Historical Events
- "My Hang-Up Is You" single released by Freddie Hart (Billboard Song of the Year 1972)
- Section of Memphis' Highway 51 South renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard
- Seven men who were held as internees escape from the prison ship HMS Maidstone in Belfast Lough, North Ireland
Famous Birthdays
- Benno Fürmann, German actor, born in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany
- Ken Hirai, Japanese singer and songwriter, born in Higashi-osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
- Stéphane Escoms, French jazz keyboard and accordion player, born in France
- Wendall Gaines, American NFL tight end (Arizona Cardinals), born in Vernon, Texas
Famous Deaths
- Betty Smith, American novelist (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn), dies at 75
- Rochelle Hudson, American actress (Les Misérables, Imitation of Life, That's My Boy), dies from pneumonia at 55
About January 17, 1972
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 51 years, 2 months and 13 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: American Pie (Parts I & II) - Don McLean
#1 Song: I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) - New Seekers