Timeline March 1958

Events in March 1958 11

• 1873 – 1958 W. C. Handy (1873-1958) Died 28 March 1958, aged 84 Known as the "Father of the Blues," Handy was a composer and bandleader who helped popularize the blues through published works such as "St. Louis Blues." He was one of the first African American musicians to achieve widespread commercial success.
• 1891 – 1958 LEGO Foundation Ole Kirk Christiansen A Billund carpenter who founded the toy giant LEGO, derived from "Leg Godt" (Play Well).
• 1909 – 1958 Mike Todd (1909-1958) Died 22 March 1958, aged 48 The film producer won the Academy Award for Best Picture for "Around the World in 80 Days" and was married to actress Elizabeth Taylor. He died when his private plane crashed in New Mexico.
• 1958 Buddy Holly tours Britain Inspires British bands Seen by young musicians including future Beatles.
• 1958 George Harrison joins Quarrymen gain their lead guitarist George Harrison, aged 15, joined The Quarrymen in March 1958 as lead guitarist after persistent attempts to audition for Lennon. John initially thought George was too young, but was won over by his guitar playing.
• 1958 – 1962 Rebuilding After Munich Became a central figure in Matt Busby's rebuilding of Manchester United after the Munich disaster, shouldering enormous emotional and sporting responsibility while still in his early twenties.
• 1958 – 2014 Rik Mayall (1958-2014) Died 9 June 2014, aged 56 Rik Mayall, the English comedian and actor known for "The Young Ones" and "Bottom," died suddenly at his home in England. He was a central figure of the alternative comedy movement that reshaped British television in the 1980s. His anarchic performing style influenced a generation of comedians.
• 1958 Vanguard 1 launched Oldest satellite still in orbit The United States launched the Vanguard 1 satellite to study Earth's shape and upper atmosphere. It remains the oldest artificial satellite still in orbit.
• 1958 Elvis Presley inducted into the US Army At the height of his fame Elvis is drafted and serves as a regular soldier, mostly in West Germany.
• 1958 Khrushchev becomes Soviet Premier Consolidates power as head of government and party Nikita Khrushchev added the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers to his role as Communist Party First Secretary, consolidating his control over the Soviet Union. He held both posts until his ouster in 1964.
• 1958 Chuck Berry releases Johnny B. Goode The rock and roll guitar song The opening riff became the template for rock guitar.