Today in History - December 7 | Singing Nun's fame after chart-topping single costs her job
Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers, known in the English speaking world as the Singing Nun, released a single "Dominique" while a member of Dominican Convent in Belgium.
After her fellow nuns encouraged her to turn her amateur songwriting into an album, "Dominique" became an international hit.
The song hit number one on the US billboard chart on December 7 in 1963, and would win a Grammy the next year.
Her international success was short-lived however, and reports began to emerge that Deckers clashed with leaders in the Catholic Church.
Most of the money she earnt from her music went to her producer or the convent.
Deckers later confirmed that her departure resulted from a personality clash with her superiors and that she had been forced out of the convent against her will.
Deckers continued to release music periodically after leaving the convent.
Her financial woes persisted until her death in 1985.
She was buried alongside her close friend Annie Pecher, with whom she shared an apartment amid rumours of a relationship.
On December 7, 1936, Australian cricketer Jack Fingleton (left) became the first player to score centuries in four consecutive Test innings.
He scored 100 in the First Test at Brisbane.
He is photographed here alongside Donald Bradman.
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