Birth of Rosa Ponselle
Opera singer Rosa (Ponzillo) Ponselle was born on January 22, 1897, in Meridan, Connecticut.
This Day in History
First Observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 20, 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday after a decades-long battle.
Birth of Oveta Culp Hobby
Oveta Culp Hobby was born on January 19, 1905, in Killeen, Texas.
Metropolitan Opera’s First Jazz Concert
On January 18, 1944, the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City hosted its first-ever jazz concert, which raised money for the war effort.
Battle of Monte Cassino
On January 17, 1944, the Allies launched one of the longest and bloodiest fights of the Italian campaign – the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Birth of “Dizzy” Dean
Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean was born on January 16, 1910, in Lucas, Arkansas.
The Pentagon
On January 15, 1943, construction on the Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, was completed.
Casablanca Conference
On January 14, 1943, Allied leaders met in Casablanca, Morocco, to discuss the next stage of World War II.
Death of Stephen Foster
On January 13, 1864, Stephen Foster, the “father of American music,” died in New York City.