Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1973. This year saw 263 significant events. 37 notable figures were born. 7 notable figures passed away.
Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that...
Elvis Presley files for divorce from Priscilla Presley on his 38th birthday
Jane Seymour Fonda is an American actress and activist. Fonda's work spans several genres and over six decades of film and television.
In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court legalizes most abortions (Roe v. Wade). Writing the majority opinion, Justice Harry Blackmun states that the criminalization of abortion does not have "roots in the English common law tradition."
Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the 37th president of the United States, serving from 1969 until his resignation in 1974.
Paris Peace Accords signed by US Secretary of State William P. Rogers, (North) Vietnam Minister for Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duy Trinh, Republic of South Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Thị Bình, and Republic of Vietnam Minister for Foreign Affairs Trần Văn Lắm, ending America's then longes
Harvest (UK) and Capitol Records (US) release Pink Floyd's 8th studio album "The Dark Side of the Moon"; it stays on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart for most of the next 14 years, selling over 50 million copies worldwide
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) undertakes its first operation in Great Britain, planting four car bombs in London. Ten members of PIRA are later arrested at Heathrow Airport while trying to leave the country.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In last airs on NBC-TV
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a plane crash
First mobile phone call is made in downtown Manhattan, NY, by Motorola employee Martin Cooper to Bell Labs headquarters in New Jersey
World Trade Center opens in New York as the world's tallest building at 110 stories, later destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Singer and actor Dean Martin marries third wife Catherine Hawn (divorced 1976)
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney (34) weds Mila Pivnicki (19)
th Belmont Stakes: Ron Turcotte aboard Secretariat wins in 2:24, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years
Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark (34) weds lawyer Maureen McTeer (21)
,000 attend the "Summer Jam" rock festival featuring The Grateful Dead, The Band, and The Allman Brothers Band at Watkins Glen, New York, at the time the largest ever audience at a pop festival
Led Zeppelin has over $200,000 in cash stolen from a safe deposit box at the New York Hilton Hotel
"American Graffiti," directed by George Lucas and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard, premieres at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland
In tennis, "Battle of the Sexes" describes various exhibition matches played between a man and a woman, or a doubles match between two men and two women in one case.
Priscilla Ann Presley is an American businesswoman and actress. She was married to singer Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973.
"Badlands" directed by Terrence Malick and starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek premieres at the New York Film Festival
OPEC oil ministers use oil as an economic weapon in the Arab-Israeli War, mandate a cut in exports, and recommend an embargo against unfriendly states [1]
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
James Francis Thorpe (Meskwaki: Wa-Tho-Huk; May 22 or 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete who won Olympic gold medals and played professional football, baseball, and basketball.
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, is completed, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus for the first time
Russian-American sci-fi author Isaac Asimov (53) divorces Gertrude Blugerman (56) after 31 years of marriage
Russian-American sci-fi author Issac Asimov (53) weds second wife, American psychoanalyst and sci-fi author Janet Jeppson (47), until his death in1992
Jack Nicklaus finishes at 13-under-par 275 to win the Walt Disney World Open by one stroke over Mason Rudolph and becomes the first player to reach $2 million in PGA Tour career earnings
NFL running back Gale Sayers (30) weds second wife, American philanthropist Ardythe Bullard, until his death in 2020
Apple Records releases Paul McCartney and Wings' album "Band on the Run" in the US, the commercial and critical pinnacle of his post-Beatles work, topping the charts in seven countries
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists in the United States, and the largest psychiatric organization in the...
Japanese boxer Masao Ohba retains his WBA flyweight title with a 12th-round knockout of Chartchai Chionoi of Thailand in Tokyo; Ohba dies three weeks later in a car accident
Schoolhouse Rock! is an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films (and later, music videos) which aired during the Saturday morning children's programming...
The Bollingen Prize for Poetry is a literary honor bestowed on an American poet. Every two years, the award recognizes a poet for best new volume of work or lifetime achievement.
Judge Sirica begins the trial of the Watergate burglars in Washington, D.C.
Missions to the Moon have been numerous and represent some of the earliest endeavours in space missions, with continuous exploration of the Moon beginning in 1959. The first partially successful...
First biennial exhibition of American contemporary art in its current format opens at the Whitney Museum, now one of the world's leading art shows [1]
The designated hitter (DH) is a baseball player who bats in place of the pitcher. Unlike other players in a team's lineup, they generally only play as an offensive player and usually do not play...
Lasse Daniel Efskind skates world record 1000m (1:17.6)
The Watergate scandal, or simply Watergate, was a political scandal in the United States involving the administration of President Richard Nixon.
NBC presents 440th and final showing of western TV series "Bonanza"
City of Amsterdam decides to support Hanoi
A car bomb explodes in Sackville Place, Dublin, Ireland, killing 1 person and injuring 17, no group claims responsibility
Leslie Nielson appears in "Ringbanger" episode of television series "M*A*S*H"
Boeing 707, operated by Alia Royal Jordanian and chartered by Nigeria Airways crashes while trying to land at Kano International Airport in Nigeria, killing 176 Muslim pilgrims and crew
Belgium government of Leburton forms
"Barnaby Jones" premieres on CBS TV
International agreement to pay for and conserve 9th century Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, world's largest Buddhist temple (completed 1982). Beginnings of the World Heritage Convention. [1]
John Daniel Matuszak (October 25, 1950 – June 17, 1989), nicknamed "Tooz", was an American professional football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) who later became an...
Outfielder Monte Irvin is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues; fourth inductee through the committee
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show's single "The Cover of the 'Rolling Stone'", written by Shel Silverstein, enters the top 40 and peaks at #6
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of Mainland Southeast Asia.
Funeral held for US Army Lt. Col. William Nolde, last US soldier killed in Vietnam War
40,000 civil servants demonstrate at Binnenhof in The Hague, Netherlands, against higher pension contribution
Jean Kerrs "Finishing Touches" premieres in NYC
2nd time Rangers shut-out Islanders 6-0
Women's One Day International (ODI) is the limited overs form of women's cricket. Matches are scheduled for 50 overs, equivalent to the men's game.
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
Musical "El Grande de Coca-Cola" premieres in NYC
Friendsville Academy (Tenn) ends 138-game basketball losing streak
Rodney Ernest Redmond is a New Zealand former international cricketer. He is the father of Aaron Redmond, also a New Zealand international.
"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" single released by Dawn featuring Tony Orlando (Billboard Song of the Year 1973)
10th time Islanders shut-out-4-0 vs Penguins
Chicago Black Hawks, record 262nd NHL game without being shut-out
Turkish Delight (Dutch: Turks fruit) is a 1973 Dutch erotic romantic drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven from a screenplay by Gerard Soeteman, based on the 1969 novel Turks Fruit by Jan Wolkers.
Price of gold goes up $10 overnight to record $95 an ounce in London
Dutch speed skater Atje Keulen-Deelstra becomes Women's Allround World Champion at Strömsund, Sweden her second consecutive title and third in 4 years
The Wounded Knee Occupation, also known as Second Wounded Knee, began on February 27, 1973, when approximately 200 Oglala Lakota (sometimes referred to as Oglala Sioux) and followers of the American...
The Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), formerly known as the Turkish Petroleum Company (TPC), is an oil company that had a virtual monopoly on all oil exploration and production in Iraq between 1925 and...
"Black September" terrorists occupy Saudi Embassy in Khartoum
15th Grammy Awards: 1st Time Ever I Saw Your Face, America
Yankee pitchers Peterson & Kekich announce they swapped wives
Luboš Kohoutek was a Czech astronomer and a discoverer of minor planets and comets, including Comet Kohoutek which was visible to the naked eye in 1973. He also discovered a large number of planetary...
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
Minskoff Theater opens at 200 W 45th St NYC
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC OH-pek) is an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing and oil-dependent countries in order to collectively...
NBC TV premiere of pilot episode of "Police Story", based on Los Angeles Police Dept. Joseph Wambaugh's writings
First Met Gala held with a theme - honoring designer Balenciaga, in New York
Joffrey Ballet revives Diaghilev's "Parade" at The City Center, NYC
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing is an American daytime soap opera that aired on CBS from September 18, 1967, to March 23, 1973.
Professional track debut of Kip Keino defeating Jim Ryun in the mile
The 27th Annual Tony Awards ceremony was held on March 25, 1973, at the Imperial Theatre in New York City, and broadcast by ABC television.
Susan Shaw is first woman in 171 years in London's Stock exchange
American diplomat Henry Kissinger (1923–2023) played an important and controversial role in the Vietnam War. Starting out as a supporter, Kissinger came to see it as a drag on American power.
CBS radio begins on the hour news, 24 hours a day
NFL adopts jersey numbering system (ie QBs, 1-19)
The Pioneer plaques are a pair of gold-anodized aluminium plaques that were placed on board the 1972 Pioneer 10 and 1973 Pioneer 11 spacecraft, featuring a pictorial message, in case either Pioneer...
Cleveland sets day-game & opening-game attendance records of 74,420
Thirty-two terrorist bombings in Cyprus
BEA flight to Basel Switzerland, crashes on landing, killing 104 of 143
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of...
Louis Patrick Gray III (July 18, 1916 – July 6, 2005) was acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from May 3, 1972, to April 27, 1973.
GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for...
Canadian ANIK A2 becomes 1st commercial satellite in orbit
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...
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Kansas City Royals are an American professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Over 6000 Mk. 82 500 pound bombs detonate over 18 hrs in a railyard in northern California. 5500 structures damaged, town of Antelope destroyed, with every building reduced to foundations. Leads to Transportation Safety Act (1974)
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with a metropolitan area population of over 19 million as of 2025.
BPAA US Women's Bowling Open won by Millie Martorella
The 1973 WHA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the World Hockey Association's 1972–73 season.
Eudora Alice Welty (April 13, 1909 – July 23, 2001) was an American short-story writer, novelist, and photographer who wrote about the American South.
Citing government misconduct, Daniel Ellsberg has his charges for his involvement in releasing the "Pentagon Papers" to The New York Times dismissed
"Dueling Tubas" novelty single by Martin Mull hits #92
French film "Day for Night" written and directed by François Truffaut, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Jean-Pierre Léaud premieres at Cannes (Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film)
California Angel Nolan Ryan's 1st no-hitter beats KC Royals, 3-0
David Soutar is a retired professional ten-pin bowler who competed on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss to the A's
Sentimental ballad "Daisy A Day" single by Jud Strunk hits #14
2 motorcycle racers killed and a dozen injured in a crash during the 1973 Nations Grand Prix in Monza,Italy
President Nixon confesses his role in Watergate cover-up
George [Earl] Jellicoe resigns as British Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords
26th Cannes Film Festival: "The Hireling" directed by Alan Bridges and "Scarecrow" directed by Jerry Schatzberg jointly awarded the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film
Ohio Players were an American funk band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their songs "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster", and for their erotic album covers that featured nude or nearly...
American athlete Rick Wohlhuter runs world record 880 yards in 1:44.6
Chicago White Sox beat Cleveland Indians, 6-3, in 21 innings (game started 5/26)
Columbia Records fires president Clive Davis for misappropriating $100,000 in funds, Davis will start Arista records
Living in the Material World is the fourth studio album by the English musician George Harrison, released in 1973 on Apple Records.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing and oil-dependent countries in order to collectively influence the global...
The Tupolev Tu-144 (Russian: Tyполев Ту-144; NATO reporting name: Charger) is a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner designed by Tupolev that operated commercially from 1975 to 1983, including...
Patent for the ATM is granted to Don Wetzel, Tom Barnes and George Chastain
David Eugene Clyde is an American former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played for five seasons with the Texas Rangers (1973–1975) and Cleveland Indians (1978–1979).
Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco appointed premier of Spain
American rock band the Grateful Dead perform their longest concert, 30 songs clocking in at approximately 4:41:37, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Libya nationalizes Bunker Hunt concession; Nigeria acquires 35 percent participation in Shell-BP concession
Coleraine bombings: six Protestant civilians were killed and 33 wounded by a Provisional Irish Republican Army car bomb in Coleraine, County Londonderry
Garvey, Lopes, Cey & Russell play together for 1st time, set record of staying together as an infield for 8½ years (LA Dodgers)
The 46th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C. at the Mayflower Hotel on June 13–14, 1973, sponsored by the E.W.
NCAA makes urine testing mandatory for participants
"The Rocky Horror Show" stage production first opens in London written by Richard O'Brian and directed by Jim Sharman and starring Tim Curry
Chicago's Cy Acosta is 1st AL pitcher to bat since DH rule (strikeout)
Dutch High Council stops addition of fluorine to drinking water
Henryk Górecki's Symphony No. 2 ("Copernican"), celebrating 500th anniversary of birth of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, premieres in performance by the Polish National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Andrzej Markowski, with soloists baritone Andrzej Hiolski and soprano Stef
Marlene Raymond (15), limboes under a flaming bar at 6 1/8"
John Dean begins testifying before Senate Watergate Committee
"Burns & Schreiber Comedy Hour" TV Variety; debut on ABC
1st US-China basketball game, US collegiates beats Shanghai 96-61
Brothers Gaylord (Hall of Fame) and Jim Perry (3-time All Star) face each other for only time in MLB, Tigers beat Indians 5-4, Gaylord charged with loss
78 drown as flash flood sweeps a bus into a river (India)
NY Mets are 12½ games back in NL and go on to win pennant
The Maccabiah Games is an international multi-sport event with summer and winter sports competitions featuring Jews and Israelis regardless of religion.
Bahamas declares independence from the United Kingdom and adopts constitution
Brazilian Boeing 707 crashes near Paris, killing 122
The National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973, also known as the 1973 National Archives fire, was a fire that occurred at the Military Personnel Records Center (MPRC) in the St.
Audio recordings of conversations between U.S. President Richard Nixon and Nixon administration officials, Nixon family members, and White House staff surfaced during the Watergate scandal in 1973...
