What Happened on January 8, 1979

Historical Events

  • 512 die as oil tanker Bantry Bay blows up
  • Argentina & Chile sign Beagle Canal accord
  • Today Show gets a new theme song
  • Vietnamese troops overtook Khmer Rouge & occupy Phnom Penh
1979 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Adrian Mutu, Romanian footballer, born in Călinești, Romania
  • Sarah Polley, Canadian filmmaker and actress (Sweet Hereafter, Women Talking), born in Toronto, Ontario
  • Seol Ki-hyeon, South Korean footballer, born in Jeongseon County, South Korea
  • Sequoyah, chimpanzee (son of Washoe)
  • Stipe Pletikosa, Croatian footballer, born in Split, Croatia
Born in 1979

Famous Deaths

  • Sara Carter, American country musician, songwriter and vocalist (Carter Family), dies at 81

About January 8, 1979

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 4 months and 21 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Too Much Heaven - Bee Gees
  • UK #1 Song: Y.M.C.A. - Village People