Today in History

On July 13, 1985, the “Live Aid” benefit rock concerts were held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia.

On this date

1923: A sign consisting of 50-foot-tall letters spelling out “HOLLYWOODLAND” was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a subdivision (the last four letters were removed in 1949).

1973: Former presidential aide Alexander P. Butterfield revealed to Senate Watergate Committee staff members the existence of President Richard Nixon’s secret White House taping system.

2013: A jury in Florida cleared neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman of all charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed furious debate over racial profiling, self-defense and equal justice.

2020: Washington’s NFL franchise dropped the “Redskins” name and logo amid pressure from sponsors; the move followed decades of criticism that the name and logo were offensive to Native Americans. (The team was eventually renamed the Commanders.)

Today’s Birthdays

Game show announcer Johnny Gilbert (TV: “Jeopardy!”) is 97. Author and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka is 91. Actor Patrick Stewart is 85. Actor Harrison Ford is 83. Singer-guitarist Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) is 83. Rubik’s Cube inventor Erno Rubik is 81. Actor-comedian Cheech Marin is 79. Actor Gil Birmingham is 72. Singer Louise Mandrell is 71. Former boxing champion Michael Spinks is 69. Actor-director Cameron Crowe is 68. Comedian Tom Kenny is 63.