On This Day

[bunkerfan]

3rd April


In 1882 Wood block alarm invented, when alarm rang, it dropped 20 wood blocks.




In 1945 World War II: Dutch city of Hengelo freed from Nazi control by the Canadian Army.




In 1973 1st mobile phone call is made in downtown Manhattan, NYC by Motorola employee Martin Cooper to the Bell Labs headquarters in New Jersey.




In 1983 After completing a 29-date UK tour, U2 appeared on BBC TV Top Of The Pops performing their latest single 'Two Hearts Beat As One'.

[bunkerfan]

4th April


In 1896 Announcement of the discovery of gold in the Yukon.




In 1947 Largest group of sunspots on record.




In 1968 US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.




In 1999 The Corrs album Talk On Corners went to No.1 on the UK album chart for the 10th time. They also had the No.2 position with Forgiven, Not Forgotten.'Both albums had spent over a year on the chart. Talk on Corners was the UK's biggest selling album of 1998 and the 9th best selling album of 1999.

[bunkerfan]

5th April


In 1806 Isaac Quintard patents apple cider. " I'll drink to that "




In 1939 Membership of Hitler Youth becomes obligatory.




In 1963 Beatles receive their 1st silver disc (Please Please Me)




In 1975 Minnie Riperton went to No.1 on the US singles chart with the Stevie Wonder produced song 'Loving You' (a No.2 hit in the UK). It was the singers only US chart hit. Riperton died of cancer on 12th July 1979.

[bunkerfan]

6th April


In 1930 Hostess Twinkies invented by bakery executive James Dewar.




In 1938 Teflon invented by American chemist Roy J. Plunkett at DuPont.




In 1974 200,000 attend rock concert "California Jam" at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California; line-up includes Earth, Wind & Fire; Black Sabbath; Deep Purple; and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.




In 1976 1st quadraphonic movie track: "Ladies & Gentlemen the Rolling Stones"

[bunkerfan]

7th April


In 1896 Australian athlete Edwin Flack wins gold in the first Olympic 1500m final at inaugural modern Games in Athens; goes on to win 800m two days later.




Born on this day in 1943 Mick Abrahams, British rock guitarist (Jethro Tull, 1967-68; Blodwyn Pig, 1969-70), born in Luton, England.




In 1959 Oklahoma ends prohibition, after 51 years.




In 1978 "Roxanne" by British rock band the Police was released and became the band's first number one.

[bunkerfan]

8th April


In 1893 The Critic reports that ice cream soda is America's national drink.




In 1943 Hakuun Yasutani Roshi, founder of Sanbo Kyodan, receives dharma.




In 1986 Clint Eastwood elected mayor of Carmel, California. Makes his day.




In 1990 "Twin Peaks" created by David Lynch and starring Kyle MacLachlan premieres on ABC-TV.

[bunkerfan]

9th April


In 1860 Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville uses his phonautograph to make a 10-second recording of "Au Clair de la Lune."




In 1939 American contralto Marian Anderson sings before 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C; appearance organized after Anderson was denied permission to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall.




In 1968 Martin Luther King Jr., buried in Atlanta.




In 1973 Newly signed to EMI Records, Queen played a showcase gig for their new record label at the The Marquee London. They released their debut single 'Keep Yourself Alive' three months later on 6 July 1973.

[bunkerfan]

10th April


In 1912 RMS Titanic sets sail from Southampton for her maiden (and final) voyage.




In 1944 "Patrolling the Ether" is shown on 3 TV stations simultaneously.




In 1970 27 year-old Paul McCartney issued a press statement, announcing that The Beatles had split, (one week before the release of his solo album). McCartney said, 'I have no future plans to record or appear with The Beatles again, or to write any music with John'.




In 1982 Iron Maiden scored their first UK No.1 album with The Number Of The Beast. The bands third studio album saw the debut of vocalist Bruce Dickinson and the final appearance of the late drummer Clive Burr. This was their first album to reach No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart, and be certified platinum in the US.

[bunkerfan]

11th April


In 1936 First Butlins holiday camp opens in the UK at Ingoldmells, near Skegness.




