Robert Ludlum was an American author of 27 thriller novels, best known as the creator of Jason Bourne from the original The Bourne Trilogy series. The number of copies of his books in print is estimated between 300 million and 500 million. They have been published in 33 languages and 40 countries. Ludlum also published books under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.

1927Norman Petty, American singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer (died 1984)^[†]

Norman Petty was an American musician, record producer, publisher, and radio station owner. He is considered to be one of the founding fathers of early rock & roll. With Vi Ann Petty—his wife and vocalist—he founded the Norman Petty Trio.

Notable Deaths

1927Payne Whitney, American businessman and philanthropist (born 1876)^[†]

William Payne Whitney was an American businessman and member of the influential Whitney family. He inherited a fortune and enlarged it through business dealings, then devoted much of his money and efforts to a wide variety of philanthropic purposes. His will included funds to expand the New York Hospital, now called NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic was established.

Headlines from May 25, 1927

Front Page 1 -- No Title

Anxiety Keeps Mussolini From Sleep.

SACCO COMMISSION DENIED BY FULLER; He Tells Defense Body Law Forbids Him to Delegate Action in Case. FIVE MORE JURORS CALLED Massachusetts Governor Also Sees Witnesses Favoring Men in Speeding His Inquiry.

Flier Uninjured in Alighting.

Front Page 2 -- No Title

Notable Births

Notable Deaths