Birthdays:
1722 Johann Ernst Bach
1775 Peter the Great of Russia
1912 Jackson Pollock
1936 Alan Alda

Historical Events:
1915 US President Wilson refuses to prohibit immigration of illiterates 
1956 Elvis Presley's first TV appearance
1986 25th Space Shuttle, Challenger 10, explodes

Sports:
1922 American Pro Football Association renamed "National Football League"
1958 Dodger catcher Roy Campanella is paralyzed in an automobile wreck
1969 Barbara Jo Rubin becomes first woman jockey to win

Religious Observances : Feast of St. Valerius, Feast of St. Charlemagne