Category Archives: 1950s

President Eisenhower, VP Nixon privately sworn-in for second terms 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 20 1957)

1950s, U.S. Presidents

(Sunday, January 20, 1957, 10:28 a.m. EST) — President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon were sworn-in for second terms of office today in a private three-minute ceremony in the East Room of the White House, with Chief Justice Earl Warren administering the oath of office to Eisenhower and Senator William Knowland of California to Nixon.

As January 20 fell on a Sunday, the formal public inauguration ceremonies were delayed until the following day (Jan. 21, 1957). Continue reading President Eisenhower, VP Nixon privately sworn-in for second terms 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 20 1957) →

‘Blueberry Hill’ by Fats Domino peaks at #2 in USA 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 19 1957)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Saturday, January 19, 1957) — “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino peaked at #2 on today’s Billboard Most Played in Jukeboxes chart for three weeks.

The Fats Domino version of the song was ranked #82 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Three American B-52s become first jet aircraft to circle the world nonstop 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 18 1957)

1950s, Cold War


Video: 'Operation Power Flite - Video Learning - WizScience.com'

(Friday, January 18, 1957, 10:19 a.m. PST; during Operation Power Flite and the Cold War) — Three U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses completed a non-stop around-the-world flight today in 45 hours and 19 minutes (using in-flight refueling to stay aloft) at March Air Force Base in California, demonstrating that the United States could drop a hydrogen bomb anywhere on earth.

Cavern Club opens in Liverpool, England 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 16 1957)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s, The Beatles 1950s

(Wednesday, January 16, 1957, 7:00 p.m. GMT) — The Cavern Club, a jazz club that later became a center of the rock and roll scene in Liverpool, England (The Beatles performed there nearly 300 times between 1961 and 1963), opened its doors tonight with the Merseysippi Jazz Band as the first act to perform. Continue reading Cavern Club opens in Liverpool, England 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 16 1957) →

Arthur Worsley performs on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 6 1957)

1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'The Ed Sullivan Show - ''Arthur Worsley' (Ventriloquist) and Dummy Charlie Brown' (Aired January 6, 1957)'

(Sunday, January 6, 1957, 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. EST) — British ventriloquist Arthur Worsley performed on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading Arthur Worsley performs on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 6 1957) →

Elvis Presley censored during ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ performance 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 6 1957)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'Elvis Presley "Medley" plus "Don't be cruel" Ed Sullivan'

(Sunday, January 6, 1957, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Elvis Presley performed “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Too Much,” “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again” and “Peace in the Valley” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading Elvis Presley censored during ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ performance 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 6 1957) →

President Eisenhower asks Congress for right to combat a Red attack in Mideast 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 5 1957)

1950s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'The Other Side of Suez (BBC Documentary)' (Jan. 5, 1957 at 55:24)

(Saturday, January 5, 1957, 12:30 p.m. EST; during the Cold War) — President Dwight Eisenhower today asked a solemn assembly of Congress to authorize him to use the armed forces of the United States against any Communist or Communist-dominated aggressor in the Middle East area in what became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine. Continue reading President Eisenhower asks Congress for right to combat a Red attack in Mideast 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 5 1957) →