Historical Events
1st Billboard Singles Chart
Billboard publishes its 1st singles record chart - "I'll Never Smile Again" by Tommy Dorsey, with vocal by Frank Sinatra is #1
- Germany occupiers forbid Dutch Communist Party (CPN) in Netherlands
Walk With Music
Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer's musical "Walk With Music", closes at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, NYC, after 50 performances
- Nazi collaborator Rost of Tonningen appointed director of Marxist
Famous Birthdays
- Tony Allen, Nigerian drummer who pioneered Afrobeat sound, born in Lagos, Nigeria (d. 2020)
- Tony Oliva, Cuban Baseball HOF right fielder (World Series 1987, 91 Minnesota Twins; 8 x MLB All Star; AL Rookie of Year 1964), born in Pinar del Río, Cuba
Famous Deaths
- Y G Van de Peat, Dutch director of employment, commits suicide
Died in 1940 1940 Highlights
About July 20, 1940
Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 83 years, 11 months and 23 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Cancer
