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December 9, 1961

December 9, 1961, was a Saturday. It was the 343rd day of 1961. The decade was the swinging sixties.

62 years, 3 months, and 20 days have passed since December 9, 1961.

The zodiac star sign for this date is Sagittarius.

On This Day

What happened?

What happened on December 9, 1961?

  • Domino's Pizza is founded in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Song charts

Music charts

These songs were on top of the music charts in the United States and the United Kingdom on December 9, 1961:

  • United States: "Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean
  • United Kingdom: "Tower Of Strength" by Frankie Vaughan

The Billboard Hot 100 on December 9, 1961

These were the top five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart:

  • Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
  • Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
  • Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren
  • The Twist - Chubby Checker
  • Walk On By - Leroy Van Dyke
Play the top singles from 1961
A Spotify playlist of songs from the year 1961. Take a trip back to the days of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, The Shirelles, Chubby Checker, Ray Charles and Helen Shapiro.
King of Kings

Top movie at the box office

The movie "King of Kings" was at the top of the box office on December 9, 1961.

Facts

This date occurred 22,756 days ago. Approximately 759 months have passed. It was the 343rd day of 1961, in week 49. The decade was the swinging sixties. There were only 22 days left in the year. People who were born on December 9, 1961, are now 62 years old and belong to the Baby Boomer generation. The Earth has experienced 253 seasons of weather since then.

Take me back to December 9, 1961

Let's take a stroll down memory lane.

The date is December 9, 1961, and it's a Saturday. Anyone born today will have the star sign Sagittarius. People are currently enjoying their weekend.

The Christmas season of 1961 has begun. In America, the song "Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean is at the top of the singles charts, while "Tower Of Strength" by Frankie Vaughan is the number-one song in the UK. John Fitzgerald Kennedy is the President of the United States, and the movie King of Kings is at the top of the box office.

Harold Macmillan is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. On television, people are watching popular shows such as "Gunsmoke", "Tonight Starring Jack Paar", "Maverick", and "Bonanza". Tailfins on cars are extremely popular at the moment. The design looks futuristic, almost like a rocket or the twin rudders on the back of an airplane.

In fashion, many of the trends from the late 1950s are still popular. Women are wearing tailored skirts, short boxy jackets and shift dresses. Trousers are also becoming popular amongst women. Meanwhile, men are wearing polo shirts, argyle socks, sweater vests, loafers and harrington jackets. Because it's 1961, radio stations are playing hit songs from artists such as Bert Kaempfert, Chubby Checker, Elvis Presley, Del Shannon, Bobby Lewis and Jimmy Dean. If you were to travel back to this day, notable figures such as Ernie Kovacs and Marilyn Monroe would be still alive.

Kids and teenagers are watching TV shows such as "The Rifleman", "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis", "Dennis the Menace", and "Top Cat". Children are playing with toys such as Fisher Price Little People, Crater Critters, Matchbox toy cars, and Ken (doll).

News

News, nostalgia, and fads

These are news stories, trending topics, and fads that were popular on December 9, 1961.

  • Christmas 1961 has begun.

    Christmas 1961 has begun

    The Christmas holiday season of 1961 had just begun. Retailers were starting to play festive music, and decorations were beginning to spring up.
  • The USA is escalating its involvement in the Vietnam War.

    The USA is escalating its involvement in the Vietnam War

    The United States was slowly escalating its involvement in the Vietnam War. In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy ordered helicopters and 400 Green Berets into South Vietnam. Covert operations against the communist forces in the north were also authorized. By 1963, the number of US military personnel in the country had grown to 10,000.
  • Who were the best NBA players in 1961?

    Who were the best NBA players in 1961?

    In 1961, the best NBA players were Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson.
  • Who were the best football players?

    Who were the best football players?

    In 1961, the best soccer players were Pelé, Omar Sívori, Luis Suárez, Johnny Haynes, Lev Yashin, Ferenc Puskás, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Uwe Seeler and John Charles.
  • West Side Story.

    West Side Story

    The film "West Side Story" won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1961.
  • Henry Mancini - "Moon River"

    Henry Mancini - "Moon River"

    The song "Moon River" by Henry Mancini won a Grammy for 1961's Song of the Year.
  • 1961 in music.

