April 20, 2021

500 years ago
1521

Died on this date
Zhengde, 29. Emperor of China, 1505-1521. Zhengde, born Zhu Houzhao, acceded to the throne upon the death of his father Hongzhi. He was known for his childish behaviour, sexual promiscuity, and preference for Muslims and eunuchs. Emperor Zhengde died after reportedly falling off a boat while drunk and contracting an illness from the waters of the Yellow River. He was succeeded as Emperor by his cousin Jiajing.

180 years ago
1841

Literature
Edgar Allan Poe’s novel Murders in the Rue Morgue was published.

160 years ago
1861

War
General Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia.

130 years ago
1891

Born on this date
Dave Bancroft. U.S. baseball player. Mr. Bancroft was a shortstop with the Philadelphia Phillies (1915-1920); New York Giants (1920-1923; 1930); Boston Braves (1924-1927); and Brooklyn Robins (1928-1929). In 1,913 regular season games, he batted .279 with 32 home runs and 591 runs batted in. Mr. Bancroft played with the New York Giants when they won the World Series in 1921-1922 and National League pennants in 1923-1924. He was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971 by a Veterans Committee that included two of his former teammates with the Giants. Mr. Bancroft died on October 9, 1972 at the age of 81.

100 years ago
1921

Weather
U.S. rainmaker Charles Mallory Hatfield arrived in Medicine Hat, Alberta; he was paid $8,000 for making eight inches of rain by the end of July.

90 years ago
1931

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Richard Gordon and Leigh Lovell, on NBC
Tonight’s episode: The Dancing Men

80 years ago
1941

War
Italy claimed that her 9th and 11th Armies had reached the Albanian-Greek border in almost every sector.

Defense
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, meeting in Washington, announced a defense production agreement under which the United States and Canada would mobilize their resources for hemispheric defense and aid to the Allies.

A Gallup Poll reported that 79% of American voters opposed sending part of the U.S. Army to Europe; 69% opposed sending any part of the Army Air Forces; and 67% were opposed to sending any warships.

Politics and government
King George II of Greece proclaimed himself Prime Minister of a new military dictatorship, two days after the suicide of Prime Minister Alexandros Koryzis.

German Fuehrer Adolf Hitler named Alfred Rosenberg commissioner for East European territories.

Protest
Casualties in Hindu-Muslim riots in Ahmadabad, India, which had begun on April 18, rose to 56 dead and 318 wounded after police fired on a crowd for the second time.

Economics and finance
Haitian President-elect Elie Lescot announced that Haiti planned to undertake extensive rubber plantings by agreement with the United States.

Business
A New England syndicate headed by Bob Quinn bought controlling interest (73%) in the Boston Bees of major league baseball's National League; the former team name of Braves was subsequently restored, as was the ballpark's name of Braves Field from National League Park.

Disasters
Forest fires aided by unseasonably dry weather swept thousands of acres and caused extensive damage in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

75 years ago
1946

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Oh! What it Seemed to Be--Frankie Carle and His Orchestra with Marjorie Hughes (Best Seller--6th week at #1; Airplay--5th week at #1; Juke Box--6th week at #1; Honor Roll of Hits--7th week at #1)

On the radio
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast the opera Deirdre of the Sorrows, with music by Healey Willan and libretto by John Coulter. It was the first full-length opera commissioned by the network.

Died on this date
Mae Busch, 54. Australian-born U.S. actress. Miss Busch appeared in about 130 movies, but was best known for playing Oliver Hardy's shrewish wife in 13 Laurel and Hardy films. She died of colon cancer.

Defense
U.S. Army General Curtis LeMay announced plans for an Army Air Forces air engineering centre for research on supersonic craft, missiles, spaceships, interplanetary bases, and atomic energy.

Journalism
Ilya Ehrenburg and two other Soviet writers visiting the United States said that they favoured greater interchange of correspondents between the U.S. and U.S.S.R., but warned U.S. newspapers to refrain from "malice or slander" against the Soviet state.

