1970 Sunday 1st February
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- Ringo Starr and his wife, Maureen Starkey (Cox) fly from Los Angeles, California, USA to John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Jamaica, New York, NY 11430
By early 1970, The Beatles were on the cusp of their official breakup, which would be announced later that year in April. The band had not recorded together as a full group since the sessions for Abbey Road in 1969, with their last joint studio work occurring on January 4, 1970, for the song “I Me Mine” (without John Lennon). The year 1970 marked a period of individual pursuits for the members, as tensions within the group had escalated, leading to solo projects and separate activities.
On February 1, 1970, Ringo Starr and his wife, Maureen Starkey (née Cox), flew from Los Angeles, California, to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Jamaica, Queens, New York. This travel likely marked Ringo’s return to the East Coast or possibly a stopover en route to England, following time spent in the US, potentially related to film promotions or personal matters. Ringo had recently completed work on his debut solo album, Sentimental Journey, which would be released in March 1970, and he may have been handling related business in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the other Beatles were engaged in their own endeavors around this time. John Lennon had just returned to England at the end of January after a brief stay abroad and had recorded his single “Instant Karma!” on January 27, 1970, which was set for release on February 6. Paul McCartney was actively working on his self-titled solo debut album, McCartney, recording at home and in studios throughout late 1969 and into February 1970. George Harrison was involved in production work and spiritual pursuits, contributing to various projects outside the band. There are no documented group activities for The Beatles on this specific date, reflecting the band’s fragmented state. However, a photograph taken by Linda McCartney in February 1970 shows the Beatles (likely Paul, George, and Ringo) at Wildman on the South Coast of England, indicating some informal gatherings may have occurred during the month.
Overall, February 1, 1970, exemplifies the transitional phase for The Beatles, with members focusing on solo careers amid the impending dissolution of the group. The Let It Be album, their final release, was still in post-production, with overdubs continuing sporadically until April 1970.
Top 10 Songs in the UK Charts on February 1, 1970
| Position | Song | Artist/Group |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) | Edison Lighthouse |
| 2 | Leavin’ On A Jet Plane | Peter, Paul & Mary |
| 3 | Two Little Boys | Rolf Harris |
| 4 | Come And Get It | Badfinger |
| 5 | Hitchin’ A Ride | Vanity Fare |
| 6 | Venus | Shocking Blue |
| 7 | When Julie Comes Around | Cuff Links |
| 8 | Reflections Of My Life | Marmalade |
| 9 | Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town | Kenny Rogers & The First Edition |
| 10 | The Witch’s Promise / Teacher | Jethro Tull |
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Top 10 Songs in the USA Charts (Billboard Hot 100) on February 1, 1970
| Position | Song | Artist/Group |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Want You Back | The Jackson 5 |
| 2 | Venus | Shocking Blue |
| 3 | Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head | B.J. Thomas |
| 4 | Whole Lotta Love | Led Zeppelin |
| 5 | Someday We’ll Be Together | Diana Ross & The Supremes |
| 6 | Don’t Cry Daddy / Rubberneckin’ | Elvis Presley |
| 7 | Down On The Corner / Fortunate Son | Creedence Clearwater Revival |
| 8 | Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) / Everybody Is A Star | Sly & The Family Stone |
| 9 | Jingle Jangle | The Archies |
| 10 | Jam Up Jelly Tight | Tommy Roe |
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Top News Headlines and Events from Around the World on February 1, 1970
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- The Benavídez rail disaster in Argentina: A stalled commuter train was rammed by an express train, killing at least 236 people and injuring over 500 in one of the country’s worst railroad accidents
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- Northern Ireland Prime Minister Chichester-Clark met with British Home Secretary James Callaghan to discuss the economy of Northern Ireland amid ongoing political tensions
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- Former MLB Commissioner Ford Frick, along with players Earle Combs and Jesse Haines, were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame
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- New York Rangers goalie Terry Sawchuk recorded his 447th career victory and 103rd shutout in a 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, setting NHL records at the time
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- West Germany and the USSR signed a significant gas contract, marking an important step in economic relations during the Cold War era
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- WMAA TV channel 29 in Jackson, Mississippi (PBS) began broadcasting
Notable People Born on February 1, 1970
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- Malik Sealy, American professional basketball player (NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves).
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- Gabriel Macht, American actor (Suits, The Spirit)
Notable People Who Died on February 1, 1970
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- Alfréd Rényi, Hungarian mathematician known for contributions to probability theory (aged 48)
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- Blaž Arnič, Slovenian composer and pedagogue (aged 69, in a car crash)
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- William Harrigan, American actor (aged 71)
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- Joan Sudlow, American actress
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- Rosie Dolly, American actress and dancer (aged 77)
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