Historical Events
Music History
Calypso singer Harry Belafonte records his signature tune "Day-O" (Banana Boat Song) in NYC
- Ira Levin's stage comedy "No Time for Sergeants", based on Mac Hymans's novel, starring Andy Griffith, and featuring Don Knotts, opens at Alvin Theatre, NYC; runs for 796 performances
Historic Publication
Publication of "The Return of the King", the 3rd and final volume of "The Lord of the Rings" by J. R. R. Tolkien by George Allen and Unwin in London
- Yanks begin 16-game exhibition in Japan
Famous Birthdays
- Aaron Pryor, American welterweight boxing champion, born in Cincinnati, Ohio (d. 2016)
- David Profumo, English novelist (Bringing the House Down), born in London, England
- Robert ten Brink, Dutch TV host (All You Need Is Love), born in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Sheldon Whitehouse, American politician (Senator-D-Rhode Island 2007-), born in New York City
- Thomas Newman, American film score composer (The Shawshank Redemption; Finding Nemo; Six Feet Under; WALL-E), born in Los Angeles, California
Famous Deaths
- Eino Roiha, Finnish pianist, composer, and musicologist dies at 51
About October 20, 1955
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 67 years, 7 months and 20 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: The Man From Laramie - Jimmy Young
