2nd February

Dorris Hankerson is born in Lakeland, Florida, USA. She will find success and acclaim as folk singer Doris Henderson, after moving to London, UK, in the 1960s. Henderson was much admired by Bob Dylan and John Renbourn, and also worked with UK folk-rock band Eclection,

The orchestras of Chick Webb and Willie Bryant take part in a Battle Of The Bands at The Savoy Ballroom, New York City, USA. The result is a draw.

Wit Thoma And His Princetonians play in The Cooper Club, Henderson, Texas, USA.

Leonarde Keeler tests the first Keeler Polygraph machine for the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Although earlier polygraphs existed, Keeler's improved device is legally regarded as the first modern lie detector. The invention, although regarded by some as pseudo-science, will capture the public imagination and will inspire the writing of several songs including Lie Detector [1996] by Sleeper, Lie Detector [1988] by The Reverend Horton Heat, Lie Detector [2000] by Mya.

The musical revue Thumbs Up! plays at The St. James Theatre, Broadway, New York City, USA, during a run of 156 performances.