Category Archives: 1950s

Marian Anderson first black singer hired by Metropolitan Opera Company 60 years ago today (Oct 7 1954)


Video: 'Marian Anderson canta Un ballo in Maschera'

(Thursday, October 7, 1954)Marian Anderson today became the first black singer hired by the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. Anderson made her Met debut in January 1955 playing the role of Ulrica in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.”

‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ salutes Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz 60 years ago this hour (Oct 3 1954)


Video: 'Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz - Toast of the Town October 3, 1954'

(Sunday, October 3, 1954, 8 p.m. EST) — Tonight’s 60-minute The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS-TV was dedicated to Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, the lead actors on the hit sitcom I Love Lucy, including a celebrity testimonial luncheon.

New York Giants win World Series in four-game sweep 60 years ago this hour (Oct 2 1954)


Video: 'Giants vs Indians 1954 W.S.' (5 videos)

(Saturday, October 2, 1954, 3:52 p.m. EDT) — The New York Giants won the 1954 World Series tonight, beating the Cleveland Indians 7-4 at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, in the fourth and deciding game. It was the fifth of seven World Series titles for the Giants (1905-2012).

‘A Star Is Born’ film premieres in Hollywood 60 years ago evening (Sep 29 1954)


Video: 'HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE OF "A STAR IS BORN" (SEPT. 29, 1954)'

(Wednesday, September 29, 1954, evening PST)A Star Is Born, a musical film about a falling star who marries the newcomer he’s helping reach the top, had its world premiere tonight at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Continue reading ‘A Star Is Born’ film premieres in Hollywood 60 years ago evening (Sep 29 1954)

Willie Mays makes ‘The Catch’ during World Series 60 years ago this afternoon (Sep 29 1954)


Video: 'Willie Mays makes an amazing over-the-shoulder catch'

(Wednesday, September 29, 1954, mid-afternoon EDT) — Willie Mays, center fielder for the New York Giants, made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch of a fly ball hit by Cleveland Indians first baseman Vic Wertz today in the eighth inning of Game 1 of the 1954 World Series at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan, New York.