In 1955 "Marty" directed by Delbert Mann and starring Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair premieres in New York (Best Picture 1956)




In 1961 Bob Dylan played his first live gig in New York City at Gerde's Folk City, opening for John Lee Hooker.




In 1994 Oasis released their first single 'Supersonic' which peaked at No.31 on the UK charts. However, over time it has amassed sales of over 215,000, making it their 13th biggest selling single ever in the UK. 'Supersonic' was also the band's first single to chart in the United States, where it peaked at No. 11 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

[bunkerfan]

12th April


In 1911 1st non-stop London-Paris flight (Pierre Prier in 3h56m)




In 1945 US President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office and Vice President Harry Truman is sworn in as 33rd US President.




In 1976 Anne Rice's debut novel "Interview with a Vampire" is published by Knopf.




In 1995 Two weeks after her death, George W. Bush, (then the governor of Texas), declared 'Selena Day' in Texas. The Mexican American singer Selena was murdered aged 23 by the president of her fan club Yolanda Sald'var on 31st March 1995.

[bunkerfan]

13th April


In 1933 1st flight over Mount Everest (Lord Clydesdale)




In 1945 Canadian soldier Léo Major single-handedly liberates Dutch town of Zwolle by fooling Germans into thinking a raid had begun.




In 1965 The Beatles record the song ‘Help!’ during an evening recording session at Abbey Road in London. During an interview with Playboy Magazine in 1980, John Lennon recounted: "The whole Beatles thing was just beyond comprehension. I was subconsciously crying out for help".




In 1979 Thin Lizzy released their ninth studio album Black Rose: A Rock Legend. The album, which featured guitarist Gary Moore, contained 'Sarah', which was written with Moore about Lynott's newborn daughter.

[bunkerfan]

14th April


In 1912 RMS Titanic, the world's largest ocean liner, hits an iceberg at 11.40pm off Newfoundland, sinks in the early hours of April 15.




Born on this day in 1949 - English songwriter, musician Sonja Kristina, who with Curved Air had the 1971 UK No.4 single 'Back Street Luv'. Kristina starred in the seminal 1960s musical, Hair.




In 1969 41st Academy Awards: "Oliver" wins best picture.




In 1978 Art Garfunkel started a six week run at No.1 in the UK with the theme from the film 'Watership Down', 'Bright Eyes' which went on to become the biggest selling single of the year. The song was written by the man behind The Wombles, Mike Batt.

[bunkerfan]

15th April


In 1923 Insulin becomes generally available for diabetics.




In 1942 George VI awards George Cross to people of Malta.




In 1964 The Beatles filmed outside shots at the Scala Theatre in Tottenham Street London for their forthcoming movie 'A Hard Day's Night'.




In 1966 The Rolling Stones release "Aftermath", their fourth studio album in UK (6th in US)

[bunkerfan]

16th April


In 1932 Short film "The Music Box" released in the US, starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (1932 Academy Award Best Live Action Short Film)




In 1953 British royal yacht Britannia launched by Queen Elizabeth II.




In 1972 Two giant pandas arrive in US from China.




In 1994 Prince had his first UK No.1 with 'The Most Beautiful Girl In The World', (his 37th single release). It was his first release since changing his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol.

[bunkerfan]

17th April


In 1851 Clipper Marco Polo launched at St Johns, New Brunswick - then the fastest ship in the world.




In 1942 Operations begin to destroy Sobibor Concentration Camp.




In 1981 Carl Gottlieb's movie "Caveman", starring Ringo Starr, Shelley Long, Barbara Bach, Dennis Quaid, Jack Gilford, and John Matuszak premieres.




In 1993 David Bowie went to No.1 on the UK album chart with his eighteenth studio album Black Tie White Noise. It was his first solo release in the 1990s after spending time with his hard rock band Tin Machine.

[bunkerfan]

18th April


In 1924 1st crossword puzzle book published by Simon & Schuster.




In 1947 "New Orleans", an American musical romance film premieres; Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, in her only feature film, play supporting roles.