Religion
Pope Pius XII urged the Italian Catholic Action Youth to fight "anti-Christian forces" in politics as well as in private life.

Law
New York Governor Thomas Dewey signed a bill fixing the speed limit on state highways at 50 miles per hour.

Labour
U.S. President Harry Truman conferred with United Mine Workers of America President John L. Lewis and Labor Secretary Lewis Schwellenbach on the coal strike, but reported "no conclusive result."

70 years ago
1951

On the radio
Hear it Now, hosted by Edward R. Murrow, on CBS

Tonight's program included news about General Douglas MacArthur's return to America and the opening of the major league baseball season.

Died on this date
Ivanoe Bonomi, 77. Prime Minister of Italy, 1921-1922, 1944-1945. Mr. Bonomi was a member of the Italian Socialist Party when he was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1909, but was expelled from the party in 1912 for advocatiing reform. He then joined the Italian Reformist Socialist Party and served as Minister of Public Works (1916-1917) and Minister of War (1920-1921) before leading a coalition government for a year and then withdrawing from politics after the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini came to power. Mr. Bonomi joined an anti-Fascist movement in 1940 and served as Prime Minister as leader of the Labour Democratic Party during the country's transition back to democracy, introducing several social reforms. He joined the Italian Democratic Socialist Party in 1947, and was appointed to the Senate in 1948, serving as its President until his death.

War
Australia completed the trials of Japanese war criminals under its jurisdiction, announcing that 143 of 156 defendants given death sentences had been hanged.

Defense
New York City gave an official welcome and ticker-tape parade to General Douglas MacArthur and his family, who drew the largest crowd in the city's history, estimated at 7.5 million.



Protest
Iranian Communists and nationalists, holding anti-British demonstrations in Tehran, demanding acceleration of the government's oil nationalization program.

Law
The British Parliament modified the Witchcraft Act of 1735 to prevent spiritualists from being jailed as practitioners of sorcery.

Journalism
A court in Buenos Aires rejected a petition for the return of the newspaper La Prensa to its private owners.

60 years ago
1961

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade): Walk Right Back--The Everly Brothers (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (Record Retailer): Wooden Heart--Elvis Presley (5th week at #1)

On television tonight
The Untouchables, starring Robert Stack, on ABC
Tonight's episode: Mr. Moon

World events
The Bay of Pigs invasion of U.S.-backed Cuban exiles against the Cuban regime of Fidel Castro ended in failure after the U.S. Navy destroyers USS Eaton and USS Murray moved into the bay to retrieve surviving soldiers and fire from Cuban army tanks caused Commodore Crutchfield to order a withdrawal. U.S. President John F. Kennedy addressed the situation in a speech to the American Society of Newspaper Editors.



50 years ago
1971

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Kvällstoppen): Rose Garden--Lynn Anderson (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade): (I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden--Lynn Anderson (2nd week at #1)

Communications
Canada and the United States signed an agreement in Washington for a $45-million communications satellite, to be launched in 1974.

Law
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the legality of busing to enforce racial desegregation.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Quarter-Finals
New York 0 @ Chicago 3 (Best-of-seven series tied 1-1)
Minnesota 2 @ Montreal 7 (Montreal led best-of-seven series 1-0)

Tony Esposito stopped 32 shots at Chicago Stadium for his first career Stanley Cup shutout as the Black Hawks blanked the Rangers.

Jacques Lemaire scored 3 straight goals in the 2nd period against former teammate Gump Worsley as the Canadiens easily defeated the North Stars at the Montreal Forum.

40 years ago
1981

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Antmusic--Adam and the Ants (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Ruby no Yubiwa--Akira Terao (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Johnny & Mary--Robert Palmer (4th week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Shaddap You Face--Joe Dolce Music Theatre

Track and field
Allison Roe became the first New Zealand woman to win the Boston Marathon, finishing in 2 hours 26 minutes 46 seconds, breaking the course record by 8 minutes.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Quarter-Finals
St. Louis 1 @ New York Rangers 4 (New York led best-of-seven series 3-1)
Buffalo 5 @ Minnesota 4 (OT) Minnesota led best-of-seven series 3-1)
Philadelphia 4 @ Calgary 5 (Calgary led best-of-seven series 3-1)
New York Islanders 5 @ Edmonton 4 (New York led best-of-seven series 3-1)

Craig Ramsay scored at 16:32 of overtime as the Sabres averted elimination with their win over the North Stars at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington.

