What Happened on May 21, 1971

Historical Events

  • Chelsea win 11th European Cup Winner's Cup against Real Madrid 2-1 in Athens (replay)

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye' eleventh album "What's Going On" is released; considered the best album off all-time by critic surveys in Rolling Stone (2020); The Guardian (1997); and New Music Express (1985)

  • National Guard mobilizes to quell riot in Chattanooga, Tennessee

White Night Riots

White Night riots occur in San Francisco after Dan White is given a lenient sentence for assassinating Mayor George Moscone and the openly gay elected official Harvey Milk


1971 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Eric Nies, American reality TV personality (MTV Real World, Grind)

Famous Deaths

  • Dennis King, English actor (Devil's Brother), dies of heart ailment at 73
Died in 1971 1971 Highlights

About May 21, 1971

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 52 years, 10 months and 29 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Gemini

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Joy To The World - Three Dog Night
  • UK #1 Song: Knock Three Times - Dawn