Year 1975 in History

TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" debuts on NBC

Wheel of Fortune (often known simply as Wheel) is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin. The show has aired continuously since January 6, 1975.

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor (57) weds toy inventor Jack Ryan (48) (div. 1976)

Margaret Thatcher defeats Edward Heath for leadership of the British Conservative Party

Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, was a British stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990.

Colour television transmission begins in Australia

Television broadcasting in Australia began officially on 16 September 1956, with the opening of TCN-9, quickly followed by national and commercial stations in Sydney and Melbourne, all these being in…

"Mirror," a Russian film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and starring Margarita Terekhova and Ignat Daniltsev, is released

Mirror is a 1975 Soviet avant-garde drama film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and written by Tarkovsky and Aleksandr Misharin.

Ethiopia abolishes its monarchy after 3,000 years

American country singer Tammy Wynette (33) divorces American country singer-songwriter George Jones (43), after 6 years

American country singer Tammy Wynette (33) divorces American country singer-songwriter George Jones (43), after 6 years of marriage

Bobby Fischer is stripped of the world chess title for refusing to defend it, and the title is awarded to Russian Anatol

Bobby Fischer is stripped of the world chess title for refusing to defend it, and the title is awarded to Russian Anatoly Karpov

Microsoft is founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the A

Microsoft is founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800

British actress Maggie Smith (39) divorces actor Robert Stephens (42) after 6 years of marriage

US begins to evacuate its citizens from Saigon in Operation Frequent Wind in response to advancing North Vietnamese forc

US begins to evacuate its citizens from Saigon in Operation Frequent Wind in response to advancing North Vietnamese forces, bringing an end to US involvement in the Vietnam War

Sony introduces the Betamax videocassette recorder for sale to the public

A videocassette recorder (VCR) or video recorder is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other AV sources and can play back the...

Film "Jaws," based on the book by Peter Benchley, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Roy Scheider, is released

Jaws is an American media franchise series that started with the 1975 film of the same name that expanded into three sequels, a theme park ride, and other tie-in merchandise, based on a 1974 novel...

American singer and actress Cher (28) divorces American singer-songwriter Sonny Bono (40), after 10 years of marriage

Salvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono (February 16, 1935 – January 5, 1998) was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and politician.

At Knebworth Festival in England, Pink Floyd debut their album "Wish You Were Here" with pyrotechnics and an exploding p

At Knebworth Festival in England, Pink Floyd debut their album "Wish You Were Here" with pyrotechnics and an exploding plane that flies into the stage

American singer and actress Cher (28) files for divorce from musician Gregg Allman (27), 10 days after their marriage -

American singer and actress Cher (28) files for divorce from musician Gregg Allman (27), 10 days after their marriage - they reconcile, but separate in 1977 and divorce in 1979

Beatle member Ringo Starr & Maureen Cox Starkey divorce, after 10 years of marriage

Sir Richard Starkey, known as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles.

"The Exorcist" writer William Peter Blatty (47) weds tennis player Linda Tuero (24) in Las Vegas

Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's musical "A Chorus Line" opens at the Shubert Theatre in NYC, setting a record for th

Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's musical "A Chorus Line" opens at the Shubert Theatre in NYC, setting a record for the longest-running Broadway show with 6,137 performances and winning 10 Tony Awards

Novelist Danielle Steel (28) weds Danny Zugelder in the prison canteen

British comic actor Dudley Moore (40) weds American actress Tuesday Weld (31); divorce in 1980

Muhammad Ali stops Joe Frazier in 14 rounds in Quezon City, Philippines, to retain his WBC/WBA heavyweight title in a ma

Muhammad Ali stops Joe Frazier in 14 rounds in Quezon City, Philippines, to retain his WBC/WBA heavyweight title in a match billed as the "Thrilla in Manila"

Pink Floyd's concept album "Wish You Were Here" reaches No. 1 in the US and goes on to sell 13 million copies

Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965 by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass guitar, vocals) and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), with David...

"Saturday Night Live" created by Lorne Michaels premieres on NBC with George Carlin as host

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the title NBC's Saturday Night.

First performance by punk band the Sex Pistols at St. Martin's College in London

NBA legend Larry Bird (18) weds highschool sweetheart Janet Condra

American "Washington Post" editor Ben Bradlee (54) divorces Antoinette Pinchot after 19 years of marriage

Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam is removed from office by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, the first elected Prim

Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam is removed from office by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, the first elected Prime Minister removed in Australian history

"As the World Turns" and "The Edge of Night", the final two American soap operas that had resisted going to pre-taped br

"As the World Turns" and "The Edge of Night", the final two American soap operas that had resisted going to pre-taped broadcasts, air their last live episodes

US President Gerald Ford signs the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, requiring states to provide free educatio

US President Gerald Ford signs the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, requiring states to provide free education for children with disabilities

Ice thickness measured at 4776 m, Wilkes Land, Antarctica

14 die when British freighter "Lake Illawarra" rams pylon bridge between Derwent & Hobart, Tasmania & ship sinks

"AM America" premieres on ABC-TV with Bill Beutel as host

AM America was a morning news program produced by ABC in an attempt to compete with the highly rated Today on NBC.

Bollingen Prize for poetry awarded to AR Ammons (Sphere)

employees of Royal Canadian Mint go on strike

The Royal Canadian Mint (French: Monnaie royale canadienne) is the mint of Canada and a Crown corporation, operating under an act of parliament referred to as the Royal Canadian Mint Act.

