Battle of Singapore begins with Japanese amphibious assault 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 8 1942)

1940s, World War II


Video: '129- German Army Surrounded: You Did Nazi That Coming! - WW2 - February 13, 1942' (Battle of Singapore at 2:34)

(Sunday, February 8, 1942, shortly before 8:30 p.m. MALT; during the Fall of Singapore, part of the Malayan campaign, the Pacific War and the Second World War) — The Fall of Singapore, also known as the Battle of Singapore, began tonight when the first wave of Japanese troops from the 5th Division and 18th Division began crossing the Johor Strait towards the island city-state nicknamed Britain’s “Gibraltar of the East.” Continue reading Battle of Singapore begins with Japanese amphibious assault 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 8 1942) →

Paul McCartney’s band Wings conclude rehearsals for first tour 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 7 1972)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: 'Paul McCartney & Wings - ICA Rehearsals - London, England (February 2 - 7 1972)'

(Monday, February 7, 1972; two days before the Wings University Tour begins) — Paul McCartney’s new group Wings concluded multiple days of rehearsals for their upcoming college appearances today at the ICA (Institute Of Contemporary Arts) on the Mall in London. Continue reading Paul McCartney’s band Wings conclude rehearsals for first tour 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 7 1972) →

‘A String of Pearls’ by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 7 1942)

1940s, Popular Music 1940s

(Saturday, February 7, 1942) — “A String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for two non-consecutive weeks (Feb. 7/21, 1942). Continue reading ‘A String of Pearls’ by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 7 1942) →

‘Centerfold’ by The J. Geils Band peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, February 6, 1982) — “Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for six consecutive weeks (February 6/13/20/27, March 6/13, 1982). Continue reading ‘Centerfold’ by The J. Geils Band peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982) →

‘Turn Your Love Around’ by George Benson peaks at #5 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, February 6, 1982) — “Turn Your Love Around” by George Benson peaked at #5 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Turn Your Love Around’ by George Benson peaks at #5 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982) →

‘Cool Night’ by Paul Davis peaks at #11 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, February 6, 1982) — “Cool Night” by Paul Davis peaked at #11 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Cool Night’ by Paul Davis peaks at #11 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982) →

Grant takes Fort Henry, Tennessee in first significant Union victory of American Civil War 160 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1862)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'American Civil War: Battle of Fort Henry - "Grant Invades Tennessee"'

(Thursday, February 6, 1862, shortly after 12:34-1:45 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Fort Henry, part of the American Civil War) — Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant gave the United States its first important victory of the American Civil War today by capturing Fort Henry in Donelson, Stewart County, Tennessee. Continue reading Grant takes Fort Henry, Tennessee in first significant Union victory of American Civil War 160 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1862) →

‘Waiting on a Friend’ by The Rolling Stones peaks at #13 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, February 6, 1982) — “Waiting on a Friend” by The Rolling Stones peaked at #13 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for three weeks. Continue reading ‘Waiting on a Friend’ by The Rolling Stones peaks at #13 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982) →

‘Sea of Love’ by Del Shannon peaks at #33 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s

(Saturday, February 6, 1982) — “Sea of Love” by Del Shannon peaked at #33 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Sea of Love’ by Del Shannon peaks at #33 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1982) →

Britain’s King George VI dies; daughter Elizabeth, 25, becomes reigning sovereign of British Commonwealth and empire 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1952)

1950s


Video: 'ROYAL: The death of King George VI (1952)'

(Wednesday, February 6, 1952, George VI was discovered by his valet at 7:30 a.m. GMT; during the death and state funeral of George VI) — Britain’s King George VI, 56, died in his sleep today at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England, , 60 miles north of London, ending a 15-year reign that brought England the glory and the dregs of victory in World War II. Continue reading Britain’s King George VI dies; daughter Elizabeth, 25, becomes reigning sovereign of British Commonwealth and empire 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 6 1952) →