Dickerson, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1961-09-02.
Hugh Grant is born
Hugh Grant, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1961-09-09. Hugh John Mungo Grant is an English actor.
Colin Firth is born
Colin Firth, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1961-09-10. Colin Andrew Firth is an English actor and producer.
James Gandolfini is born
James Gandolfini, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1961-09-18. James John Gandolfini was an American actor.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is born
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgian actor and martial artist, known for belgian actor and martial artist, was born on 1961-10-18.
Reza Pahlavi is born
Reza Pahlavi, Iranian prince and political activist, known for iranian prince and political activist, was born on 1961-10-31.
Tim Cook is born
Tim Cook, American business executive, known for american business executive, was born on 1961-11-01. Timothy Donald Cook is an American business executive who has been the CEO of Apple since 2011.
Kathy Griffin is born
Kathy Griffin, American comedian and actress, known for american comedian and actress, was born on 1961-11-04.
Tilda Swinton is born
Tilda Swinton, British actress, known for british actress, was born on 1961-11-05. Katherine Matilda Swinton is a British actress.
Stanley Tucci is born
Stanley Tucci actor and author, known for american actor and author, was born on 1961-11-11. Stanley Tucci Jr. is an American actor.
RuPaul is born
RuPaul, American drag queen, actor and musician, known for american drag queen, actor and musician, was born on 1961-11-17.
Cathy Moriarty is born
Cathy Moriarty, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-11-29. Cathy Moriarty is an American actress whose career spans five decades.
Howard Johnson is born
Howard Johnson is born
Julianne Moore is born
Julianne Moore, American actress and author, known for american actress and author, was born on 1961-12-03. Julie Anne Smith, known professionally as Julianne Moore, is an American actress.
Kenneth Branagh is born
Kenneth Branagh, British actor and filmmaker, known for british actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-12-10.
James Comey is born
James Comey lawyer, known for american lawyer, was born on 1961-12-14. James Brien Comey Jr.
Yoon Suk-yeol is born
Yoon Suk-yeol is born
Reggie White is born
Reggie White, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1961-12-19.
Temuera Morrison is born
Temuera Morrison, New Zealand zealand actor, known for new zealand actor, was born on 1961-12-26.
Ray Bourque is born
Ray Bourque, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1961-12-28. Raymond Jean Bourque is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
David Boon is born
David Boon, Australian athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1961-12-29.
Erwin Schrödinger dies
Erwin Schrödinger, Austrian austrian–irish theoretical physicist, known for austrian–irish theoretical physicist, died on 1961-01-04.
Alfred Carlton Gilbert dies
Alfred Carlton Gilbert, American inventor and athlete, known for american inventor and athlete, died on 1961-01-24.
Ernest Hemingway dies
Ernest Hemingway, American author and journalist, known for american author and journalist, died on 1961-07-02.
Events
Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records
The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes.
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
"I Fall to Pieces" single released by Patsy Cline (Billboard Song of the Year 1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline.
Soviet flight Sputnik 9 carries and returns from orbit a dog named Chernushka (Blackie), frogs, and a guinea pig
Soviet flight Sputnik 9 carries and returns from orbit a dog named Chernushka (Blackie), frogs, and a guinea pig
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (79) weds his French model Jacqueline Rocque (37), until his death
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (79) weds his French model Jacqueline Rocque (37), until his death
Playwright Samuel Beckett (54) weds Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil on a secret civil ceremony in England
Playwright Samuel Beckett (54) weds Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil on a secret civil ceremony in England
After a four-and-a-half-year trial, Nelson Mandela is acquitted of treason in Pretoria
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space and orbit Earth, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecra
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space and orbit Earth, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft
1,400 Cuban exiles land in the Bay of Pigs in a doomed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (Spanish: Invasión de la Bahía de los Cochinos, sometimes called Invasión de Playa Girón or Batalla de Playa Girón after the Playa Girón) was a failed military landing…
Singer Judy Garland appears in concert at Carnegie Hall, NYC; the event is recorded for a double live album and wins a G
Singer Judy Garland appears in concert at Carnegie Hall, NYC; the event is recorded for a double live album and wins a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, the first by a female artist
JFK announces the US goal of putting a man on the Moon before the end of the decade
The year 1961 saw a new American president, John F. Kennedy, attempt to cope with a deteriorating military and political situation in South Vietnam.
Fiorentina of Italy wins the first European Cup Winners' Cup against Glasgow Rangers 4-2 in Florence (second leg)
Associazione Calcio Firenze Fiorentina, commonly referred to as Fiorentina, is an Italian professional football club based in Florence, Tuscany.
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
The Beatles perform their first gig as the house band at Liverpool's Cavern Club
The Cavern Club at 10 Mathew Street, in Liverpool was the venue where the Beatles' UK popularity started.