Soviet Soyuz 17 carries 2 cosmonauts to space station Salyut 4

Chrysler Corp offers 1st car rebates

17-year-old Lesley Whittle is kidnapped in Shropshire, England

The kidnapping and murder of Lesley Whittle occurred on 14 January 1975. Whittle, a teenage heiress, was kidnapped at gunpoint from her home in Highley, Shropshire, by Donald Neilson; a notorious...

Pioneering American female comedian Phyllis Diller gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Phyllis Ada Diller was an American stand-up comedian, actress, author, musician and visual artist, best known for her eccentric stage persona, self-deprecating humor, wild hair and clothes, and...

"The Jeffersons" spinoff from "All in the Family" premieres on CBS

The Jeffersons is an American sitcom television series created by Norman Lear, which aired on CBS from January 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985, lasting eleven seasons and 253 total episodes.

4 mail truck assault on El Al B-747 in Paris, escape to Iraq

Terrence McNally's play "Ritz" premieres in NYC

Terrence McNally (November 3, 1938 – March 24, 2020) was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter.

Earth Resources Technology Satellite Landsat 2 is launched

The Landsat program is the longest-running enterprise that has acquired satellite imagery of Earth. It is a joint NASA / USGS program.

"Barney Miller" premieres on ABC TV

"Hot l Baltimore" situation comedy premieres on ABC TV

Hot l Baltimore is a 1975 American sitcom created by Norman Lear, adapted from the 1973 off-Broadway play The Hot l Baltimore by Lanford Wilson.

NFL Draft: Steve Bartkowski from University of California first pick by Atlanta Falcons

Steven Joseph Bartkowski is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons (1975–1985), Washington Redskins (1985)...

First American Annual Comedy Awards, hosted by Alan King

Otis Francis Tabler is 1st open homosexual to get security clearance to work for the Defense Department

Army offensive against rebels in Eritrea

Haicheng earthquake, M 7.3, strikes Haicheng, Liaoning, China

On February 4, 1975, at 19:36 CST, an earthquake of Ms 7.5 and intensity (MMI) IX hit the city of Haicheng, Liaoning, China.

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...

Unification church couples wed at mass ceremony in Korea

The Unification Church, officially the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU; 세계평화통일가정연합) is an Abrahamic monotheistic new religious movement, whose members are called...

Soviet Soyuz 17 returns to Earth

(William) "Judy" Johnson selected to baseball Hall of Fame

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, honors individuals who have excelled in playing, managing, and serving the sport, and is the central point for the study of the...

TV drama "Sarah T: Portrait of A Teenage Alcoholic" starring Linda Blair, premieres on US network NBC

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash proclaims Turkish-Cypriot Federation

Right-wing radicals plant a bomb at Amsterdam's under construction Venserpolder metro station, hoping to turn public sen

Right-wing radicals plant a bomb at Amsterdam's under construction Venserpolder metro station, hoping to turn public sentiment against those protesting the building of the subway system [1]

Italy broadens abortion law

A feud begins between the official Irish Republican Army and the Irish National Liberation Army; the two groups assassin

A feud begins between the official Irish Republican Army and the Irish National Liberation Army; the two groups assassinate a number of each other's volunteers until the feud ends in June 1975

In response to the energy crisis, daylight saving time commences nearly two months early in the United States.

1st televised kidney transplant (Today Show)

CDU-politician Peter Lorentz kidnapped in West Berlin

A major London tube train crash at Moorgate station kills 43 people and injures a further 74.

The Moorgate tube crash occurred on 28 February 1975 at 8:46 am on the London Underground's Northern City Line; 43 people died and 74 were injured after a train failed to stop at the line's southern...

17th Grammy Awards: I Honestly Love You, Marvin Hamlisch win

Algiers Accord: Iran and Iraq announce a settlement of their border dispute

Royal Canadian Mint announces branch opening in Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Canadian Pacific Railway (French: Chemin de fer Canadien Pacifique) (reporting marks CP, CPAA, MILW, SOO), also known simply as CPR or Canadian Pacific and formerly as CP Rail (1968–1996), is a...

Construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System begins.

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an oil transportation system spanning Alaska, including the trans-Alaska crude-oil pipeline, 12 pump stations, several hundred miles of feeder pipelines,...

Dog spectacles patented in England

Rightist military coup in Portugal under General António de Spínola fails

António Sebastião Ribeiro de Spínola was a Portuguese military officer, author and conservative politician.

Vietcong conquer Ban me Thuot, South Vietnam

1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) launched the Spring Offensive in March; the South Vietnamese Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was...

"That's the Way of the World" 6th studio album by Earth, Wind & Fire is released (Billboard Album of the Year 1975)

A fire at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant in Decatur, Alabama causes dangerous lowering of cooling water levels

NHL Washington Capitals win 1st game on road after 37 straight road loses

The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C.

"Lady Marmalade" by Labelle reaches #1 on US singles chart

James Rupert kills 11 members of his family on Easter Sunday in Hamilton, Ohio

Cambodia President Lon Nol flees for Red Khmer

Khmer Rouge is the name that was popularly given to members of the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK), and by extension to Democratic Kampuchea, which ruled Cambodia between 1975 and 1979.

