What Happened on January 14, 1979

Historical Events

Sports History

John McEnroe wins his first of 3 season-ending ATP Masters Grand Prix tennis titles 6–7, 6–3, 7–5 against fellow American Arthur Ashe at Madison Square Garden, NYC

Sports History

Puerto Rican boxer Wilfred Benitez beats WBC welterweight champion Carlos Palomino of Mexico in a 15-round split decision in San Juan, Puerto Rico; becomes two-division champion at the age of 20

Event of Interest

US President Jimmy Carter proposes Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday be a federal holiday


1979 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Angela Lindvall, American supermodel, born in Midwest City, Oklahoma
  • John Reuben, American hip hop artist, born in Columbus, Ohio
  • Karen Elson, British supermodel, born in Oldham, United Kingdom
Born in 1979

Famous Deaths

  • Thomas DeSimone, gangster associate of the Lucchese crime family (b. 1950)

About January 14, 1979

Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 8 months and 8 days
Leap Year: No

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

Holidays: Makar Sankranti / Pongal (India)

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Le Freak - Chic
  • UK #1 Song: Y.M.C.A. - Village People