What Happened on May 8, 1959

Historical Events

  • 3-deck Nile River excursion steamer springs a leak panicking passengers who capsized ship; 200 drown just yards from shore

Little Caesars Pizza Founded

Little Caesars Pizza is founded by Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Ilitch in Garden City, Michigan

Famous Birthdays

  • Ronnie Lott, College and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back (10-time NFL Pro Bowl; Super Bowl 1981, 84, 88-89; SF 49ers), born in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Famous Weddings

Raquel Welch

Aspiring American actress Raquel Tejada (18) weds high school sweetheart James Welch; divorce in 1964 - she keeps his name (Raquel Welch)

Famous Deaths

  • Renato Caccioppoli, Italian mathematician and pianist, takes his own life at 55
Died in 1959 1959 Highlights

About May 8, 1959

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 64 years, 11 months and 15 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Taurus

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: The Happy Organ - Dave "Baby" Cortez
  • UK #1 Song: It Doesn't Matter Anymore - Buddy Holly