On This Day - August 11
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in America and beyond that happened on this day, starting with...
Image credit: The GrayVine
1924: A First in Presidential Media
The first-ever newsreel featuring US presidential candidates—Calvin Coolidge, John W. Davis, and Robert La Follette—was captured on film, marking a new era in political visibility.
1929: Babe Ruth Made Baseball History
New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth smashed his 500th career home run against the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first player ever to hit the milestone.
1942: Hedy Lamarr’s Tech Breakthrough
Actress Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil patented a radio signal device to prevent jamming—a innovation that later paved the way for modern satellite and cell phone tech.
1956: Art Lost a Rebel
Jackson Pollock, the Abstract Expressionist pioneer famous for his revolutionary "drip" paintings, died in a car accident at the height of his fame.
1964: Beatlemania Hit the Big Screen
The Beatles’ debut film, A Hard Day’s Night, premiered in New York City during the frenzy of their global fame; today, it’s celebrated as a cult classic.
1973: Hip-Hop’s Big Bang
At a Bronx block party, DJ Kool Herc (Clive Campbell) debuted his turntable technique—looping breakbeats on two records—an moment now hailed as the birth of hip-hop.
1984: Carl Lewis Joined Olympic Royalty
Track star Carl Lewis dominated the Los Angeles Olympics, winning four gold medals—a feat only previously achieved by Americans Alvin Kraenzlein (1900) and Jesse Owens (1936).
2014: Farewell to a Comedy Legend
Robin Williams, the wildly inventive comedian and Oscar-winning actor known for his electric energy and iconic roles, tragically died by suicide.
Do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
