What Happened on May 5, 1961

Historical Events

Event of Interest

Alan Shepard becomes 1st American in space (aboard Freedom 7)

Famous Birthdays

  • Hiroshi Hase, Japanese wrestler (NJPW) and politician (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), born in Oyabe, Toyama, Japan
  • Mike Dunleavy, American politician, Governor of Alaska (2018-), born in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Born in 1961
1961 Highlights

About May 5, 1961

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 62 years, 10 months and 23 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Runaway - Del Shannon
  • UK #1 Song: Blue Moon - Marcels