Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
February 7 Saturday, February 7, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on February 7 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
2
Holidays
1812
Disaster 214 years ago
The strongest in a series of earthquakes strikes New Madrid, Missouri.
The strongest earthquake in a series of massive tremors strikes New Madrid, Missouri, with shaking felt across much of the central United States.
History
What happened on February 7
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 457European history
Leo I becomes the Eastern Roman emperor.
Leo I ascends to the throne as Eastern Roman emperor, marking the beginning of his influential reign.
- 987European history
Bardas Phokas the Younger and Bardas Skleros, Byzantine generals of the military elite, begin a wide-scale rebellion against Emperor Basil II.
Bardas Phokas the Younger and Bardas Skleros launch a widespread rebellion against Emperor Basil II.
- 1285Religion
A synod at Blachernae convened by anti-Unionist Greek clergy condemns the former pro-Unionist patriarch John XI of Constantinople.
A synod at Blachernae convened by anti-Unionist Greek clergy condemns former Patriarch John XI of Constantinople for supporting union with Rome.
- 1313World history
King Thihathu founds the Pinya Kingdom as the de jure successor state of the Pagan Kingdom.
King Thihathu establishes the Pinya Kingdom as the de jure successor to the Pagan Kingdom.
- 1365Royalty
Albert III of Mecklenburg (King Albert of Sweden) grants city rights to Ulvila (Swedish: Ulvsby).
Albert III of Mecklenburg grants city rights to Ulvila, now known as Ulvsby in Sweden.
- 1497Religion
In Florence, Italy, supporters of Girolamo Savonarola burn cosmetics, art, and books, in a "Bonfire of the vanities".
Supporters of Girolamo Savonarola burn cosmetics, art, and books in a "Bonfire of the Vanities."
- 1756War
Guaraní War: The leader of the Guaraní rebels, Sepé Tiaraju, is killed in a skirmish with Spanish and Portuguese troops.
Sepé Tiaraju, leader of the Guaraní rebels, is killed in a skirmish with Spanish and Portuguese forces.
- 1783War
American Revolutionary War: French and Spanish forces lift the Great Siege of Gibraltar.
The Great Siege of Gibraltar ends as French and Spanish forces withdraw after failing to capture the British stronghold during the American Revolutionary War.
- 1807War
Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon finds Bennigsen's Russian forces taking a stand at Eylau. After bitter fighting, the French take the town, but the Russians resume the battle the next day.
Napoleon engages Russian forces at Eylau, capturing the town after fierce combat; the Russians continue fighting the following day.
- 1812Disaster
The strongest in a series of earthquakes strikes New Madrid, Missouri.
The strongest earthquake in a series of massive tremors strikes New Madrid, Missouri, with shaking felt across much of the central United States.
- 1992European history
The Maastricht Treaty is signed, leading to the creation of the European Union.
The Maastricht Treaty is signed, establishing the framework for economic and political union among European countries.
- 2013US history
The U.S. state of Mississippi officially certifies the Thirteenth Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment was formally ratified by Mississippi in 1995.
Mississippi officially certifies the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery and marking the state's ratification as the last to approve this historic change.
Born today
Famous birthdays on February 7
7 this date All birthdays
Eubie Blake
American pianist and composer
James Hubert "Eubie" Blake, the American pianist and composer known for his contributions to ragtime, jazz, and popular music, was born today in 1887.
Born
1887
Died
1983
Prince Shōtoku of Japan
b. 574
Empress Anna of Russia
1693 – 1740
Louisa Jane Hall
American poet, essayist, and literary critic
1802 – 1892
Manmath Nath Gupta
Indian journalist and author
1908 – 2000
Jim Langley
English international footballer and manager
1929 – 2007
Giuseppe Baresi
Italian footballer and manager
b. 1958 · 68
Music
The number one songs on February 7
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on February 7, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport February 7, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science February 7, 1984
Space Shuttle program: STS-41-B Mission: astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart make the first untethered space walk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).
Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart conduct the first untethered spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
2 celebrated today
Independence Day (Grenada), celebrates the independence of Grenada from the United Kingdom in 1974.
International
Independence Day of Grenada is a public holiday on 7 February
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (United States)
International
HIV
❝
If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself.
— Eubie Blake · born February 7, 1887