Vietnam War: Thousands of civilian refugees flee from the Quang Ngai Province in front of advancing North Vietnamese tro

Vietnam War: Thousands of civilian refugees flee from the Quang Ngai Province in front of advancing North Vietnamese troops.

killed as a USAF plane evacuating Vietnamese orphans crashes on approach during an emergency landing at Tân Sơn Nhứt Air

killed as a USAF plane evacuating Vietnamese orphans crashes on approach during an emergency landing at Tân Sơn Nhứt Air Base in South Vietnam

Soviet Soyuz 18A launch aborted short of orbit; cosmonauts return safely

Soyuz 7K-T No.39 (also named Soyuz 18a or Soyuz 18-1 by some sources and also known as the April 5 Anomaly) was an unsuccessful launch of a crewed Soyuz spacecraft by the Soviet Union in 1975.

Bundy victim Denise Oliverson disappears from Grand Junction, Colorado

Theodore Robert Bundy (né Cowell; November 24, 1946 – January 24, 1989) was an American serial killer who kidnapped, raped and murdered dozens of young women and girls between 1974 and 1978.

Preliminary meeting in Paris on world economic crisis between oil-exporting, oil-importing, and non-oil Third World coun

Preliminary meeting in Paris on world economic crisis between oil-exporting, oil-importing, and non-oil Third World countries

24 OECD members sign an agreement to establish a $25 billion lending facility to provide assistance to industrial nation

24 OECD members sign an agreement to establish a $25 billion lending facility to provide assistance to industrial nations hurt by high oil prices

Rangers score 8 goals against Islanders in playoffs

Six Catholic civilians are killed in a Ulster Volunteer Force gun and grenade attack on Strand Bar in Belfast, North Ire

Six Catholic civilians are killed in a Ulster Volunteer Force gun and grenade attack on Strand Bar in Belfast, North Ireland

Chad military coup by General Odingar

On 13 April 1975, a military coup d'état deposed and killed Chadian president François Tombalbaye, replacing him by a military council. The most important factor leading up to the coup was a growing...

Gabon amends constitution

Cambodian Red Khmer occupy Phnom Penh

The Fall of Phnom Penh was the capture of Phnom Penh, capital of the Khmer Republic (in present-day Cambodia), by the Khmer Rouge on 17 April 1975, effectively ending the Cambodian Civil War.

The Khmer Rouge captures Phnom Penh, Cambodia marking the end of the Cambodian Civil war (Kampuchea National Day)

Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since 1865 and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its political, economic, industrial,...

British rock band Queen begins concert tour of Japan

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), later joined by John Deacon (bass).

29th Tony Awards: "Equus" (play) & "The Wiz" (musical) win

The 29th Annual Tony Awards ceremony was held on April 20, 1975, at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City, and broadcast by ABC television. Hosts Presenters were Larry Blyden, George S.

US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

First Boeing Jetfoil revenue service, Hong Kong to Macau

USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan

Charles McMahon and Darwin Judge are the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War

Charles McMahon (May 10, 1953 – April 29, 1975) and Darwin Lee Judge (February 16, 1956 – April 29, 1975) were the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

North Vietnamese troops capture Saigon, ending the Vietnam War

The Cambodian–Vietnamese War was an armed conflict from 1978 to 1989 between the Khmer Rouge and Vietnam, and their respective allies.

Apple records closes down

Christa Vahlensieck runs female world record marathon (2:40:15.8)

Ed Bullins's stage drama "The Taking of Miss Janie" opens in NYC

A's release pinch runner Herb Washington, who played 104 games without batting, pitching, or fielding. He did steal 30 b

A's release pinch runner Herb Washington, who played 104 games without batting, pitching, or fielding. He did steal 30 bases and score 33 runs.

3 people die in tornado that strikes Omaha, Nebraska

Small Astronomy Satellite Explorer 53 launched to study X-rays

The Small Astronomy Satellite 3 (SAS 3, also known as SAS-C before launch) (Explorer 53) was a NASA X-ray astronomy space telescope. It functioned from 7 May 1975 to 9 April 1979.

Brian Oldfield shot puts 22.86 m ('unofficial' world record, due to his professional status) in El Paso, Texas

Brian Oldfield of US put shot 75', an unofficial record

US merchant ship Mayaguez seized by Cambodian forces

The Mayaguez incident took place between Kampuchea (now Cambodia) and the United States from 12 to 15 May 1975, less than a month after the Khmer Rouge took control of the capital Phnom Penh ousting...

Hail stones as large as tennis balls hit Wernerville, Tennessee

Cult feminist film "Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" written and directed by Chantal Ackerman and st

Cult feminist film "Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" written and directed by Chantal Ackerman and starring Delphine Seyrig premieres at Cannes

India annexes Principality of Sikkim

"Funky Gibbon" by The Goodies hits #79

"The Funky Gibbon" is a novelty song by Bill Oddie and recorded by The Goodies. It was arranged by Tom Parker ("with interference from Bill Oddie") with the musical backing provided by members of the...

Lowell W. Perry is confirmed as chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

28th Cannes Film Festival: "Chronicle of the Years of Fire" directed by Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina wins the Palme d'Or

Dutch government of De Uyl decides to obtain an F-16

Cleveland's Dennis Eckersley, debuts shutting out the A's 6-0

Stanley Cup Final, The Aud, Buffalo, NY: Philadelphia Flyers win back-to-back titles; shutting out Buffalo Sabres, 2-0 f

Stanley Cup Final, The Aud, Buffalo, NY: Philadelphia Flyers win back-to-back titles; shutting out Buffalo Sabres, 2-0 for a 4-2 series win; goaltender Bernie Parent wins 2nd consecutive Conn Smyth trophy as playoff MVP

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is established by the Treaty of Lagos

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was created by the Treaty of Lagos on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.

