French philosopher, writer and historian Voltaire is born. He is considered the greatest representative of European Enlightenment. Between 1711 and 1778 he wrote around 14 thousand poems. Among his poetical works is the renowned satirical poem The Maiden of Orleans, and among his dramas the tragedy Oedipus.
In 1620 at Cape Cod in the United States the Mayflower ship drops anchor. It had travelled from Great Britain to North America bringing the first European immigrants.
In 1783 the first hot-air balloon with a human crew takes to the air. The Brothers Montgolfier's balloon rose above Paris; the air was heated by burning wool and straw.
In 1877, Thomas Alva Edison announces the invention of the phonograph, as they called the predecessor of the gramophone. His phonograph originally recorded sound onto a tinfoil sheet phonograph cylinder, and could both record and reproduce sounds.
In 1926 writer Zofka Kvedrova dies. As a fighter for women's social rights she holds a unique place in Slovenian literature.
In 1945 American actress Goldie Hawn is born.
MUSIC HISTORY
1954 - Rosemary Clooney is at the top of the British singles chart with the song 'This Ole House.' In 1981 the song was rearranged by Shakin' Stevens and also reached the top of the charts.
1960 - Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs are at the top of the American singles chart with the song 'Stay'.
1981 - Olivia Newton John is No. 1 on the American singles chart with 'Physical'.
BORN ON THIS DAY
1965 - Bjork Gudmundsdottir, Icelandic singer (1995 'It's Oh So Quite').