World Events in 1927
Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight
On 21 May, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight, flying from New York to Paris in 33.5 hours in the Spirit of St. Louis. He became the most famous person in the world overnight.
The Jazz Singer Premieres
On 6 October, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson premiered. Though only partly a 'talkie', its synchronised dialogue sequences — 'Wait a minute, you ain't heard nothin' yet!' — marked the end of the silent film era.
Great Mississippi Flood
The most destructive river flood in US history inundated 27,000 square miles across seven states, displacing over 700,000 people. The inadequate response, particularly for Black communities, had lasting political consequences.
Chinese Civil War Begins
Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists turned on their Communist allies in the Shanghai Massacre of April 1927, killing thousands. The split began a civil war that would continue, with interruptions, until 1949.
Babe Ruth Hits 60 Home Runs
On 30 September, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hit his 60th home run of the season, setting a record that would stand for 34 years. The Yankees went on to sweep the World Series.
First Ryder Cup
The first Ryder Cup golf match was held at Worcester Country Club, Massachusetts. The United States defeated Great Britain 9½ to 2½.
Music in 1927
"My Blue Heaven"
Gene Austin
Gene Austin's recording of 'My Blue Heaven' became one of the best-selling records of the entire decade, selling over 5 million copies. Its gentle, crooning style pointed the way toward popular music's future.
"My Blue Heaven"
Gene Austin
Gene Austin's mega-hit was the biggest-selling record of the 1920s. Its warm, intimate style was perfectly suited to the new electrical recording technology that had recently transformed record quality.
#1 Film of 1927
Wings
Box Office: $3.6 million
This World War I aviation drama won the first ever Academy Award for Best Picture (awarded in 1929 for the 1927-28 season). Its aerial dogfight sequences were genuinely dangerous to film and remain impressive today.
Born in 1927
Sidney Poitier
Actor, first Black man to win Best Actor Oscar (Lilies of the Field)
Roger Moore
Actor, played James Bond in seven films
Cesar Chavez
American labour leader and civil rights activist
Bob Fosse
Choreographer and director (Cabaret, Chicago, All That Jazz)
Coretta Scott King
Civil rights leader and wife of Martin Luther King Jr.
Lost in 1927
Lizzie Borden
Notorious figure acquitted of the axe murders of her parents
Age 66
Isadora Duncan
Pioneer of modern dance
Age 50
Jerome K. Jerome
English author (Three Men in a Boat)
Age 68
Technology in 1927
The biggest technological leap of the year was in cinema — The Jazz Singer introduced synchronised dialogue, signalling the death of silent film. Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight demonstrated the potential of aviation. The BBC was granted a Royal Charter. The first transatlantic telephone call was made between London and New York.
- ● The Jazz Singer introduces synchronised dialogue to cinema
- ● Charles Lindbergh completes first solo transatlantic flight
- ● First transatlantic telephone call between London and New York
- ● BBC granted a Royal Charter, becoming a public corporation
Cost of Living in 1927
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £400 | $5,500 |
| Average salary | £140 | $1,350 |
| Pint of milk | 2d | $0.07 |
| Loaf of bread | 3½d | $0.09 |
| Dozen eggs | 1s 5d | $0.48 |
| Pint of beer | 4d | Prohibited |
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The Zeitgeist of 1927
The Roaring Twenties reached a crescendo. Jazz was everywhere — Duke Ellington took up residency at the Cotton Club. Cinema was transformed forever when The Jazz Singer introduced synchronised dialogue. Sports heroes were larger than life: Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, and Gene Tunney defeated Jack Dempsey in the famous 'Long Count' fight.
In the News in 1927
Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. The Jazz Singer premiered, ending the silent film era. Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs. The Great Mississippi Flood displaced 700,000 people. The first Ryder Cup golf match was held.