Randy Holt, who hadn’t scored a goal during the regular season, scored with 5:16 remaining in regulation time to provide the winning margin as the Flames edged the Flyers at the Stampede Corral.

Ken Morrow’s second career overtime goal at 5:41 of the 1st overtime period gave the Islanders their win over the Oilers at Northlands Coliseum.

30 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): Joyride--Roxette (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Se Stiamo Insieme--Riccardo Cocciante (7th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): The Grease Megamix--John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John (6th week at #1)

#1 single in Denmark (Nielsen Music Control & IFPI): Joyride--Roxette (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Joyride--Roxette (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Wind of Change--Scorpions (7th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): The One and Only--Chesney Hawkes (4th week at #1)

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Joyride--Roxette (2nd week at #1)
2 Losing My Religion--R.E.M.
3 Unfinished Sympathy--Massive
4 Let There Be Love--Simple Minds
5 One More Try--Timmy T
6 Should I Stay or Should I Go--The Clash
7 You--Ten Sharp
8 Highwire--Rolling Stones
9 Mega Mix--Snap!
10 The Grease Megamix--John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

Singles entering the chart were Going to the Run by Golden Earring (#33); Lie to Me by Chris Isaak (#35); Valentine by Nils Lofgren (#36); Wear Your Love Like Heaven by Definition of Sound (#37); I'm in the Mood (For Something Good) by B.B. Queen (#38); and Nuit by Fredericks Goldman Jones (#39).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 You're in Love--Wilson Phillips
2 Baby Baby--Amy Grant
3 I've Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat
4 Hold You Tight--Tara Kemp
5 Joyride--Roxette
6 Sadeness Part 1--Enigma
7 Rico Suave--Gerardo
8 I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)--Hi-Five
9 Cry for Help--Rick Astley
10 Here We Go--C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams and Zelma Davis

Singles entering the chart were Love is a Wonderful Thing by Michael Bolton (#36); Seal Our Fate by Gloria Estefan (#80); Come Again by Damn Yankees (#81); Uncle Tom's Cabin by Warrant (#93); and Dream Lover by the Rebel Pebbles (#94).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Baby Baby--Amy Grant
2 I’ve Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat
3 Hold You Tight--Tara Kemp
4 Joyride--Roxette
5 You’re in Love--Wilson Phillips
6 Coming Out of the Dark--Gloria Estefan
7 Sadeness (Part 1)--Enigma
8 One More Try--Timmy -T-
9 This House--Tracie Spencer
10 Rhythm of My Heart--Rod Stewart

Singles entering the chart were Love is a Wonderful Thing by Michael Bolton (#37); Seal Our Fate by Gloria Estefan (#75); Unbelievable by EMF (#77); I Wanna Sex You Up by Color Me Badd (#78); People are Still Having Sex by LaTour (#79); Dream Lover by the Rebel Pebbles (#83); Uncle Tom's Cabin by Warrant (#85); Love Will Survive by Donny Osmond (#87); Good Heart by Starship (#88); and Strike it Up by Black Box (#89).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 I’ve Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat
2 Joyride--Roxette
3 You’re in Love--Wilson Phillips
4 Coming Out of the Dark--Gloria Estefan
5 Rhythm of My Heart--Rod Stewart
6 Cry for Help--Rick Astley
7 Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You--Robert Palmer
8 Someday--Mariah Carey
9 One More Try--Timmy -T-
10 Baby Baby--Amy Grant

Singles entering the chart were More than Words by Extreme (#46); The Power by Alias (#70); More than Ever by Nelson (#72); (Could've Said) I Told You So by Kon-Kan (#74); I Don’t Wanna Cry by Mariah Carey (#75); Always on the Run by Lenny Kravitz (#86); Love at First Sight by Styx (#89); and Don’t Make Me Dream About You by Chris Isaak (#97).

