Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
1939 Adolf Hitler was named Time magazine’s 1938 Man of the Year in their January 2, 1939, issue. The title was not given as an honor, but to the person they felt most influenced world events – for better or worse.
1960 A 16-year-old Bobby Fischer won the U.S. chess championship. He would go on to become a World Champion and Grand Master in chess.
1974 The Presidential act to reduce the 70-mph speed limit to 55 mph is signed by U.S. President Richard Nixon. It was intended to save fuel in response to the 1973 oil crisis.
Music History:
1971 The George Harrison album ‘All Things Must Pass’ started a seven-week run at No.1 on the US album chart, making Harrison the first solo Beatle to score a US No.1 album. The album included hit singles ‘My Sweet Lord’ and ‘What Is Life.
Notable Birthdays today:
Actor Taye Diggs 55
Actress Kate Bosworth 43
Naturalist Jack Hanna 79
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