American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (42) divorces American film producer James Hill (45) after 3-1/2 years of marriag
American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (42) divorces American film producer James Hill (45) after 3-1/2 years of marriage
Baseball player Ted Williams marries model Lee Howard (divorced 1967)
Baseball player Ted Williams marries model Lee Howard (divorced 1967)
"Fiorello!," starring Tom Bosley, closes at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City after 796 performances and a Pulitze
"Fiorello!," starring Tom Bosley, closes at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City after 796 performances and a Pulitzer Prize
US government issues a stamp to honor the 100th birthday of James Naismith, the Canadian-born inventor of basketball
US government issues a stamp to honor the 100th birthday of James Naismith, the Canadian-born inventor of basketball
Gordie Howe becomes the first to play in 1,000 NHL games
Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Dutchman Anton Geesink becomes the first non-Japanese judo world champion
Dutchman Anton Geesink becomes the first non-Japanese judo world champion
German-American educator Ruth Siegel (33) weds third husband, German-American Fred Westheimer, until his death in 1997
German-American educator Ruth Siegel (33) weds third husband, German-American Fred Westheimer, until his death in 1997
For second consecutive year, AP names Wilma Rudolph female athlete of year
For second consecutive year, AP names Wilma Rudolph female athlete of year
Actor Martin Sheen (21) weds Janet Templeton
Actor Martin Sheen (21) weds Janet Templeton
Hawaii's then all-time low temperature, 14°F, is recorded atop Haleakalā
Hawaii's then all-time low temperature, 14°F, is recorded atop Haleakalā
1st NFL Playoff Bowl (runner-up bowl): Detroit Lions beat Cleveland Browns, 17-16, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida
1st NFL Playoff Bowl (runner-up bowl): Detroit Lions beat Cleveland Browns, 17-16, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida
Bollingen Prize for Poetry is awarded to Yvor Winters
Arthur Yvor Winters (October 17, 1900 – January 25, 1968) was an American poet and literary critic.
Twins agree on $500,000 payment to AA for Minn/St Paul territory
Twins agree on $500,000 payment to AA for Minn/St Paul territory
Racial riot at University of Georgia
The University of Georgia desegregation riot was an incident of mob violence by proponents of racial segregation on January 11, 1961.
UN genocide pact goes into effect
UN genocide pact goes into effect
Chicago Bear Willard Dewveall becomes 1st NFLer to join AFL
Chicago Bear Willard Dewveall becomes 1st NFLer to join AFL
Russian espionage ring detected in Great Britain
Russian espionage ring detected in Great Britain
Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi party wins 1 seat by a single vote & parliament by a single seat
Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi party wins 1 seat by a single vote & parliament by a single seat
Francis Poulenc's "Gloria" premieres in Boston, Massachusetts by Boston Symphony and Chorus Pro Musica under conductor C
Francis Poulenc's "Gloria" premieres in Boston, Massachusetts by Boston Symphony and Chorus Pro Musica under conductor Charles Münch
US Supreme Court rules cities and states have the right to censor films
US Supreme Court rules cities and states have the right to censor films
"Sing Along with Mitch" [Miller] premieres on NBC TV
"Sing Along with Mitch" [Miller] premieres on NBC TV
Republic of Rwanda proclaimed
The national flag of Rwanda is a horizontal tricolour of light blue, yellow, and green, in a 2:1:1 ratio, charged with a golden sun in the upper fly-side corner.
Outstanding West Indian spin bowler Lance Gibbs takes hat-trick (Ken Mackay, Wally Grout, Frank Misson) in drawn 4th Tes
Outstanding West Indian spin bowler Lance Gibbs takes hat-trick (Ken Mackay, Wally Grout, Frank Misson) in drawn 4th Test v Australia in Adelaide
1st full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful
1st full-scale test of US Minuteman ICBM is successful
Dutch Prince Bernhard opens new RAI building in Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, formerly Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre or simply RAI Amsterdam, is a complex of conference and exhibition halls in the Zuidas business district of...
6th largest snowfall in NYC history (17.4 inches or 44.2cm)
6th largest snowfall in NYC history (17.4 inches or 44.2cm)
"Jail, No Bail" Jail-in movement starts in Rock Hill, South Carolina
The sit-in movement, sit-in campaign, or student sit-in movement, was a wave of sit-ins that followed the Greensboro sit-ins on February 1, 1960, led by students – Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond,...
Joseph Ileo appointed Premier of Congo
Joseph Ileo appointed Premier of Congo
AFL's LA Chargers move to San Diego
The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL).
Robert Weaver sworn in as Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, the 1st African American to be appointed
Robert Weaver sworn in as Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, the 1st African American to be appointed to a US cabinet-level position
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Boston Celtic Bill Russell grabs 40 rebounds to beat Philadelphia Warriors, 136-125
Soviet Union fires a rocket from Sputnik V to Venus
The Soviet space program was the state space program of the Soviet Union, active from 1951 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Element 103, Lawrencium, is first produced in Berkeley, California, by bombarding a three-milligram target of three isot
Element 103, Lawrencium, is first produced in Berkeley, California, by bombarding a three-milligram target of three isotopes of californium with boron-10 and boron-11 nuclei from the Heavy Ion Linear Accelerator
Australia beat West Indies 2-1 in one of best Test Cricket series ever
Australia beat West Indies 2-1 in one of best Test Cricket series ever
China uses its 1st nuclear reactor
China uses its 1st nuclear reactor
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Henk van der Grift becomes world champion skater
Albania disavows Chinese "Revisionism"
Albania disavows Chinese "Revisionism"
NASA Explorer S-45 mission; ionosphere beacon satellite fails to reach Earth orbit
Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961.
Niagara ends St Bonaventura's 99-game home college basketball win streak
Niagara ends St Bonaventura's 99-game home college basketball win streak
3rd Daytona 500: Marvin Panch wins in a 1960 Pontiac owned by Smokey Yunick when race leader Fireball Roberts' car suffe
3rd Daytona 500: Marvin Panch wins in a 1960 Pontiac owned by Smokey Yunick when race leader Fireball Roberts' car suffered a blown engine with 13 laps remaining
The first congress of the Spanish Trade Union Organisation is inaugurated
The first congress of the Spanish Trade Union Organisation is inaugurated
Cellist Jacqueline du Prés debut in Wigmore Hall
Jacqueline Mary du Pré (26 January 1945 – 19 October 1987) was a British cellist, widely regarded as one of the prominent cellists of the 20th century.
