What Happened on May 1, 1971

• 97th Kentucky Derby: Gustavo Ávila wins aboard Canonero II (wins Preakness May 15)
• Amtrak Railroad begins operation
• Rolling Stones release "Brown Sugar"

• Ajith Kumar, Indian film actor
• Ethan Albright, American NFL long-snapper (Pro Bowl 2007; Washington Redskins), born in Greensboro, North Carolina
• Stuart Appleby, Australian golfer (British Open 2002 runner-up; 9 PGA Tour titles, Presidents Cup x 5; 11-under-59 Greenbrier Classic 2010), born in Cohuna, Australia

• Edith Day, American actress (A Romance of the Air), dies at 75
• Glenda Farrell, American actress (Golddiggers of 1935: Grand Slam; Exposed), dies of lung cancer at 66

Holidays: Labour Day (India)

• #1 Song: Joy To The World - Three Dog Night
• #1 Song: Double Barrel - Dave & Ansil Collins