‘Peter Pan’ released in U.S. theaters 60 years ago today (1953)


Video: 'Peter Pan' trailer

(Thursday, February 5, 1953)Peter Pan, an animated film produced by Walt Disney about a girl named Wendy and her brothers who are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with the hero of their stories, Peter Pan, was released today in U.S. theaters.

Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske, the film starred Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Paul Collins and Tommy Luske.

Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks born in Tuskegee 100 years ago (1913)


Video: 'Rosa Parks - Mini Bio'

(Tuesday, February 4, 1913) — Rosa Parks, a black woman whose 1955 refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus to a white man touched off the modern civil rights movement in America, was born Rosa Louise McCauley today in Tuskegee, Alabama.

German radio announces defeat at Stalingrad 70 years ago today (1943)


Video: Feb. 3, 1943 (at 52:30)

(Wednesday, February 3, 1943; a day after the Battle of Stalingrad ended on the Eastern Front of World War II) — German radio announced today that Stalingrad had fallen to the Soviets; the 6th Army had fought courageously but had succumbed to vastly superior enemy forces and to unfavorable circumstances. Continue reading German radio announces defeat at Stalingrad 70 years ago today (1943)

Record producer Phil Spector arrested in death of 10 years ago this hour (2003)


Video: 'Lana Clarkson Found Dead in Spector Home'

(Monday, February 3, 2003, about 5 a.m. PST) — Record producer Phil Spector was arrested this morning in relation to an investigation into the fatal shooting of actress Lana Clarkson, 40, in Spector’s mansion (Dupuy’s Pyrenees Castle) in Alhambra, California.

‘Midnight Special’ debuts as a series on NBC 40 years ago this hour (1973)


Video: 'Helen Reddy - I Am Woman (Midnight Special - Feb 2, 1973)'

(Saturday February 3, 1973, 1:00 a.m. EST)Midnight Special, a late-night musical variety series, debuted this morning as a regular series (it had premiered as a special on Aug. 19, 1972) on NBC-TV, with Helen Reddy as the host. Continue reading ‘Midnight Special’ debuts as a series on NBC 40 years ago this hour (1973)

Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team authorized 70 years ago today (1943)


Video: '442nd Regiment of WWII'

(Monday, February 1, 1943; during World War II) — One of America’s most highly decorated military units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans anxious to prove their loyalty to their country of birth and defy national prejudice that they are aliens and dangerous, was authorized today.

The Beach Boys complete ‘Surfin’ USA’ and ‘Shut Down’ 50 years ago this hour (1963)


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Surfin' U.S.A.'

(Thursday, January 31, 1963, 8:00-11:30 p.m. PST) — The Beach Boys tonight completed recordings (that both began Jan. 5, 1963) of “Surfin’ USA” and “Shut Down” for the album Surfin’ USA at Western Recorders Studio in Hollywood. Continue reading The Beach Boys complete ‘Surfin’ USA’ and ‘Shut Down’ 50 years ago this hour (1963)

Michael Jackson performs during Super Bowl halftime 20 years ago this hour (1993)


Video: 'Michael Jackson - Super Bowl (Complete Version) (HQ)'

(Sunday, January 31, 1993) — Michael Jackson and 3,500 children performed during halftime today at the Super Bowl. He sang a variety of his hits, including “Heal The World.” The game began with country star Garth Brooks singing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Actress Marlee Matlin interpreted the song in sign language.

First officially recognized African-American Union regiment goes into service 150 years ago today (1863)

(Saturday, January 31, 1863; during the American Civil War) — The First South Carolina Volunteers, an all-black Union regiment composed of escaped slaves from South Carolina and Florida, was mustered into federal service today at Beaufort, South Carolina.