Death of Julia Ward Howe
Poet, author, and activist Julia Ward Howe died on October 17, 1910, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Music
Happy Birthday, Gene Autry
“The Singing Cowboy,” Orvon Grover “Gene” Autry was born on September 29, 1907, in Tioga, Texas.
Woodstock
On August 18, 1969, Jimi Hendrix ended Woodstock with a two-hour performance that included one of the most iconic moments in music history.
Performing Arts Series
On May 24, 1978, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Performing Arts Series, honoring Jimmie Rodgers.
World’s Columbian Exposition
On May 1, 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition opened in Chicago, Illinois.
USS Arizona Benefit Concert
On March 25, 1961, Elvis Presley led a benefit concert to raise funds for the USS Arizona Memorial that helped to reinvigorate fundraising for the project.
Birth of Patsy Cline
Singer Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Winchester, Virginia. When she was 13, she was hospitalized for a throat infection and rheumatic fever, which she said gave her a “booming voice like Kate Smith.”
Birth of Al Jolson
Asa “Al” Jolson said he didn’t know when he was born, but later in life claimed his birth date was May 26, 1886.
Happy Birthday Billie Holiday
Singer Eleanora Fagan, better known as Billie Holiday, was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.