    1961 in music

    The Billboard Charts in 1961 were dominated by the likes of Elvis Presley, Bobby Lewis, Jimmy Dean, Ricky Nelson, The Marcels, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee, Ray Charles and Bert Kaempfert.
  • 1961 in movies.

    1961 in movies

    Movies released in 1961 included West Side Story, The Guns of Navarone, El Cid, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Parent Trap, La Dolce Vita, Lover Come Back, King of Kings, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Splendor in the Grass, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Hustler.
  • John F. Kennedy.

    John F. Kennedy

    US President John F. Kennedy was named Time Person of the Year in 1961.
  • Rotary phones.

    Rotary phones

    Rotary phones were still the most common type of landline phone. Although push-button telephones did begin to appear at the end of 1963, they were relatively uncommon.
  • Tailfins on cars.

    Tailfins on cars

    Tailfins on cars were a popular style around this time. The design looked futuristic, almost like the twin rudders on the back of an airplane.
  • Greasers.

    Greasers

    A youth subculture called "greasers" emerged during the 1950s and early 1960s. The style included greased-back hairstyles, work pants, and denim or leather jackets.
  • The Jukebox.

    The Jukebox

    The jukebox was at the height of its popularity. Teenagers and young adults would often hang out at local restaurants and diners and listen to the latest songs.

Personality traits

Check out our personality summary for people who were born on December 9, 1961.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

View Personality Summary

Events

What happened around this time?

News stories, pop culture trends, and other events that happened around December 9, 1961.

  • November 17, 1961: The song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is released by doo-wop group the Tokens.
  • November 22, 1961: The film "Blue Hawaii", starring Elvis Presley and Joan Blackman, is released in movie theaters.
  • December 2, 1961: Fidel Castro announces that Cuba will be adopting Communism.
  • December 4, 1961: Boxing: Floyd Patterson retains the heavyweight championship after he knocks out Tom McNeeley in the 4th round.
  • December 6, 1961: The historical film "El Cid" is released.
  • This date: December 9, 1961
  • December 14, 1961: 20 children are killed after a school bus collides with a train in Greeley, Colorado.
  • December 15, 1961:
    • Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann is sentenced to death.
    • US President John F. Kennedy leaves for a tour of South America "despite reports of anti-US feelings".
  • December 16, 1961:
    • US President John F. Kennedy visits Venezuela despite threats of violence from left-wing groups.
    • UN troops capture the main Katangan base in Elisabethville in the Congo.
  • December 17, 1961: 503 people are killed after a fire breaks out in a crowded circus tent in Niterói, Brazil.
  • December 20, 1961: The romantic comedy film "Lover Come Back" is released.
  • December 31, 1961: NFL: The Green Bay Packers defeat the New York Giants by 37-0 to win the 1961 NFL Championship Game.
  • January 1, 1962: The United States Navy SEALs are founded.
  • January 3, 1962: Cuban prime minister Fidel Castro is excommunicated by the Catholic Church for preaching Communism.
  • January 8, 1962: 93 people die after two trains collide at a railway junction in Harmelen in the Netherlands.
Zodiac info

Zodiac

Zodiac, birthstone, and birth flower information.

Personality summary image

  • Zodiac Sign (Astrology): Anyone born on December 9, 1961, will have the star sign Sagittarius.
  • Zodiac Element: Fire.
  • Chinese Zodiac Animal: In the Chinese Zodiac, 1961 was the year of the Ox (Yin Wood).
  • The Life Path Number for this date is 2.
  • Native American Zodiac: December 9, 1961 falls under the Owl.
  • Birthstone: A person during the month of December will have the birthstones Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise.
  • Birth flower (December): The Narcissus and the Holly.

1960s fashion

Photographs of 1960s fashion and hairstyles.

1960s fashion

Television shows

Television shows in December 1961

The following TV shows were popular in December 1961:

TV shows from December 1961.

Hazel
Hazel
Route 66
Route 66
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Danger Man
Danger Man
The Untouchables
The Untouchables
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Bonanza
Bonanza
Rawhide
Rawhide
77 Sunset Strip
77 Sunset Strip
Maverick
Maverick
Perry Mason
Perry Mason
Wagon Train
Wagon Train
Have Gun - Will Travel
Have Gun - Will Travel
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
The Danny Thomas Show
The Danny Thomas Show
The Jack Benny Program
The Jack Benny Program
What's My Line?
What's My Line?
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show

Cars in 1961

1961 saw the introduction of cars such as the BMW New Class, the Dodge Lancer, the Toyota Publica, the Ford Thunderbird (third generation), the MG Midget, and the Volvo P1800.