In 1967 Jonathan Frid makes his 1st appearance as 200-year-old vampire Barnabas Collins on TV's "Dark Shadows", show becomes a huge hit.




In 1992 Annie Lennox went to No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut solo release 'Diva.' The album won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year at the 1993 Brit Awards and received nominations for Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Long Form Music Video, winning the latter award at the Grammy Awards the same year.

[bunkerfan]

19th April


In 1892 Charles Duryea takes the 1st American-made automotive for a test drive.




In 1948 American Broadcasting Company (ABC) TV network debuts.




In 1967 The Beatles sign a contract agreeing to stay together for 10 years (they don't)




In 1986 George Michael was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'A Different Corner', the singers second solo No.1. Michael became the first solo act in the history of the UK chart to reach No.1 with his first two releases. The song was also credited with being the second No.1 (after 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' by Stevie Wonder), which was written, sung, played, arranged and produced by the same person.

[bunkerfan]

20th April


In 1902 Marie and Pierre Curie isolate the radioactive compound radium chloride.




In 1946 Walt Disney's animated film anthology "Make Mine Music" premieres in New York City.




In 1968 British rock band billed as "Roundabout" debuts in Kastrup, Denmark; after a brief tour of Scandinavia, they change their name to "Deep Purple."




In 1976 George Harrison sings "The Lumberjack Song" with Monty Python in NYC.

[bunkerfan]

21st April


In 1928 "The Passion of Joan of Arc", directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, starring Renée Jeanne Falconetti and Eugène Silvain, is released in Denmark.




In 1945 WWII: Soviet army arrives at outskirts of Berlin, Germany.




In 1978 UK folk singer Sandy Denny died aged 31. While on holiday with her parents in Cornwall, England, Denny was injured in a fall down a staircase. A month after the fall she collapsed at a friend's home; four days later she died in Hospital, her death was ruled to be the result of a traumatic mid-brain hemorrhage. She was a member of Fairport Convention and a solo artist. Her 1967 song 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes', was covered by Judy Collins. Denny sang on the Led Zeppelin track 'Battle Of Evermore' on the bands fourth album, (the only guest vocalist on a Led Zeppelin album).




In 1990 Paul McCartney played in front of 184,000 fans at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Jnaeiro, creating a new world record for the largest crowd attending a rock concert.

[bunkerfan]

22nd April


In 1914 Babe Ruth's 1st professional game (as a pitcher) is a 6-hit 6-0 win




In 1945 Battle of Berlin: Upon being informed that a planned counter-attack never happened, Adolf Hitler flies into a rage, denounces the German Army and concedes World War II is lost.




In 1978 Bob Marley and the Wailers performed at the 'One Love Peace Concert' in Jamaica. It was Marley's first public appearance in Jamaica since being wounded in an assassination attempt a year and a half earlier.




In 1989 Madonna started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Like A Prayer', the singers seventh US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK.

[bunkerfan]

23rd April


In 1924 British Empire Exhibition opens at Wembley, London.




In 1949 Courtesy mail boxes for motorists started in San Francisco.




In 1972 Apollo 16 astronauts explore the moon's surface.




In 1992 George Michael announced he was donating $500,000 royalties from the sale of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', to various British and American charities.

[bunkerfan]

24th April


In 1880 Amateur Athletic Association, governing body for men's athletics in England & Wales, is founded in Oxford.




In 1941 Dutch Prince Bernhard becomes an RAF pilot.




In 1964 Gene Roddenberry registers his Star Trek series with the Writers Guild of America.




In 1970 Elton John released his fourth single 'Border Song' the first single from his 1970 album Elton John. The appearance of 'Border Song on the Canadian charts was Elton John's first chart appearance in any country and was also John's first song to chart in the United States, peaking at No.92.

[bunkerfan]

25th April


In 1901 New York becomes 1st state requiring automobile license plates ($1 fee)




In 1954 Bell labs announces the 1st solar battery made from silicon. It has about 6% efficiency.




In 1970 Holland-Dozier-Holland's Invictus Records releases Freda Payne's signature single "Band of Gold."