"Fight the Power" single released by The Isley Brothers (Billboard Soul Song of the Year, 1975)

The Heat Is On is the thirteenth studio album by American soul and funk group The Isley Brothers, released June 7, 1975, on T-Neck Records and Epic Records.

First recorded snowfall in London in June

Oldest animal fossils in US discovered in North Carolina

North Carolina ( KARR-ə-LY-nə) is a state in the Southeastern and South Atlantic regions of the United States.

48th US National Spelling Bee: Hugh Tosteson wins spelling incisor

British voters decide to remain in Common Market

Two passenger trains collide near Munich, Germany, killing 35 people

Fire in prison hospital at Sanford, Florida, kills 10 prisoners and 1 guard

Rockefeller panel reports on 300,000 illegal CIA files on Americans

Janis Ian releases "At Seventeen"

"At Seventeen" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janis Ian from her seventh studio album Between the Lines. Columbia released it in July 1975 as the album's second single.

Italy's Communist party PCI, wins

The Italian Communist Party (Italian: Partito Comunista Italiano, PCI) was a communist and democratic socialist political party in Italy.

Voters in Northern Mariana Islands approve commonwealth status with US

A referendum on becoming a US commonwealth was held in the Northern Mariana Islands on 17 June 1975. The proposal was approved by 79% of voters.

Fred Lynn gets 10 RBIs in a single Red Sox game in a 15-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division.

Ulster Volunteer Force try to derail a train by planting a bomb on the railway line near County Kildare, Ireland; a civi

Ulster Volunteer Force try to derail a train by planting a bomb on the railway line near County Kildare, Ireland; a civilian who tries to stop them is stabbed-to-death (his actions delay the explosion to let the train pass safely)

Eastern 727 crashes at JFK Airport NY, kills 113

After a prolonged liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rulers, Mozambique becomes independent as People Repub

After a prolonged liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rulers, Mozambique becomes independent as People Republic of Mozambique

The South African rugby team beats France 33-18 in Pretoria

8.10" (20.57 cm) of rainfall, Litchville No Dakota (state 24-hr rec)

WEDway People Mover opens in Tomorrowland, Disney World, Florida

A people mover or automated people mover (APM) is a type of small-scale automated guideway transit system.

Argentine government falls

TV soap opera "Ryan's Hope" premieres

Ryan's Hope is an American soap opera created by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer, airing for 13 years on ABC from July 7, 1975, to January 13, 1989.

The National Assembly of Senegal passes a law that paves way for a (albeit highly restricted) multi-party system

England cricket wicketkeeper Bob Taylor catches seven in an innings for Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire at Queen's Park, Cheste

England cricket wicketkeeper Bob Taylor catches seven in an innings for Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire at Queen's Park, Chesterfield

8.5 inches (21.6 cm) of rainfall in Dover, Delaware (state record)

Plans are announced for EPCOT Center at Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando.

Four British soldiers are killed by a Provisional Irish Republican Army remote-controlled bomb near Forkill, County Arma

Four British soldiers are killed by a Provisional Irish Republican Army remote-controlled bomb near Forkill, County Armagh; attack the first major breach of a February truce

Jury can't decide on trial of Dave Forbes of Boston Bruins, the 1st athlete indicted for excessive violence during play;

Jury can't decide on trial of Dave Forbes of Boston Bruins, the 1st athlete indicted for excessive violence during play; criminal charges are not pursued, and a $1M settlement is reached with injured Minnesota North Star Henry Boucha

Bruce Springteen and the E Street Band kick off the Born to Run Tour at the Palace Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island;

Bruce Springteen and the E Street Band kick off the Born to Run Tour at the Palace Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island; Steven Van Zandt debuts as a full-fledged member of the group

Soviet Soyuz 18B returns to Earth

The British government closes its consulate in Angola following increased fighting between the Popular Movement for the

The British government closes its consulate in Angola following increased fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola and South African troops

The US Department of the Interior designates the grizzly bear a threatened species

The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), also known as the North American brown bear or simply grizzly, is a population or subspecies of the brown bear inhabiting North America. In addition to the...

Ford becomes the first US President to visit Auschwitz concentration camp

Murtala Mohammed overthrows General Gowon to become Nigerian Head of State

Murtala Ramat Muhammed (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a Nigerian military officer and the fourth head of state of Nigeria.

The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of a

The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of an Irish showband at Buskhill, County Down, Northern Ireland

41st Chicago Charities College All-Star Game: Pittsburgh 21, All-Stars 14 (54,103 attendees)

°F (40°C) in Providence, Rhode Island (state record)

Providence ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

Chartered Boeing 707 crashes in Atlas Mountains near Agadir, Morocco while descending in heavy fog for scheduled landing

Chartered Boeing 707 crashes in Atlas Mountains near Agadir, Morocco while descending in heavy fog for scheduled landing at Inezgane Airport, killing 188

Philadelphia Phillies set an MLB record when the first eight batters get hits off Bill Bonham and beat the Cubs 13-5

As a result of rainfall from Typhoon Nina, the Banqiao Dam in China fails, causing the collapse of almost 6 million buil

As a result of rainfall from Typhoon Nina, the Banqiao Dam in China fails, causing the collapse of almost 6 million buildings and 229,000 deaths

Dodger Davey Lopes steals his record 32nd consecutive base without being caught

Expos' José Mangual strikes out five times in a game

Bayardo Bar attack: Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers carry out a gun and bomb attack on a pub in Belfast fre

Bayardo Bar attack: Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers carry out a gun and bomb attack on a pub in Belfast frequented by Ulster Volunteer Force commanders; 4 Protestant civilians and 1 UVF member are killed

King Olav V of Norway opens Svalbard Airport near Longyearbyen, the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled pub

King Olav V of Norway opens Svalbard Airport near Longyearbyen, the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled public flights

Il-62 crashes south of Damascus, Syria, killing 126 people

Rick and Paul Reuschel become the first brothers to pitch a combined shutout

McNichols Sports Arena in Denver opens

McNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena located in Denver, Colorado, United States.