Paul-Henri Spaak resigns as Secretary-General of NATO
Paul-Henri Spaak resigns as Secretary-General of NATO
1st London minicabs introduced
London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.1 million people in 2024.
Jean Kerr's "Mary, Mary" premieres in NYC
Jean Kerr's "Mary, Mary" premieres in NYC
Mine cave-in in Japan, kills 72
Mine cave-in in Japan, kills 72
Then NHL record 40 penalties, Black Hawks & Maple Leafs (20 each)
The Toronto Maple Leafs, officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Leafs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto.
Elizabeth Gurley Finn (70) becomes President of US Communist Party
Elizabeth Gurley Finn (70) becomes President of US Communist Party
New York City District Attorney arrests professional gamblers who implicate Seton Hall players
New York City District Attorney arrests professional gamblers who implicate Seton Hall players
NY Senate approves $55M for a baseball stadium at Flushing Meadows
NY Senate approves $55M for a baseball stadium at Flushing Meadows
3rd place game is one of the wildest contests in NCAA Tournament history as St Joseph's defeats Utah, 127-120 in quadrup
3rd place game is one of the wildest contests in NCAA Tournament history as St Joseph's defeats Utah, 127-120 in quadruple overtime
Black demonstrators in Charleston staged ride-ins on street cars
Black demonstrators in Charleston staged ride-ins on street cars
23rd Amendment to the US Constitution ratified, allowing Washington, D.C. residents to vote in presidential elections
The Twenty-third Amendment (Amendment XXIII) to the United States Constitution extends the right to participate in presidential elections to the District of Columbia.
Aklilou Habtewold becomes 1st premier of Ethiopia
Tsehafi Taezaz Aklilu Habte-Wold was an Ethiopian statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I from 1961 to 1974 until his...
Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia is sold to J Schleifer Properties
Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia is sold to J Schleifer Properties
British liner "Dara" explodes in Persian Gulf, kills 236
British liner "Dara" explodes in Persian Gulf, kills 236
Austrian 4th & last government of Raab resigns
Austrian 4th & last government of Raab resigns
UN General Assembly condemns South-Africa's apartheid
Apartheid ( ə-PART-(h)yte, especially South African English: ə-PART-(h)ayt, Afrikaans: [aˈpart (ɦ)əit] ; transl. "separateness", lit. 'aparthood') was a system of institutionalised racial segregation...
Cuban-American invasion army departs Nicaragua
Cuban-American invasion army departs Nicaragua
15th Tony Awards: "Becket" (play) & "Bye Bye Birdie" (musical) win
The 15th Annual Tony Awards took place on April 16, 1961, in the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom in New York City.
CONCP is founded in Casablanca as a united front of African movements opposing Portuguese colonial rule
CONCP is founded in Casablanca as a united front of African movements opposing Portuguese colonial rule
American Harold Graham makes 1st rocket belt flight
American Harold Graham makes 1st rocket belt flight
Dirk Stikker chosen as secretary general of NATO
Dirk Stikker chosen as secretary general of NATO
Uprising of French parachutist of General Salan and Challe in Algeria
Uprising of French parachutist of General Salan and Challe in Algeria
Algiers putsch by French generals
The Algiers putsch, also known as the putsch of the generals (Putsch des généraux), was a failed coup d'état intended to force French President Charles de Gaulle not to abandon French Algeria, the...
French paratroopers' revolt suppressed in Algeria
French paratroopers' revolt suppressed in Algeria
NASA launches Explorer 11 into Earth orbit to study gamma rays
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agency of the U.S.
Lt Col Gueorgui Mossolov takes E-66A to 34,714 m altitude
Lt Col Gueorgui Mossolov takes E-66A to 34,714 m altitude
ABC's "Wide World of Sports" debuts
ABC's Wide World of Sports is an American sports anthology television program that aired on ABC from April 29, 1961 to June 21, 1997, primarily on Saturday afternoons.
"Tossin' and Turnin'" single released by Bobby Lewis (Billboard Song of the Year, 1961)
"Boll Weevil" is a traditional blues song, also known by similar titles such as "Boweavil" or "Boll Weevil Blues".
1st US airplane hijacked to Cuba
1st US airplane hijacked to Cuba
CORE begins freedom rides from Washington, D.C.
CORE begins freedom rides from Washington, D.C.
Omer Vanaudenhove chosen chairman of Belgium Liberal Party
Omer Vanaudenhove chosen chairman of Belgium Liberal Party
MLB Baltimore Oriole Jim Gentile hits 2 grand slams vs Minnesota Twins; 4th player in history to hit a grand slam in con
MLB Baltimore Oriole Jim Gentile hits 2 grand slams vs Minnesota Twins; 4th player in history to hit a grand slam in consecutive innings
Bus with 1st group of Freedom Riders bombed & burned in Alabama
Bus with 1st group of Freedom Riders bombed & burned in Alabama
"Bonanza" by Al Caiola Orchestra hits #19
"Bonanza" by Al Caiola Orchestra hits #19
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman,
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman, New Jersey
14th Cannes Film Festival: "The Long Absence" directed by Henri Colpi and "Viridiana" directed by Luis Bunuel jointly aw
14th Cannes Film Festival: "The Long Absence" directed by Henri Colpi and "Viridiana" directed by Luis Bunuel jointly awarded the Palme d'Or
New pier opens in Scheveningen, the Netherlands
The Scheveningen Pier is a pleasure pier in the Dutch resort town of Scheveningen near The Hague.
