Soviet leader Khrushchev lashes out at Stalin in ‘Secret Speech’ 70 years ago this hour (Feb 25 1956)


Video: 'Khrushchev Secret Speech'

(Saturday, February 25, 1956, shortly after midnight; during the Cold War) — In a sensational “Secret Speech” to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev denounced Joseph Stalin today as a brutal despot, painting a graphic picture of a regime of “suspicion, fear, and terror” built up under the former dictator, who died three years ago.

‘Be My Lover’ by La Bouche peaks at #6 in USA 30 years ago today (Feb 24 1996)

(Saturday, February 24, 1996) — “Be My Lover” by La Bouche peaked at #6 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for three weeks. Continue reading ‘Be My Lover’ by La Bouche peaks at #6 in USA 30 years ago today (Feb 24 1996) →

Eagles’ ‘Greatest Hits’ becomes first album certified platinum in U.S. 50 years ago today (Feb 24 1976)


Video: 'Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975' (10 clips)

(Tuesday, February 24, 1976) — The Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) album became the first album in the U.S. to be certified platinum, for at least one million copies sold. Continue reading Eagles’ ‘Greatest Hits’ becomes first album certified platinum in U.S. 50 years ago today (Feb 24 1976) →

Siege of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas 190 years ago this hour (Feb 23 1836)


Video: 'THE ALAMO: THE REAL STORY (WILD WEST HISTORY DOCUMENTARY)' (Feb. 23, 1836, at 40:56)

(Tuesday, February 23, 1836, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time; during the Battle of the Alamo, part of the Texas Revolution) — A Mexican force numbering in the thousands and led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna today began a siege of the Alamo, a former Franciscan mission located near the present-day city of San Antonio.

Shuttle Columbia takes off for high-wire act 30 years ago this hour (Feb 22 1996)


Video: 'STS-75 launch & landing (2-22-96)'

(Thursday, February 22, 1996, 3:18 p.m. EST/20:18:00 UTC) — The space shuttle Columbia blasted into orbit today on a mission to unreel a satellite on the end of a 12.8-mile tether. (The cord broke just before being extended to its full length.)

‘Life in a Northern Town’ by The Dream Academy peaks at #7 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 22 1986)

(Saturday, February 22, 1986) — “Life in a Northern Town” by The Dream Academy peaked at #7 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Life in a Northern Town’ by The Dream Academy peaks at #7 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 22 1986) →

Florence Ballard, original member of The Supremes, dies 50 years ago this hour (Feb 22 1976)


Video: 'The life story of Florence Ballard (unsung)??(My Grandmother)'

(Sunday, February 22, 1976, 10:05 a.m. EST) — Florence Ballard, who attained stardom as one of the original members of The Supremes singing trio but spent the last few years living on welfare, died today at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit of cardiac arrest. She was 32 years old. Continue reading Florence Ballard, original member of The Supremes, dies 50 years ago this hour (Feb 22 1976) →

‘Nowhere Man’/’What Goes On’ single by The Beatles released in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 21 1966)


Video: 'Nowhere Man (2023 Mix)'

(Monday, February 21, 1966) — The single “Nowhere Man“/”What Goes On” by The Beatles was released today in the U.S. (although not in the UK). Continue reading ‘Nowhere Man’/’What Goes On’ single by The Beatles released in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 21 1966) →

Germany unleashes titanic assault at Verdun as France faces battle for its life 110 years ago this hour (Feb 21 1916)


Video: 'The Battle of Verdun (WW1 Documentary)'

(Sunday, February 21, 1916, 7:12 a.m. Central European Time; during the Battle of Verdun, part of the Western Front of World War I) — The Battle of Verdun, one of the largest battles of the First World War on the Western Front between the German and French armies, began this morning when a 10-hour German artillery bombardment by 808 guns was launched in the hills north of Verdun-sur-Meuse in northeastern France. Continue reading Germany unleashes titanic assault at Verdun as France faces battle for its life 110 years ago this hour (Feb 21 1916) →