What Happened on November 5, 1956

Historical Events

The Nat King Cole Show

"The Nat King Cole Show" debuts on NBC, the first variety program to be hosted by an African-American

  • Britain and France land airborne forces at Port Said in Egypt, escalating the Suez Crisis
  • Dutch Communist Party office of Felix Meritis seized
  • Israel liberates Sharm-el-Sheikh, reopening Gulf of Aqaba

Catholic Encyclical

Pope Pius XII publishes encyclical Datis nuperrime


Famous Birthdays

  • Helen O'Hara [Bevington], British rock violinist (Dexys Midnight Runners - "Come On Eileen"), born in Bristol, England
  • Jeff Watson, American rock guitarist (Night Ranger, 1982–89 & 1996–2007 - "Sister Christain"), born in Sacramento, California
  • Rob Fisher, British rock keyboardist (Naked Eyes - "Always Something There to Remind Me"), born in Bath, England (d. 1999)

Famous Deaths

  • Art Tatum, American jazz pianist and composer, dies from complications of uremia at 47
Died in 1956 1956 Highlights

About November 5, 1956

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 67 years, 6 months and 1 day
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Scorpio

Music Charts

  • UK #1 Song: A Woman In Love - Frankie Laine