What Happened on April 4, 1939

Historical Events

  • Faisal II ascends to throne of Iraq

Famous Birthdays

  • Danny Thompson, British double bassist (Blues Incorporated; Pentangle; Richard Thompson; John Martyn), born in Teignmouth, England
  • Ernie Terrell, American boxer (WBA heavyweight champion 1965-67), born in Belzoni, Mississippi (d. 2014)
  • Hugh Masekela, South African trumpeter, described as the "father of South African jazz" ("Grazing in the Grass"; "Soweto Blues"; Sarafina!), and anti-apartheid activist, born in Witbank, South Africa (d. 2018)

JoAnne Carner (85 years old)

American golfer (US Women's Open 1971, 1976), born in Kirkland, Washington

  • Major Lance, American soul singer ("The Monkey Time"; "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um"), born in Winterville, Mississippi (d. 1994) [some sources give year as 1941 or 1942]

About April 4, 1939

Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 85 years and 21 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Aries