Henzes opera "Elegy for Young Lovers," premieres in Schwetzingen
Henzes opera "Elegy for Young Lovers," premieres in Schwetzingen
Governor Patterson declares martial law in Montgomery, Alabama
Governor Patterson declares martial law in Montgomery, Alabama
27 Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Mississippi
Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years to challenge the non-enforcement of the United States...
Freedom Ride Coordinating Committee establishes in Atlanta
Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years to challenge the non-enforcement of the United States...
1st black light is sold
1st black light is sold
Dutch DC-8 crashes after takeoff at Lisbon, 62 die
Dutch DC-8 crashes after takeoff at Lisbon, 62 die
Arthur Michael Ramsey appointed the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury
Arthur Michael Ramsey, Baron Ramsey of Canterbury (14 November 1904 – 23 April 1988), was a British Anglican bishop and life peer.
FM multiplex stereo broadcasting 1st heard
FM multiplex stereo broadcasting 1st heard
US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev meet at the Vienna Summit in Austria
The Vienna Summit was a summit meeting held on June 4, 1961, in Vienna, Austria, between President of the United States John F.
Ryne Duren sets AL record with 7 straight strikeouts against Red Sox
Rinold George "Ryne" Duren (February 22, 1929 – January 6, 2011) was an American professional baseball relief pitcher who played ten seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was known for the...
"Winston Churchill" last airs on ABC-TV
"Winston Churchill" last airs on ABC-TV
Dutch Lockheed Electricity "Sirius" accident at Cairo, kills 20
Dutch Lockheed Electricity "Sirius" accident at Cairo, kills 20
°F, hottest temperature in San Francisco
°F, hottest temperature in San Francisco
Expansion Washington Senators are 30-30, latest date an expansion team will be at .500, Washington will lose their next
Expansion Washington Senators are 30-30, latest date an expansion team will be at .500, Washington will lose their next 10 games
Dave Garroway is fired as host of NBC's "Today Show"
Dave Garroway is fired as host of NBC's "Today Show"
CBS radio cancels Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston.
Beatles record "Ain't She Sweet", "Cry for a Shadow", "When the Saints Go Marching In", "Why", "Nobody's Child" & "My Bo
Beatles record "Ain't She Sweet", "Cry for a Shadow", "When the Saints Go Marching In", "Why", "Nobody's Child" & "My Bonnie", in Hamburg, Germany
Baltimore and California use a record 16 pitchers in a game (8 each) in 14 inns
Baltimore and California use a record 16 pitchers in a game (8 each) in 14 inns
Ghana imposes a total ban on exports to South Africa and South West Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa.
Phils and San Francisco set then record longest night game (5h11m) 7-7 15 innings tie
Phils and San Francisco set then record longest night game (5h11m) 7-7 15 innings tie
Launch of Transit 4a, with 1st nuclear power supply (SNAP-3)
Launch of Transit 4a, with 1st nuclear power supply (SNAP-3)
Buddy Rogers beats Pat O'Conner in Chicago, to become NWA champ
Buddy Rogers beats Pat O'Conner in Chicago, to become NWA champ
Haleakala National Park forms in Hawaii
Hawaii is an island state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles (3,200 km) southwest of the U.S. mainland. One of the two non-contiguous U.S.
Walt Disney is one of the two main speakers on the Independence Day in The Rebuild Hills at Skørping in Denmark
Walt Disney is one of the two main speakers on the Independence Day in The Rebuild Hills at Skørping in Denmark
80 die in collisions in Algiers
80 die in collisions in Algiers
James R Hoffa elected chairman of Teamsters
James R Hoffa elected chairman of Teamsters
Fred Trueman takes 5-0 in 24 balls to rip through Aussies
Fred Trueman takes 5-0 in 24 balls to rip through Aussies
Portuguese cargo ship "Save" explodes after catching fire and running aground off coast of Mozambique; over 250 crew mem
Portuguese cargo ship "Save" explodes after catching fire and running aground off coast of Mozambique; over 250 crew members are killed
Gene Kiniski defeats Verne Gagne in Minneapolis to become NWA champion
Gene Kiniski defeats Verne Gagne in Minneapolis to become NWA champion
Finland's Miettunen government forms
Martti Miettunen's first cabinet was the 46th government of Republic of Finland. Cabinet's time period was from July 14, 1961 to April 13, 1962. It was a minority government.
Spain accepts equal rights for men and women
Spain accepts equal rights for men and women
John Chancellor becomes news anchor of "Today Show"
John William Chancellor (July 14, 1927 – July 12, 1996) was an American journalist who spent most of his career with NBC News. He is considered a pioneer in television news.
1st in-flight movie shown on TWA
1st in-flight movie shown on TWA
French military forces break the Tunisian siege of Bizerte
French military forces break the Tunisian siege of Bizerte
NASA launches Mercury 4 (Liberty Bell) with Gus Grissom
Virgil Ivan "Gus" Grissom (April 3, 1926 – January 27, 1967) was an American engineer and pilot in the United States Air Force, as well as one of the original Mercury Seven selected by the National...
WBNB TV channel 10 in Charlotte Amaile, Virgin Islands (CBS) begins broadcasting
WBNB TV channel 10 in Charlotte Amaile, Virgin Islands (CBS) begins broadcasting
A US commercial plane is hijacked to Cuba
A US commercial plane is hijacked to Cuba
German DR limits traffic to West Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany, as well as its largest city by both area and population.
