What Happened on February 29, 1964

Historical Events

  • "Rugantino" closes at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC after 28 performances

World Record

Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser records the fastest 100m freestyle of her brilliant career; smashes her own world record 58.9s in Sydney; goes on to win her 3rd straight gold in the event at the Tokyo Olympics

Sports History

Cincinnati's Jerry Lucas and Oscar Robertson combine for a rare 40-40 performance as the Royals beat host Philadelphia 76ers, 117-114; NBA MVP Robertson has 43 points; Rookie of the Year Lucas, 40 rebounds

Event of Interest

LBJ reveals the US has secretly developed the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, an advanced, long‐range high-speed and high-altitude reconnaissance airplane [1]

  • NC high school basketball teams play to 56-54 score in 13 overtime
1964 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Guy Leech, Australian iron man (World Ironman C'ship 1986; World Ocean Paddling C'ship 1994; 7 x Uncle Toby's Super Series; 2 x Coolangatta Gold), born in Sydney, Australia
  • Henrik Sundström, Swedish tennis player (World #6 singles 1984), born in Lund, Sweden
  • Jahred [Jared Gomes], Afro-Brazilian-American rapper and singer (Hed PE; The Clue), born in California
  • James RB Ogilvy, son of English princess Alexandra
Born in 1964

Famous Deaths

  • Frank Albertson, American actor (Psycho, It's a Wonderful Life, Alice Adams), dies in his sleep at 55
  • Victor van Straelen, Flemish biologist and paleontologist, dies at 74
1964 Highlights

About February 29, 1964

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 60 years and 28 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Pisces

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
  • UK #1 Song: Anyone Who Had A Heart - Cilla Black