MAY 8 | Birthdays and Events

Notable Birthdays for May 8

Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) - The first Black woman to publish a book and the second Black person to publish poetry in the U.S.

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) - The 33rd President of the U.S.

Ernest Loring "Red" Nichols (1905-1965) - Cornet player considered one of the most influential jazz musicians in the 1920s and 1930s.

John Graham (1908-1991) - Architect who created the Space Needle in Seattle, WA.

Bob Clampett (1913-1984) - Animator remembered for his work creating the Looney Tunes cartoon characters.

Leon Festinger (1919-1989) - Psychologist who developed the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance.

Don Rickles (1926-2017) - Stand-up comedian.

Jerry Moss (1935-2023) - Music promoter who co-founded A&M Records.

John C. Bogle (1929-2019) - Founder of the investment company The Vanguard Group.

Peter Benchley (1940-2006) - Author who wrote Jaws, which was later turned into a film.

Ricky Nelson (1940-1985) - Child actor (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) who turned into a successful pop star (Hello Mary Lou).

Melissa Gilbert (1964-Still Living) - Actress always remembered for her role as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie.

Memorable Events for May 8

1541 - The Mississippi River is discovered by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his expedition.

1792 - The U.S. establishes the military draft.

1877 - The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is held in NY City.

1879 - George Selden files for first patent for a gasoline-driven automobile.

1886 - Coca-Cola is sold for the first time at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta.

1912 - Paramount Pictures is founded.

1958 - President Eisenhower orders the National Guard out of Central High School, Little Rock, AK.

1976 - The first steel coaster with a vertical flip, opens at the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park.