Cyrille Adoula becomes Prime Minister of Congo
Cyrille Adoula (13 September 1921 – 24 May 1978) was a Congolese trade unionist and politician. He was the prime minister of the Republic of the Congo, from 2 August 1961 until 30 June 1964.
Pittsburgh Pirates rout St. Louis Cardinals 19-0, the largest lopsided shutout in NL history
Pittsburgh Pirates rout St. Louis Cardinals 19-0, the largest lopsided shutout in NL history
28th NFL Chicago College All-Star Game at Soldier Field: Philadelphia 28, All-Stars 14 (66,000 attendees)
28th NFL Chicago College All-Star Game at Soldier Field: Philadelphia 28, All-Stars 14 (66,000 attendees)
°F (48°C) is recorded at Ice Harbor Dam, Washington (state record)
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam is a hydroelectric, concrete gravity run-of-the-river dam in the northwest United States.
British auto racer Sterling Moss scores his 16th and final Formula 1 victory in the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring
Sir Stirling Craufurd Moss (17 September 1929 – 12 April 2020) was a British racing driver and broadcaster, who competed in Formula One from 1951 to 1961.
Cosmonaut Gherman Titov circles Earth for a full day in Vostok 2
Cosmonaut Gherman Titov circles Earth for a full day in Vostok 2
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) beat Buffalo Bills (NFL) 38-21 in Hamilton, Ontario
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a professional Canadian football team based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. They are currently members of the East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
James Benton Parsons is the first African American to be nominated to a US Federal District Court
James Benton Parsons (August 13, 1911 – June 19, 1993) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
UK applies for membership of the European Economic Community
UK applies for membership of the European Economic Community
Milwaukee Braves future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn records career victory number 300, beating the Cubs 2
Milwaukee Braves future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn records career victory number 300, beating the Cubs 2-1 at County Stadium, Milwaukee
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins in East Germany
The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic (GDR; East Germany).
Philadelphia Phillies lose 9-2 to Chicago Cubs for their 17th straight defeat; 11th consecutive time an opposing pitcher
Philadelphia Phillies lose 9-2 to Chicago Cubs for their 17th straight defeat; 11th consecutive time an opposing pitcher throws a complete game against the Phillies
Keiyo Road is specified as the first expressway in Japan
Keiyo Road is specified as the first expressway in Japan
,000 West Berliners demonstrate against the division of Berlin
,000 West Berliners demonstrate against the division of Berlin
Kennedy administration establishes Alliance for Progress
The Alliance for Progress (Spanish: Alianza para el progreso) was an initiative launched by U.S. President John F.
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up on August 13
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 50th of 61 home runs
Roger Eugene Maris was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Belgium sends troops to Rwanda-Urundi
Belgium sends troops to Rwanda-Urundi
Former South African Nazi leader Johannes Vorster becomes South Africa's Minister of Justice
The first modern humans are believed to have inhabited South Africa more than 100,000 years ago.
Brazilian president Janio Quadros resigns
Jânio da Silva Quadros was a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd president of Brazil from 31 January to 25 August 1961, when he resigned from office.
Official International Hockey Hall of Fame opens in Toronto
The Hockey Hall of Fame (French: Temple de la renommée du hockey) is a museum and hall of fame located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Francis the Talking Mule is a mystery guest on "What's My Line"
Francis the Talking Mule is a mystery guest on "What's My Line"
James Benton Parsons is confirmed as the first African American judge of a US District Court
James Benton Parsons (August 13, 1911 – June 19, 1993) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Oriole Jack Fisher walks 12 LA Angels in a 9-inning game
Oriole Jack Fisher walks 12 LA Angels in a 9-inning game
Amsterdam National Ballet forms
Amsterdam National Ballet forms
1st conference of neutral countries held in Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and at the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.
Athol Fugard's first major play "The Blood Knot" premieres at Dorkay House, Johannesburg, as the first stage performance
Athol Fugard's first major play "The Blood Knot" premieres at Dorkay House, Johannesburg, as the first stage performance with an interracial cast in South Africa [1]
USSR performs a nuclear test at Kapustin Yar, USSR
Kapustin Yar is a Russian military training area and a rocket launch complex in Astrakhan Oblast, about 100 km east of Volgograd. It was established by the Soviet Union on 13 May 1946.
Nashville-based guitar wizard Hank Garland sustains career-ending injuries in a single vehicle accident near Springfield
Nashville-based guitar wizard Hank Garland sustains career-ending injuries in a single vehicle accident near Springfield, Tennessee
American Ferrari driver Phil Hill wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to clinch the F1 World Drivers' Championship, bec
American Ferrari driver Phil Hill wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to clinch the F1 World Drivers' Championship, becoming the first American F1 world champion
Mickey Mantle becomes the seventh player to hit home run number 400
Mickey Charles Mantle (October 20, 1931 – August 13, 1995), nicknamed "the Mick" and "the Commerce Comet", was an American professional baseball player who played his entire Major League Baseball...
Founding of the World Wildlife Fund in Morges, Switzerland
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact...
Battles between UN & Katanga troops in Congo
The United Nations Operation in the Congo (French: Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, abbreviated ONUC) was a United Nations peacekeeping force which was deployed in the Republic of the Congo in...
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
Novaya Zemlya, also spelled Novaja Zemlja, is an archipelago in northern Russia. It is situated in the Arctic Ocean, in the extreme northeast of Europe, with Cape Flissingsky, on the northern island,...
CDU loses West Germany election
A federal election was held in West Germany on 17 September 1961 to elect the members of the fourth Bundestag. The CDU/CSU remained the largest faction, winning 242 of the 499 seats.
