What Happened on December 8, 1956

Historical Events

  • 1st test firing of Vanguard satellite program, TV-0
  • Guy Mitchell's "Singing the Blues" single goes #1 for 10 weeks
  • XVI Summer Olympic Games close in Melbourne, Australia; start of an Olympic tradition - amidst international tensions, athletes mingle together, parade into and around MCG arena for final appearance to close the Games

Famous Birthdays

  • Pierre Pincemaille, French organist, composer, and pedagogue, born in Paris (d. 2018)
  • Warren Cuccurullo, American rock guitarist (Frank Zappa, 1977-80; Missing Persons, 1980-86; Duran Duran, 1986-2001), born in Brooklyn, NYC

Famous Deaths

  • Edgar Bainton, British-Australian composer, dies at 76
Died in 1956 1956 Highlights

About December 8, 1956

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 67 years, 4 months and 16 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Music Charts

  • UK #1 Song: Just Walkin' In The Rain - Johnnie Ray