The deadliest earthquake in recorded history hits China, Duke Ellington plays Carnegie Hall, North Korea captures a U.S. Navy ship, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts its first class, all on this day.
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1556: The deadliest earthquake in recorded history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hits Shaanxi province, China, destroying a 521-mile wide area. The death toll may have been as high as 830,000.