TODAY to turn 60 with past anchors, celebration of history

TODAY

Dave Garroway welcomed America to TODAY on Jan. 14, 1952, and the news broadcasting landscape was forever changed. Since then, TODAY has brought its viewers six decades of historical moments and became the country’s No. 1 morning news destination for more than 16 years. 

TODAY will reflect on those achievements during an anniversary celebration Friday, Jan. 13. 

The event will feature current and past anchors, including Meredith Vieira, Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Jim Hartz, Deborah Norville and many more, all live in studio.

In the meantime, find video highlights from the past six decades on our TODAY at 60 experience. Viewers can also watch the first show and reflect on their time watching the broadcast. Find those features here.


In addition, viewers can also toast TODAY on Twitter by using the hashtag #TODAYat60" and check in on GetGlue to earn a special social media sticker. 

We'll have plenty of other surprises during next week (including a presidential message, homages from landmarks and a delicious treat), so make sure to watch! 

What is your favorite TODAY moment during the past 60 years? Let us know in the comments below. 

Discuss this post

Comment author avatarKelly J Simsvia Facebook

When my 1st born was an infant he was stuck to my body. He breast fed every hour, day or night. I was exhausted! I finally found out he liked Jane Pauley more than me! When the Today Show came on I would Put him in his swing and he would watch and love it! During the commercial's he would cried till Jane came back on. Jane, you gave me a reprieve for 6 months and I still love you!

    Reply#1 - Fri Jan 6, 2012 10:02 AM EST

    For the past 20 year's, appx., I have seen the Today Show. I would have to say that the biggest mistake's were; Matt Lauer's interview with Tom Cruise (15 minute's shot to hell); and Matt Lauer interviewing Kanye West. That foolowing Friday Kanye was to do a concert, which he backed out of. Gee, why?

    One of my favorite moment's was Ann Curry daring to do anything, and everything. Parachuted, and tried to land in Central Park, but the wind took her to New Jersey; Then there was Antarctica. remember when Ann had her hand on that pole that stick's out? Well, Ann did not circumnavigate the globe. According to the USGS, that pole, and Amundsen-Scott is about a few meter's away from the exact South center, of the South Pole.

    "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" - I think that part of the show is terrific. I know Universal/NBC is trying to save money, which is why it was a bit of a gap before another "Where in the World...." I have an idea where Matt could go, for lack of a better word, and save NBC money. All location's would be in the United States. Northern-most point - Point Barrow, AK.; Southern-most point -southern tip of HI.; Eastern-most - Wrangell Island (Aleution Island); Western-most point - Wranagell Island (Aleutian Island). According to the USCG, and USGS, Wrangell Island is directly on the International Dateline; or is the International Dateline, on Wrangell Island?

      Reply#2 - Fri Jan 6, 2012 4:22 PM EST

      I was born shortly after the Today Show was born and will celebrate my 60th year of an amazing life this month. Like me the Today Show has had its up's and down's. Jane Pauley was my favorite female anchor and Matt Lauer is my favorite male anchor. I watch and read a lot of news and there is no one better on the weather than Al Roker. Most of the time the content and interviews on the show are worth watching. I gave you up for a couple of years during my wild days and watched Good Morning America, but I came back. My routine in the morning is get up, brush teeth, shower and turn on the Today Show as I finish getting ready for work. This routine can vary except for the part where I turn on the Today Show. There have only been two occasions when I turned off the Today Show. Whenever you decide to air a video or blog or part of an interview about Casey Anthony (no matter how you package it with Star Jones, et al.) and when you interview Ahmadinejad. I can understand the interest in the second but see no reason to give air time to the first. Thank you for all the years and hope you continue to inspire for another 60 years, just do it without Casey Anthony please.

        Reply#3 - Fri Jan 6, 2012 11:37 PM EST

        60 years old! Happy Birthday!!

        The Today Show is as old as I am, and only getting better! I was born May 31, 1951, and have grown up with Today. My parents were one of the first people in W. Palm Beach to get a television, with the local newspaper coming to our house to take pictures. My dad was hooked. Part of my family's routine, was turning on the Today Show every morning. And since I had no say over what they watched (I would have rather watched Captain Kangaroo, at the time), it also became my morning routine. I have watched it daily, as part of my morning routine for the past 60 years. When I retired from teaching in 2006, I made a bucket list. Right up there on top, was visiting the Today Show so I could be right up there with all the other crazy people. On Wed., Nov. 14, 2007, I got to check that off. It was a rainy rainy day, but I was there, poster and all, next to crazy ladies with pig noses on. Kissed my Meridith, hugged my Matt, and shook hands with Al, I felt comlete.

        The Today Show has been part of my life for 60 years, and is family. Just as I have turned 60, the Today Show has now turned 60. Life is good. And it only gets better!

        Thanks Today Show! Maybe I can come back to see you again!

          Reply#4 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 7:27 AM EST

          Al made a comment on the change of perspectives on blacks excelling in today's society vs. the historical perspective..... I am caucasain. but I must say..... THANK YOU .LORD!! WITHOUT THIS CHANGE WE WO6LD NOT HAVE THE ADVANCES WE DO HAVE,aC4OSS THE9ARD, IN ALL AREAS.IT WAS TO LONG COMING!!!

            Reply#5 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 9:04 AM EST

            I recall watching Today in the fifties when I was just a young kid. I remember the lateDave Garroway and have always admired his work on television and radio. Another person I remember is Jack Lescoulie. During the 60's I always was intrigued when the show ran the weather forecasts for the various cities that NBC had stations affiliates in that broadcast the show. I always enjoyed listening to Frank McGee and Jim Hartz when they anchored the show. I recall watching the show during 1975-76 when the show would highlight a different state of the union on Fridays in honoring the bicentennial of the United States. Judith Crist was always interesting to listen to when she reviewed movies. I recall one Christmas holiday when Ed McMahon was a guest on the show. Frank Blair was one of my favorite news anchors. The Today show theme over the years has changed, but it has remained one of my favorite tv show themes. Today is an American institution that has covered the world and has chronicled the good and the bad, the happy and the sad moments, and the arts and sports. Joe Garagiola was more than just a baseball player/athlete. He was always a joy to watch. I always enjoyed the appearances by Edwin Newman. Gene Shalit and Williard Scott were always a pleasure to listen to in the morning. NBC has had some of the best news reporters and journalists in the business and it continues today. Happy Birthday, Today! Dion Miller, Texas

              Reply#6 - Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:25 AM EST

              Happy 60th Anniversary on NBC's Today. I'll hope that Jane Pauley will hear my message of my comments.

                Reply#7 - Fri Jan 13, 2012 8:24 AM EST
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