What Happened on March 9, 1961

Historical Events

  • Mine cave-in in Japan, kills 72

Sports History

Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain scores 67 points in 135-126 win over NY Knicks at Philadelphia Civic Center

  • Soviet flight Sputnik 9 carries and returns from orbit a dog named Chernushka (Blackie), frogs and a guinea pig

I Want a Guy

The Supremes release singles "I Want a Guy" and "Never Again"


Famous Birthdays

  • Mike Leach, American college football coach (Texas Tech 2000-09, Washington State University 2012-19, Mississippi State 2020-22), born in Susanville, California (d. 2022)
  • Rick Steiner [Robert Rechsteiner], American professional wrestler, born in Bay City, Michigan

Famous Deaths

  • Wilbur Sweatman, American ragtime and dixieland jazz clarinetist, composer, and bandleader, dies at 79
Died in 1961 1961 Highlights

About March 9, 1961

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 63 years, 1 month and 18 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Pisces

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Pony Time - Chubby Checker
  • UK #1 Song: Walk Right Back/Ebony Eyes - Everly Brothers