"Car 54, Where are You?" premieres on US TV
"Car 54, Where are You?" premieres on US TV
Betty and Barney Hill claim that they saw a mysterious craft in the sky and that it tried to abduct them.
Betty and Barney Hill claim that they saw a mysterious craft in the sky and that it tried to abduct them.
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits home run #59 and barely misses #60 in game 154 of the season as Yankees cli
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits home run #59 and barely misses #60 in game 154 of the season as Yankees clinch their 26th pennant
Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minut
Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minutes at age 42
MLB Baltimore Orioles' Jim Gentile ties the record with 5 grand slams in a single season
MLB Baltimore Orioles' Jim Gentile ties the record with 5 grand slams in a single season
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 60th home run off Jack Fisher, tying Babe Ruth's record
New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hits his 60th home run off Jack Fisher, tying Babe Ruth's record
Sandy Koufax sets the NL strikeout season record at 269
Sanford Koufax, nicknamed "the Left Arm of God", is an American former baseball player.
"Doctor Kildare" debuts on NBC-TV
Dr. Kildare is an NBC medical drama television series which originally ran from September 28, 1961, until August 30, 1966, for a total of 191 episodes over five seasons.
"The Detectives" TV crime drama moves to NBC-TV
"The Detectives" TV crime drama moves to NBC-TV
A volcano believed to be extinct erupts in Tristan da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha (), colloquially Tristan, is a remote group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
American medical drama series "Ben Casey," starring Vince Edwards and Sam Jaffe, premieres on ABC-TV
American medical drama series "Ben Casey," starring Vince Edwards and Sam Jaffe, premieres on ABC-TV
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
American Phil Hill's Ferrari team does not participate in the season-ending US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, having alread
American Phil Hill's Ferrari team does not participate in the season-ending US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, having already clinched the World Drivers' Championship; English driver Innes Ireland wins Lotus's first Grand Prix
Members of the US Communist Party are obliged to report themselves to the police
Members of the US Communist Party are obliged to report themselves to the police
Expansion draft stocks Houston Astros and New York Mets
Expansion draft stocks Houston Astros and New York Mets
USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to 66,100m
USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to 66,100m
USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
22nd Congress of the CPSU opens in Moscow
The 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (Russian: XXII съезд КПСС) was held from 17 to 31 October 1961.
Emergency crisis declared in South Vietnam due to communist attack
Emergency crisis declared in South Vietnam due to communist attack
Barbra Streisand opens Off-Broadway musical-comedy revue "Another Evening With Harry Stoones"
Barbra Streisand opens Off-Broadway musical-comedy revue "Another Evening With Harry Stoones"
75,000 Flemings demand equal rights & Flemish language in Belgium
75,000 Flemings demand equal rights & Flemish language in Belgium
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
First test flight of Saturn launch vehicle
First test flight of Saturn launch vehicle
1st Saturn launch vehicle makes an unmanned flight test
1st Saturn launch vehicle makes an unmanned flight test
US performs a nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...
Federal judge rules that laws against integrated playing fields in Birmingham, Alabama, are illegal
Federal judge rules that laws against integrated playing fields in Birmingham, Alabama, are illegal
Max Frisch's play "Andorra" premieres in Zürich
Max Rudolf Frisch was a Swiss playwright and novelist. Frisch's works focused on problems of identity, individuality, responsibility, morality, and political commitment.
American folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan makes his Carnegie Hall (NYC) debut; tickets priced at $2.00 [1]
American folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan makes his Carnegie Hall (NYC) debut; tickets priced at $2.00 [1]
India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru arrives in NY
India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru arrives in NY
France performs underground nuclear test at Ecker Algeria
France performs underground nuclear test at Ecker Algeria
Imperial Airlines Flight 201/8, a Lockheed Constellation aircraft, crashes near Richmond, Virginia, 77 die
Imperial Airlines Flight 201/8 was a charter flight by the United States Army to transport new recruits to Columbia, South Carolina, for training.
Paddy Chayefsky's "Gideon" premieres in NYC
Paddy Chayefsky's "Gideon" premieres in NYC
"Catch-22" by Joseph Heller is published by Simon and Schuster in New York
Catch-22 is a satirical war novel by American author Joseph Heller. It was his debut novel. He began writing it in 1953; the novel was first published in 1961.
Vladimir Yefimovich Semichastny succeeds Aleksandr Nikolayevich Shelepin as head of the KGB
Vladimir Yefimovich Semichastny succeeds Aleksandr Nikolayevich Shelepin as head of the KGB
Comet C/1961 T1 (Seki) approaches within 0.1019 AUs of Earth
Comet C/1961 T1 (Seki) approaches within 0.1019 AUs of Earth
United Kingdom limits immigration from Commonwealth countries
Since 1945, immigration to the United Kingdom, controlled by British immigration law and to an extent by British nationality law, has been significant, in particular from the former territories of...
Houston Oilers quarterback George Blanda passes for 7 touchdowns in a 49-13 rout of NY Titans at Jeppesen Stadium, Houst
Houston Oilers quarterback George Blanda passes for 7 touchdowns in a 49-13 rout of NY Titans at Jeppesen Stadium, Houston
WPLG TV channel 10 in Miami, FL (ABC) begins broadcasting
Miami is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second-most populous city proper in Florida, with a population of 442,241 at the 2020 census.
