1770: Marie Antoinette, aged 14, married the future King Louis XVI of France at the Palace of Versailles. This union was a diplomatic alliance between Austria and France but later became a focal point during the French Revolution.
1866: The U.S. Congress authorized the creation of the five-cent nickel, officially named the "nickel," which replaced the silver half-dime. This marked a shift in U.S. coinage toward more cost-effective materials.
1920: Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, nearly 500 years after her execution in 1431. Her canonization recognized her role as a French heroine and martyr.
1960: Theodore Maiman demonstrated the first working laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in California. This invention revolutionized technology, with applications in medicine, communications, and industry.
1966: The Chinese Communist Party, under Mao Zedong, issued the "May 16 Notification," launching the Cultural Revolution. This decade-long campaign aimed to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, leading to widespread upheaval.
1975: Junko Tabei of Japan became the first woman to summit Mount Everest, breaking barriers in mountaineering and inspiring future generations of climbers.
1988: The U.S. Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, released a report declaring nicotine as addictive as heroin or cocaine, intensifying public health campaigns against smoking.
1991: Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the strong alliance between the U.S. and the U.K.
2011: The Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its final mission (STS-134) to the International Space Station, marking one of the last flights of NASA’s Space Shuttle program.

On this day in music history:

1966: The Beach Boys released their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, produced primarily by Brian Wilson. Known for its innovative use of instrumentation (e.g., synthesizer, theremin, bike bells, soda cans) and ambitious production techniques, the album featured hits like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows.” It’s considered one of the greatest albums of all time and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004.
1956: Doris Day introduced her signature song, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” in the Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much. The song became a defining part of her career and a pop culture staple.
1968: Tony Joe White recorded “Polk Salad Annie,” a swamp rock classic that became one of his most famous tracks, showcasing his distinctive Southern style.
1985: Madonna performed at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio, during her Virgin Tour, a pivotal moment that solidified her status as a pop icon. The tour’s success helped define her early career and influence pop performance culture.
1988: Bruce Springsteen began a five-night stand at Madison Square Garden as part of his Tunnel of Love Express Tour. His 33-song set included a rare cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” highlighting his versatility and connection with audiences.
1990: Two notable deaths occurred in the music world:
- Sammy Davis Jr., a versatile entertainer and member of the Rat Pack, died of throat cancer at age 64. Known for his #1 hit “The Candy Man” and extensive work in music, film, and TV, he left a significant legacy in entertainment.
- Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, died at 53 from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. His work on The Muppet Show integrated music through its house band, The Electric Mayhem, and guest appearances by stars like Elton John and Loretta Lynn, influencing pop culture profoundly.
1998: The Dave Matthews Band’s album Before These Crowded Streets debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, ending the Titanic soundtrack’s 16-week run at the top. This marked the first of their seven consecutive #1 album debuts, reflecting their loyal fanbase.
2014: Coldplay released their sixth album, Ghost Stories, which took a more restrained, electronic direction compared to their earlier work. The album received positive reviews and marked a shift in their sound.
2016: Adele released “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” from her album 25. The single’s announcement and video release sparked discussions about her engagement with fans and media, reinforcing her cultural impact.
Notable Birthdays:
- 1966: Janet Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, became one of the biggest pop stars with albums like Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). She’s sold over 100 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
- 1919: Liberace, the flamboyant pianist known for his extravagant performances, was born.
- 1965: Krist Novoselic, bassist for Nirvana, was born, contributing to the grunge movement’s rise.

17GEN4.com

On this day in 2025 - 5/16/2025

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