21st May

When Bill Haley And The Comets play at The Civic Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, English support act The Freddy Randall Band is the target of pickets from the White Citizens Council of Birmingham, Alabama. The pickets parade outside the hall bearing signs which read, 'Down with bebop. Christians will not attend this show. Ask your preacher about jungle music.' (Despite being white, Randall's band is playing jazz and he is known for his associations with many black artists.

Kevin Valentine is born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He will find acclaim as drummer for bands including Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, Cinderella and Godz.