"La Ronde," the first revolving restaurant in the US, designed by architect John Graham Jr., opens atop the 23-floor Ala
"La Ronde," the first revolving restaurant in the US, designed by architect John Graham Jr., opens atop the 23-floor Ala Moana Tower in Honolulu, Hawaii
NBA's Bob Cousy becomes the second player to score 15,000 points
NBA's Bob Cousy becomes the second player to score 15,000 points
For 2nd time in his career, St Louis' Jerry Norton has 4 interceptions
For 2nd time in his career, St Louis' Jerry Norton has 4 interceptions
German writer Martin Walser's play "Der Abstecher" (The Detour) premieres in Munich
German writer Martin Walser's play "Der Abstecher" (The Detour) premieres in Munich
John McCone replaces Allen W. Dulles as the 6th director of the CIA
John Foster Dulles (February 25, 1888 – May 24, 1959) was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat who served as United States secretary of state under President Dwight D.
The Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) mission is launched with a chimpanzee named Enos aboard, becoming the first chimp to orbit th
The Mercury-Atlas 5 (MA-5) mission is launched with a chimpanzee named Enos aboard, becoming the first chimp to orbit the Earth
Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs is voted NL Rookie of the Year
Billy Leo Williams is an American former left fielder and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played from 1959 to 1976, almost entirely for the Chicago Cubs.
The Republic of West Papua is proclaimed, declaring independence from Dutch rule
The Republic of West Papua (Indonesian: Republik Papua Barat), alternatively known as the Federal Republic of West Papua (Indonesian: Republik Federal Papua Barat, RFPB) is a proposed state...
Fidel Castro declares he's a Marxist and will lead Cuba to Communism
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (13 August 1926 – 25 November 2016) was a Cuban politician and revolutionary who was the leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008, serving as prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and...
George Blanda of Houston Oilers kicks 55-yard field goal
George Blanda of Houston Oilers kicks 55-yard field goal
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
Antwerp Belgium diocese forms
Antwerp Belgium diocese forms
Tanganyika gains independence from Britain, lights the Ukuru (Freedom) Torch on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
Tanganyika gains independence from Britain, lights the Ukuru (Freedom) Torch on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
Houston Oilers utility back Billy Cannon gains AFL record 373 yards combined rushing/receiving in 48-21 win over NY Tita
Houston Oilers utility back Billy Cannon gains AFL record 373 yards combined rushing/receiving in 48-21 win over NY Titans at the Polo Grounds, NYC
Robert Hofstadter and Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer win the Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering studies of electron sc
Robert Hofstadter and Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer win the Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering studies of electron scattering in atomic nuclei and discoveries concerning the structure of the nucleon
Amateur radio satellite Oscar 1 launched with military Discoverer 36
Amateur radio satellite Oscar 1 launched with military Discoverer 36
Ballon d'Or: Juventus' Argentine forward Omar Sívori wins award for best football player in Europe ahead of Spanish midf
Ballon d'Or: Juventus' Argentine forward Omar Sívori wins award for best football player in Europe ahead of Spanish midfielder Luis Suárez and English forward Johnny Haynes
Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" is the first country song to get a gold record
Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" is the first country song to get a gold record
India seizes Goa & 2 other Portuguese colonies
The State of India, also known as the Portuguese State of India or Portuguese India, was a state of the Portuguese Empire founded seven years after the discovery of the sea route to the Indian...
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...
Belgium & Congo resume diplomatic relations
The Congo Crisis (French: Crise congolaise) was a period of political upheaval and conflict between 1960 and 1965 in the Republic of the Congo (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Premiere of Dmitri Shostakovich's 4th Symphony in Moscow (completed 1936)
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet composer and pianist who became internationally known after the premiere of his First Symphony in...
Failed coup by Syrian group in Lebanon
The Syrian Social Nationalist Party in Lebanon is a Syrian nationalist party operating in Lebanon.
Famous Births
birth
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
birth
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is born
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, American actress and comedian, known for american actress and comedian, was born on 1961-01-13.
birth
Mark Messier is born
Mark Messier, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1961-01-18. Mark John Douglas Messier is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward.
birth
Wayne Gretzky is born
Wayne Gretzky, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player and coach, was born on 1961-01-26.
birth
Naruhito is born
Naruhito is born
birth
Ivan Lendl is born
Ivan Lendl, American athlete, known for czech and american tennis player, was born on 1961-03-07. Ivan Lendl is a Czech–American former professional tennis player and coach.
birth
Joe Carter is born
Joe Carter, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1961-03-07. Joseph Chris Carter is an American former professional baseball player.
birth
Adam Clayton is born
Adam Clayton, English musician, known for irish rock musician, bassist of u2, was born on 1961-03-13. Adam Charles Clayton is an English-Irish musician who is the bass guitarist of the rock band U2.
birth
Jeremy Clarkson is born
Jeremy Clarkson, English television presenter, journalist and author, known for english television presenter, journalist and author, was born on 1961-04-11.
birth
Ron MacLean is born
Ron MacLean, Canadian athlete, known for canadian sportscaster, was born on 1961-04-12.
birth
Brad Garrett is born
Brad Garrett actor and comedian, known for american actor and comedian, was born on 1961-04-14. Brad H. Gerstenfeld, known professionally as Brad Garrett, is an American actor and stand-up comedian.
birth
Philippe of Belgium is born
Philippe of Belgium is born
birth
Valerie Bertinelli is born
Valerie Bertinelli, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-04-23. Valerie Anne Bertinelli is an American actress and television personality.
birth
Bono is born
Bono, Irish musician, known for irish musician and activist, was born on 1961-05-10. Paul David Hewson, known by the nickname Bono, is an Irish singer-songwriter and activist.