Military coup in Afghanistan, led by former prime minister, and cousin to the king, Mohammad Daoud Khan; King Mohammad Zahir Shah remains in Italy were he was receiving medical treatment at the time
Ozark AL Flight 809 is knocked out of the air by lightning while landing in St. Louis, killing 38
40th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Miami 14, All-Stars 3 (54,103 attendees)
The Greek royal family was the ruling family of the Kingdom of Greece from 1863 to 1924 and again from 1935 to 1973.
James Blair Bibby (October 29, 1944 – February 16, 2010) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 12-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972 to 1984 with the St.
Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 months later
Hendrikus Johannes "Johan" Witteveen (12 June 1921 – 23 April 2019) was a Dutch politician and economist who served as the fifth managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1973...
Flash fire kills 51 at an amusement park on the Isle of Man, UK
New York Yankees pitcher Lindy McDaniel puts in one of the best relief stints in MLB history, entering in the second inning and allowing only one run in 13 innings in a 3-2 win against the Detroit Tigers
The 1973 Hellinikon International Airport attack was an attack at the Hellinikon International Airport at Athens, Greece.
First BART train travels through Transbay Tube to Montgomery St. Station
Betty Morris wins WPBA National Championship
The Black September Organization (BSO; Arabic: منظمة أيلول الأسود, romanized: Munaẓẓamat Aylūl al-Aswad) was a Palestinian militant organization, which was founded in September 1970.
France performs a nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll
Chilean parliament accuses President Allende of violating laws
Intelsat S.A. (formerly Intel-Sat, Intelsat) is a Luxembourgish-American multinational satellite services provider with corporate headquarters in Luxembourg and administrative headquarters in Tysons,...
John Adams and his bass drum become a right-field fixture in Cleveland Stadium
Butch Trucks, drummer of the Allman Brothers, breaks his leg in a car crash
David Eisenhower writes his final sports column
"Smoke on the Water" single by British rock band Deep Purple goes gold
74-year-old Hafnia Hotel burns, killing 35 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Billy Martin is fired as Detroit Tigers manager due to continual differences with the front office; goes on to manage Texas, Oakland and NY Yankees (in 5 separate stints)
General Walters ends his term as acting director of the CIA
Jerry Lewis's 8th Muscular Dystrophy Telethon
William Egan Colby (January 4, 1920 – May 6, 1996) was an American intelligence officer who served as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from September 1973 to January 1976. During World War II,...
Conference of less developed countries approves forming "producers' associations" and calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Arab lands
The New York Times reports that almost all Superfectas run at Yonkers, Roosevelt, and Monticello from January to March of 1973 were fixed
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a major professional basketball league that operated for nine seasons from 1967 to 1976.
Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) is an American animated science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry.
Muhammad Ali defeats Ken Norton in a 12-round split decision for the NABF heavyweight boxing title at the Forum in Inglewood, California
Two bettors win the largest US Daily Double in Detroit ($19,909.60)
The NBA on ABC is the branding used of broadcasts of National Basketball Association (NBA) games produced by ESPN and broadcast by ABC.
Indianapolis is awarded a WHA franchise
The 1973 Buffalo Bills season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the National Football League (NFL).
The relationship of Germany and the United Nations first began during World War II.
Frank Robinson, Angels OF, homers in record 32nd major league ballpark - Arlington Stadium (Arlington, Texas), against the Rangers
Willie Howard Mays Jr. (May 6, 1931 – June 18, 2024), nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was an American professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000
Alonza Benjamin Bumbry (né Bumbrey; born April 21, 1947) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres from 1972 through 1985.
The Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (Portuguese: Guerra de Independência da Guiné-Bissau), also known as the Bissau-Guinean War of Independence, was an armed independence conflict that took place...
The New York Mets beat the Montreal Expos 2-1 on "Willie Mays Night" at Shea Stadium in New York City
Concorde makes its first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic from Washington, D.C. to Paris in a record-breaking time of 3 hours and 33 minutes
Wilton Norman Chamberlain ( CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player.
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive.
"We're an American Band" is a song by American rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Released on July 2, 1973, from the band's album of the same name, it became the band's first single to top the Billboard...
Mel Gray begins an NFL streak of 121 consecutive games with receptions
Adagio Hammerklavier is a ballet choreographed by Hans van Manen to the Adagio from Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29, Hammerklavier. The ballet is plotless and danced by three couples.
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, the fourth Arab–Israeli War, the October War, or the Ramadan War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of...
Iraq nationalizes Exxon and Mobil shares in the Basrah Petroleum Company, representing 23.75% equity in the company
MLB NLCS Game 3 is interrupted by a brawl sparked by a fight between Cincinnati Reds' Pete Rose and New York Mets' Bud Harrelson at Shea Stadium in New York
First general strike in Luxembourg since 1942
Héctor José Cámpora (26 March 1909 – 18 December 1980) was an Argentine politician.
Israeli counter offensive in southern Syria
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia.
Congress authorizes bicentennial quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coins
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New York City to Scituate, Massachusetts
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Israeli troops reconquer mountain Hermon
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Chris Wills wins 1st National hang-gliding championship
Ferguson Arthur "Fergie" Jenkins is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher and coach.
SF Giants trade future HOF first baseman Willie McCovey to San Diego Padres for pitcher Mike Caldwell
The Battle of Suez was fought on October 24–25, 1973 between the Israel Defense Forces and the Egyptian Army in the Egyptian city of Suez.
1st time Islanders beat Rangers-3-2
Elmore Smith of Lakers blocks 17 shots in a game, setting an NBA record
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, designed by architect B. V. Doshi, is inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
Three Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers escape from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin using a hijacked helicopter
Indian state of Mysore is renamed Karnataka to represent all the regions within Karunadu
Atlantic Records releases "Abandoned Luncheonette", the second studio album by the American pop rock duo Daryl Hall & John Oates
Mark Medoff's stage drama "When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?" opens at the Circle Repertory Company, NYC
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Abe Beame elected 1st Jewish mayor of NYC
James Bond film "Man With the Golden Gun" starring Roger Moore begins filming
New Jersey becomes the first state to allow girls into Little League
Nevada approves pari-mutuel betting on Jai Alai
Ship Ahoy is the seventh album by Philadelphia soul group the O'Jays, released in 1973 on Philadelphia International Records.
British sitcom series "Last of the Summer Wine" debuts on BBC; it goes on to become the longest running sitcom ever, airing for 31 seasons
Canada begins production of Olympic coins
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, the fourth Arab–Israeli War, the October War, or the Ramadan War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of...
Greek regime attacks students with tanks, 100s killed
Teri Garr plays new nurse, Lt Suzanne Marquetten, on "The Sniper" episode of TV series M*A*S*H
Arab oil ministers cancel the scheduled 5 percent cut in production for EEC
Elections in Suriname, premier Sedney's PNP doesn't win a chair
US President Richard Nixon's attorney, J. Fred Buzhardt, reveals presence of 18½ minute gap in a White House tape recording related to Watergate
Italian Fascist organization Ordine Nuovo disbands
Arab summit conference adopts open and secret resolutions on the use of the oil weapons; embargo extended to Portugal, Rhodesia, and South Africa
Bloodless military coup ousts Greek President George Papadopoulos
Nixon's personal secretary Rose Mary Woods, tells a federal court she accidentally caused part of 18½ minute gap in a key Watergate tape
Gary Matthews wins NL Rookie of Year
Neil Simon's play "Good Doctor" premieres in NYC
The Baltimore Orioles are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division.
