What Happened on October 31, 1961

Historical Events

  • Federal judge rules that laws in Birmingham, Alabama, against integrated playing fields are illegal
  • Hurricane Hattie kills 400 in British Honduras

Famous Birthdays

  • Alonzo Babers, American track and field athlete, 400m/4X400m relay (Olympic gold 1984), born in Montgomery, Alabama
  • Kate Campbell, American folk music singer-songwriter, born in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Larry Mullen, Jr, Irish rock drummer (U2 - "I Will Follow"), born in Dublin, Ireland

Peter Jackson (62 years old)

New Zealand film director (Lord of the Rings - Academy Award, Best Director, 2003), born in Wellington, New Zealand

  • Sterling Hinds, Canadian 4X100m relayer (Olympic bronze 1984), born in Toronto, Ontario

About October 31, 1961

Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 62 years, 5 months and 28 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
  • UK #1 Song: Walkin' Back To Happiness - Helen Shapiro