MORE EVENTS ON THIS DAY

2011: American physical fitness guru Jack LaLanne, who became the first host of a televised exercise program with the debut of The Jack LaLanne Show (1951–85), died at age 96. [Sort fact from fiction in our physical education quiz.]

2005: American comedian Johnny Carson—who, as host of The Tonight Show (1962–92), established the standard format for television talk shows and came to be considered the king of late-night TV—died at age 79. [Test your knowledge of pop culture.]

1986: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland inducted its first class, which included Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley. [How much do you know about rock 'n' roll?]

1977: The TV miniseries Roots, an adaptation of Alex Haley's best-selling novel , debuted; it became one of the most popular shows in the history of American television and galvanized attention on African American issues and history.

1964: The Twenty-fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the federal and state governments from imposing poll taxes before a citizen can participate in a federal election, was ratified. [Test your knowledge of amendments to the U.S. Constitution.]

1939: American disability rights activist Ed Roberts , who was considered the founder of the independent-living movement, was born in San Mateo, California.