January 28 is forever etched in history with records that defied nature, performances that defined generations, and tragedies that reshaped our understanding of risk.
In this edition of Today in History, News Round The Clock (NRTC), remembers the breakthroughs and memories that are the thread weaving our collective story.
1887- Recording of the largest snowflake
On January 28th 1887, there was nothing common about the size of the snowflakes falling at the army base at Fort Keogh, Montana, United States. Ranch owner Matt Coleman spotted a giant snowflake at Fort Keogh, Montana. It measured 38 centimetres across and 20 centimetres thick. Reports described the snowflake as being the size of a dinner plate. It set the world record as the World Largest Snowflake.
1956- Elvis Presley’s first tv appearance
The one-time sensation, Elvis Presley, made his first TV appearance on “Stage Show”. The then 21-year-old was still relatively unknown, but his music was heard across radio. He and his bandmates travelled from Memphis to New York to be part of the show. Elvis’ unique sound had everybody talking. He won thousands of hearts with his performance and this solidified his status as the King of Rock n’ Roll.
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1985- The recording of “We Are the World”
On January 28th, 1985, music stars gathered to record the charity song “We Are the World”. The song was used to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the beloved song was able to raise over $60 million to provide food, medicine and aid for the disaster. More than 40 of the biggest music artists turned up for the project. Among them include Micheal Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, and Billy Joel.
1986- The Space Shuttle Challenger explodes
40 years ago today, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and broke apart beyond belief 73 seconds into its flight. This unfortunate incident reportedly killed all seven crew members aboard. This was the first fatal accident involving an American spacecraft while in flight. The cause of the disaster happened to be the failure of the primary and secondary O-ring seals in a joint in the right Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB).
2017- Serena Williams defeats big sister Venus for 7th Australian title
Former professional tennis player Serena Williams beat her older sister, Venus Williams, to win the Australian Open for a seventh time. This gave her a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Winning in straight sets 6-4 6-4, Serena took back the number one ranking from German player, Angelique Kerber. Although the sisters played with each other many times over their long careers, they maintained a sisterly love over sporting rivalry.
2018- Bruno Mars wins Best Song and Best album in 60th Grammy Awards
Pop star Bruno Mars owned the 60th Grammy Awards by winning best R&B song for “That’s What I Like” and Best Album of the year for “24K Magic”.
