-
JFK Announces Candidacy for U.S. Presidency
On January 2, 1960, future president of the United States, John F. Kennedy announces his run for president in Washington, D.C. -
The 35th President of the United States
On November 8, 1960, John F. Kennedy succeeds Dwight Eisenhower to become the 35th President of the United States of America. Kennedy began serving as president in January 1961 until his assassination on November 22, 1963. -
The Cavern Club
The British pop/rock&roll band, The Beatles, performed for the first time at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England on February 21, 1961. The club was experimenting with having rock & roll performers, but only during lunch time. -
The Peace Corps is Launched
President JFK launches the Peace Corps, a program for the Cold War. This program took American volunteers and sent them to underdeveloped countries to assist in any possible way. -
The Freedom Riders
The Freedom Riders, a civil rights activist group, had the bus they were travelling in set on fireo by Ku Klux Klan members in Anniston, Alabama on Mother's Day of 1961. While there are a few versions of what happened, while the bus was burning, the KKK members held the doors shut, intending to kill the burning passengers inside. When the Freedom Riders escaped the burning bus, the KKK mob started to beat them. The Freedom Riders were hostpitalized. -
Bob Dylan Releases First Album
In March of 1962, musician Bob Dylan released his self-titled album. -
"If I Had a Hammer"
American folk-trio, Peter, Paul and Mary release their first hit, their version of The Weavers' "If I Had a Hammer" written by Pete Seeger. -
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
On May 27, 1963, Bob Dylan releases his second studio album, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. -
March on Washington
Protestimg for freedom and jobs among African-Americans, over 200,000 people participated in the March on Washington. This protest took place on August 28, 1963, led by civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -
Assassination of JFK
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assinated by Lee Harvey Oswald during a parade in Dallas, Texas. On November 24 of the same year, Oswald, while being transfered to the country jail, was shot by nightclub operator, Jack Ruby. Oswald died later that day from gun shot wounds in the stomach and chest. Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson became President after Kennedy's assasination. -
The Times
Bob Dylan released his third studio album, The Times They Are a-changin;, on January 13, 1964. -
The British Invasion
On February 7, 1964, British pop band, The Beatles, arrive for the first time in America. This event became known as the British Invasion due to their influence and popularity in America. -
"Triumphant Music"
The Berlin Jazz Festival of 1964 is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his highly unknown speech about the important of jazz music in society and culture. King referred to jazz music and music alike as "triumphant music". -
US Troops in Vietnam
The first US troops touched base in Vietnam during the Vietnam War on March 8, 1965. -
Rubber Soul
The Beatles sixth studio album, Rubber Soul, is released. The album was recorded in just four weeks in order to make it to stores before Christmas. In the United States, the album went to #1 on the charts and stayed there for six weeks. -
"We're More Popular Than Jesus Now."
On March 4, 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in an interview with journalist, Maureen Cleave, saying "We're more popular than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first, rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.” -
NYC Protests
March 25, 1966 began a two day long anti-war march in New York City for over 25,000 protestors. -
RESPECT
American R&B artist, Aretha Franklin, released her version of the song "RESPECT" in April of 1967. Originally written by Stax and recorded by Otis Redding, Aretha's version had changed several lines and added lyrics. Franklin's version became a worldwide hit. -
Mr.&Mrs. Presley
On May 1, 1967, singer Elvis Presley married actress Priscilla Beaulieu. Together they had one daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968. The couple divorced in 1973, neither of them ever remarried. -
March to the Pentagon
On October 21, 1967, over 10,000 protestors patricipated in a Vietnam War march to the Pentagon. By the end of the protest in the early hours of October 23, 683 people were arrested. -
The White Album
The ninth studio album from The Beatles was released on November 22, 1968. While recording the album, lead drummer, Ringo Starr, quit the band. This resulted in Paul McCartney, vocalist, take over for Starr and play the drums for two tracks. -
Woodstock 1969
Over 500,000 people gather in Bethel, New York for four days of rain, sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Performers include Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the Family Stone and more.
