What years were the Barbie & Ken dolls introduced to the marketplace?

Barbie....March 9 1959

Ken........1961

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_doll

"Lilli" was Barbie's "aunt". Lilli was a 12" doll made in Germany and sold across Europe in the early and mid 1950's. Lilli was never intended to be a doll for little girls. This doll was sold mostly in tobacco shops as a gag gift for men.

Ruth bought the Lilli and returned to the States. She handed it to her designers and told them the changes she wanted.

After many trials and errors, Ruth's dream finally had come to life. In 1958 Ruth's doll was sent to Japan to be dressed

1959 American Toy Fair in New York where Barbie was met with mixed reviews. Ruth convinced toy stores to stock her new doll.

Barbie's "birth" is officially recorded as March 9, 1959, the morning that she was first introduced at a major toy fair in New York.

With advertising and the persistence of Ruth Handler, Barbie became a house-hold name.

Just like J. Lo and Ben, the romance is over for Barbie and Ken.

ken 1961

After 43 years as one of the world's prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time -- apart."

Now separated from longtime beau Ken, fashion icon Barbie sports a new look.

"Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end," said Arons, who quickly added that the duo "will remain friends."

Arons denied there was any truth to rumors that the breakup was linked to the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie, arriving in stores now. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie will wear board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings, and have a deeper tan.

Ruth Handler had gotten what she thought was a great idea. While watching her daughter and friends play with paperdolls. Why not make a real adult doll that little girls can dress and pretend with? The idea