ED DANAHUE

On this day in 1994, Civil war erupted in Rwanda between the
Patriotic Front rebel group and government soldiers. Hundreds
of thousands were slaughtered in the months that followed.

Aftermath of the Genocide.

Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947)

The first long-distance TV transmission was sent from Washington,
DC, to New York City on this day in 1927. The audience saw an image
of Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover (below).

On this day in 1949, the musical "South Pacific" by Rodgers and Hammerstein debuted on Broadway.

Billie Holiday (Eleanora Fagan) (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959)

Holiday, was a jazz musician and singer-songwriter with a career
spanning nearly thirty years. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend
and music partner Lester Young, she had a huge influence on jazz
music and pop singing.

DAVID MELENDY

On this day in 1933, U.S. President Franklin D, Roosevelt gave
his inauguration speech in which he said "We have nothing to
fear, but fear itself."

The American Automobile Association ( the “AAA” or “Triple-A”) 
was founded on this day in 1902, in Chicago, Illinois, when in
response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for vehicles,
nine motor clubs with a total of 1,500 members banded together
to form the organization.

Richard Lee Petty will turn 81 July 2.

(Fox News) – Living racing legend Richard Petty (above) is auctioning off
a trove of trophies, memorabilia and even some of the cars from his 60-
year NASCAR career.

They include a 1974 Dodge Charger that he won 31 races with, including
the 1974 Daytona 500 (below).

The event is being organized by Julien’s Auctions and will take place at
the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on May 12.

ED DANAHUE

Saddam Hussein was executed on this day in 2006.

About 600 people died on this day in 1903 when fire broke out at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, IL.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed on this
day in 1922. Vladimir Lenin (above) proclaimed the establishment.

The United Auto Workers union staged its first sit-down strike, at the Fisher Body Plant in Flint, MI. on this day in 1936.

On this day in 1948, the musical "Kiss Me Kate" opened at the New Century Theatre in New York City. Cole Porter composed the music
for the classic play that ran for 1,077 performances.

Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison, and Julie Wilson.

Bo Diddley  (Ellas Otha Bates)  (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008)

Singer, guitarist, songwriter and music producer Bo Diddley  who played a
key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many
artists, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones with his 
use of African rhythms and a signature beat.