1932 Radio City Music Hall Opens in New York City

The Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City on December 27, 1932. (Henri Silberman/Getty Images)

The Radio City Music Hall opened in Manhattan as a venue for concerts, movies and stage performances.  John D. Rockefeller took a risk by investing in the entertainment complex during the Great Depression.  Rockefeller hoped that theater would attract more businesses to the surrounding area.

The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) partnered with Rockefeller on the venture.  The hall's Art Deco interior was designed by Donald Deskey.

The famous Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, premiered in 1933.

Also on This Day in History:

1979 Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Soviet Special Forces executed a coup to take over Afghanistan.  The Soviet military intervention lasted nearly 10 years and was unsuccessful at quelling government opposition.

2007 Benazir Bhutto Assassinated in Pakistan

Former Pakistani prime minister was killed while campaigning for parliament in Rawalpindi.  On Dec. 27, 2007, a gunman opened fire on Bhutto's motorcade at a rally for the Pakistan People's Party.  The gunshots were followed by a bomb explosion near her vehicle.  Benazir Bhutto was pronounced dead that day.

Famous Birthdays

1943 Cokie Roberts

1948 Gerard Depardieu

1957 Greg Mortensen

1966 Bill Goldberg

1970 Chyna

1973 Wilson Cruz

1975 Heather O'Rourke

1988 Hayley Williams

View more videos from This Month in History: December.