Historical Events
1566 – Foundation stone laid for the new city of La Valletta in Malta by Knights Hospitaller Grand Master Jean de Valette
1860 – First Taranaki War: Battle of Waireka begins in New Zealand between Europeans and Māori
1981 – France performs nuclear test
1993 – 13th Golden Raspberry Awards: “Shining Through” wins
2022 – Actor Will Smith issues an apology on Instagram to Oscars host Chris Rock for slapping him live on stage during the ceremony
Famous Birthdays
1741 – Johann Andre, German composer, born in Offenbach, Landgraviate of Hesse-Darmstadt, Holy Roman Empire (d. 1799)
1902 – Jaromír Vejvoda, Czech composer (Beer Barrel Polka), born in Zbraslav, Czech Republic (d. 1988)
1922 – Joey Maxim, American boxer (World Light Heavyweight Champion 1950-52), born in Cleveland, Ohio (d. 2001)
1947 – Bruce Gilbert, English producer (China Syndrome, 9 to 5, On Golden Pond), born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England
1975 – Will Cain, American radio and TV journalist (The Will Cain Show ), born in Sherman, Texas
Famous Deaths
1566 – Siegmund Freiherr von Herberstein, Austrian diplomat, dies at 79
1949 – Grigoras Dinicu, Romanian violin virtuoso and composer, dies at 59
1962 – Hugo Wast, Argentine writer (b. 1883)
1979 – Emmett Kelly, American circus clown (Weary Willy), dies at 80
2001 – Vlastimir Nikolovski, Macedonian composer and pedagogue, (The Serdar), dies at 74