Historical Events
- American medical drama series "Ben Casey", starring Vince Edwards and Sam Jaffe, premieres on ABC-TV
- USSR performs 250 kilo-ton nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya, USSR
- WETA TV channel 26 in Washington, D.C. (PBS) begins broadcasting
- WHRO TV channel 15 in Hampton-Norfolk, Vitginia (PBS) begins broadcasting
Famous Birthdays
- Robbie Nevil, American pop singer-songwriter and producer ("A Place Like This"; "C'est La Vie"), born in Los Angeles, California
Famous Deaths
- Reggie Spooner, English cricket batsman (10 Tests; dual cricket/rugby union international), dies at 80
About October 2, 1961
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 61 years, 5 months and 24 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles and his Orchestra
#1 Song: Kon-Tiki - The Shadows