The Baby Boom Years: 1962 View larger

The Baby Boom Years: 1962

New product

The definitive collection of 1960s American music, news, fashion, fads and kitsch that continues to influence the world.

More details

More info

BORN

  • Paula Abdul
  • Jim Carrey
  • Tom Cruise
  • Jon Bon Jovi
  • Jerry Rice

MUSIC

  • The Beatles’ first recording, “Love Me Do”/”P.S. I Love You,” introduces the Beatles in England. The Beach Boys record “Surfin’ Safari”, the sun-and-surf set’s anthem.

FASHION

  • Clingy colorful clothes, and high waistlines are in.
  • Anything Kennedy is in! Jacqueline’s hats and JFK’s two-button suit became all the rage.

SPORTS

  • Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility.
  • Emile Griffith regained the World Welterweight Championship by knocking out Benny the “Kid” Paret in the 12th round. Paret died ten days later on April 3 as a result of severe head injuries sustained in the fight.

WORLD

  • Cuban Missile Crisis: Soviet missile bases are detected in Cuba. President Kennedy demands their removal, pushing the world to the brink of World War.
  • Pope John XXIII convenes the Second Vatican Council.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

  • Which UK newspaper became the first to print a color supplement?
  • Launched in 1962 it was the first satellite to provide worldwide communications links. The 34 inch orbiting sphere would inspire a number 1 hit by the Tornadoes later in the year.
  • Which candy was first introduced in 1962?

a. Starburst b. Lemonheads c. SweeTarts d. Snickers

  • Which of these everyday vitals was invented in 1962?

a. The Internet b. Handheld calcs c. Pull-tab soda cans d. The ATM

  • This 7’ 1” NBA center scored an incredible 100 points in a regulation length basketball game. When he retired he had a 30+ point average, had accrued a career total of 30,000 points and was also renown for the number of women with which he had scored.

R.I.P.

  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • William Faulkner
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • E. E. Cummings

Billboard Top 10 Pop Hits

  1. Green Onions - Booker T. & The MG’s
  2. Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler
  3. Soldier Boy - The Shirelles
  4. Sheila - Tommy Roe
  5. Peppermint Twist - Joey Dee & The Starliters
  6. The Loco-motion - Little Eva
  7. The Wanderer – Dion
  8. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka
  9. Johnny Angel - Shelley Fabares
  10. Palisades Park - Freddy Cannon