British "Free" guitarist Paul Kossoff is revived after a heart attack but dies in 1976

Davey Lopes steals his 38th consecutive base, then is thrown out stealing

Veronica and Colin Scargill of England complete their tandem bicycle ride around the world, covering a record 18,020 mil

Veronica and Colin Scargill of England complete their tandem bicycle ride around the world, covering a record 18,020 miles (29,000 km)

Star in Cygnus goes nova, becoming the fourth brightest in the sky

Five construction workers drown in a flash flood of a sewer and water tunnel in Niagara Falls, New York

5 Protestant civilians are killed and 7 were wounded in a Provisional Irish Republican Army gun attack on Tullyvallen Or

5 Protestant civilians are killed and 7 were wounded in a Provisional Irish Republican Army gun attack on Tullyvallen Orange Hall near Newtownhamilton, County Armagh

Gunsmoke goes off the air

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston.

Jerry Lewis' 10th Muscular Dystrophy telethon

A telethon (a portmanteau of "television" and "marathon") is a televised fundraising event that lasts many hours or days, the purpose of which is to raise money for a charitable, political or other...

NY Mets pitcher Tom Seaver shuts out Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-0; first to reach 200 strikeouts for a MLB-record 8th straigh

NY Mets pitcher Tom Seaver shuts out Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-0; first to reach 200 strikeouts for a MLB-record 8th straight season

Egypt and Israel sign the Sinai Interim Agreement (also known as the Sinai II Agreement) with the intention of peacefull

Egypt and Israel sign the Sinai Interim Agreement (also known as the Sinai II Agreement) with the intention of peacefully resolving territorial disputes in Geneva, Switzerland

6.8-magnitude earthquake along Anatolian Fault kills over 2,000 in Lice, Turkey

Cincinnati Reds win the earliest NL division title

The 1975 Cincinnati Reds season was the 106th season for the franchise in Major League Baseball, and their 6th and 5th full season at Riverfront Stadium.

Boston begins court-ordered busing of public schools

American rock band Kiss releases their first live album "Alive!"

Alive! is the fourth album overall, and the first live album, by American hard rock band Kiss, released on September 10, 1975.

Darryl Sittler is named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Darryl Glen Sittler is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1970 until 1985 for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Philadelphia Flyers and...

-27] Hurricane Eloise, kills 71 in the Caribbean & US

Milwaulkee Brewer Robin Yount breaks Mel Ott's record, playing in 242 MLB games as a teen

Mike Vail extends hitting streak ton rookie-record 23 straight game

MLB Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Rennie Stennett is second to hit 7-for-7 in a 9-inning MLB game in a 22-0 rout of

MLB Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Rennie Stennett is second to hit 7-for-7 in a 9-inning MLB game in a 22-0 rout of Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field in Chicago

OPEC announces a 15% increase in government revenue per barrel

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...

Phillies and NY Mets play a doubleheader that ends at 3:15 am

Government De Uyl recalls Dutch ambassador from Spain

Bill authorizes the admission of women to military academies

William Henry Cosby Jr. is an American former comedian, actor, and media personality.

Oakland A's Vida Blue, Glenn Abbott, Paul Lindblad, and Rollie Fingers no-hit the California Angels 5-0

Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. (July 28, 1949 – May 6, 2023) was an American professional baseball player.

American television game show "Three for the Money," hosted by Dick Enberg, debuts on NBC-TV but is cancelled after 8 we

American television game show "Three for the Money," hosted by Dick Enberg, debuts on NBC-TV but is cancelled after 8 weeks

The Hughes (later McDonnell-Douglas, now Boeing) AH-64 Apache makes its first flight

The Hughes Boeing AH-64 Apache ( ə-PATCH-ee) is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two.

Britain grants internal self-government to the Seychelles

Four Ulster Volunteer Force members are killed after a bomb they are carrying prematurely explodes in Farrenlester, near

Four Ulster Volunteer Force members are killed after a bomb they are carrying prematurely explodes in Farrenlester, near Coleraine

San Antonio Spurs, then members of the ABA, defeat the NBA's Atlanta Hawks 109-107 in the first basketball game played i

San Antonio Spurs, then members of the ABA, defeat the NBA's Atlanta Hawks 109-107 in the first basketball game played in the Louisiana Superdome

Emperor Hirohito of Japan visits San Francisco

Israel formally signs the protocol for the Sinai II Agreement with Egypt in Jerusalem [1]

American Jacqueline Hansen runs women's world record marathon 2:38:19 in the Nike OTC Marathon, Eugene, Oregon

Rock vocalist Neil Young undergoes throat surgery

Iceland moves international boundary from 50 to 200 miles

Iceland is a Nordic island country between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America.

