Daily Archives: April 21, 2026

Vault linked to Al Capone opened in Chicago during a live TV special 40 years ago this hour (Apr 21 1986)


Video: 'Al Capone's Vault'

(Monday, April 21, 1986, 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST) — Geraldo Rivera opened gangster Al Capone’s secret vault in Chicago’s Lexington Hotel tonight on The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults, a live syndicated TV special, discovering only a bottle of moonshine.

Battle of San Jacinto assures Texas independence 190 years ago this hour (Apr 21 1836)


Video: 'The Battle of San Jacinto 1836'

(Thursday, April 21, 1836, 3:30 p.m. local time; during the Texas Revolution) — An army of Texans led by Sam Houston defeated the Mexicans today in the Battle of San Jacinto near modern La Porte, Texas, assuring Texas independence. Continue reading Battle of San Jacinto assures Texas independence 190 years ago this hour (Apr 21 1836)

‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

(Saturday, April 21, 1956) — “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presleys peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for eight consecutive weeks (Apr. 21/28, May 5/12/19/26, June 2/9, 1956). Continue reading ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

‘Rock Island Line’ by Lonnie Donegan peaks at #8 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

(Saturday, April 21, 1956) — “Rock Island Line” by Lonnie Donegan peaked at #8 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Rock Island Line’ by Lonnie Donegan peaks at #8 in USA 70 years ago today (Apr 21 1956)

The Beatles begin recording ‘Taxman’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 21 1966)


Video: 'Revolver (Recording Sessions Vol. 2), April 20th - May 5th, 1966'
04:47 Taxman (Live Take 11)
07:18 Taxman (Take 11 with Overdubs)

(Thursday, April 21, 1966, 2:30 p.m.-12:50 a.m. BST) — The English rock band The Beatles resumed production of their seventh studio album Revolver this afternoon at EMI Studio 2 in London, as they started work afresh of George Harrison’s “Taxman.” Continue reading The Beatles begin recording ‘Taxman’ 60 years ago this hour (Apr 21 1966)