The top quark is discovered. The existence of this elementary particle, the bottom quark's counterpart, had been presumed since the 1970's.

Rhodesia declares itself an independent republic. By severing the country's ties with the United Kingdom, white Prime Minister Ian Smith attempted to prevent the institution of black majority rule.

Concorde takes off on its maiden flight. The supersonic airliner was retired in 2003, after Air France Flight 4590 crashed shortly after takeoff from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport on July 25, 2000.

Miles Davis records Kind of Blue. It is considered the best-selling jazz album in history and one of the most influential works of jazz music ever produced.

The film King Kong premieres. The black and white movie marked a milestone in the history of film, especially due to Willis O’Brien's stop-motion effects.