Cars in 1961.

Children TV shows

Cartoons and children's TV shows in December 1961

Children and teenagers were watching the following cartoons and TV series:

Top Cat
Top Cat
Davey and Goliath
Davey and Goliath
The Yogi Bear Show
The Yogi Bear Show

The Dick Tracy Show
The Dick Tracy Show
King Leonardo and His Short Subjects
King Leonardo and His Short Subjects
The Bugs Bunny Show
The Bugs Bunny Show
The Flintstones
The Flintstones
My Three Sons
My Three Sons
Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse
Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends
Dennis the Menace
Dennis the Menace
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy
Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy
Noggin the Nog
Noggin the Nog
Bozo: The World's Most Famous Clown
Bozo: The World's Most Famous Clown
The Rifleman
The Rifleman
The Adventures of Spunky and Tadpole
The Adventures of Spunky and Tadpole
Leave It to Beaver
Leave It to Beaver
Captain Pugwash
Captain Pugwash
Heckle and Jeckle
Heckle and Jeckle
The Gumby Show
The Gumby Show
Mighty Mouse Playhouse
Mighty Mouse Playhouse
Captain Kangaroo
Captain Kangaroo
Lassie
Lassie
Tom and Jerry
Tom and Jerry
Looney Tunes
Looney Tunes
Toys

Toys in 1961

Children were playing with the following toys and games:

Ken (doll)
Ken (doll)
Etch A Sketch
Etch A Sketch
Astrobase
Astrobase
Troll doll
Troll doll
Tonka trucks
Tonka trucks
Matchbox toy cars
Matchbox toy cars
Barbie
Barbie
Playpal dolls
Playpal dolls
Crater Critters
Crater Critters
Fisher Price Little People
Fisher Price Little People
The Hula Hoop
The Hula Hoop
Metal House robots
Metal House robots
The Frisbee
The Frisbee
Wooly Willy
Wooly Willy
BAS-KET Miniature Basketball
BAS-KET Miniature Basketball

Were you born on December 9, 1961?

If you were born on this date, then it is unlikely that you will remember anything from the year 1961.

This is because humans find it difficult to retrieve memories of their early childhood.

If you are looking for some childhood nostalgia, then you should check out December 9, 1967, instead.

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrities, historical figures, and other notable people who were born on December 9.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench

Actress
Born on December 9, 1934
She turned 27 on this day in 1961.

John Malkovich

John Malkovich

Actor
Born on December 9, 1953
He turned 8 on this day in 1961.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman

Actress
Born on December 9, 1962
She was born exactly one year after this date.

Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle

Wrestler
Born on December 9, 1968
He was born exactly 7 years after this date.

Tré Cool

Tré Cool

Green Day
Born on December 9, 1972
He was born exactly 11 years after this date.

Camoflauge

Camoflauge

Rapper Deceased
Born on December 9, 1981
He was born exactly 20 years after this date.

PnB Rock

PnB Rock

Rapper Deceased
Born on December 9, 1991
He was born exactly 30 years after this date.

USA

US President

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the President of the United States on December 9, 1961.

UK

UK Prime Minister

Harold Macmillan was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Ireland

Irish Taoiseach

Seán Lemass was the Taoiseach of Ireland.

Conception

Conception dates

Conception estimates for this date.

  • A baby that was born on December 9, 1961 was most likely conceived around March 18, 1961.
  • The due date for a baby that was conceived on December 9, 1961 is close to September 1, 1962.

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Stats for December 9, 1961

Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics about December 9, 1961:

  • 22,756 days have passed since this date.
  • 3,250 weeks have passed.
  • 1,966,118,400 seconds have passed since December 9, 1961.
  • If you were born on this day, your heart has beat approximately 2,293,804,800 times.
  • Since then, the Earth has traveled approximately 1,014,517,094,400 miles through space.
  • If you were born on this day, your eyes have blinked approximately 327,686,400 times.
  • You have taken approximately 169,086,182 steps. That's roughly 75,149 miles!
  • Since this date, 23,593,421 meteors have entered the Earth's atmosphere!
  • How many years ago was 1961?

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