James William Godman (January 5, 1946 – May 3, 2001) was an American professional bowler who won eleven titles on the Professional Bowlers Tour, and was the first bowler to win the prestigious...
Papua New Guinea (PNG), officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is an island country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and offshore islands in...
Capital Centre (USAir Arena) opens in Landover Maryland; NBA's Washington Bullets beat Seattle SuperSonics, 98-96 in opening game; arena demolished 2002
Pioneer 10 passes Jupiter (1st fly-by of an outer planet) [Dec 4-GMT]
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. Situated in the middle of the Persian Gulf, it comprises a small archipelago of 33 natural islands and an additional 50...
39th Heisman Trophy Award: John Cappelletti, Penn State (RB)
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Bruno Sammartino beats Stan Stasiak, to become WWWF champ for 2nd time
Houston Astro César Cedeño jailed for the death of a 19-year-old woman
Canada begins selling Olympic coins ($5 & $10 silver coins)
The Portuguese Colonial War (Portuguese: Guerra Colonial Portuguesa), also known in Portugal as the Overseas War (Guerra do Ultramar) or in the former colonies as the War of Liberation (Guerra de...
Jean Paul Getty Sr. (December 15, 1892 – June 6, 1976) was an American petroleum industrialist who founded the Getty Oil Company in 1942 and was the patriarch of the Getty family.
O.J. Simpson becomes 1st NFL running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season
Arabs terrorists shoot passengers on Boeing 737 to Kuwait
Soyuz 13 was a December, 1973, Soviet crewed space flight, the second test flight of the redesigned Soyuz 7K-T spacecraft that first flew as Soyuz 12.
Grenada adopts constitution
AL president Joe Cronin refuses to allow Dick Williams to manage Yankees
Israel, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, US & USSR meet in Geneva to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict
OPEC Gulf Six decides to raise the posted price of marker crude from $5.12 to $11.65 per barrel effective January 1, 1974
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
The District of Columbia Home Rule Act is a United States federal law passed on December 24, 1973, which devolved certain congressional powers of the District of Columbia to local government,...
MLB Los Angeles Dodgers announce their home night games will start at 7:30 instead of 8
Akron Ohio's Chamber of Commerce terminates itself from Soap Box Derby
Rahul Dravid, Indian athlete, known for indian coach and former cricketer, was born on 1973-01-11.
Rob Thomas, American musician, known for american musician, was born on 1973-02-14. Robert Kelly Thomas is an American musician.
Jaromír Jágr, Czech athlete, known for czech ice hockey player, was born on 1973-02-15.
Michael Chang, American athlete, known for american tennis player, was born on 1973-02-22. Michael Te-pei Chang is an American former professional tennis player and coach. He was ranked world No.
Pedro Sánchez is born
Shaquille O'Neal, American athlete, known for american basketball player and analyst, was born on 1973-03-06.
Elvis Stojko, Canadian athlete, known for canadian figure skater, was born on 1973-03-22. Elvis Stojko, is a Canadian figure skater.
Jennie Garth, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-04-03. Jennifer Eve Garth is an American actress.
Conchita Martínez, Spanish athlete, known for spanish tennis player, was born on 1973-04-16.
Jennifer Garner, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-04-17. Jennifer Anne Garner is an American actress.
Carmen Electra, American actress and model, known for american actress and model, was born on 1973-04-20. Carmen Electra is an American actress, model, media personality, and singer.
Dwayne Johnson, American actor and professional wrestler, known for american actor and professional wrestler, was born on 1973-05-02.
Mike Dirnt, American musician, known for american rock musician, was born on 1973-05-04.
Martin Brodeur, American athlete, known for canadian-american ice hockey player, was born on 1973-05-06.
Laverne Cox, South African actress and lgbtq advocate, known for american actress and lgbtq advocate, was born on 1973-05-29. Laverne Cox is an American actress and LGBTQ advocate.
Wayne Brady, American tv host and actor, known for american tv host and actor, was born on 1973-06-02. Wayne Alphonso Brady is an American comedian, actor, and singer.
Sundar Pichai is born
Jean Dujardin, French actor, known for french actor, was born on 1973-06-19. Jean Edmond Dujardin is a French actor and comedian.
Selma Blair, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-06-23. Selma Blair is an American actress.
Zinedine Zidane, French athlete, known for french football player and manager, was born on 1973-06-23.
Sofía Vergara, American colombian and american actress, known for colombian and american actress, was born on 1973-07-10.
Scott Foley, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-07-15. Scott Kellerman Foley is an American actor, director and producer, who is known for roles on shows such as The Unit,…
Geri Horner, English musician, known for english singer, was born on 1973-08-06. Geraldine Estelle Halliwell-Horner is an English singer, songwriter, television personality, author, and actress.
Ben Affleck, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1973-08-15. Benjamin Géza Affleck is an American actor and filmmaker.
Cameron Diaz, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-08-30. Cameron Michelle Diaz is an American actress.
Idris Elba, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1973-09-06. Sir Idrissa Akuna Elba is an English actor, DJ, and rapper.
Paul Walker, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-09-12. Paul William Walker IV (September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013) was an American actor.
N. K. Jemisin is born
Gwyneth Paltrow, American actress and businesswoman, known for american actress and businesswoman, was born on 1973-09-27. Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress and businesswoman.
Eminem, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1973-10-17. Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record…
Brad Paisley, American musician, known for american country musician, was born on 1973-10-28. Brad Douglas Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Josh Duhamel, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-11-14. Joshua David Duhamel ( də-MEL; born November 14, 1972) is an American actor and model.
Sarah Rafferty is born
Miranda Hart, English actress, comedian and writer, known for english actress, comedian and writer, was born on 1973-12-14. Miranda Katherine Hart Dyke, is an English actress, comedian and writer.
Lee Jung-jae, South Korean korean actor, known for south korean actor, was born on 1973-12-15. Lee Jung-jae is a South Korean actor, filmmaker, and businessman.
Alyssa Milano, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-12-19. Alyssa Jayne Milano is an American actress and activist.
Jude Law, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1973-12-29. David Jude Heyworth Law is an English actor.
Lyndon B. Johnson dies
Pearl S. Buck, American writer, known for american writer, died on 1973-03-06. Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck (June 26, 1892 – March 6, 1973) was an American writer and humanitarian.
Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor, known for spanish painter and sculptor, died on 1973-04-08.
Jeannette Rankin, American first woman elected to u.s. congress, known for first woman elected to u.s. congress, died on 1973-05-18.
Arna Bontemps, American poet, novelist, known for american poet, novelist, died on 1973-06-04.
Bruce Lee, American hong kong and american martial artist and actor, known for hong kong and american martial artist and actor, died on 1973-07-20.
Karl Ziegler, German chemist, known for german chemist, died on 1973-08-12. Karl Waldemar Ziegler was a German chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963, with Giulio Natta, for work on…
Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that...