Died on this date
Don Siegel, 78. U.S. movie director. Mr. Siegel directed films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and The Killers (1964), but was best known for directing movies starring Clint Eastwood, including Coogan's Bluff (1968) and Dirty Harry (1971).

Steve Marriott, 44. U.K. musician. Mr. Marriott was the lead singer and guitarist with the rock bands Small Faces (1965-1969) and Humble Pie (1969-1975, 1980-1981). He died at home in a fire, likely caused by a cigarette. Mr. Marriott was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Small Faces.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Division Finals
Minnesota 2 @ St. Louis 5 (Best-of-seven series tied 1-1)
Edmonton 4 @ Los Angeles 3 (2 OT) (Best-of-seven series tied 1-1)

25 years ago
1996

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (ARIA): How Bizarre--OMC (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (VRT): Con te partirò--Andrea Bocelli (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Wallonia (Ultratop 40): Soirée disco--Boris

#1 single in France (SNEP): Children--Robert Miles (5th week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): Captain Jack--Captain Jack (4th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): Return of the Mack--Mark Morrison

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 Because You Loved Me--Céline Dion (5th week at #1)
2 Always Be My Baby--Mariah Carey
3 Nobody Knows--The Tony Rich Project
4 Ironic--Alanis Morissette
5 Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)--R. Kelly featuring Ronald Isley
6 1,2,3,4 (Sumpin' New)--Coolio
7 Sittin' Up in My Room--Brandy
8 Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check/Everything Remains Raw--Busta Rhymes
9 You're the One--SWV
10 Count on Me--Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans

Singles entering the chart were You're the One; Chains by Tina Arena (#52); Reach by Gloria Estefan (#66); Slow Jams by Quincy Jones featuring Babyface & Tamia with Portrai (#72); and Love Don't Live Here Anymore by Madonna (#91).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Because You Loved Me--Céline Dion
2 Always Be My Baby--Mariah Carey
3 Ironic--Alanis Morissette
4 Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)--R. Kelly (featuring Ronald Isley and Ernie Isley)
5 Doin' It--LL Cool J
6 1,2,3,4 (Sumpin' New)--Coolio
7 Nobody Knows--The Tony Rich Project
8 Sittin' Up in My Room--Brandy
9 All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)--Joe
10 Til I Hear it from You/Follow You Down--Gin Blossoms

Singles entering the chart were Don't Wanna Lose You by Lionel Richie (#49); Reach by Gloria Estefan (#70); Counting Blue Cars by Dishwalla (#72); and Drop by Pharcyde (#89).

On television tonight
Soul of the Game, on HBO

This made-for-television movie, directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan, and starring Blair Underwood, Mykelti Williamson, Delroy Lindo, and Edward Herrmann, was a docu-drama about Negro League baseball stars Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson set in 1945, as rumours aboud that one of them is about to become the first Negro in the modern era to be signed to a major league contract.



Died on this date
Christopher Robin Milne, 75. U.K. bookseller. Mr. Milne was the son of A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie-the-Pooh children's books. He was the basis of the Christopher Robin character in the books.

Labour
A month-long public sector general strike in Bolivia to protest low wages ended.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Conference Quarter-Finals
Colorado 4 @ Vancouver 0 (Colorado led best-of-seven series 2-1)

20 years ago
2001

Economics and finance
The three-day 3rd Summit of the Americas began in Quebec City to discuss the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). For security, the city was divided by a high fence around much of the downtown core; the People's Summit also took place in protest.

Baseball
Carlos Delgado hit 3 home runs in a game for the second time this season and Raul Mondesi added a pair of home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays as they beat the Kansas City Royals 12-4 before 28,018 fans at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Messrs. Mondesi and Delgado hit consecutive homers in both the 1st and 7th innings.