Events in Music History in November 1959

  • Nov 2 Musical "Girls against the Boys" opens at Alvin Theater NYC for 16 performances
  • Nov 13 The Academy of St Martin in the Fields' first professional concert takes place in London
  • Nov 14 "Girls against the Boys" closes at Alvin Theater NYC after 16 performances

The Sound of Music

Nov 16 "The Sound of Music" musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, opens at Lunt Fontanne Theater, NYC; runs for 1443 performances

Benny and Nixon Duet

Nov 21 Entertainer Jack Benny (violin) and US Vice-President Richard Nixon (piano) play their famed duet

Fiorello!

Nov 23 Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's musical "Fiorello!", about New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia, directed by George Abbott, and starring Tom Bosley, opens at Broadhurst Theater, NYC; runs for 796 performances, winning 3 Tony Awards

Once Upon A Mattress

Nov 25 Mary Rodgers & Marshall Barer's musical "Once Upon A Mattress", starring Carol Burnett and directed by George Abbott, opens at Alvin Theater, NYC, after starting off-Broadway at the Phoenix Theatre, later moves to St. James

  • Nov 29 2nd Grammy Awards: "Mack The Knife", Bobby Darin win