Elvis Presley files for divorce from Priscilla Presley on his 38th birthday
Jane Seymour Fonda is an American actress and activist. Fonda's work spans several genres and over six decades of film and television.
In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court legalizes most abortions (Roe v. Wade). Writing the majority opinion, Justice Harry Blackmun states that the criminalization of abortion does not have "roots in the English common law tradition."
Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the 37th president of the United States, serving from 1969 until his resignation in 1974.
Paris Peace Accords signed by US Secretary of State William P. Rogers, (North) Vietnam Minister for Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duy Trinh, Republic of South Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Thị Bình, and Republic of Vietnam Minister for Foreign Affairs Trần Văn Lắm, ending America's then longes
Harvest (UK) and Capitol Records (US) release Pink Floyd's 8th studio album "The Dark Side of the Moon"; it stays on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart for most of the next 14 years, selling over 50 million copies worldwide
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) undertakes its first operation in Great Britain, planting four car bombs in London. Ten members of PIRA are later arrested at Heathrow Airport while trying to leave the country.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In last airs on NBC-TV
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a plane crash
First mobile phone call is made in downtown Manhattan, NY, by Motorola employee Martin Cooper to Bell Labs headquarters in New Jersey
World Trade Center opens in New York as the world's tallest building at 110 stories, later destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Singer and actor Dean Martin marries third wife Catherine Hawn (divorced 1976)
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney (34) weds Mila Pivnicki (19)
th Belmont Stakes: Ron Turcotte aboard Secretariat wins in 2:24, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years
Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark (34) weds lawyer Maureen McTeer (21)
,000 attend the "Summer Jam" rock festival featuring The Grateful Dead, The Band, and The Allman Brothers Band at Watkins Glen, New York, at the time the largest ever audience at a pop festival
Led Zeppelin has over $200,000 in cash stolen from a safe deposit box at the New York Hilton Hotel
"American Graffiti," directed by George Lucas and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard, premieres at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland
In tennis, "Battle of the Sexes" describes various exhibition matches played between a man and a woman, or a doubles match between two men and two women in one case.
Priscilla Ann Presley is an American businesswoman and actress. She was married to singer Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973.
"Badlands" directed by Terrence Malick and starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek premieres at the New York Film Festival
OPEC oil ministers use oil as an economic weapon in the Arab-Israeli War, mandate a cut in exports, and recommend an embargo against unfriendly states [1]
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
James Francis Thorpe (Meskwaki: Wa-Tho-Huk; May 22 or 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete who won Olympic gold medals and played professional football, baseball, and basketball.
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, is completed, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus for the first time
Russian-American sci-fi author Isaac Asimov (53) divorces Gertrude Blugerman (56) after 31 years of marriage
Russian-American sci-fi author Issac Asimov (53) weds second wife, American psychoanalyst and sci-fi author Janet Jeppson (47), until his death in1992
Jack Nicklaus finishes at 13-under-par 275 to win the Walt Disney World Open by one stroke over Mason Rudolph and becomes the first player to reach $2 million in PGA Tour career earnings
NFL running back Gale Sayers (30) weds second wife, American philanthropist Ardythe Bullard, until his death in 2020
Apple Records releases Paul McCartney and Wings' album "Band on the Run" in the US, the commercial and critical pinnacle of his post-Beatles work, topping the charts in seven countries
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists in the United States, and the largest psychiatric organization in the...
Japanese boxer Masao Ohba retains his WBA flyweight title with a 12th-round knockout of Chartchai Chionoi of Thailand in Tokyo; Ohba dies three weeks later in a car accident
Schoolhouse Rock! is an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films (and later, music videos) which aired during the Saturday morning children's programming...
The Bollingen Prize for Poetry is a literary honor bestowed on an American poet. Every two years, the award recognizes a poet for best new volume of work or lifetime achievement.
Judge Sirica begins the trial of the Watergate burglars in Washington, D.C.
Missions to the Moon have been numerous and represent some of the earliest endeavours in space missions, with continuous exploration of the Moon beginning in 1959. The first partially successful...
First biennial exhibition of American contemporary art in its current format opens at the Whitney Museum, now one of the world's leading art shows [1]
The designated hitter (DH) is a baseball player who bats in place of the pitcher. Unlike other players in a team's lineup, they generally only play as an offensive player and usually do not play...
Lasse Daniel Efskind skates world record 1000m (1:17.6)
The Watergate scandal, or simply Watergate, was a political scandal in the United States involving the administration of President Richard Nixon.
NBC presents 440th and final showing of western TV series "Bonanza"
City of Amsterdam decides to support Hanoi
A car bomb explodes in Sackville Place, Dublin, Ireland, killing 1 person and injuring 17, no group claims responsibility
Leslie Nielson appears in "Ringbanger" episode of television series "M*A*S*H"
Boeing 707, operated by Alia Royal Jordanian and chartered by Nigeria Airways crashes while trying to land at Kano International Airport in Nigeria, killing 176 Muslim pilgrims and crew
Belgium government of Leburton forms
"Barnaby Jones" premieres on CBS TV
International agreement to pay for and conserve 9th century Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, world's largest Buddhist temple (completed 1982). Beginnings of the World Heritage Convention. [1]
John Daniel Matuszak (October 25, 1950 – June 17, 1989), nicknamed "Tooz", was an American professional football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) who later became an...
Outfielder Monte Irvin is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues; fourth inductee through the committee
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show's single "The Cover of the 'Rolling Stone'", written by Shel Silverstein, enters the top 40 and peaks at #6
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of Mainland Southeast Asia.
Funeral held for US Army Lt. Col. William Nolde, last US soldier killed in Vietnam War
40,000 civil servants demonstrate at Binnenhof in The Hague, Netherlands, against higher pension contribution
Jean Kerrs "Finishing Touches" premieres in NYC
2nd time Rangers shut-out Islanders 6-0
Women's One Day International (ODI) is the limited overs form of women's cricket. Matches are scheduled for 50 overs, equivalent to the men's game.
1st US POWs in North Vietnam released; 116 of 456 flown to Philippines
Musical "El Grande de Coca-Cola" premieres in NYC
Friendsville Academy (Tenn) ends 138-game basketball losing streak
Rodney Ernest Redmond is a New Zealand former international cricketer. He is the father of Aaron Redmond, also a New Zealand international.
"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" single released by Dawn featuring Tony Orlando (Billboard Song of the Year 1973)
10th time Islanders shut-out-4-0 vs Penguins
Chicago Black Hawks, record 262nd NHL game without being shut-out
Turkish Delight (Dutch: Turks fruit) is a 1973 Dutch erotic romantic drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven from a screenplay by Gerard Soeteman, based on the 1969 novel Turks Fruit by Jan Wolkers.
Price of gold goes up $10 overnight to record $95 an ounce in London
Dutch speed skater Atje Keulen-Deelstra becomes Women's Allround World Champion at Strömsund, Sweden her second consecutive title and third in 4 years
The Wounded Knee Occupation, also known as Second Wounded Knee, began on February 27, 1973, when approximately 200 Oglala Lakota (sometimes referred to as Oglala Sioux) and followers of the American...
The Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), formerly known as the Turkish Petroleum Company (TPC), is an oil company that had a virtual monopoly on all oil exploration and production in Iraq between 1925 and...
"Black September" terrorists occupy Saudi Embassy in Khartoum
15th Grammy Awards: 1st Time Ever I Saw Your Face, America
Yankee pitchers Peterson & Kekich announce they swapped wives
Luboš Kohoutek was a Czech astronomer and a discoverer of minor planets and comets, including Comet Kohoutek which was visible to the naked eye in 1973. He also discovered a large number of planetary...
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
Minskoff Theater opens at 200 W 45th St NYC
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC OH-pek) is an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing and oil-dependent countries in order to collectively...
NBC TV premiere of pilot episode of "Police Story", based on Los Angeles Police Dept. Joseph Wambaugh's writings
First Met Gala held with a theme - honoring designer Balenciaga, in New York
Joffrey Ballet revives Diaghilev's "Parade" at The City Center, NYC
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing is an American daytime soap opera that aired on CBS from September 18, 1967, to March 23, 1973.
Professional track debut of Kip Keino defeating Jim Ryun in the mile
The 27th Annual Tony Awards ceremony was held on March 25, 1973, at the Imperial Theatre in New York City, and broadcast by ABC television.
Susan Shaw is first woman in 171 years in London's Stock exchange
American diplomat Henry Kissinger (1923–2023) played an important and controversial role in the Vietnam War. Starting out as a supporter, Kissinger came to see it as a drag on American power.
CBS radio begins on the hour news, 24 hours a day
NFL adopts jersey numbering system (ie QBs, 1-19)
The Pioneer plaques are a pair of gold-anodized aluminium plaques that were placed on board the 1972 Pioneer 10 and 1973 Pioneer 11 spacecraft, featuring a pictorial message, in case either Pioneer...
Cleveland sets day-game & opening-game attendance records of 74,420
Thirty-two terrorist bombings in Cyprus
BEA flight to Basel Switzerland, crashes on landing, killing 104 of 143
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of...
Louis Patrick Gray III (July 18, 1916 – July 6, 2005) was acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from May 3, 1972, to April 27, 1973.
GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for...
Canadian ANIK A2 becomes 1st commercial satellite in orbit
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...
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
The Kansas City Royals are an American professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Over 6000 Mk. 82 500 pound bombs detonate over 18 hrs in a railyard in northern California. 5500 structures damaged, town of Antelope destroyed, with every building reduced to foundations. Leads to Transportation Safety Act (1974)
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with a metropolitan area population of over 19 million as of 2025.
BPAA US Women's Bowling Open won by Millie Martorella
The 1973 WHA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the World Hockey Association's 1972–73 season.
Eudora Alice Welty (April 13, 1909 – July 23, 2001) was an American short-story writer, novelist, and photographer who wrote about the American South.
Citing government misconduct, Daniel Ellsberg has his charges for his involvement in releasing the "Pentagon Papers" to The New York Times dismissed
"Dueling Tubas" novelty single by Martin Mull hits #92
French film "Day for Night" written and directed by François Truffaut, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Jean-Pierre Léaud premieres at Cannes (Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film)
California Angel Nolan Ryan's 1st no-hitter beats KC Royals, 3-0
David Soutar is a retired professional ten-pin bowler who competed on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss to the A's
Sentimental ballad "Daisy A Day" single by Jud Strunk hits #14
2 motorcycle racers killed and a dozen injured in a crash during the 1973 Nations Grand Prix in Monza,Italy
President Nixon confesses his role in Watergate cover-up
George [Earl] Jellicoe resigns as British Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords
26th Cannes Film Festival: "The Hireling" directed by Alan Bridges and "Scarecrow" directed by Jerry Schatzberg jointly awarded the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film
Ohio Players were an American funk band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their songs "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster", and for their erotic album covers that featured nude or nearly...
American athlete Rick Wohlhuter runs world record 880 yards in 1:44.6
Chicago White Sox beat Cleveland Indians, 6-3, in 21 innings (game started 5/26)
Columbia Records fires president Clive Davis for misappropriating $100,000 in funds, Davis will start Arista records
Living in the Material World is the fourth studio album by the English musician George Harrison, released in 1973 on Apple Records.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing and oil-dependent countries in order to collectively influence the global...
The Tupolev Tu-144 (Russian: Tyполев Ту-144; NATO reporting name: Charger) is a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner designed by Tupolev that operated commercially from 1975 to 1983, including...
Patent for the ATM is granted to Don Wetzel, Tom Barnes and George Chastain
David Eugene Clyde is an American former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played for five seasons with the Texas Rangers (1973–1975) and Cleveland Indians (1978–1979).
Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco appointed premier of Spain
American rock band the Grateful Dead perform their longest concert, 30 songs clocking in at approximately 4:41:37, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Libya nationalizes Bunker Hunt concession; Nigeria acquires 35 percent participation in Shell-BP concession
Coleraine bombings: six Protestant civilians were killed and 33 wounded by a Provisional Irish Republican Army car bomb in Coleraine, County Londonderry
Garvey, Lopes, Cey & Russell play together for 1st time, set record of staying together as an infield for 8½ years (LA Dodgers)
The 46th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C. at the Mayflower Hotel on June 13–14, 1973, sponsored by the E.W.
NCAA makes urine testing mandatory for participants
"The Rocky Horror Show" stage production first opens in London written by Richard O'Brian and directed by Jim Sharman and starring Tim Curry
Chicago's Cy Acosta is 1st AL pitcher to bat since DH rule (strikeout)
Dutch High Council stops addition of fluorine to drinking water
Henryk Górecki's Symphony No. 2 ("Copernican"), celebrating 500th anniversary of birth of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, premieres in performance by the Polish National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Andrzej Markowski, with soloists baritone Andrzej Hiolski and soprano Stef
Marlene Raymond (15), limboes under a flaming bar at 6 1/8"
John Dean begins testifying before Senate Watergate Committee
"Burns & Schreiber Comedy Hour" TV Variety; debut on ABC
1st US-China basketball game, US collegiates beats Shanghai 96-61
Brothers Gaylord (Hall of Fame) and Jim Perry (3-time All Star) face each other for only time in MLB, Tigers beat Indians 5-4, Gaylord charged with loss
78 drown as flash flood sweeps a bus into a river (India)
NY Mets are 12½ games back in NL and go on to win pennant
The Maccabiah Games is an international multi-sport event with summer and winter sports competitions featuring Jews and Israelis regardless of religion.
Bahamas declares independence from the United Kingdom and adopts constitution
Brazilian Boeing 707 crashes near Paris, killing 122
The National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973, also known as the 1973 National Archives fire, was a fire that occurred at the Military Personnel Records Center (MPRC) in the St.
Audio recordings of conversations between U.S. President Richard Nixon and Nixon administration officials, Nixon family members, and White House staff surfaced during the Watergate scandal in 1973...
