Historical Events
- "Car 54, Where are You?" premieres on US TV
Sports History
Fran Tarkenton plays his first NFL Game against the Chicago Bears, coming off the bench to lead the Vikings to a 37-13 victory, also becoming the only QB to throw four touchdown passes in his first career game
- Minnesota Vikings' 1st NFL game (beat Chicago Bears 37-13)
Event of Interest
Samuel Beckett's "Happy Days," premieres in NYC
- USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
Famous Birthdays
- Pamela Ann Melroy, American Major USAF and astronaut (STS 92), born in Palo Alto, California
- Steve Clifford, American basketball head coach (Orlando Magic 2018-19; Charlotte Hornets 2013-18), born in Island Falls, Maine
- Ty Tabor, American progressive metal guitarist and singer (King's X), born in Pearl, Mississippi
Famous Deaths
- Adnan Menderes, Turkish politician, Prime Minister of Turkey (1950-60), executed by the junta at 62
Died in 1961 1961 Highlights
About September 17, 1961
Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 62 years, 7 months and 10 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Virgo
Music Charts
#1 Song: Take Good Care Of My Baby - Bobby Vee
#1 Song: Reach For The Stars/Climb Ev'ry Mountain - Shirley Bassey