First Space Shuttle main engine test at National Space Technology Laboratories in Pearl River, Mississippi

Simon & Garfunkel reunite on "Saturday Night Live," performing "My Little Town" and a medley of other hits

Simon & Garfunkel were an American musical duo comprising the singer-songwriter Paul Simon and the singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling musical acts of the 1960s.

Cleveland Browns' Don Cockroft kicks a club record of five field goals

Soviet orbiter Venera 9 becomes the first spacecraft to orbit Venus

Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is often called Earth's "twin" or "sister" among the planets of the Solar System for its orbit being the closest to Earth's, both being terrestrial...

Gerry Conlon, Paddy Armstrong, Paul Hill and Carole Richardson are sentenced to life in prison for the Guildford pub bom

Gerry Conlon, Paddy Armstrong, Paul Hill and Carole Richardson are sentenced to life in prison for the Guildford pub bombings [1]

Battle between Cuba & South Africa troops in Angola

The Cuban intervention in Angola (codenamed Operation Carlota) began on 5 November 1975, when Cuba sent combat troops in support of the communist-aligned People's Movement for the Liberation of...

English rock star Elton John receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

A Turkish diplomat is shot dead in Paris

Calvin Murphy (Houston) begins NBA free throw streak of 58 games

"Yorkshire Ripper" Peter Sutcliffe kills his first victim, Wilma McCann

Peter William Sutcliffe (2 June 1946 – 13 November 2020), also known as Peter Coonan, was an English serial killer who was convicted of murdering thirteen women and attempting to murder seven others...

Giants pitcher John "the Count of" Montefusco wins National League Rookie of Year

First sports event at The Summit arena in Houston - NBA's Houston Rockets beat Milwaukee Bucks, 104-89; future Rockets c

First sports event at The Summit arena in Houston - NBA's Houston Rockets beat Milwaukee Bucks, 104-89; future Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich top scores with 24 points

British government sends troops to Belize

Kidnapped AKZO director Herrema freed in Ireland

Nick Bockwinkle beats Verne Gagne in St Paul, to become NWA champ

American iron ore freighter ship SS Edmund Fitzgerald, with entire crew of 29, lost in storm on Lake Superior

SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on November 10, 1975, with the loss of the entire crew of 29 men.

MLB Kansas City Royals release slugger Harmon Killebrew, ending his 22-year career

Harmon Clayton Killebrew Jr. (June 29, 1936 – May 17, 2011), nicknamed "the Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball player as a first baseman, third baseman, and left...

Angola gains independence from Portugal (National Day)

In southwestern Africa, Portuguese Angola (Portuguese: Angola Portuguesa) was a historical colony of the Portuguese Empire (1575–1951), the overseas province Portuguese West Africa of Estado Novo...

American Supreme Court Justice William O Douglas (77) retires after 36 years

William Orville Douglas (October 16, 1898 – January 19, 1980) was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1939 to 1975.

Spain, Morocco and Mauretania sign accord about Spanish Sahara

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" single released by Ed Bruce

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" is a country music song first recorded by Ed Bruce, written by him and his wife Patsy Bruce.

Linda McCartney drug charges in US are dropped

Linda Louise, Lady McCartney was an American photographer, musician, cookbook author, and activist.

Drummuckavall Ambush: 3 British Army soldiers are killed and one captured when the Provisional Irish Republican Army att

Drummuckavall Ambush: 3 British Army soldiers are killed and one captured when the Provisional Irish Republican Army attack a watchtower in South Armagh, North Ireland

Bob Thomas of Chicago Bears kicks 55-yard field goal

David Bowie makes his US primetime TV debut as a guest on the variety show "Cher"; he performs his current single "Fame"

David Bowie makes his US primetime TV debut as a guest on the variety show "Cher"; he performs his current single "Fame", and does two duets with the hostess

A loyalist gang nicknamed the "Shankill Butchers" undertakes its first "cut-throat killing"; the gang was named for its

A loyalist gang nicknamed the "Shankill Butchers" undertakes its first "cut-throat killing"; the gang was named for its late-night kidnapping, torture and murder (by throat slashing) of random Catholic civilians in Belfast

Bobby Orr plays his last game for the Boston Bruins

Robert Gordon Orr is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players of all time.

The Provisional IRA assassinates Ross McWhirter, after a press conference in which McWhirter announced a reward for the

The Provisional IRA assassinates Ross McWhirter, after a press conference in which McWhirter announced a reward for the capture of those responsible for multiple bombings and shootings across England.

7.7 magnitude earthquake triggers the Kilauea Volcano to erupt in Hawaii

The Republic of Dahomey is renamed the People's Republic of Benin

The Republic of Dahomey (French: République du Dahomey; pronounced [daɔmɛ]), simply known as Dahomey (Fon: Danhomè, lit. 'Belly of the Snake'), was established on 4 December 1958, as a self-governing...

"The Robert MacNeil Report," later "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report," and currently known as the "PBS NewsHour" program, premi

"The Robert MacNeil Report," later "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report," and currently known as the "PBS NewsHour" program, premieres nationally in the US on PBS

7 South Moluccans hijack train at Wijster, Drente (NL), 3 killed

Greg Chappell in his debut as Australian cricket captain completes a fine double in 8 wicket win in 1st Test v West Indi

Greg Chappell in his debut as Australian cricket captain completes a fine double in 8 wicket win in 1st Test v West Indies in Brisbane; scores 109no in 2nd innings to follow his 1st innings 123

Laos falls to communist forces; Lao People's Democratic Rep proclaimed

6 South Molukkans occupy Indonesian consulate in The Hague, 1 dead

NASA launches a pair of atmospheric probing satellites, dubbed Dual Air Density Explorers (DADE-A and DADE-B) from Vande

NASA launches a pair of atmospheric probing satellites, dubbed Dual Air Density Explorers (DADE-A and DADE-B) from Vandenberg air base in California; they fail to get into orbit [1]

41st Heisman Trophy Award: Archie Griffin, Ohio State (RB); his second consecutive win makes him the only repeat recipie

41st Heisman Trophy Award: Archie Griffin, Ohio State (RB); his second consecutive win makes him the only repeat recipient

10th Islander shut-out opponent-Glenn Resch 3-0 vs Sabres

Radio station 4ZZZ begins transmitting in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia at 105.7 FM; frequency changes to 102.1 FM in

Radio station 4ZZZ begins transmitting in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia at 105.7 FM; frequency changes to 102.1 FM in 1978

Iraq completes nationalization by taking over the BP, CFP, and Shell shares of the Basrah Petroleum Company

Andrei Sakharov's wife, Yelena Bonner, accepts the Soviet dissident's Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo as Sakharov is not allow

Andrei Sakharov's wife, Yelena Bonner, accepts the Soviet dissident's Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo as Sakharov is not allowed to leave the country

Terry Funk beats Jack Brisco in Miami Beach, Florida to become NWA wrestling champ

MLB New York Yankees make great trade getting Willie Randolph, Dock Ellis and Ken Brett from Pittsburgh Pirates for Geor

MLB New York Yankees make great trade getting Willie Randolph, Dock Ellis and Ken Brett from Pittsburgh Pirates for George "Doc" Medich

Gas stove explodes & starts fire killing 138 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

First time "Saturday Night Live" uses a time delay, Richard Pryor hosts

As a live sketch comedy show, NBC's Saturday Night Live (officially abbreviated to SNL) has been the subject of numerous controversies and incidents since its inception in 1975.

6 So Moluccan terrorists surrender, holding 23 hostages for 12 days

1st broadcast of "One Day at a Time" on CBS TV

John Paul Stevens appointed to the US Supreme Court

John Paul Stevens (April 20, 1920 – July 16, 2019) was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1975 to 2010.

Joe Walsh recruited to join Eagles

Joseph Fidler Walsh is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Best known as a member of the rock band Eagles, his five-decade career includes solo work and stints in other bands: the James...

Pope Paul VI names Johannes Willebrands Archbishop of Utrecht

Johannes Gerardus Maria Willebrands (4 September 1909 in Bovenkarspel, North Holland – 1 August 2006) was a Dutch Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

1st NY Jet to gain 1,000 yards rushing (John Riggins)

Chairman of MLB arbitration panel Peter Seitz rules pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally to be free agents

The Seitz decision was a ruling by arbitrator Peter Seitz (1905–1983) on December 23, 1975, which declared that Major League Baseball (MLB) players became free agents upon playing one year for their...

1st supersonic transport service (USSR-Tupolev-144)

George Harrison teases his hit "My Sweet Lord" before breaking into "The Pirate Song" on Eric Idle's Rutland Weekend Tel

George Harrison teases his hit "My Sweet Lord" before breaking into "The Pirate Song" on Eric Idle's Rutland Weekend Television Christmas Special (UK)

Explosion at Chasnala Colliery collapses drowning 350 in Dhanbad, India

"The Hail Mary", with 32 seconds left in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach throws a le

"The Hail Mary", with 32 seconds left in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach throws a legendary 50-yard winning touchdown pass to Drew Pearson to defeat the Minnesota Vikings, and the "Hail Mary" play gains national recognition

11 killed, 75 hurt by terrorist bomb at LaGuardia Airport in NYC

Ballon d'Or: FC Dynamo Kyiv forward Oleg Blokhin claims award for best European football player ahead of former winners,

Ballon d'Or: FC Dynamo Kyiv forward Oleg Blokhin claims award for best European football player ahead of former winners, Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer and Ajax forward Johan Cruyff

US 1st class postage stamp rate rises from 10 cents to 13 cents

Famous Births

Bradley Cooper is born

Bradley Cooper, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1975-01-05. Bradley Charles Cooper is an American actor and filmmaker.

Mary Pierce is born

Mary Pierce, French athlete, known for french tennis player, was born on 1975-01-15. Mary Caroline Pierce is a French former professional tennis player. She was ranked world No.

Elizabeth Banks is born

Elizabeth Banks, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-02-10. Elizabeth Banks is an American actress and filmmaker.

Alex Jones is born

Alex Jones, American radio host and conspiracy theorist, known for american radio host and conspiracy theorist, was born on 1975-02-11.

Mahershala Ali is born

Mahershala Ali, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1975-02-16. Mahershala Ali ( mə-HUR-shə-lə; born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore on February 16, 1974) is an American actor.

Eva Mendes is born

Eva Mendes, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-03-05. Eva de la Caridad Méndez, known professionally as Eva Mendes, is an American former actress.

Kevin Connolly is born

Kevin Connolly, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1975-03-05. Kevin Connolly is an American actor and director.

Vaughan Gething is born

Alyson Hannigan is born

Alyson Hannigan, American actress and television presenter, known for american actress and television presenter, was born on 1975-03-24.

