Historical Events
- A volcanco believed to be extinct erupts in Tristan da Cunha
- East & West Cameroon merge as Federal Republic of Cameroon
- KGIN TV channel 11 in Grand Island, NB (CBS) begins broadcasting
Baseball Record
NY Yankees right-fielder Roger Maris becomes MLB’s all-time home run leader when he passes Babe Ruth's mark with No. 61 off Boston rookie Tracy Stallard in 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium
Music Premiere
Premiere of Dmitri Shostakovich's 12nd Symphony
- The Beach Boys record their debut single "Surfin", introducing a new musical style
- US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
- WOLO TV channel 25 in Columbia, SC (ABC) begins broadcasting
- WYAH TV channel 27 in Portsmouth, VA (IND) begins broadcasting
Famous Birthdays
- Corrie van Zyl, South African cricket all-rounder, coach, administrator (RSA coach 2010-11), born in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State
- Gary Ablett Snr, Australian Rules Football forward (All Australian 1992-95; Norm Smith Medal 1989; Coleman Medal 1993-95; Geelong), born in Drouin, Victoria
- Robert Rey, Brazilian-American plastic surgeon and television personality
Famous Deaths
- Donald Cook, American actor (Too Young To Go Steady), dies at 60
Died in 1961 1961 Highlights
About October 1, 1961
Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 62 years, 6 months and 27 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles and his Orchestra
#1 Song: Kon-Tiki - The Shadows
