Arthur Schawlow & Charles Townes was granted the first patent for a laser.
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The Beatles released their very first album, 'Please Please Me.'
Karl Wallenda of The Flying Wallendas died after falling off a tightrope between two hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
NASA's Columbia Space Shuttle was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
The New York Horticultural Society was founded.
Aston Villa's director, William McGregor, formed the English Football League.