Tricia Helfer is born

Tricia Helfer, American american actress, known for canadian and american actress, was born on 1975-04-11. Tricia Janine Helfer is a Canadian and American actress and former model.

Victoria Beckham is born

Victoria Beckham, English musician, known for english fashion designer and singer, was born on 1975-04-17.

Penélope Cruz is born

Penélope Cruz, Spanish actress, known for spanish actress, was born on 1975-04-28. Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a Spanish actress.

Patrice Désilets is born

Patrice Désilets, Canadian game designer, known for canadian game designer, was born on 1975-05-09. Patrice Désilets is a Canadian game designer best known for creating the Assassin's Creed series.

Jonah Lomu is born

Jonah Lomu, New Zealand athlete, known for new zealand rugby union player, was born on 1975-05-12. Jonah Tali Lomu (12 May 1975 – 18 November 2015) was a New Zealand professional rugby union player.

Ken Jennings is born

Ken Jennings, American game show host, known for american game show host, was born on 1975-05-23.

Jewel Kilcher is born

Jewel Kilcher, American musician, known for american musician, was born on 1975-05-23. Jewel Kilcher, best known mononymously as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter.

Alanis Morissette is born

Alanis Morissette, American musician, known for canadian and american musician, was born on 1975-06-01.

Kelly Jones is born

Kelly Jones, Welsh musician, known for welsh musician, was born on 1975-06-03. Kelly Jones is a Welsh musician and a founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of the rock band Stereophonics..

Andrew Symonds is born

Andrew Symonds, Australian athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1975-06-09.

Vijay is born

Vijay, Indian actor and politician, known for indian actor and politician, was born on 1975-06-22.

Derek Jeter is born

Derek Jeter, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1975-06-26.

Ramin Djawadi is born

Ramin Djawadi, German iranian-german score composer, known for iranian-german score composer, was born on 1975-07-19.

Hilary Swank is born

Hilary Swank, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-07-30. Hilary Ann Swank is an American actress and film producer.

Amy Adams is born

Amy Adams, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-08-20. Amy Lou Adams is an American actress.

Amy Fisher is born

Amy Fisher, American writer and porn star, known for american writer and porn star, was born on 1975-08-21.

Jay Onrait is born

Marc Webb is born

Marc Webb, American filmmaker, known for american filmmaker, was born on 1975-08-31. Marc Preston Webb is an American filmmaker and music video director.

Hidetaka Miyazaki is born

Hidetaka Miyazaki, Japanese video game director, known for japanese video game director, was born on 1975-09-19.

Jimmy Fallon is born

Jimmy Fallon, American comedian and television host, known for american comedian and television host, was born on 1975-09-19.

Jeremy Sisto is born

Jeremy Sisto, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1975-10-06. Jeremy Merton Sisto is an American actor.

Natalie Maines is born

Natalie Maines, American musician, known for american singer-songwriter, was born on 1975-10-14. Natalie Louise Maines is an American musician.

Joaquin Phoenix is born

Joaquin Phoenix, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1975-10-28. Joaquin Rafael Phoenix (né Bottom; born October 28, 1974) is an American actor.

Nelly is born

Nelly musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1975-11-02. Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St.

Leonardo DiCaprio is born

Leonardo DiCaprio, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1975-11-11. Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is an American actor and film producer.

Anke Huber is born

Anke Huber, German athlete, known for german tennis player, was born on 1975-12-04. Anke Huber is a German retired professional tennis player.

Sarah Paulson is born

Sarah Paulson, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-12-17. Sarah Catharine Paulson is an American actress.

Ricky Ponting is born

Ricky Ponting, Australian athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1975-12-19. Ricky Thomas Ponting is an Australian cricket coach, commentator, and former player.

Karrie Webb is born

Ryan Seacrest is born

Ryan Seacrest, American television and radio host, known for american television and radio host, was born on 1975-12-24. Ryan John Seacrest is an American television host and producer.

Alexis Tsipras is born

Notable Deaths

Louis Jordan dies

Louis Jordan, American musician, songwriter and bandleader, known for american musician, songwriter and bandleader, died on 1975-02-04.

Elijah Muhammad dies

Elijah Muhammad, American african american religious leader, known for african american religious leader, died on 1975-02-25.

Susan Hayward dies

Susan Hayward, American actress, known for american actress, died on 1975-03-14. Susan Hayward was an American actress best known for her film portrayals of women that were based on true stories.

T-Bone Walker dies

T-Bone Walker, American blues musician and singer-songwriter, known for american blues musician and singer-songwriter, died on 1975-03-16.

Faisal of Saudi Arabia dies

Chiang Kai-shek dies

Josephine Baker dies

Josephine Baker, American french entertainer, known for american and french entertainer, died on 1975-04-12.

François Tombalbaye dies

Moe Howard dies

Moe Howard, American comedian and actor, known for american comedian and actor, died on 1975-05-04. Moe Howard was an American comedian and actor.

Ezzard Charles dies

Ezzard Charles, American boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1975-05-27. Ezzard Mack Charles (July 7, 1921 – May 28, 1975), was an American professional boxer who competed from 1940 to 1959.

Dmitri Shostakovich dies

Dmitri Shostakovich soviet composer and pianist, known for soviet composer and pianist, died on 1975-08-09. Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S.

Éamon de Valera dies

Éamon de Valera, Irish statesman, known for irish statesman, died on 1975-08-29. Éamon de Valera (14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was an Irish statesman and political leader.

Francisco Franco dies