birth
Jari Kurri is born
Jari Kurri, Finnish athlete, known for finnish ice hockey player, was born on 1961-05-18. Jari Pekka Kurri is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player.
birth
Yannick Noah is born
Yannick Noah, French athlete, known for french former tennis player and pop singer, was born on 1961-05-18.
birth
Yevgeny Prigozhin is born
Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch and mercenary leader, known for russian oligarch and mercenary leader, was born on 1961-06-01.
birth
John Elway is born
John Elway athlete, known for american football player and executive, was born on 1961-06-28. John Albert Elway Jr.
birth
Diana Spencer is born
Diana Spencer, British member of the british royal family, known for member of the british royal family, was born on 1961-07-01. Diana, Princess of Wales was a member of the British royal family.
birth
Yann LeCun is born
Yann LeCun, American computer scientist, known for french computer scientist, was born on 1961-07-08.
birth
Toby Keith is born
Toby Keith, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1961-07-08. Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024) was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer,…
birth
Jane Lynch is born
Jane Lynch, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-07-14. Jane Marie Lynch is an American actress, comedian, and singer.
birth
Kim Alexis is born
Kim Alexis is born
birth
Mark Burnett is born
Mark Burnett is born
birth
Richard Linklater is born
Richard Linklater, American filmmaker, known for american filmmaker, was born on 1961-07-30. Richard Linklater is an American filmmaker.
birth
Antonio Banderas is born
Antonio Banderas, Spanish actor, known for spanish actor, was born on 1961-08-10. José Antonio Domínguez Bandera, known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor.
birth
Sarah Brightman is born
Sarah Brightman, English soprano, known for english soprano, was born on 1961-08-14. Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano singer and actress.
birth
Sean Penn is born
Sean Penn, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-08-17. Sean Justin Penn is an American actor and filmmaker.
birth
Stephen Hillenburg is born
Stephen Hillenburg, American animator and educator, known for american animator and educator, was born on 1961-08-21.
birth
Cal Ripken Jr is born
Cal Ripken Jr athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1961-08-24.
birth
Eric Dickerson is born
Eric Dickerson, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1961-09-02.
birth
Hugh Grant is born
Hugh Grant, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1961-09-09. Hugh John Mungo Grant is an English actor.
birth
Colin Firth is born
Colin Firth, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1961-09-10. Colin Andrew Firth is an English actor and producer.
birth
James Gandolfini is born
James Gandolfini, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1961-09-18. James John Gandolfini was an American actor.
birth
Jean-Claude Van Damme is born
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgian actor and martial artist, known for belgian actor and martial artist, was born on 1961-10-18.
birth
Reza Pahlavi is born
Reza Pahlavi, Iranian prince and political activist, known for iranian prince and political activist, was born on 1961-10-31.
birth
Tim Cook is born
Tim Cook, American business executive, known for american business executive, was born on 1961-11-01. Timothy Donald Cook is an American business executive who has been the CEO of Apple since 2011.
birth
Kathy Griffin is born
Kathy Griffin, American comedian and actress, known for american comedian and actress, was born on 1961-11-04.
birth
Tilda Swinton is born
Tilda Swinton, British actress, known for british actress, was born on 1961-11-05. Katherine Matilda Swinton is a British actress.
birth
Stanley Tucci is born
Stanley Tucci actor and author, known for american actor and author, was born on 1961-11-11. Stanley Tucci Jr. is an American actor.
birth
RuPaul is born
RuPaul, American drag queen, actor and musician, known for american drag queen, actor and musician, was born on 1961-11-17.
birth
Cathy Moriarty is born
Cathy Moriarty, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1961-11-29. Cathy Moriarty is an American actress whose career spans five decades.
birth
Howard Johnson is born
Howard Johnson is born
birth
Julianne Moore is born
Julianne Moore, American actress and author, known for american actress and author, was born on 1961-12-03. Julie Anne Smith, known professionally as Julianne Moore, is an American actress.
birth
Kenneth Branagh is born
Kenneth Branagh, British actor and filmmaker, known for british actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-12-10.
birth
James Comey is born
James Comey lawyer, known for american lawyer, was born on 1961-12-14. James Brien Comey Jr.
birth
Yoon Suk-yeol is born
Yoon Suk-yeol is born
birth
Reggie White is born
Reggie White, American athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1961-12-19.
birth
Temuera Morrison is born
Temuera Morrison, New Zealand zealand actor, known for new zealand actor, was born on 1961-12-26.
birth
Ray Bourque is born
Ray Bourque, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1961-12-28. Raymond Jean Bourque is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
birth
David Boon is born
David Boon, Australian athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1961-12-29.
Notable Deaths
death
Erwin Schrödinger dies
Erwin Schrödinger, Austrian austrian–irish theoretical physicist, known for austrian–irish theoretical physicist, died on 1961-01-04.
death
Alfred Carlton Gilbert dies
Alfred Carlton Gilbert, American inventor and athlete, known for american inventor and athlete, died on 1961-01-24.
death
Ernest Hemingway dies
Ernest Hemingway, American author and journalist, known for american author and journalist, died on 1961-07-02.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1961?
- In 1961, there were 229 significant historical events. Notable events include Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike, Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records, First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK.
- Who was born in 1961?
- 51 notable figures were born in 1961, including Gabrielle Carteris is born, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is born, Mark Messier is born.
- Who died in 1961?
- 3 notable figures passed away in 1961, including Erwin Schrödinger dies, Alfred Carlton Gilbert dies, Ernest Hemingway dies.