1962

Bell Labs researcher James West co-invented the electret microphone with Gerhard Sessler, a device now found in 90 percent of all microphones worldwide — in phones, hearing aids, recording equipment, and more. West holds over 250 US and foreign patents and is one of the most consequential inventors in American history.

In the 1961-62 NBA season Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points per game — a record that has never been approached. He also averaged 25.7 rebounds. The season is considered the greatest individual season in NBA history.

Cincinnati Royals guard Oscar Robertson averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game across the full 1961-62 NBA season — the only player ever to average a triple-double for an entire season.

Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania — a record that has never been broken and remains the greatest individual performance in NBA history.

Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scored 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a record that has never been approached and remains the most extraordinary individual performance in NBA history. Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points per game that entire season.

One of Smokey Robinson's most emotionally complex compositions, the song reached #1 on the R&B chart and #8 pop, later covered by The Beatles on their debut UK album, demonstrating Motown's transatlantic influence.

Cooke's joyful dance record hit #9 on the pop chart and #1 on R&B, demonstrating his mastery of connecting Black musical joy to mainstream commercial success while he simultaneously planned more serious artistic work.

NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson verifies the orbital calculations for John Glenn's spaceflight — one of the "hidden figures" of the space race.