The Palais Royale Saloon rolls out a device that will be an overnight success and will eventually drum player pianos out of drinking establishments: the jukebox. This initial version, a nickel-and-slot player, is a phonograph with stethoscope-like tubes.

In a makeshift studio, Robert Johnson lays down tracks that will influence music for generations. These and later recordings will be considered so powerful that a legend arises purporting that Johnson sold his soul to the devil to achieve success. The blues legend will nevertheless die in poverty at just 27.

Nearly 3,000 people are killed and many more are injured after a massive earthquake strikes southern Italy. Many of the victims are at evening mass when the 6.89-magnitude quake hits. Towns in the province of Avellino suffer the greatest damage and causalities.