Today in History

Historical Events

1962

Bob Dylan releases his first album. Dylan is one of the world's most influential music artists. His songs “Blowin' in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin'” became anthems for the anti-war movement.

1954

Willie Mosconi sets the world record for running most consecutive pool balls without a miss. Mr. Pocket Billiards, as the hugely successful American sportsman was often called, ran 526 consecutive balls.

1945

Adolf Hitler orders the destruction of all industries in Germany. The Nero Decree was issued in the light of Germany's imminent defeat in World War II. It was never fully executed.

1911

The first International Women's Day is observed by over 1 million people in several European countries. German socialists Clara Zetkin and Luise Zietz initiated the observance, which has become an annual global event.

1895

The Lumière brothers record their first footage. Sortie des Usines Lumière à Lyon showed workers leaving their factory in Lyon. The film is about 50 seconds long. Auguste and Louis Lumière were the earliest filmmakers in history.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis

1955

German/American actor, singer, producer

Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein

1952

American film producer, co-founded Miramax Films, The Weinstein Company

Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp

1848

American police officer

Richard Francis Burton

Richard Francis Burton

1821

English soldier, geographer, diplomat

David Livingstone

David Livingstone

1813

Scottish missionary, explorer

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Fred Phelps

Fred Phelps

2014

American pastor

Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C. Clarke

2008

English author

John De

John De

2005

LoreanAmerican engineer, businessman, founded the DeLorean Motor Company

Lloyd L. Gaines

Lloyd L. Gaines

1939

American activist

Ibn Khaldun

Ibn Khaldun

1406

Tunisian historian