Category Archives: 1960s

Krushchev offers deal to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba 50 years ago today (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 26, 1962 (at 4:25)

(Friday, October 26, 1962, day eleven of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — A Soviet-chartered freighter is stopped at the quarantine line today and searched for contraband military supplies. None are found and the ship is allowed to proceed to Cuba.

Meantime, ABC News reporter John Scali is approached by Aleksander Fomin of the Soviet embassy staff with a proposal for a solution to the crisis.

Later, a long, rambling letter from Soviet Premier Khrushchev to U.S. President Kennedy makes a similar offer: removal of the missiles in exchange for lifting the quarantine and a pledge that the U.S. will not invade Cuba. Continue reading Krushchev offers deal to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba 50 years ago today (1962) →

‘My Dad’ episode airs on ‘The Donna Reed Show’ 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'My Dad' clip

(Thursday, October 25, 1962, 8:00 p.m. EDT) — Alex tries over and over to spend a day with Jeff, but his plans are always interrupted by emergency calls on tonight’s episode of the ABC-TV sitcom The Donna Reed Show.

James Brown’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ album recorded 50 years ago tonight (1962)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: '(Side A) - James Brown - Live at the apollo 1962 - sonet records vinyl'

(Wednesday, October 24, 1962) — James Brown’s Live At The Apollo album was recorded tonight at the Apollo Theater in Harlem at Brown’s own expense. In 2003, the album was ranked number 24 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Continue reading James Brown’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ album recorded 50 years ago tonight (1962) →

U.S. blockade against Soviet ships around Cuba begins 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 24, 1962 (at 0:00)

(Wednesday, October 24, 1962, 10:00 a.m. EDT, day nine of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — A naval quarantine of Cuba ordered by U.S. President John F. Kennedy went into effect today, aimed at interdicting the delivery of offensive weapons to the island. Continue reading U.S. blockade against Soviet ships around Cuba begins 50 years ago this hour (1962) →

Little Stevie Wonder records his first single 50 years ago today (1962)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'Little Stevie Wonder - Thank You For Loving Me All The Way'

(Tuesday, October 23, 1962) — A 12-year-old named Little Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, recorded his first single for Motown Records today at the label’s Hitsville Studio. It was called Thank You For Loving Me All The Way.

Kennedy signs formal declaration of Cuban blockade 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 23, 1962 (at 7:36)

(Tuesday, October 23, 1962, 7:06 p.m. EDT, day eight of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3504 tonight formally declaring the blockade of Cuban sea ports. Orders are issued to begin enforcing the blockade at 10:00 am the next morning. Continue reading Kennedy signs formal declaration of Cuban blockade 50 years ago this hour (1962) →

‘The First Family’ comedy album recorded in New York City 50 years ago tonight (1962)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Vaughn Meader: The First Family, Vol. 1'

(Monday, October 22, 1962) — The hit comedy album The First Family, starring comedian-impressionist Vaughn Meader as President John F. Kennedy, was recorded today before a studio audience in New York City on the same night as John F. Kennedy’s Cuban Missile Crisis speech.

Seattle World’s Fair closes 50 years ago today (1962)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Seattle World's Fair: "Century 21 Calling" 1962 American Telephone & Telegraph ( AT&T )'

(Sunday, October 21, 1962) — The Century 21 Exposition (also known as the Seattle World’s Fair) closed today after six months and nearly 10 million visitors. President John F. Kennedy was scheduled to attend the closing ceremony, but canceled because of what was described as a “head cold.” The actual reason turned out to be the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Kennedy asks newspaper editors to sit on story confirming Soviet missiles in Cuba 50 years ago today (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 21, 1962 (at 0:22)

(Sunday, October 21, 1962, day six of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy telephoned newspaper editors-in-chief at The New York Times and The Washington Post to ask the editors to refrain from printing any stories of the impending military actions related to the discovery of deployed Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba until after his national address the following day, by which time the American fleet was in position to enforce a blockade. Continue reading Kennedy asks newspaper editors to sit on story confirming Soviet missiles in Cuba 50 years ago today (1962) →