Military coup in Afghanistan, led by former prime minister, and cousin to the king, Mohammad Daoud Khan; King Mohammad Zahir Shah remains in Italy were he was receiving medical treatment at the time
Ozark AL Flight 809 is knocked out of the air by lightning while landing in St. Louis, killing 38
40th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Miami 14, All-Stars 3 (54,103 attendees)
The Greek royal family was the ruling family of the Kingdom of Greece from 1863 to 1924 and again from 1935 to 1973.
James Blair Bibby (October 29, 1944 – February 16, 2010) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 12-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972 to 1984 with the St.
Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 months later
Hendrikus Johannes "Johan" Witteveen (12 June 1921 – 23 April 2019) was a Dutch politician and economist who served as the fifth managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1973...
Flash fire kills 51 at an amusement park on the Isle of Man, UK
New York Yankees pitcher Lindy McDaniel puts in one of the best relief stints in MLB history, entering in the second inning and allowing only one run in 13 innings in a 3-2 win against the Detroit Tigers
The 1973 Hellinikon International Airport attack was an attack at the Hellinikon International Airport at Athens, Greece.
First BART train travels through Transbay Tube to Montgomery St. Station
Betty Morris wins WPBA National Championship
The Black September Organization (BSO; Arabic: منظمة أيلول الأسود, romanized: Munaẓẓamat Aylūl al-Aswad) was a Palestinian militant organization, which was founded in September 1970.
France performs a nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll
Chilean parliament accuses President Allende of violating laws
Intelsat S.A. (formerly Intel-Sat, Intelsat) is a Luxembourgish-American multinational satellite services provider with corporate headquarters in Luxembourg and administrative headquarters in Tysons,...
John Adams and his bass drum become a right-field fixture in Cleveland Stadium
Butch Trucks, drummer of the Allman Brothers, breaks his leg in a car crash
David Eisenhower writes his final sports column
"Smoke on the Water" single by British rock band Deep Purple goes gold
74-year-old Hafnia Hotel burns, killing 35 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Billy Martin is fired as Detroit Tigers manager due to continual differences with the front office; goes on to manage Texas, Oakland and NY Yankees (in 5 separate stints)
General Walters ends his term as acting director of the CIA
Jerry Lewis's 8th Muscular Dystrophy Telethon
William Egan Colby (January 4, 1920 – May 6, 1996) was an American intelligence officer who served as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from September 1973 to January 1976. During World War II,...
Conference of less developed countries approves forming "producers' associations" and calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Arab lands
The New York Times reports that almost all Superfectas run at Yonkers, Roosevelt, and Monticello from January to March of 1973 were fixed
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a major professional basketball league that operated for nine seasons from 1967 to 1976.
Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) is an American animated science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry.
Muhammad Ali defeats Ken Norton in a 12-round split decision for the NABF heavyweight boxing title at the Forum in Inglewood, California
Two bettors win the largest US Daily Double in Detroit ($19,909.60)
The NBA on ABC is the branding used of broadcasts of National Basketball Association (NBA) games produced by ESPN and broadcast by ABC.
Indianapolis is awarded a WHA franchise
The 1973 Buffalo Bills season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the National Football League (NFL).
The relationship of Germany and the United Nations first began during World War II.
Frank Robinson, Angels OF, homers in record 32nd major league ballpark - Arlington Stadium (Arlington, Texas), against the Rangers
Willie Howard Mays Jr. (May 6, 1931 – June 18, 2024), nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was an American professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000
Alonza Benjamin Bumbry (né Bumbrey; born April 21, 1947) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres from 1972 through 1985.
The Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (Portuguese: Guerra de Independência da Guiné-Bissau), also known as the Bissau-Guinean War of Independence, was an armed independence conflict that took place...
The New York Mets beat the Montreal Expos 2-1 on "Willie Mays Night" at Shea Stadium in New York City
Concorde makes its first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic from Washington, D.C. to Paris in a record-breaking time of 3 hours and 33 minutes
Wilton Norman Chamberlain ( CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player.
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive.
"We're an American Band" is a song by American rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Released on July 2, 1973, from the band's album of the same name, it became the band's first single to top the Billboard...
Mel Gray begins an NFL streak of 121 consecutive games with receptions
Adagio Hammerklavier is a ballet choreographed by Hans van Manen to the Adagio from Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29, Hammerklavier. The ballet is plotless and danced by three couples.
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, the fourth Arab–Israeli War, the October War, or the Ramadan War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of...
Iraq nationalizes Exxon and Mobil shares in the Basrah Petroleum Company, representing 23.75% equity in the company
MLB NLCS Game 3 is interrupted by a brawl sparked by a fight between Cincinnati Reds' Pete Rose and New York Mets' Bud Harrelson at Shea Stadium in New York
First general strike in Luxembourg since 1942
Héctor José Cámpora (26 March 1909 – 18 December 1980) was an Argentine politician.
Israeli counter offensive in southern Syria
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia.
Congress authorizes bicentennial quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coins
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New York City to Scituate, Massachusetts
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Israeli troops reconquer mountain Hermon
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Chris Wills wins 1st National hang-gliding championship
Ferguson Arthur "Fergie" Jenkins is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher and coach.
SF Giants trade future HOF first baseman Willie McCovey to San Diego Padres for pitcher Mike Caldwell
The Battle of Suez was fought on October 24–25, 1973 between the Israel Defense Forces and the Egyptian Army in the Egyptian city of Suez.
1st time Islanders beat Rangers-3-2
Elmore Smith of Lakers blocks 17 shots in a game, setting an NBA record
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, designed by architect B. V. Doshi, is inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
Three Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers escape from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin using a hijacked helicopter
Indian state of Mysore is renamed Karnataka to represent all the regions within Karunadu
Atlantic Records releases "Abandoned Luncheonette", the second studio album by the American pop rock duo Daryl Hall & John Oates
Mark Medoff's stage drama "When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?" opens at the Circle Repertory Company, NYC
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Abe Beame elected 1st Jewish mayor of NYC
James Bond film "Man With the Golden Gun" starring Roger Moore begins filming
New Jersey becomes the first state to allow girls into Little League
Nevada approves pari-mutuel betting on Jai Alai
Ship Ahoy is the seventh album by Philadelphia soul group the O'Jays, released in 1973 on Philadelphia International Records.
British sitcom series "Last of the Summer Wine" debuts on BBC; it goes on to become the longest running sitcom ever, airing for 31 seasons
Canada begins production of Olympic coins
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, the fourth Arab–Israeli War, the October War, or the Ramadan War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of...
Greek regime attacks students with tanks, 100s killed
Teri Garr plays new nurse, Lt Suzanne Marquetten, on "The Sniper" episode of TV series M*A*S*H
Arab oil ministers cancel the scheduled 5 percent cut in production for EEC
Elections in Suriname, premier Sedney's PNP doesn't win a chair
US President Richard Nixon's attorney, J. Fred Buzhardt, reveals presence of 18½ minute gap in a White House tape recording related to Watergate
Italian Fascist organization Ordine Nuovo disbands
Arab summit conference adopts open and secret resolutions on the use of the oil weapons; embargo extended to Portugal, Rhodesia, and South Africa
Bloodless military coup ousts Greek President George Papadopoulos
Nixon's personal secretary Rose Mary Woods, tells a federal court she accidentally caused part of 18½ minute gap in a key Watergate tape
Gary Matthews wins NL Rookie of Year
Neil Simon's play "Good Doctor" premieres in NYC
The Baltimore Orioles are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division.
