What Happened on October 9, 1978

Historical Events

Event of Interest

P.W. Botha succeeds John Vorster as Prime Minister of South Africa


1978 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Juan Dixon, American basketball player, born in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Nicky Byrne, Irish musician (Westlife -"You Raise Me Up"), born in Dublin, Ireland
  • Randy Spelling, American actor (Sean Richards-Sunset Beach), born in Los Angeles, California
Born in 1978

Famous Deaths

Jacques Brel (1929-1978)

Belgian singer, songwriter, actor, director and composer (Le Far West, Pain in the A__), dies of a pulmonary embolism at 49

  • Pavel Antokolsky, Russian poet and theatre director (Syn), dies at 82

About October 9, 1978

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 11 months and 15 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Libra

Holidays: Columbus Day (United States), Thanksgiving (Canada)

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Kiss You All Over - Exile
  • UK #1 Song: Summer Nights - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John