In 1990 The Fender Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix played at the Woodstock festival was auctioned off for a record $295,000. His two-hour set at the 1969 festival became the longest of his career.

[bunkerfan]

26th April


In 1920 Ice hockey makes its Olympic debut at the Antwerp Games.




In 1954 Mass trials of Jonas Salk's anti-polio vaccine begin; the first shot is delivered in Fairfax County, Virginia; more than 443,000 children receive shots over three months.




In 1966 Dusty Springfield was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', the singers only UK No.1. When recording the track, Springfield was not satisfied with her vocal until she had recorded forty-seven takes.




In 1976 'Wings At The Speed Of Sound' went to No.1 on the US album chart. Paul McCartney's fifth No.1 album after The Beatles became his most successful American chart album, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.1. The album featured the hits 'Let 'Em In' and 'Silly Love Songs'.

[bunkerfan]

27th April


In 1875 The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), the world's 1st such agency is incorporated.




In 1940 Himmler orders establishment of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.




In 1965 RC Duncan patents "Pampers" disposable diaper/nappy.




In 1979 George Harrison releases single "Love Comes to Everyone."

[bunkerfan]

28th April


In 1887 "Europe's first motoring competition" is 'won' by The Marquis de Dion on a steam-powered quadricycle built by French toymaker and engineer Georges Bouton; French newspaper Le Velocipede organized the 'test', and Bouton was the only participant.




In 1947 Thor Heyerdahl and the crew of the "Kon-Tiki" sail from Peru to Polynesia.




In 1967 Muhammad Ali refuses induction into army & stripped of boxing title.




In 1998 Before These Crowded Streets by the Dave Matthews Band debuted at No.1 on the US albums chart, ending the Titanic soundtrack's 16-week run at the top. Fans got a glimpse of the band's darker side with the moody lead single, 'Don't Drink The Water.'

[bunkerfan]

29th April


In 1927 Construction of Spirit of St Louis (the monoplane which Charles Lindbergh was to fly across the Atlantic) is completed.




In 1945 Conscientious objector Desmond Doss saves 75 wounded soldiers in the Battle of Okinawa at Hacksaw Ridge. Later depicted in the Oscar-winning film "Hacksaw Ridge".




In 1965 Canadian folk singer-songwriter Joni Anderson (soon to be known as Joni Mitchell) meets American folk singer and future husband Chuck Mitchell at a gig in Toronto, Ontario.




In 1980 Black Sabbath began their first tour with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who had replaced Ozzy Osbourne.

[bunkerfan]

30th April


In 1904 Ice cream cone makes its debut at St. Louis World's Fair invented by Ernest A. Hamwi (independently of other claimant Italo Marchiony in NY)




In 1945 Adolf Hitler commits suicide along with his new wife Eva Braun in the Führerbunker in Berlin.




In 1968 BBC TV launched The Cilla Black Show making Cilla the first British female performer to have her own TV show. The theme song, 'Step Inside Love', was written by Paul McCartney.




In 1983 American Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at his home in Westmont, Illinois, aged 68. Major influence of many acts, Cream, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones named themselves after Waters' 1950 song 'Rollin' Stone.' Best known songs include 'I Just Want To Make Love To You', 'I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man', 'Got My Mojo Working.'

[bunkerfan]

1st May


In 1912 The Beverly Hills Hotel opens on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California.




In 1941 US savings bonds go on sale to help finance the war effort.




In 1963 1st American (James Whittaker) conquers Mount Everest.




In 1971 Rolling Stones release single "Brown Sugar".

[bunkerfan]

2nd May


In 1887 Hannibal Goodwin patents celluloid photographic film.




In 1952 1st scheduled jet airliner passenger service began with a British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) Comet from London to Johannesburg carrying 36 passengers.




In 1963 The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'From Me To You', the group's first No.1 and the first of eleven consecutive No.1's. The title of the song was inspired from a letters column called From You To Us that ran in the British music newspaper, The New Musical Express.




In 1979 Film "Quadrophenia" premieres in London.