James William Godman (January 5, 1946 – May 3, 2001) was an American professional bowler who won eleven titles on the Professional Bowlers Tour, and was the first bowler to win the prestigious...
Papua New Guinea (PNG), officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is an island country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and offshore islands in...
Capital Centre (USAir Arena) opens in Landover Maryland; NBA's Washington Bullets beat Seattle SuperSonics, 98-96 in opening game; arena demolished 2002
Pioneer 10 passes Jupiter (1st fly-by of an outer planet) [Dec 4-GMT]
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. Situated in the middle of the Persian Gulf, it comprises a small archipelago of 33 natural islands and an additional 50...
39th Heisman Trophy Award: John Cappelletti, Penn State (RB)
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
Bruno Sammartino beats Stan Stasiak, to become WWWF champ for 2nd time
Houston Astro César Cedeño jailed for the death of a 19-year-old woman
Canada begins selling Olympic coins ($5 & $10 silver coins)
The Portuguese Colonial War (Portuguese: Guerra Colonial Portuguesa), also known in Portugal as the Overseas War (Guerra do Ultramar) or in the former colonies as the War of Liberation (Guerra de...
Jean Paul Getty Sr. (December 15, 1892 – June 6, 1976) was an American petroleum industrialist who founded the Getty Oil Company in 1942 and was the patriarch of the Getty family.
O.J. Simpson becomes 1st NFL running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season
Arabs terrorists shoot passengers on Boeing 737 to Kuwait
Soyuz 13 was a December, 1973, Soviet crewed space flight, the second test flight of the redesigned Soyuz 7K-T spacecraft that first flew as Soyuz 12.
Grenada adopts constitution
AL president Joe Cronin refuses to allow Dick Williams to manage Yankees
Israel, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, US & USSR meet in Geneva to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict
OPEC Gulf Six decides to raise the posted price of marker crude from $5.12 to $11.65 per barrel effective January 1, 1974
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced that it was implementing a total oil embargo against countries that had supported Israel at any point during...
The District of Columbia Home Rule Act is a United States federal law passed on December 24, 1973, which devolved certain congressional powers of the District of Columbia to local government,...
MLB Los Angeles Dodgers announce their home night games will start at 7:30 instead of 8
Akron Ohio's Chamber of Commerce terminates itself from Soap Box Derby
Rahul Dravid, Indian athlete, known for indian coach and former cricketer, was born on 1973-01-11.
Rob Thomas, American musician, known for american musician, was born on 1973-02-14. Robert Kelly Thomas is an American musician.
Jaromír Jágr, Czech athlete, known for czech ice hockey player, was born on 1973-02-15.
Michael Chang, American athlete, known for american tennis player, was born on 1973-02-22. Michael Te-pei Chang is an American former professional tennis player and coach. He was ranked world No.
Pedro Sánchez is born
Shaquille O'Neal, American athlete, known for american basketball player and analyst, was born on 1973-03-06.
Elvis Stojko, Canadian athlete, known for canadian figure skater, was born on 1973-03-22. Elvis Stojko, is a Canadian figure skater.
Jennie Garth, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-04-03. Jennifer Eve Garth is an American actress.
Conchita Martínez, Spanish athlete, known for spanish tennis player, was born on 1973-04-16.
Jennifer Garner, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-04-17. Jennifer Anne Garner is an American actress.
Carmen Electra, American actress and model, known for american actress and model, was born on 1973-04-20. Carmen Electra is an American actress, model, media personality, and singer.
Dwayne Johnson, American actor and professional wrestler, known for american actor and professional wrestler, was born on 1973-05-02.
Mike Dirnt, American musician, known for american rock musician, was born on 1973-05-04.
Martin Brodeur, American athlete, known for canadian-american ice hockey player, was born on 1973-05-06.
Laverne Cox, South African actress and lgbtq advocate, known for american actress and lgbtq advocate, was born on 1973-05-29. Laverne Cox is an American actress and LGBTQ advocate.
Wayne Brady, American tv host and actor, known for american tv host and actor, was born on 1973-06-02. Wayne Alphonso Brady is an American comedian, actor, and singer.
Sundar Pichai is born
Jean Dujardin, French actor, known for french actor, was born on 1973-06-19. Jean Edmond Dujardin is a French actor and comedian.
Selma Blair, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-06-23. Selma Blair is an American actress.
Zinedine Zidane, French athlete, known for french football player and manager, was born on 1973-06-23.
Sofía Vergara, American colombian and american actress, known for colombian and american actress, was born on 1973-07-10.
Scott Foley, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-07-15. Scott Kellerman Foley is an American actor, director and producer, who is known for roles on shows such as The Unit,…
Geri Horner, English musician, known for english singer, was born on 1973-08-06. Geraldine Estelle Halliwell-Horner is an English singer, songwriter, television personality, author, and actress.
Ben Affleck, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1973-08-15. Benjamin Géza Affleck is an American actor and filmmaker.
Cameron Diaz, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-08-30. Cameron Michelle Diaz is an American actress.
Idris Elba, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1973-09-06. Sir Idrissa Akuna Elba is an English actor, DJ, and rapper.
Paul Walker, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-09-12. Paul William Walker IV (September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013) was an American actor.
N. K. Jemisin is born
Gwyneth Paltrow, American actress and businesswoman, known for american actress and businesswoman, was born on 1973-09-27. Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress and businesswoman.
Eminem, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1973-10-17. Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record…
Brad Paisley, American musician, known for american country musician, was born on 1973-10-28. Brad Douglas Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Josh Duhamel, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1973-11-14. Joshua David Duhamel ( də-MEL; born November 14, 1972) is an American actor and model.
Sarah Rafferty is born
Miranda Hart, English actress, comedian and writer, known for english actress, comedian and writer, was born on 1973-12-14. Miranda Katherine Hart Dyke, is an English actress, comedian and writer.
Lee Jung-jae, South Korean korean actor, known for south korean actor, was born on 1973-12-15. Lee Jung-jae is a South Korean actor, filmmaker, and businessman.
Alyssa Milano, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1973-12-19. Alyssa Jayne Milano is an American actress and activist.
Jude Law, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1973-12-29. David Jude Heyworth Law is an English actor.
Lyndon B. Johnson dies
Pearl S. Buck, American writer, known for american writer, died on 1973-03-06. Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck (June 26, 1892 – March 6, 1973) was an American writer and humanitarian.
Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor, known for spanish painter and sculptor, died on 1973-04-08.
Jeannette Rankin, American first woman elected to u.s. congress, known for first woman elected to u.s. congress, died on 1973-05-18.
Arna Bontemps, American poet, novelist, known for american poet, novelist, died on 1973-06-04.
Bruce Lee, American hong kong and american martial artist and actor, known for hong kong and american martial artist and actor, died on 1973-07-20.
Karl Ziegler, German chemist, known for german chemist, died on 1973-08-12. Karl Waldemar Ziegler was a German chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963, with Giulio Natta, for work on…