We take a look at some of the events that occurred on May 1st.

Today In …

1786 - Mozart’s infamous opera “The Marriage of Figaro” opened in Vienna at the Imperial & Royal Court Theater.

1883 - Buffalo Bill’s first Wild West show took place today.

1886 - The official movement in support of the eight hour work day began today.

1863 - The Battle of Chancellorsville began today as part of the Civil War.

1931 - The Empire State Building was dedicated today!

1941 - Cheerios were introduced!

1952 - Mr. Potato Head made his debut. We haven’t looked at potatoes the same since!

1971 - Amtrak was founded.

1989 - Disney’s MGM Studios opened today.

1997 - The Labour Party, with Tony Blair at the helm, rose to prominence once again in the British Parliament.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Martha Jane Cannary best known as the folk hero Calamity Jane was born in 1852.

Judy Collins the singer best known for the song “Send In the Clowns” was born in 1939.

Rita Coolidge the renowned singer of “All Time High” was born in 1945.

Art Fleming the former host of “Jeopardy” was born in 1924.

Glenn Ford who starred in “Blackboard Jungle”, “Gilda” and “Superman” was born in 1916.

Joan Hackett who starred in “Only When I Laugh” was born in 1934.

Sonny James the country singer with such hits as “Young Love” was born in 1929.

Joanna Lumley best known as Patsy on TV’s “Absolutely Fabulous” was born in 1946.

Tim McGraw the voice behind such hits as “Indian Outlaw”, “I Like It, I Love It” and “My Little Girl” was born in 1967.

Dan O’Herlihy who starred in “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” and “RoboCop” was born in 1919.

Jack Paar the former host of the “Tonight Show” was born in 1918.

Ray Parker Jr. the writer and performer of the song “Ghostbusters” was born in 1954.

Kate Smith the singer best known for “God Bless America” was born in 1907.

John Woo the man behind the camera of such films as “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible II” was born in 1946.

D’arcy Wretzky bass player for the Smashing Pumpkins was born in 1968.

We Said Goodbye To…

Flipper, whose real name was Bebe, from the hit TV show passed away in 1997. Bebe was the last of the seven dolphins to play Flipper on the TV series. She was 40.

Elizabeth Hulette best known as Miss Elizabeth to wrestling fans passed away in 2003 at the age of 42.

David Livingstone the Scottish explorer/missionary passed away in 1873 at the age of 60.

Douglass Watson who starred on daytime TV’s “Search for Tomorrow” and “Another World” passed away in 1989 at the age of 78.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1965 - “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter” by Herman’s Hermits
1976 - “Let Your Love Flow” by the Bellamy Brothers
1976 - On The Country Charts – “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” by Mickey Gilley
1982 - On The Country Charts – “Mountain Music” by Alabama
1993 - “Freak Me” by Silk

Memorable Sports Moments In…

1951 - Legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle hit his first homerun.

In Print In…

1939 - The “Batman” comics were first published.

Movie Moments In...

1931 - Orson Welles’ legendary “Citizen Kane” premiered today.

Famous Marriages

1967 - Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married.

Special Observances

Today is May Day!


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