May 23 in Pop Culture History

1701 – Scottish-born sea captain William Kidd was hanged on the banks of the Thames after being found guilty of piracy and murder.

1911 – The New York Public Library was dedicated.

1920 – Pope Benedict XV canonized Joan of Arc.

1922 – Abie’s Irish Rose (Broadway Play) Opened on May 23, 1922, and closed on October 1, 1927.

1934 – Bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde were killed in a stolen Ford Deluxe near Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

#1 Hit May 23, 1960 – June 26, 1960: The Everly Brothers – Cathy’s Clown

1960 (Tsunami) Caused by yesterday’s earthquake off the coast of Chile, a tsunami travelled across the Pacific Ocean and killed 61 people in Hilo, Hawaii.

1985 – A lunar transient phenomena (LTP) “Flash” was seen on/just above the moon. Probably a reflection of an artificial satellite or, less likely, a meteor hit. We’re not sure. Definitely not aliens.

1994 – Star Trek: The Next Generation aired its final episode, “All Good Things.” It aired at 6 pm rather than being part of the prime-time line-up

1995 – ABC’s Full House ended.

#1 Hit May 23, 1998 – June 5, 1998: Mariah Carey – My All

2005 – Tom Cruise famously jumped around on Oprah Winfrey’s couch, proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes

2007 – Jordin Sparks won America Idol season six

2012 – Phillip Phillips won American Idol season eleven

#1 Hit May 23, 2020 – May 29, 2020: Stuck with U – Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber