What Happened on May 24, 1963

Historical Events

  • 1st Lockheed A-12 to crash, CIA pilot Ken Collins ejects safely

Meeting of Interest

Barbra Streisand performs "Happy Days Are Here Again" at White House Press Correspondents Dinner, and meets US President John F. Kennedy

Famous Birthdays

  • Gene Anthony Ray, American dancer and actor (Fame - "Leroy"), born in Harlem, New York (d. 2003)
  • Ivan Capelli, Italian racing driver, born in Milan, Italy
  • Joe Dumars, American Basketball Hall of Fame guard (Detroit Pistons; 6-time NBA All-Star), born in Shreveport, Louisiana
  • Kathy Leander, Swiss singer, born in Alle, Switzerland
  • Ken Flach, American professional tennis player (4 Grand Slam titles, 2 mixed doubles), born in St. Louis, Missouri (d. 2018)
  • Michael Chabon, American novelist (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay), born in Washington, D.C.
  • Rich Rodriguez, American football coach, born in Grant Town, West Virginia
  • Vivian Trimble, American alt-rock keyboardist (Luscious Jackson; Dusty Trails), born in New York City (d. 2023)
Born in 1963

Famous Deaths

  • Elmore James, American blues slide guitarist, dies of a heart attack at 45
1963 Highlights

About May 24, 1963

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 60 years, 10 months and 4 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Gemini

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: If You Wanna Be Happy - Jimmy Soul
  • UK #1 Song: From Me To You - The Beatles